The Communist Party of China (CPC) has had dynamic exchanges with foreign political parties in recent years and will continue to be active in promoting party diplomacy.

This message was the centerpiece of the press conference given yesterday by the International Department of the CPC Central Committee.

With its much-expected 17th national congress drawing near, the CPC's desire to strengthen its relationships with foreign political parties is more than a nice gesture. It indicates the CPC will continue to have an open mind and a constructive attitude toward forming friendly ties with politicians in other countries.

The CPC, which now has more than 72 million members, has in recent years been actively pursuing international exchanges with political parties and organizations around the world.

To date, it has had friendly exchanges of different kinds with more than 400 political parties and organizations in 160 countries and regions.

Promoting international exchanges is an important part of the CPC's foreign work. At its 16th national congress five years ago, the Party set forth four principles for conducting such work: independence, equality, mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs.

The increasingly close contacts between the CPC and political parties in socialist countries, neighboring countries and developing countries have helped promote China's relationships with them.

The intensified exchanges between the CPC and political parties and organizations in developed countries have enhanced mutual understanding and built consensus on major international and regional issues.

Although all political parties have the right to choose their own ideas about development in accordance with local conditions, inter-party exchanges are an important way for parties to maintain their vitality and become more able to run or participate in the affairs of state.

More importantly, the enhanced relationship between parties will make it easier for political leaders around the world to trust one another. This will, in turn, promote the healthy development of relationships among countries.

For the CPC, the ruling party in the world's most populous country, expanding ties with other political parties will allow members to draw on the experience and political wisdom of their peers overseas. This will facilitate its own goal of advancing with the times.

(China Daily 09/26/2007 page10)