(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-01-25 22:55

More than 700 journalists from 374 news organizations from 54 foreign countries were covering China by the end of last year, said Liu Jianchao, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and head of the MFA Information Department, on Friday.

Liu announced the figures at a Chinese New Year reception held for foreign journalists and information officials of foreign embassies in Beijing at the National Center for Performing Arts, formerly known as National Grand Theatre.

More than 300 foreign journalists and information officials attended the reception, which was co-hosted by the MFA Information Department and the Foreign Affairs office of Beijing Municipality.

Liu said 111 journalists from 41 foreign news agencies had come to China last year alone.

The foreign journalists had focused on China's development and changes, told the world about China's achievements and enhanced their knowledge and understanding of China, Liu said.

The Chinese government had honored its promise made during its bid for the Olympic Games by fully implementing the Regulations on Reporting Activities in China by Foreign Journalists during the Beijing Olympic Games and the Preparatory Period, said Liu.

China had strengthened institutional mechanisms for facilitating foreign journalists coverage, continuously improved news services and properly handled problems encountered by foreign journalists, Liu said.

Liu said this year marked the 30th anniversary of China's reform and opening up to the outside world, and would see the 29th Olympiad and a meeting of Asian and European leaders.

China hoped foreign media would continue to contribute to enhancing understanding and friendship between China and other countries.

Prior to the reception, the journalists and information officials were invited to visit the opera house and the drama hall of the theatre and hear of design, construction and unique features of the theatre.

The egg-shaped futuristic center, which took six years to build, was officially opened on December 22.