The year 2008 was an eventful year in China＇s history of development.In the face of many severe challenges at home and abroad，the Chinese Government and people，guided by the Scientific Outlook on Development，worked hard with a firm resolve and an enterprising spirit. We turned challenges into opportunities and made remarkable achievements in all undertakings.The year 2008 was also a year of great successes on the diplomatic front. China continued to pursue an independent foreign policy of peace，adhered to an opening up strategy of mutual benefit and win-win progress，coordinated domestic and international situations，and made progress in vigorously conducting diplomacy on all fronts. We made new contributions to safeguarding national sovereignty，security and development interests and promoting world peace and development.We made every effort in conducting diplomacy related to the Olympic Games and disaster relief campaigns. We hosted a successful ASEM Meeting.We joined international efforts in addressing the financial crisis and moving the reform of the international financial system forward along the right track. We strengthened strategic dialogues with major countries and deepened friendly cooperation with our neighbors and other developing countries.We actively conducted rich and vibrant multilateral diplomacy and continued to play a constructive role in efforts to tackle regional and international hot-spot issues.We vigorously carried out economic diplomacy，security diplomacy and cultural diplomacy to create an enabling external environment for our domestic development.We continued to pursue and implement the concept of putting people first and conducting diplomacy for the people and made all efforts to protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese nationals and legal persons overseas.China＇s international standing and influence further increased and its riendly relations and cooperation with the rest of the world developed n depth.Throughout the year，China＇s diplomatic conduct enjoyed full support nd help from the entire Chinese people and our friends from around the orld，for which we wish to express our appreciation.As diplomats,we are deeply gratified and proud for having played our part in building a prosperous and strong motherland and promoting world peace and prosperity.The 2009 edition of China＇s Foreign Affairs，which records the extraordinary path China experienced amid the volatile international situation，is a great source of information for readers in China and beyond to gain a full picture of China＇s diplomacy.
