For China watchers who have been keen to know the role China will play in the international arena, they should not miss two explicit messages from Premier Wen Jiabao during his meeting with the press yesterday.

The first message is Premier Wen's reiteration that China will stick to its policy of opening up. This should be interpreted as a double blessing to 1.3 billion Chinese and the international community.

Among the many implications of upholding the opening up policy, one point is crystal clear: China will never refrain from interacting with the outside world.

On the other hand, while proceeding on the track of opening up, the country will be integrated deeper into international political and economic frameworks. Hence, it goes without saying that China will continue to be a trustworthy partner and responsible player in bilateral and multilateral platforms. The stronger the economic position it gains, the more responsibilities it will shoulder in handling international affairs.

As for the second message from Wen yesterday, magnanimity is the key word. The Chinese premier impressed the audience with his benevolence and tolerance when responding to ill-willed speculation and even erroneous accusations against China from abroad.

His patient explanation of what happened during the Copenhagen climate change summit - and response to the biased views toward China - demonstrate broad-mindedness that befits the leader of a large nation. This should make those who are set on throwing mud in the eyes of China feel ashamed.

(China Daily 03/15/2010 page8)