By Xinhua Writer Tian Dongdong, Hou Lijun

BEIJING, June 10 (Xinhua) -- About 40 foreign correspondents in Beijing and 20 representatives of foreign employees of China Radio International caught a close glimpse of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Friday, learning about the function and work of the diplomatic organ of the CPC.

The opening day of the International Department of the Central Committee of the CPC for foreign correspondents in China is perceived as a gesture that the Party is opening up.

"I didn't know much about it because it hasn't been very public, but now I have my first chance to come here to see what they do," said Keith Richburg, China correspondent of the Washington Post.

The two-hour program included an introduction of the function and structure of the diplomatic organ and an informal discussion with Ai Ping, deputy head of the department, as well as an exhibition of the CPC's 90 years of diplomatic service.

Founded in 1951, the department is a functional organ of the Central Committee of the CPC responsible for the Party's international work.

"The CPC has established connections with more than 600 political parties or organizations from 160 countries," said Ai Ping, adding that the connection between the CPC and the international community is becoming closer and closer.

Ai said the international community attaches greater importance to the CPC, and the department will continue to hold open-access days with other departments to help the international community learn more about our party.

He said understanding the CPC is the key for journalists to get a better understanding of today's China, because it's difficult to write in-depth reports about China without an in-depth understanding of the CPC.

New York Times Beijing Bureau Chief Michael Wines called it quite an opportunity because previously foreign journalists have had very few chances to see what goes on inside the CPC.

"This is the first chance I actually get to talk to someone in party, to get an idea about what the party does," Wines said. "I really hope the party will do the same in the future."

This was the second open house held by the International Department of the Central Committee of the CPC, and the first of this kind for foreign correspondents.

"It is so interesting that they are being more open and let us talk to directly to a top official," Richburg said. "It seems like the party this year is being very open."