On January 21, 2005, the Information Department of the Foreign Ministry held the New Year reception for the foreign journalists based in China and the information officers of foreign embassies in China in Beijing News Plaza. Assistant Foreign Minister Shen Guofang and the spokespersons of the ministries and commissions of the State Council attended the reception.

More than 170 foreign journalists based in Beijing and the information officials of foreign embassies in China attended the reception. At present there are 454 journalists of 263 organizations from 44 countries based in China. Both the number of organizations and that of the resident journalist increase considerably compared with 2003. In the past year, the Information Department provided assistance for their interviews actively, held 19 briefings on themes of Chinese diplomacy, economic development and social progress and organized a number of visits to western provinces including Tibet, Xinjiang and Gansu and the three provinces of Northeast China, which was widely welcomed by the journalists.

At the reception, 4 folk artists from the JingChengBaiGongFang Handicraft and Art Co, Ltd. performed paper cutting, clay and flour figure making and hot painting on gourd. Their consummate skills and interesting performance with strong Chinese characteristics and national taste are applauded by the guests. The happy and friendly atmosphere runs throughout the reception.