The Chinese ambassador to Britain has called the West's attention to its image problem in China and urged it to develop a better understanding of China.

Ambassadress Fu Ying addressed the image issue during a special China forum held within the framework of the annual autumn conference of Britain's Liberal Democrats party.

The Chinese ambassador told participants at the conference on Wednesday that relatives and friends had complained to her during her home-coming visit this summer about the West's bias and prejudice about China.

"China should not have any illusion about the West's intention toward China," Madam Fu quoted relatives and friends as saying.

"Frankly speaking, many people in China view the West this way," the ambassador said. "Many young people complain that the West is unfriendly toward and reluctant to accept China as it is."

Fu proposed that those in the West who would raise concerns about China try to understand the background and reasons behind what may appear on the surface and not simply judge the country in accordance with the West's value system.

"Or else the West would perpetuate in China its image of that of a lecturer," the ambassador said. "The West needs to take the initiative of working for better mutual understanding between China and the West."

More than 100 people, including the Liberal Democrats' shadow cabinet, attended the forum, which was held prior to the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

(Xinhua News Agency September 25, 2009)