Better understanding, appreciation of country urged

A senior official said on Monday he hopes foreign friends will deepen their understanding of China and objectively and comprehensively present what they have seen in the country to the world.

Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, made the remark at a reception held by the State Council Information Office in Beijing.

China's development over the past 70 years has been supported and helped by friends from all over the world, Huang said, adding that he appreciated their contributions in discussing China and enhancing the country's communications with the world.

Xu Lin, head of the State Council Information Office, said the office will enhance communication with various circles-including the media-provide them with better services and work with them to present the world a true, multidimensional and panoramic view of China.

Xu said China welcomes journalists and people from all walks of life to travel around the country more.

This year, the office organized nearly 260 news conferences on major policies and hot spot issues, and issued 12 government white papers, he said.

The reception brought together some 400 people, including representatives of Chinese and foreign news outlets, ministry spokespersons, foreign envoys and representatives from international organizations.

Geng Shuang, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, said the ministry has been at the forefront of telling China's story and spreading China's voice, and always explains the country's stance and policies to the international community in a timely manner.

The ministry will make better use of social media platforms next year to promote understanding of, and support for, China's foreign policy, Geng said.

Hina Firdous, press attache at Pakistan's embassy in China, said that information sharing between the two countries is candid.