Hereby I would like to extend my thanks to editors and publishers working on Declassify Diplomatic Documents – Files on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations of the People's Republic of China on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. You are devoted to reproducing the tough yet proud history of China's opening to the world in the early years since the founding of new China, which is of great significance. I'm convinced that the publication of this book will provide new materials for the world to know more of China's independent foreign policy of peace.

The opening of diplomatic documents is an important part of opening governmental affairs of the foreign ministry to the public. We will continue to promote this work in a positive and steady manner. I hope that the first handed documents on China's diplomatic activities can help the people both at home and abroad know more of China's diplomacy and have a real understanding of China's diplomacy.

The documents recorded the diplomatic practice of China in the early years since the founding of new China and they are the wealth left over by Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai and other revolutionists and diplomats of elder generations as well as diplomatic staffs. Under a very complex international situation, China pursued the independent foreign policy of peace, ended the humiliation and inequalities left over by the diplomacy of old China, and developed diplomatic relations in the principle of equality, mutual benefit and respect of each other's territorial integrity, laying a solid foundation for the development of China's diplomatic undertaking.

At present, the countries that have established diplomatic ties with China increased from over 20 in the early years since the founding of new China to over today's 160. The independent foreign policy of peace has won the understanding and support of many countries. The bilateral relations between China and the group of countries that first established diplomatic ties with China are forging ahead, with deepened reciprocal cooperation. China even established strategic relations with some of them.

Today, with these documents, we may review the history of how our predecessors pioneered to establish bilateral relations. Here we have to express our sincere admirations for their foresight, insight and strategic courage. By summing up historical experience, we are confident in bringing our traditional friendship to a new high in the new century and under new international situation.

In the new historical period, China will stick to the path of peaceful development and pursue the independent foreign policy of peace to expand friendly cooperation with all countries and make unremitting efforts to build up a new international order of lasting peace and common prosperity.