China voices concern about financial turmoil

The Chinese president, Jiang Zemin, has expressed anxiety about the financial crisis which has hit much of east Asia.

In a New Year address, Mr Jiang said the government was extremely concerned, but it believed the situation would improve through the efforts of the countries involved along with international cooperation.

He identified China's economic performance, along with the handover of Hong Kong, as two of the highlights of what he called an extraordinary year.

On Tuesday, China unveiled economic figures showing a record trade surplus, but warned that it could soon feel the effects of the recent financial turmoil affecting the region.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service