China stands ready to pool strength for international friendship and cooperation, and contribute more to world peace and prosperity, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday at a New Year reception held by the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing.

More than 400 people attended the event, including diplomatic envoys from various countries, representatives of international organizations in China and representatives of Chinese government departments.

Addressing the reception, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, reviewed China’s diplomatic achievements over the past year, saying that China’s diplomatic service has risen to challenges and forged ahead with a great sense of responsibility.

China has remained committed to dialogue and cooperation, served as a staunch pillar in healthy interactions between major countries, and acted on the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, he said.

Citing the first China-Central Asia summit, the restored China-Australia relations, amicable China-ASEAN cooperation and other key diplomatic achievements, Wang said China has proved a reliable partner in the joint construction of the Asian community.

He also mentioned the rapprochement between Saudi-Iran ties mediated by China, the Global Security Initiative and the 12-point plan to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, stressing that China has always been committed to promoting peace talks and a key force in safeguarding world peace and stability.

China, a steadfast member of the Global South, has been pursuing progress for all, Wang said, adding China supports developing countries to accelerate their modernization. He noted that China will remain committed to opening-up and cooperation, and make new contributions to global common development.

Martin Mpana, dean of the foreign diplomatic corps in China and Cameroon’s ambassador to China, speaks at the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s 2024 New Year reception at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing, January 31, 2024. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

The year 2024 is crucial for the advancement of Chinese modernization on all fronts. Building a community with a shared future for humanity is the noble goal China is pursuing in its major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics for the new era, Wang said.

China stands ready to work with all countries to cement the foundations of peace and security, pool strength for friendship and cooperation, follow the right path of multilateralism, and build a future of development and prosperity, he said.

Martin Mpana, dean of the foreign diplomatic corps in China and Cameroon’s ambassador to China, sent best wishes to the Chinese people for a happy New Year on behalf of the diplomatic corps. He said that countries around the world look forward to making joint efforts, under the guidance of the three global initiatives proposed by China, to make the world safer, more peaceful and more prosperous.