FM boosts public diplomacy in five ways: spokesman

(Ecns.cn) -- Public diplomacy is an important way to introduce China to the world and to boost China's international image, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said during an exclusive interview with China News Service on Friday afternoon.

China's public diplomacy aims to win public understanding, recognition and support, to build a good image for the nation and the government and to defend China's fundamental interests, said Qin, who is also the director-general of the ministry's Information Department.

The Foreign Ministry has made efforts to push forward public diplomacy in five ways, Qin said.

First, centering on the leadership's overseas visit and attendance to international meetings, we well planned some diplomatic activities, which helped to enhance mutual trust, remove misgivings with the visited countries and promote China's image, the spokesman said.

Second, taking the opportunities of the 18th CPC National Congress and annual sessions in 2012, we elaborated China's policies of "peaceful development" and "win-win cooperation," Qin said.

Third, we have beefed up communications and cooperation with the media. The regular press conference was increased from 2 times to five times a week. Foreign journalists were organized to cover stories in the country, Qin said.

Fourth, we continue to enlarge the platform of public diplomacy. Besides the foreign ministry's open day and website maintenance, we have rolled out Lanting Forum, Waijiao Xiaolingtong (Diplomacy Source) microblog and Diplomatic service station broadcast to draw the public closer and to better collect their opinions and draw their wisdoms, Qin said.

The 4th "world in the eyes of Chinese diplomats" photographic exhibition held at last year end received warm echo domestically and internationally, Qin added.

Fifth, we have been making efforts to improve our working mechanism. We have set up the "public diplomacy office" and enhanced communications with ministries, commissions and local governments, Qin said.

Culture activities held overseas have greatly increased foreigners' understanding to China, Qin said.