Sticking to principles

Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi is justified in refuting the accusation that "China is becoming tough". On the sidelines of the ongoing National People's Congress annual session yesterday, Yang said that China has stuck to its principles, which is totally different from being tough.

Young's remarks should help brush off wild speculation about the role China should play in the international arena.

In the past 60 years China has adhered to an independent foreign policy of peace. China's diplomatic missions have always concentrated on safeguarding national interests while striving for world peace and development.