On foreign policy

A Singaporean reporter also said that some Chinese people may make extreme reactions to some issues concerning China's foreign policy as they feel the country has been more powerful now.

In recent reports of some foreign media, China has been described as being full of self-confidence, even nearly arrogant. They contributed the change of attitude to China's good performance during the global financial crisis.

On March 7, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi was also asked for comments on China's "tough stance" in recent diplomatic issues, including the reaction to the US arm sale to Taiwan.

Yang said that China was misunderstood and he called for the abandonment of "colored spectacles" about China.

"We stick to our principals, which is totally different from being tough," he said.

It has always been the mission for China's diplomacy to defend China's sovereignty, security and development interests, while promoting world peace and development, he said.

Yu Wanli, associated professor of the School of Foreign Studies of the Peking University, said China's interests have been more and more closely connected with the world, therefore, China begins to express its stance and opinions in a clearer way.

"Some foreign countries may have not been accustomed to this (change in attitude)," Yu said.

NPC Deputy Gong Jianhua, also mayor of Yichun City of Jiangxi Province, said the fact that China is a developing country with remarkable achievements decided the attitude towards foreign investment changed.

"It's more independent, not arrogant," he said.

At Sunday's press conference, Wen reiterated China's role in world affairs in the future.

China will work together with other nations towards a fair and reasonable new political and economic order of the world, he said.

He said China is concentrating its efforts on economic and social development, which needs a peaceful and safe external environment.

(Xinhua News Agency March 14, 2010)