A seminar on China's diplomatic theory over the past 60 years was held here on Saturday.

The two-day seminar, sponsored by China National Association for International Studies and China Foreign Affairs University, would review the development and reforms of China's diplomacy and related theories.

Addressing the seminar, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said "We should continue to hold high the banner of peace, development and cooperation and stick to the independent foreign policy of peace, in order to safeguard China's sovereignty, security and interests and create a sound international environment for development."

Great achievements had been made in China's diplomacy since the founding of the People's Republic of China. So far, China had forged diplomatic ties with 171 countries, joined over 130 inter-governmental organizations and signed over 300 international agreements.

Over 100 officials and scholars from China National Association for International Studies and various government ministries attended the seminar.

(Xinhua News Agency September 20, 2009)