Speech by Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi at The 7th "Spring of Diplomats"

Distinguished diplomatic envoys,

Distinguished business representatives,

Dear friends,

Let me begin by thanking the Association of Former Diplomats of China (AFDC) for inviting me to today's event. On behalf of the Chinese Foreign Ministry,

I wish to congratulate you on the success of the 7th "Spring of Diplomats". The "Spring of Diplomats" was launched in 2001 for the purpose of promoting exchanges, understanding, friendship and cooperation. Over the past few years, it has served as an important platform for friendly exchanges between Chinese diplomats and business people and their foreign counterparts, and has become a bridge linking the Chinese people with people of the rest of the world. I admire your valuable work. The year 2008 is of special significance for China and the world. It is the year of the Beijing Olympic Games.

The 1.3 billion Chinese people and indeed, people of the whole world are all eagerly looking forward to this great event. We were all touched by Premier Wen Jiabao's remarks at his press conference following this year's annual session of the National People's Congress.

He said that "the Chinese people are most sincere in their desire to host a successful Olympic Games.

The 1.3 billion Chinese people will greet visitors from all over the world with smile, and their goodwill will be fully reciprocated by people of the whole world." As you can see, today the Chinese people are embracing the world with their sincere smile and are fully prepared to welcome guests from abroad.

We have been overwhelmed by the good wishes from around the world and moved by the friendship expressed to us by people of different colors and races.

However, It was shocking to see some people attempting to sabotage the relay of the Olympic torch, a symbol of the shared dream of humanity. Their acts were a humiliation to the Olympic spirit.

I am sure that like me, you all remember how the Chinese torch bearer Jin Jing courageously protected the torch in her wheelchair.

That scene touched all the Chinese people and kind-hearted people around the world.

That scene tore up the disguise of those separatists for Tibet independence and exposed their craze for violence.That scene made clear to all what is right and what is wrong, what is beautiful and what is ugly, and what is just and what is despicable.

Seeing such brutal violence happening in broad daylight, people cannot but ask:When right and wrong is so crystal clear, how come there are still some people who try to cover those thugs with a cloak of "peace" and attack the lawful measures taken by the Chinese Government?

How come there are some people who have never been to Tibet but keep saying that Tibetan religion, language and culture are being destroyed and the Tibetan people are living in misery? On what ground are they making such allegations?

How come we find almost no picture of lawless people beating, smashing up properties, looting, burning, killing the innocent and sabotaging the Olympic torch relay in some western media which have always claimed to be impartial, objective and authoritative?

Why are there so many untruthful reports that purposefully glorify the violence?A straight answer to all these questions is that prejudice has blinded the eyes and rumours have covered up the truth. Not long ago, I heard such words that the Olympic torch relay was obstructed only in democratic countries and not in non-democratic countries.

I don't understand the logic behind this absurd conclusion, but I believe that most people will be surprised at such a conclusion and sense the arrogance behind it.

Democracy is not exclusive to anyone. And nobody has the speicial privilege to judge whether a country is democratic or not. To do that would only show the lack of democracy.

Dear friends,Arrogance and bias will not prevail in the long run. A small number of people hostile to China can in no way represent the international public opinion. We will enhance communication and exchanges with other countries so that they will be able to see a true China and people from abroad will not be confused by false statements.

What is the true picture of China?Thirty years of reform and opening-up have made a world of difference in China and its relations with the world. Just as President Hu Jintao stated, historic changes have taken place in the visages of the Chinese people, China and the Communist Party of China. So have China's relations with the world.

First, China has made enormous progress in economic, social and cultural development.China's economy has been growing at an average annual rate of nearly 10% for the past 30 years.

This is indeed remarkable. China's per capita GDP is 17 times larger than that of the early years of reform and opening-up. China is now the fourth largest economy and the third largest trading nation, compared with its 15th and 32nd places respectively 30 years ago.

It is particularly worth mentioning that since reform and opening-up China has reduced its rural poor by 228 million, making itself the only country in the world that has halved the number of poor population ahead of schedule set by the UN Millennium Development Goals.

World Bank statistics show that China can take credit for 67% of the achievements made in the past 25 years in the global fight against poverty.

I know Tibet has attracted a lot of attention recently. So I'd like to say a few words about the Tibetan Autonomous Region. The Central Government of China has always given high priority to and supported the development of Tibet. We have adopted a series of preferential policies for Tibet.

