Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan said Wednesday that in 2002 China will continue to play the role of a peaceful and responsible big country and make its postive contributions to safeguarding world peace and promoting common development.

The Chinese government will continue to pursue unswervingly the diplomatic policy of independence and peace, as well as firmly safeguard state sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity, he said at a press conference of the Fifth Session of the Ninth National People's Congress (NPC).

He said that China made remarkable achievements in diplomatic affairs in 2001.

China has more opportunities than challenges, he said in reply to a question posed by a Xinhua correspondent.

(China Daily March 6, 2002)