China has attached great importance to international cooperation in its anti-drug efforts, Tang Guoqiang, China's permanent representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna, said on Tuesday.

Speaking during the 51st session of the UN anti-drug agency Commission on Narcotic Drugs(CND), Tang said that aside from comprehensive measures to reduce drug consumption within the country, the Chinese government has also worked with governments of other countries to reduce supplies of illegal drugs from the source.

The ambassador said the Chinese government has promulgated preferential policies to help some drug-producing countries to carry out alternative development plans.

In November 2007, the Chinese government signed the "Program of Actions for Alternative Development" with the government of Myanmar. This development mode with Chinese characteristics has basically come into shape, Tang said.

After many years of unremitting efforts on the part of international anti-drug agencies and governments, there has been some improvement in the global anti-drug landscape. But there are still great challenges ahead, Tang added.

He called on international organizations and governments to step up the prevention and crackdown on drug-related crimes, saying that the Chinese government will continue to take effective measures in this respect to eradicate illegal drugs.

(Xinhua News Agency March 12, 2008)?