Tibet's GDP has been growing at over 12% in the past seven years and its per capita GDP is higher than the country's average.

The average life expectancy of the Tibetan people was only 35 years before the democratic reform in 1959. Now it is 67 years.

The ethnic Tibetan population has increased from 1 million in 1959 to 2.5 million today. Over 95% of the population in Tibet are ethnic Tibetans.

The Central Government is also committed to preserving the Tibetan religious and cultural heritage. There are over 1,780 religious sites in Tibet with more than 46,000 lamas and nuns, and people there fully enjoy freedom of religious belief. Both the Tibetan language and Mandarin are taught in Tibet and Tibetan is the prevailing language in the region.

Tibetan has become the first ethnic minority language in China with a set of international standards. There are over 50 Tibetology research centers throughout China.China has successfully lifted 20% of the humanity out of poverty in a short span of 30 years.

This is not only a tremedous achievement in the history of China's development, but also a significant contribution to the maintenance of world peace, the development of mankind and the protection of human rights.

China is now taking new steps to build a harmonious society. A harmonious society must be, first of all, a society that practices democracy and rule of law. Secondly, it must be a society that promotes equity and justice. We will also work to ensure harmony between man and nature.Second, China has become an important stakeholder in the international system.

China's role in the international system used to be rejected. But now most countries welcome China's involvement and hope to see China play a bigger role in the international system. As a member of over 100 inter-governmental organizations and a party to nearly 300 international treaties, China is an important stakeholder and plays an increasingly active and constructive role in the international system.

We will work with other countries to ensure that the international system will evolve in a way that is more just and equitable.As a responsible country, China is fulfilling its due responsibilities and obligations on its own initiative.

By far, China has carried out more than 2,000 aid programs for over 110 countries and regional organizations. China has reduced and cancelled debts of 44 underdeveloped countries totalling over 20 billion yuan.

It also plays a positive role in meeting global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation and energy security. The international responsibilities China undertakes are not aimed at serving the interests of any individual country or group of countries, nor should they be judged by the standard of any single country or group of countries.

We will fulfill our responsibilities in accordance with our international obligations, and make contributions to the best of our ability. We will determine our positions on the merit of each case. We will take policies that uphold both China's interests and that of the people of the world. We will ensure that the international responsibilities that we undertake are in keeping with the trend of the times.Third, China is becoming an important force for world peace.China is committed to the peaceful settlement of international and regional disputes through dialogue.

It plays a constructive role on major international hotspot issues such as the Korean nuclear issue, the Iranian nuclear issue and the Middle East.

Our efforts have been recognized by the entire international community.China is actively involved in international peacekeeping operations. It has sent more than 10,000 peacekeepers to 22 UN peacekeeping missions, and it is the biggest troop contributing country among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.China is committed to the cause of international arms control and disarmament.

Since 1985, it has cut the size of its military by nearly two million in three stages. China stands for the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons. It is the only nuclear state in the world that is unswervingly committed to no first use of nuclear weapons under any circumstances.Fourth, China has put forward a set of new diplomatic ideas consistent with the trend of the times.

Since the program of reform and opening-up was launched, China has, in response to the aspirations of countries and peoples in the world, put forward a series of major strategic ideas governing its diplomacy. China calls for building a new international political and economic order, promoting peace and development, advancing the process toward multipolarity, strengthening democracy in international relations and upholding models of development.In his report to the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Hu Jintao pointed out that China believes that "people of all countries should join hands and strives to build a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity".

To this end, China will keep to the path of peaceful development and firmly follow a win-win strategy of opening up.The concept of a harmonious world reflects the common aspirations of people around the world. It is based on greater inclusiveness and is more responsive of the needs of the new era. It has incorporated universal values and it is a reflection of the spirit of democracy, harmony, coordination and win-win progress. I believe it will get growing support from the international community.

Dear friends,Both China and the world are witnessing fast development and undergoing fundamental changes. Though China has made remarkable progress, there is still more room for improvement. China will remain a developing country for years to come. We will learn from the good experience and expertise of other countries.

We also welcome closer exchanges and cooperation with the rest of the world. China can not develop itself in isolation, and the world needs China for development. To promote mutual understanding and exchanges on an equal footing serves the shared interests of all countries.

China will work with the rest of the world to achieve our common goals.China will be more open and show greater confidence in integrating with the world. The world should also see China from a more objective, unbiased and long-term perspective.

