Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (C, Front), who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, speaks at a meeting marking 90 years of the CPC's diplomatic work and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 17, 2011. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)
BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping said here Monday that the top diplomatic task of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is to create a peaceful and favorable international environment for China's development.
"In foreign affairs, the first and foremost task is to safeguard and make good use of important strategic opportunities for China during the period," said Xi, referring to the first two decades of the 21th century.
Xi, a Standing Committee member of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau, made the remarks while addressing a meeting marking 90 years of the CPC's diplomatic work and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee.
Party diplomacy should develop China's relations with foreign countries and enhance the CPC's international image, Xi said.
Moveover, it should be an important platform for Party cadres to observe and study the world so they can learn from foreign experiences in party and state governance, he said.
When reviewing the history of the CPC's diplomatic work, Xi said the CPC must uphold the principles of independence, equality, mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs of other countries.
The CPC Central Committee established the international department in 1951 to handle the CPC's communications with foreign political parties.
