CRI Director-General Wang Gengnian's 2011 New Year Speech

Dear listeners and netizens,

The year 2011 is drawing near. On behalf of the entire China Radio International (CRI) staff and myself, I would like to express best wishes to all of you. May you have peace and happiness and stay safe and healthy!

We have experienced all kinds of setbacks this year. A devastating earthquake, severe snowstorms, violent volcanic eruptions,manmade regional conflicts and the continued fallout from the economic crisis all challenged the Chinese people. But the difficulties and disasters have made us courageous and tenacious. Such conflicts and tensions cannot stop world peace and development. We are overwhelmed by a flood of memories from the Yushu earthquake and Zhouqu mudslide in northwest China, but also the splendid Shanghai World Expo and wonderful Guangzhou Asian Games. With sincerity and solidarity, Chinese people impressed the whole world. Madame Foong Fueng, a listener from Thailand told us in a letter: "From the Beijing 2008 Olympic

Games to the 60th anniversary of the founding of New China to the Shanghai 2010 World Expo, China has displayed a glorious trilogy with the attention of the whole world."

China Radio International aims to enhance understanding and friendship between the Chinese and people around the world. All our reports on significant events this past year have highlighted our principal tenet that communication can deepen mutual understanding and friendship.

We have demonstrated this effort in the "Hello, China" multimedia program, "Meet in Shanghai and Watch the Expo" knowledge contest, "2010 Chinese City Rankings" event and many other activities. This year, 17 new full frequency FM or AM radio stations were established abroad, a multimedia entity consisting of radio, television, and internet is taking its shape, and a brand new broadcasting building is in the works. Before long, China International Broadcasting Network (CIBN) will be set up. With the help of new media, CRI is ready to offer more timely and accessible information. All our efforts have paid off.

We have received a record of more than 3 million letters and e-mails from listeners and netizens around the world.

My dear listeners, your support and care drive us forward. Your needs and expectations power our innovation. On behalf of all of us at CRI, I would like to extend our most sincere appreciation to our friends all over the world.

The coming year marks the 70th anniversary of China Radio International. Along with your support and enthusiasm, we have successfully grown from our memorable old days to our present prosperity. The next year will be a promising start. Embracing this legacy, CRI will usher in a new chapter and a brighter future.

Dear listeners and friends, please accept our heartfelt gratitude and New Year's greetings to all of you.

Thank you!