The International Department, founded in 1951, is a functional organ of the Central Committee of the CPC responsible for the Party's international work. Its main responsibilities are threefold: to implement the principles and policies of the Central Committee over its external work,follow closely in its research work the developments and changes of the world situation and key global issues and provide briefing and policy proposals to the Central Committee; to carry out the Party's exchanges and communications with foreign political parties and organizations entrusted by the Central Committee; to coordinate in administering international exchanges of departments directly under the Central Committee and Party committees of provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities under direct jurisdiction of the central government.