BEIJING, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- In 2008, the world has come to know China with the hitherto unprecedented scope, depth, and first-hand perception.

It has been an unusual year for China -- it faced up to unprecedented challenges brought about by the snow disaster in the south and the calamitous earthquake in the southwest, and took great delight in successfully hosting a spectacular Olympics gala and accomplishing the historic feat by completing the nation's first spacewalk.

In a year when the world has been undergoing a profound change, China has opened its doors wider with broad-mindedness, increased confidence and a stronger determination to improve itself, and shouldered a greater responsibility in global political and financial affairs.

China and the rest of the world have become more closely linked. As Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi put it: "Historic changes are taking place in the relationship between China and the world as a whole."

Riding out Difficulties, China Held in Higher Esteem by World

The expected and unexpected events that happened in China this year have drawn global attention.

On May 12, an 8.0-magnitude earthquake jolted southwest China, causing huge casualties and massive destruction. United as one and standing up to combat the disaster with prompt and effective rescue efforts, China won sympathy and respect from the world.

On Aug. 8, the Beijing Olympiad captivated some 2 billion spectators and TV audience worldwide with its splendid opening ceremony, enabling them to enjoy a charming night that epitomizes China's 5,000-year civilization.

The Beijing Olympiad drew a record number of 204 sports delegations that cover the widest ever geographical areas in the Games' history, and was given heavy coverage by world media. This has enabled the world to see not only a "truly exceptional" Olympiad, but also a more open and colorful China.

Then China impressed the world again by launching the Shenzhou VII spacecraft into space and accomplishing its maiden space walk. The feat has made China the third country in the world to stage extra-vehicular activity and the only developing country capable of manned space exploration.

Commenting on Chinese taikonaut Zhai Zhigang's space walk, Reuters had this to say: "Zhai's brief but historic outing in a Chinese-designed space suit... capped a year in which the country has both coped with the tragedy of the devastating Sichuan earthquake and reveled in the Beijing Olympics."

Cherishing Justice, Peace, China Pushes for More Harmonious World

In 2008, China integrated further with the rest of the world, played a bigger role in global affairs and bore greater responsibilities.

In accordance with the concept of establishing a harmonious world, China continued to enhance the sound growth of mutually beneficial, reciprocal and cooperative ties with the United States, Russia and the European Union in 2008.

It also made new headway in strengthening cooperation with Latin American and the Caribbean countries. Its policy toward neighboring countries has yielded good results. China's partnership with African countries was further enhanced, by writing off debts, increasing low-interest loans and beefing up technical aid to Africa.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro said China's efforts contributed to the attainment of the Millenniums Development Goals set by the United Nations.

The nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula made new breakthroughs within the framework of the six-party talks, with the denuclearization process speeded up, and tensions between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the United States temporarily eased.

As host of the six-party talks, China has made protracted, patient and painstaking mediation efforts. DPRK top leader Kim Jong Il lauded in June China's vital role in the talks, which he said had led to many important consensus despite twists and turns.

On her part, U.S. Secretary of State Codoleezza Rice said China played a key role in pushing the disabling process of DPRK's nuclear facilities.

In the outgoing year, China continued its diplomatic efforts to help solve Iran's nuclear issue, push forward the Mideast peace process and settle other hot-spot issues. It was also actively engaged in international peacekeeping missions in Lebanon, Liberia, Congo, Haiti, Sudan and Kosovo.

China readily extended a helping hand to countries hit by natural disasters, offering timely assistance to hurricane-devastated Burma, Cuba, Jamaica, the United States, the Philippines, and Vietnam, and the earthquake-stricken Pakistan and Japan.

As former British Prime Minister Tony Blair put it: "The truth is that nothing in the 21st Century will work well without China's full engagement."

Urging Cooperation, China Joins World in Facing up to Challenges

In a bid to win greater say for the developing countries, China in 2008 devoted itself more vigorously and extensively to tackling global issues, such as global climate change, soaring food prices, energy shortage and the world financial meltdown.

In the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, China has actively taken part in the global efforts to tackle climate change, contributing to enacting relevant laws and regulations on dealing with climate change.

In face of the worldwide food crisis, China has provided aid to international food organizations and some developing countries plagued by food crisis, while taking measures to ensure its own food security.

Officials with the Food and Agriculture Organization said that China has managed to keep its food price down amid global food crisis and contributed a great deal to stabilizing world food market. China will be, as it has been, a major force in ensuring world food security, they noted.

At the G20 summit in Washington, Chinese President Hu Jintao urged the international community to earnestly draw lessons from the ongoing financial crisis and undertake necessary reform of the international financial system through full consultations among all stakeholders.

"Reform of the international financial system should aim at establishing a new international financial order that is fair, just, inclusive and orderly and fostering an institutional environment conducive to sound global economic development," Hu said.

Shortly before the summit, China announced a stimulus package estimated at 4 trillion yuan (about 570 billion U.S. dollars), planning to spend the money to finance programs in 10 major areas, such as low-income housing, rural infrastructure and transportation.

In an editorial, Singapore's newspaper Lianhe Zaobao noted that China's measures are concrete contributions to world economy.

Mansoor Dailami, a senior economist at the World Bank, said China's economic stimulus package is "a right step at the right time."

"China showing the desire to coordinate in terms of stimulating the world economy at this very critical moment is something that should be noted," he said.

A UN report on World Economic Situation and Prospects 2009 put China's economy growth this year at 9.1 percent, with its contribution to global economic growth rising to 22 percent. The report said China will make a major contribution to global economic growth if it maintains an 8 percent growth next year.

In retrospect, a more open China has added vitality to the world by promoting mutually beneficial and win-win solution, In the future, a more developed China is expected to contribute further more to world peace and prosperity.