Only in this way can China and the world work together for a brighter future of harmony, stability and prosperity.We still have a long way to go. I call on all of you to use your wisdom and make tireless efforts to further increase the understanding and exchanges between China and the world.

Thank you.

China Foreign Ministery Spokesperson Press Conference ( April 24, 2008)

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu's Regular Press Conference on April 24, 2008

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu's Remarks on Paris City Council's Decision Concerning Dalai
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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu's Regular Press Conference on April 24, 2008
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On the afternoon of April 24, 2008, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held a regular press conference and answered questions on the Olympic torch relay, European Parliament's adoption of a resolution relating to China and etc.
Jiang Yu: Good afternoon! I have no announcement to start with. The floor is open.

Q: European Commissioner for External Relations Waldner said that the Chinese Government should have dialogue with Dalai in order to make substantive progress on the Tibet issue. The EU Delegation has proposed to have full and constructive communication with China on this issue during its stay in China. What is China's response?

A: As we underscored on many occasions, the Tibet issue is purely China's internal affair that brooks no foreign interference. This is our firm principled position which we hope the international community can fully understand. The Central Government's attitude to Dalai cannot be clearer, that is, the Dalai side must immediately stop all separatist and disruptive activities. The door for dialogue is open if Dalai accepts the requirement of the Central Government. We look forward to European Commission President Barroso's visit to China along with many other commissioners from 24 to 26. Apart from the theme of sustainable development and climate change, the two sides will also exchange views on China-EU relations and international and regional issues of common interest. We hope this visit will help us expand strategic common ground, build up political mutual trust and deepen cooperation of mutual benefit so as to promote a long-term, healthy and stable development of China-EU relations. In the past couple of months, we have reiterated our position on Tibet-related issues. We hope that the EU will respect facts and fully understand and support the Chinese Government and people's position on major issues that bear on our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Q: How do you comment on the Olympic torch relay in Canberra? The Australian Olympic Committee said that the torch relay was very peaceful and successful albeit the Chinese escorts were minimized to only two or three. What is China's response?

A: As we saw several hours ago, the Olympic torch relay in Canberra concluded safely and smoothly. It was a grand event with many passionate participants from all walks of life in Australia. Australia offered effective cooperation during the torch relay. Carrying the concept of peace, friendship and harmony, and bringing the Olympic spirit to the world, the Olympic flame is sure to win warm welcome wherever it goes, leaving no room for any disruptive attempts.

Q: Former French Prime Minister Raffarin will arrive in Beijing today before he conveys a letter from President Sarkozy to Chinese leaders. Does China have any message for President Sarkozy?

A: At the invitation of People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, Former French Prime Minister Raffarin will visit China from April 24 to 27. Mr. Raffarin is an old friend of the Chinese people. The red carpet is rolled out for his visit, and leaders from the Central Government will meet with him. We hope the two sides can have an in-depth exchange of views on how to further promote our bilateral relations. We note that recently, people with visions in France have been working hard to build up mutual understanding between the two peoples and promote bilateral relations. We appreciate their efforts. Further development of China-France relations is in the common interest of the two peoples. We hope that people from both countries can cherish our friendly relations of cooperation which is the result of decades of joint efforts. We should view and handle this relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective to promote a sustained development of the bilateral relations.

Q: Does the Chinese Government support its citizens' legal protests over CNN's biased reports and its commentator Cafferty's insulting remarks against China? Will the domestic public opinion influence the Chinese Government's policy?

A: I have noted that some Chinese people are expressing their appeals on the internet spontaneously. What they are opposed to is the insults against the Chinese people and the distorted and biased reports on China. CNN should not turn a blind eye to their appeals. We have made clear our position on Cafferty's remarks which we hope CNN take serious. CNN's remarks and attitude have not only deeply hurt the feelings of the Chinese people, but also severely damaged CNN's own reputation, and undermined the cooperation between us as well. We'll wait and see how CNN will respond.

Q: An e-mail is currently circulating on the internet, calling on the Chinese people to launch protests during the May Day. Will the Chinese Government allow this kind of protest during the May Day?

A: I would not comment on those on-line remarks. I believe that people will exercise their freedom of expression within the framework of law. I also hope that the public would express their appeals in a reasonable, legal and just way.

Q: The European parliament recently adopted a resolution, alleging that China's unconditional support to some autocracies in Africa has led to human rights violation in those countries, and that China should cut down its fiscal support to those regimes. Do you have any comment on that?

