BEIJING, Dec. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- China's diplomatic efforts in 2003 are "positive, constructive and fruitful," and China is willing to enhance cooperation with the international community for world peace and stability, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said here Tuesday.

    Spokesman Liu Jianchao told a press conference that China's newleadership has adhered to the independent foreign policy of peace,maintaining its continuity and stability.

    At the same time, the Chinese government has progressed with the times and actively explored further development in diplomacy.

    Liu said China continues to develop friendly relations with itsneighbors, enhance cooperative ties with developed countries, and has made new progress in expanding friendship and cooperation withdeveloping countries.

    China earnestly fulfills its international obligations and holds international disputes should be properly settled through dialogue and talks. China has played a constructive role in dealing with major issues, strengthening international counter-terrorism cooperation and maintaining world peace and stability.

    It is China's view that peace and development remain the two major themes of the present era, the spokesman said. However, non-traditional security issues, such as terrorism, environmental protection, transnational crimes and severe acute respiratory syndrome, have posed grave challenges to world peace and development. China is willing to enhance cooperation with all countries and make its due contribution to safeguarding world peace and stability. Enditem