UNITED NATIONS - China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations said here Thursday that 2012 saw new and positive progress in the Asian giant's diplomacy.

Speaking at a Spring Festival reception hosted by the Chinese Permanent Mission to the UN, Wang Min noted that the international environment is undergoing "complex and profound changes."

Notwithstanding, "the year of 2012 has witnessed fresh and positive progress in China's diplomatic work, as evidenced by the country's growing international standing and influence," he added.

During the year, he said, China advanced its ties with other countries, and "played the responsible and constructive role of a big country in dealing with international and regional hot spot issues."

China "worked actively to push for peaceful settlement of disputes and issues, and stood for basic norms governing international relations," Wang said.

In the new year, China will continue to work with all other countries to tackle global challenges and make greater contribution to the development of the world, he added.

In his address, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Wu Hongbo hailed the role China played in international affairs during the past year.

"The role is important, unique and irreplaceable," the former Chinese ambassador to Germany stressed at the gathering, attended by nearly 300 guests.

On display at the event was the 4th "World in the Eyes of Chinese Diplomats" photo exhibition, co-sponsored by the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the UN Chinese Book Club.