Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan Wednesday urged young Chinese to contribute more to promoting China's ties with other countries.

Tang made the statement at a ceremony commending 58 young Chinese for their excellent work in foreign affairs.

This awarding is a social recognition of foreign affairs work, Tang said. "It has encouraged foreign affairs professionals and injected a new impetus for advancing the work."

Tang said the government placed "considerable hope" on diplomatic work and urged young foreign affairs staff nationwide to "obtain an understanding of the overall situation and safeguard the fundamental interests of the country."

He also called on young staff members to "hold a resolute conviction" and improve political awareness.

"An enhanced capability and a forward spirit are also necessary for foreign affairs staff," Tang said.

The award ceremony, the second of its kind, was initiated by five departments involved in foreign affairs: the Central Committee of Communist Youth League of China, the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

China began commending young Chinese for their work in the country's foreign affairs in 1999.