To be specific, we have focused on seven aspects. First, we have used summit diplomacy as a spearhead in order to bring into play China's role as a responsible major power. By attending many major bilateral and multilateral events including Group of 20 summits, Chinese state leaders have vigorously promoted the reform of international systems and friendly bilateral cooperation. Second, in keeping with the main objectives of "all-round diplomacy," we have advanced across-the-board cooperation with major powers, neighboring countries, other developing countries and international organizations. We have also expanded diplomatic work in every sphere, thus further improving the diplomatic situation. Third, laying emphasis on economic diplomacy, we have boosted economic ties by cementing political bonds, thus complementing China's strategy of attracting foreign investors and establishing a business presence overseas. We have also helped spur cooperation in various areas, including energy and resources. Fourth, we have conducted security diplomacy to ensure national security. We have coped with major emergencies in a prudent manner. We have also dealt a heavy blow to separatist activities by forces supporting "Taiwan independence," "Tibet independence" and "East Turkistan." All these efforts have helped safeguard China's overall stability, sovereignty and security interests. Fifth, with "diplomacy for the people" as our purpose, we have prudently handled emergencies such as the evacuation of overseas Chinese from troubled countries and regions, the rescue of Chinese hostages, and labor disputes, etc. We have also improved the consular protection mechanism and have effectively protected the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens abroad. Sixth, we have taken the Beijing Olympics and the Shanghai World Expo, etc. as important opportunities to project China's soft power within the framework of public and cultural diplomacy. Seventh, driven by a desire to pursue theoretical innovation, we have enriched and developed diplomatic theories with Chinese characteristics in a bid to improve our competence in handling foreign affairs in a scientific way.

Over the past five years, Chinese diplomacy has forged ahead under complicated circumstances. We feel it is important that we uphold the "six musts": We must adhere to the CPC's centralized and unified leadership over foreign affairs. We must enhance and develop Chinese diplomatic theories. We must conduct diplomacy while focusing on the central tasks of the CPC and Central Government. We must put safeguarding state sovereignty, security and development interests above all. We must enrich and improve all-round diplomacy. We must stick to the principles of "putting people first" and "diplomacy for the people."

The Sino-U.S. relationship is an important component of China's relations with major powers. What is your take on the current state of Sino-U.S. relations and future development trends?

In recent years, Sino-U.S. relations have generally maintained a pace of steady development thanks to the joint efforts of both sides. The two countries have decided to build a positive, cooperative and comprehensive Sino-U.S. relationship in the 21st century and have reached a general consensus on steadily developing a cooperative relationship with which to deal with common challenges. As the two sides' mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields continues to make headway, the two countries have maintained effective communication and coordination regarding global issues and regional hotspots. But the bilateral relationship is not free from problems. We urge the U.S. side to abide by the principles and spirit of the three joint Sino-U.S. communiqués and the China-U.S. Joint Statement, respecting China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and not interfering in China's internal affairs.

China and the United States have different views on a number of issues. We should enhance mutual trust through frank dialogue to resolve differences in an appropriate manner. China-U.S. relations should be cooperative and win-win, instead of a "zero-sum game." Since globalization has caused the two countries' interests to be even more broadly interconnected, China and the United States should establish mutually beneficial cooperative partnerships in many areas. Under these new circumstances, I believe the following three points are particularly essential as we advance Sino-U.S. relations:

First, we should learn more about each other to enhance mutual trust. China needs to understand the United States; in the same way, the United States also needs to understand China. China unswervingly follows a path of peaceful development and an opening-up strategy that underscores mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. To strengthen mutual trust, we should learn to respect each other's core concerns, abandon outdated stereotypes and work to build consensus.

Second, we should respect each other and treat each other equally. We should acknowledge the objective differences in the two countries' social systems, cultural traditions and stages of development. We should not attempt to change each other, let alone impose one's model upon the other. Instead, we should properly address frictions and disputes through a dialogue between equals.

Third, we should expand cooperation, to increase mutual benefits and win-win outcomes. By making the pie of common interests larger, the peoples of China and the United States will reap greater benefits from expanded ties, and the economies of both countries will develop better through mutual cooperation. Protectionism, trade wars and currency wars will only damage the interests of both sides and cause more trouble for bilateral ties.

Diplomacy with neighboring countries has an important place in China's overall diplomatic strategy. How would you evaluate China's current relations with its neighboring countries?

In my view, Asia is in the midst of an important period of historic development and change. Asian countries have successfully resisted the financial crisis and have achieved rather rapid economic growth. Regional cooperation is thriving, cultural exchange is continuing to expand, the area's international standing is noticeably rising, and prospects for development are vast. At the same time, due to historical and practical factors, Asia has a number of problems and challenges that affect regional stability from time to time. In this context, Asia has a long way to go to realize lasting peace and common prosperity.

China has consistently adhered to a diplomatic policy vis-a-vis neighboring countries of "treating neighbors as friends and partners," thus developing in an all-round way its friendly cooperation with neighboring countries. In terms of politics, based on our close high-level contacts with other Asian countries, mutual trust has continuously increased. China exchanged high-level visits with almost all other Asian countries this year. In terms of economics, we are committed to promoting mutual benefit and win-win outcomes as well as the deepening integration of interests. China's trade with other Asian countries has increased an average of more than 20 percent annually. For several years in a row, China has been Asia's biggest importer and the largest trading partner of Japan, South Korea and India. Asia has the highest concentration of overseas Chinese companies of any region. In terms of security, we advocate a new security concept centered on mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation to promote negotiations to resolve regional hotspot issues, such as the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue. Antiterrorism and non-proliferation cooperation has also been strengthened. Regarding cultural exchange, we have boosted educational and cultural cooperation; the number of Asian foreign students in China has held steady at more than 100,000. China has inaugurated more than 100 Confucius Institutes and Confucius Class projects in other Asian countries. Regarding regional cooperation, we have eagerly participated in and contributed to the development and improvement of a number of regional cooperative mechanisms such as ASEAN Plus China; ASEAN Plus China, Japan and South Korea; trilateral cooperation among China, Japan and South Korea; the East Asia Summit, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation; and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. We also welcome other countries concerned to play a constructive role in regional cooperation, by promoting the formation of an open, tolerant and win-win pattern of regional cooperation.