Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing held a New Year reception at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on the night of December 31. State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan as well as foreign envoys to China, resident representatives of international organizations to China and Chinese leaders from relevant departments attended the reception at invitation.

Li Zhaoxing said in his speech that when the people around the world were about to celebrate the New Year, earthquake and tsunami hit Southeast and South Asia, inflicting tremendous life and property losses. He proposed to stand in silent tribute for the victims.

He said the hearts of the Chinese people are connected with those of the people in disaster-hit countries. We would like to share their agony and grief. The disaster also received great attention from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We are deeply saddened by the continuous escalation of the number of casualties and preoccupied about the devastation of homes of the people in disaster-hit areas. During the past few days, the foreign affairs departments and their subordinate institutions in China have funded a donation of 410 thousand RMB yuan spontaneously to contribute their due part to the disaster relief efforts. In addition, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries has donated 40 thousand US dollars. In the most seriously hit Indonesia, working staffs at the local Chinese Embassy donated 12 thousand US dollars and Chinese-funded businesses in Indonesia have donated materials and cash worth 1 million US dollars. These donations will be delivered to the governments of disaster-hit countries through appropriate channels.

He said the staffs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese embassies and consulates in related countries are working day and night to try their best to help rescue Chinese victims in the disaster. We have created a hotline and some embassies and consulates have established liaison offices at the airport and set up working stations on the beach to try to ensure their safety.

Finally Li Zhaoxing expressed his gratitude to the envoys for their substantial and effective efforts to promote the friendly exchanges between China and the rest of the world. He wishes to see closer cooperation in the New Year so as to bring more hopes to the people who are eager for peace and development around the world.

Head of the Diplomatic Delegation and Cameroon Ambassador to China Eleih-Elle Etian, on behalf foreign envoys, wished In his speech the Chinese people a Happy New Year and greater achievements in building the country under the leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China led by General Secretary Hu Jintao.