A: We have taken note of the European parliament's criticism on China's policy toward Africa. This is a highly irresponsible and unfounded accusation in disregard of the facts. We urge the European parliament to stop the confrontational and provocative act and do more in the interest of China-EU relations. No one is in a better position than the African countries and their people to comment on China's policy toward Africa and China-Africa relations.

The African people welcome and support China-Africa cooperation, for it is in the interest of the common development of both sides. The cooperation between China and Africa can be traced back to over five decades ago. It did not start today when the oil price keeps rising. China-Africa relationship is featured with sincerity, friendliness, equality, mutual benefit, cooperation and common development. China respects African countries' independent choices of their own development path. We have never imposed our own values on other countries. Neither have we used aid as a tool of pressure.

The cooperation between China and Africa is pragmatic and extensive, covering fields of agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, science, technology, culture, heath, human resources, education, tourism, sports, and etc. Moreover, in its cooperation with Africa, China has paid special attention to areas of technology and human resources cooperation. In doing so, we aim to enhance African countries' own capabilities of independent development. During the Beijing Summit of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, China put forward an eight-point proposal for further development of China-Africa relations, including reducing or exempting debt, cutting tariff, enhancing training, increasing investment and aid. we hope that these new measures could bring concrete benefits to the African people.

The European parliament's resolution mentioned the energy cooperation between China and Africa. In fact, China lags far behind the EU and the US in its energy cooperation with Africa, both in scope and quality.

Africa exports 79% of its oil production, 36% of which goes to Europe, 33% to the US, and only 8.7% to China. If China's 8.7% share of the African oil exports is labeled as energy ravage, then what happens to the 36% ? In its energy cooperation with Africa, China adheres to the principles of equality, mutual benefit and win-win, helping the African countries to build their own oil industry and bring more job opportunities there. Chinese companies in Africa are doing a lot to repay local society by launching public goods programs, which are welcome by the local people. China-Africa energy cooperation is a cooperation of mutual benefit that perfectly follows international rules.

Many of them adopt the mode of international cooperation. China-Africa energy cooperation help the African countries transform their advantages in energy resources into advantages in development.

It is totally unreasonable to make irresponsible accusations against China-Africa energy cooperation. The European parliament's resolution also mentioned China's arms sales to Africa. Certainly the Chinese Government has been strictly observing relevant UN resolutions, and never sold arms to countries or regions under UN Security Council's arms embargo. The European parliament's accusation is totally unfounded and irresponsible.

Q: US intelligence officials claimed that they possess evidence that the DPRK had provided nuclear reactor devices to Syria. Could you confirm? Will that affect the Six-Party Talks?

A: As a matter of fact, we have seen that the second-phase action plan of the Six-Party Talks is proceeding proactively with positive progress in the disablement of DPRK nuclear facilities, implementation of assistance to the DPRK and improvement of relations between relevant countries. We hope the US and the DPRK continue to display sincerity and flexibility in enhancing consultation, so as to achieve positive results and properly address each other's concerns by strengthening mutual understanding and trust.

Q: You just mentioned China's arms sales to Africa, could you update us on the arms sales to Zimbabwe?

A: I expounded on China's position on this issue at the last briefing. According to my knowledge, relevant Chinese company has decided to ship back the cargo that was due to deliver to Zimbabwe.

Q: Paraguayan President-elect expressed willingness to develop relations with China. Is there any new development in China-Paraguay relations?

A: China is ready to establish and develop normal relations with any other country in the world on the basis of the One-China principle and the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence. The One-China principle is one of our fundamental principles while handling relations with other countries.

Q: Some said that the Chinese Embassy in Australia provides accommodation and other assistance to those welcoming the torch relay in Canberra. Could you confirm? The US, civil groups in South Africa and the Zimbabwean opposition party asserted that arms sales to the Zimbabwean government would add destabilizing elements to local situation. How do you comment on that?

A: On your first question, I wonder the motives of those who keep asking us whether our embassies organized overseas Chinese to welcome the torch relay. Did they ask those disrupting the relay who is their organizer? I believe that will be more newsworthy. How come they have the freedom to disrupt and sabotage the torch relay, whereas Olympic-loving people have not the freedom to welcome the torch? On your second question, I made it very clear last time that the contract was signed last year and this is completely normal arms trade in no violation of Chinese laws and regulations and our international obligations. It is groundless that some attempt to play up and politicize the issue. Some people in the US always like to point a finger at others and act as world police. They are not that popular around the world. We have friendly relations with many African countries and we understand and support each other. Those attempts of playing off African countries against China will surely get nowhere.

