Beijing, September 16th — To read into China's recent White Paper on Peaceful Development and respond to the interest of the world in the topic, the International Department of the CPC Central Committee held a thematic briefing today on "China's peaceful development" for foreign ambassadors and diplomats in the country. Vice-Minister Qiu Yuanping of the Central Foreign Affairs Office of the P.R.C. was invited to speak on the White Paper and take questions. About some 120 diplomats from 100 countries came to hear the briefing.

Vice-Minister Qiu Yuanping began by a concise introduction on the main purpose and the significance of explaining China's peaceful development to the outside world, and elaborated on the core spirit and rich content of the concept of peaceful development. The White Paper, for the first time, makes a comprehensive and systematic explanation of China's road of peaceful development, relevant strategies and policy guidelines. It answers questions like what kind of country is China; what kind of road does China choose to attain development; what is China after; how does China realize its strategic intention; how will China make use of its strength; and how does China relate to the external world. The release of this White Paper shows China's responsibility as a major country in the world and its open attitude in answering to the interest of the international community, said Qiu.

The Vice-Minister took questions from the floor in a candid manner. The diplomats listened attentively, took notes, and raised questions. There was lively interaction between the speaker and the audience.

The diplomats who attended the briefing believed that it focused on explanation of the concept and helped the diplomats to read into the policies. It was helpful for an accurate and deep understanding of China's foreign strategy and concept of development. They also felt the sincerity and effort of the CPC and the Chinese Government in taking the road of peaceful development.

The briefing was one of a series held by the International Department on major topics of international interest. Prior to this one, two other briefings have been held respectively on the important speech of General Secretary Hu Jintao on 90th anniversary of the founding of the CPC and on 5th Plenary Session of 17th CPC Central Committee. Thematic briefing has become an important platform for foreign diplomats in China to gain a further understanding of the Party.

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