China will maintain steady and relatively fast economic growth, and speed up the transformation of the economic development pattern in 2010, said Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi yesterday in Beijing.

In the upcoming year, which is crucial for the recovery of the global economy and reform of the international financial system, China will work against risks and turbulences to ensure stability and development, Yang said in a toast at a new year reception held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse last night.

Nearly 400 guests attended the reception, including diplomatic envoys with their spouses, delegates of international organizations and Chinese officials.

"We are working hard to foster a peaceful international environment conducive to our development and contribute to world peace and development with our own progress," Yang said.

In response to Yang's toast, H.E. Nolana Ta Ama, dean of Diplomatic Corps in China and ambassador of Togo, praised China's "indispensable role in 2009" in exploring ways to tackle global challenges brought by the financial crisis and climate change.

Ama also said that "with the work of the foreign diplomats stationed here, the countries we represent will share weal and woe with China".

Besides fighting the financial crisis and climate change, China's joint efforts with other countries in food, energy, resources, public health security and terrorism have further consolidated their friendly ties, Yang said in his speech.

Wang Yusheng, a Beijing-based researcher and former Chinese diplomat, pointed out that "with the rise of China's comprehensive national power ... countries refer to China's voice more frequently when making policies".

However, Wang also noted that China still faces grave challenges and heavy international responsibilities, and it should keep a modest, prudent, and hard-working style in diplomacy.

Looking into the future, Wang suggested that China put more emphasis on cooperation within the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) and the G20 countries, which would bring developing and developed countries together.

"This is a good way for China to promote international cooperation and coordination, to realize peaceful development throughout the world," Wang said.