Q: How many foreigners does China expect here during the Beijing Olympic Games? Why does China tighten up its visa policies? My second question is, some foreigners felt their safety under threat in the Carrefour incident happened in Zhuzhou, Hunan Province. How do you comment on this?

A: We cannot predict the exact figure of people to be here during the Olympic Games. All the people who love peace and Olympics are welcome to Beijing. We will be a hospitable host. As for the visa question, China will follow the Olympic routine and facilitate visa application by foreigners who want to come to China and attend the Olympic Games, an international sports event. Based on the practices of previous Olympics and other large-scale international sports events, we've made due arrangements regarding visa applications of foreigners in light of China's laws and regulations. For example, necessary documents need to be filed with the applications, which I believe is a normal and reasonable requirement. Besides, as for the question of the multiple-entry visa applications, as far as I know, such visas are still issued to those who meet the requirements. It is more convenient to apply for Chinese visa compared with many other countries. To ensure a smooth entry into China, We suggest foreigners to apply for visas in advance in their home or resident country. As for the safety of foreigners in China, the Chinese Government always protects the security and lawful rights of all foreigners in China pursuant to law. China is a safe destination. There are no reasons to lose confidence in this. We disapprove of the recent sporadic radical moves, which I believe will be properly addressed in accordance with law.

Q: The online protests and comments in China might be interpreted as anti-Western sentiment. Will that affect China's relations with other countries and tarnish China's image especially ahead of the Olympics?

A: You could see it is not that the Chinese are doing something against the West, instead, some in the West are challenging the Chinese. What the Chinese people express are righteous appeals and their opposition to biased reports, acts tarnishing China and those conniving with and supporting the separatist activities. I hope the international community heed the voice of them. China is a land of courtesy. The Chinese people will welcome athletes from all countries and people from various circles to attend the Beijing Olympic Games in a warm, friendly and open manner. We will work with other countries to host a great sports event and build a bridge of friendship and understanding among people across the world.

Q: The torch will pass through Nagano on April 26 and many have rallied there. What's your expectation for the relay before President Hu Jintao's visit?

A: It is the pride and honor of the Japanese people as well as a token of China-Japan friendship to have the torch relay in Nagano. I am glad to see people from all walks of life gather in Nagano to welcome the torch there. We hope the torch relay there will be smooth and safe so as to enhance the friendship between the two peoples and carry forward the Olympic spirit.

Q: According to the Japanese police, only two Chinese escorts will be allowed to follow the torch during the relay. Do you think that will affect the security of the torch?

A: The BOCOG is discussing with the Japanese side on the specific arrangement. It is believed that through the joint efforts, the relay in Nagano will proceed smoothly and securely. I am convinced that the Japanese police will make decisions based on their judgment of the situation there and provide proactive and effective assistance. If there are no more questions, thanks for your attendance.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu's Remarks on Paris City Council's Decision Concerning Dalai
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Q: The Paris city council approved the proposal raised by Mayor Delanoe of awarding "honorary citizen of Paris" to Dalai on April 21. How do you comment on that?

A: On April 21, the Paris city council approved the proposal to make Dalai an "honorary citizen of Paris", which grossly interferes in China's internal affairs and severely undermines China-France relations, in particular the existing friendly cooperation between Beijing and Paris. We express strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to that. Tibet is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory and Tibetan affairs are completely China's internal affairs. China strongly opposes any nation and individual using the Dalai issue to interfere in China's internal affairs. The words and deeds of Dalai over the past decades are self-evident that he is not just a religious figure, but a political exile bent on separatist activities under the disguise of religion.
The Dalai clique has premeditated, organized and instigated the "March 14" criminal act of violence in Lhasa and other places. Recently, some French people and media, ignoring the facts, have continuously made extremely negative remarks and reports concerning China.
The Olympic Torch relay in Paris was severely disturbed and disrupted. These have seriously injured the feelings of the Chinese people and undermined China-France relations.

The decision of the Paris city council to bestow "honorary citizen of Paris" on Dalai will only be seen as another severe provocative act against 1.3 billion Chinese people including the Tibetans, and further encourage the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan secessionists. China urges France to take immediate and effective measures to eliminate the negative impact caused by its erroneous act, stop encouraging and supporting the separatist activities of Tibetan separatist forces and stop interfering in China's internal affairs, so as to safeguard China-France relations through concrete actions.