On September 28, 2009, Assistant Foreign Minister Hu Zhengyue met with the joint press delegation composed of 20 senior editors and correspondents from 10 Southeast and South Asian countries.

Hu extended welcome to the delegation which paid the visit on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the founding of New China and introduced in details China's development achievements, relations with Southeast and South Asian countries and foreign policy toward neighboring countries. He said that the remarkable economic and social progress achieved by China over the past 6 decades, especially the past 30 years since reform and opening up is attributed to the hard work of the Chinese people and also inseparable from the sound surrounding environment and the understanding and support of governments and people of different countries. Despite the impact of financial crisis, China's friendly and cooperative relations with Southeast and South Asian countries remain healthy and stable. The two sides enjoy ever deepening political mutual trust and expanding cooperation in all fields.

The delegation thanked Hu for his comprehensive and lively introduction. They expressed gratitude to the Chinese side for inviting correspondents from developing countries in the midst of the financial crisis, which demonstrates China's consistent position and friendship with developing nations. The upcoming celebration will be a memorable and meaningful experience to the life and career of all the correspondents.

Hu also answered their questions on China's “going out” strategy, the financial crisis, China's military development as well as relevant regional and national issues.

As part of the 100-correspondent delegation of developing countries to attend the celebration on the 60th anniversary of the founding of New China at the invitation of the Press Center, the delegation visited Beijing and Guangdong.