Since late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping initiated reforms and opened China to the outside world in 1978, China has engaged itself in economic development and modernization.

The overall goal of China's foreign policy was to work for a peaceful international environment that was favourable to its modernization programmes.

While enhancing China's relations with the developing world and furthering links with the United States and other Western countries, China normalized its relations with the Soviet Union - its biggest neighbour after more than 20 years estrangement between the two countries.

Following the principle of "one country, two systems," which was put forward by Deng, China reached agreements with the United Kingdom and Portuguese governments on the questions of the return of Hong Kong and Macao, respectively, in 1984 and 1987.

The agreements set a precedent for peacefully negotiated settlements in relation to historical questions between countries.

"As far as the prospect of Hong Kong was concerned, we were confident in the final return of the territory; but we had our worries whether (Hong Kong) could maintain stability during the long period of transition," Qian Qicheng recalled in his memoirs, "Ten Stories of a Diplomat."

"We hoped there would be no major twists and turns, which would affect Hong Kong's long term stability and prosperity."

Qian and his colleagues had reason to worry, especially during and after what he called the "most difficult period" of his 10-year tenure as China's foreign minister.

They were the days between the late 1980s and early 1990s, when Western countries imposed sanctions against China and when "various political forces instigated anti-China waves due to different agendas."

Against all odds, China maintained its momentum for reform and economic and social development.

In December 1989, while meeting Brent Scowcroft, the special envoy of the US president and assistant to the president for national security affairs, Deng said: "In the end, the relations between China and the United States should get better, which (is needed for) world peace and stability."

Since then, following the end of the Cold War and the multi-polarization and economic globalization of the world, China has improved and further developed friendly relations and co-operation with its neighbours and many other nations.

"The return of Hong Kong and Macao constitutes important parts in the reunification of the motherland, and several generations of Chinese have fought bravely for it," Qian wrote in his memoirs.

"I felt very fortunate to be able to witness the returns (of Hong Kong and Macao) and greatly honoured to have participated in the process."

As the world enters the 21st century, China continues to maintain its peace and development objectives for all nations. China today maintains diplomatic ties with 165 countries and has played an increasingly active role in major international organizations.

"We are trying to make our country more prosperous and further improve the lives of us Chinese, and we need a peaceful environment around China and in the world (to do so)," said Li Zhaoxing, the present Chinese foreign minister, during a meeting with Chinese followers of the country's international affairs. "We are developing the economy; we are also working to realize the reunification of our motherland at the earliest date; and we are carrying out reforms and opening up to the outside world. That means we need friends."

(China Daily 09/29/2004 page5)