【正确答案】Good morning, ladies and gentlemen:
Welcome to the Press Conference of the Second Session of the 11th NPC. Today, we're delighted to have with us Foreign Minister, Yang Jiechi to meet the press and answer your questions related to China's foreign policy and China "s foreign relations. Now some opening remarks from Foreign Minister Yang.
Thank you, deputy secretary-general, Mr. Cao Weizhou. Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen, friends from the press. I'm delighted to have this opportunity to meet you here. Premier Wen Jiabao gave a full picture of China's foreign policy and foreign relations in his Report on the Work of the Government. Now I'm ready to take your questions.
I'm with CCTV. From the very beginning of this New Year, leaders of China have already made several foreign trips. We have called this a diplomacy in the early beginning of the year. What's the plan of the Chinese Ministry Of Foreign Affairs for conducting diplomacy in the New Year? And last year was truly eventful for China, What was some of the bright spots in China's diplomacy?
Indeed, the journey of friendship and cooperation by President Hu and the journey of confidence by Premier Wen have given a strong boost to China's relations with African countries, the Middle East countries and with European countries. Last year was eventful for China. It was also an eventful year for China's diplomacy. Last year was a year of enormous challenges; yet, we met these challenges head-on and reaped a good harvest.
In the year of enormous challenges, we fought natural disasters, including the devastating earthquake in Wenchuan. We hosted successfully the Olympic Games; in spite of the various destructive factors. And we worked hard to cope with the impact of the international financial crisis; the challenges that confronted our country and China's diplomacy last year have been rarely seen for many years in terms of scale, severity and impact. Meeting these challenges was, indeed, not easy.
Under the strong leadership of the CPPCC and State Council, with active support of Chinese people and with close cooperation with other governmental departments, We earnestly implemented the scientific outlook on development and made a lot of achievements on the diplomatic front.
We broke new ground in many areas. We enriched and developed the diplomatic theories of Chinese features. We continued to take a holistic approach in pursuing diplomacy. We took in account both domestic and international situations and attached importance to both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy.
Over the past year, we worked hard to combine region's diplomacy with diplomacy in specific areas. I believe you know well what region's diplomacy means. It's about developing relations with major countries and with neighboring countries, with other developing countries aud also it involves a large part of our multilateral diplomacy. Let me say a few more words about what I mean by diplomacy in specific areas, an area that I believe we should pay more attention to, this diplomacy means economic diplomacy, security diplomacy, cultural diplomacy and public diplomacy.
The Olympic Games we held last year was a big cultural event; it was also a large part of our efforts to promote cultural diplomacy. As I told my colleagues at the beginning of last year, if we could successfully host the Olympic Games and make further progress in conducting cultural diplomacy. Then our diplomatic work in 2008 would have a very good beginning and would already have the success of the whole year.
We continue to improve the mechanisms and institutions in our diplomatic work. The international influence, role and standing of China have visibly increased. We have continued to make important contribution toward regional peace, stability and development. Last year, over 180 foreign heads of state, heads of government and other political leaders come to China on official visits, attending the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic and Parliament, or attending the 7th ASEM Summit.
This has been truly unprecedented in the history of China's diplomacy in terms of the number of foreign guest. We received and the ranking of the foreign visitors. So in a word, last year, the year of 2008, was a year in which we worked hard and reaped a good harvest.
I know you all have a keen interest in China's diplomacy this year, the international situation is undergoing the most profound and complex exchanges since the end of cold war. The international financial crisis has yet to his its bottom and China's external environment has become more complicated.
On China's diplomacy this year, let me make the following 4 points. First, we should stay focused on one overarching objective. This is to make every effort to serve the goal of ensuring steady and rapid economic development in China.
Second, we should pursue 2 priorities, the first one is to make every effort to properly handle the impact of international financial crisis so as to serve the goal of preserving economic growth, the well-being of our people and stability in China; the second priority is to make full preparations for the participations of Chinese leaders in a series of important multilateral activities to ensure their success. These major multilateral activities include, among others, the upcoming Financial Summit in London, the G8 plus 5 outreach sessions to be held Italy in July this year, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit and the meeting of Prime ministers of the SCO member states as well as the APEC economic leaders meeting to be held in November this year. What we hope is that with China's participation in these activities will help contribute to making the international order more fair and equitable.
We should continue to work hard on the following three fronts. First, we should continue to advance security diplomacy to safeguard China's sovereignty, territorial integrity and security interest. Second, we'll continue to pursue cultural diplomacy to increase the friendship and cooperation between the Chinese people and people of other countries. Third, we'll strengthen consular protection to safeguard, the lawful rights and interests of Chinese nationals and companies overseas. As more and more Chinese are traveling abroad and more and more Chinese companies are doing business overseas. We must do an even better job with consular protection.
My 4th point is that we should continue to work hard in the following 4 areas. We'll continue to promote the steady growth of China's relations with major countries, strengthen friendship with neighboring countries, enhance solidarity and cooperation with other developing countries, and take a continued active part in seeking proper settlement of global and regional hotspot issues.
I believe that with our hard work, the year of 60th anniversary of the founding of the PRC will be another year of splendid achievements of China's diplomacy.
The current financial crisis has brought implications for China's relations, particularly with the USA. Many Chinese believed that China's problem was the result of poor planning and irresponsible policies of America and some even believed that China has been trapped into buying American government debts and supporting such policies in the US. To what degree do you believe America is responsible to this aspect? What does America need to do to win back the confidence of the Chinese government and people to restore the reputation?
I think people have their judgment regarding the causes of the international financial crisis, lessons of the crisis should be learned.
The pressing task now is that all countries must work together to make the upcoming Financial Summit in London a success. We believe the upcoming London Financial Summit should play a role in boosting the public's confidence, strengthening the country's coordination on their macro economic policies, stabilizing financial markets, undertaking necessary reforms in the international financial system and international financial regulatory regime and helping developing countries to achieve the MDGs. In this regard, we are ready to work with the US and other countries in the world to weather the storm and make a joint effort to tide over the difficulties brought by the financial crisis?
In making use of its foreign exchange assets, China follows the principle of ensuring security, liquidity and value increase. China will make further use of China's foreign exchange assets in line with the above-mentioned principles.
In my view, since the inauguration of the Obama administration in US, relations between China and the new US government have got off to good start. President Hu and Obama had very good telephone conversations. They reached an important agreement on working together to advance China-US relations.
State Secretary had meetings and talks with the Chinese leaders and her Chinese counterparts during her recent visit to China, the two sides expressed sincere wish to advance this bilateral relationship.
Under the current international environment, China and the US have broad common interests. We are ready to work with the new US administration to push forward China-US ties. We hope that the two sides will accommodate each others core interests and continue to step up their exchange and cooperation. We believe that with joint efforts, China-US relations will continue to move along the track of sound and stable growth.
At the G20 in London next month, will China's president Hu contribute on China's behalf2. What will he contribute? And concretely, what does China want for its part? And in that context, has the global financial crisis change the balance of power in China's favor?
President Hu will attend the London Financial Summit, during the summit; he will have meetings with leader of other countries. I'll soon pay a visit to the US at the invitation of the State Secretary to make necessary preparations for the meeting between President Hu and Obama. I'll work with my US colleagues to make plans for China-US relations this year. I believe in London, Hu will also hold a meeting with the Prime Minister Gorden Brown. We appreciate the many preparations that the UK has made to get ready for the financial summit.
To maintain steady and rapid economic development in China is in itself a biggest contribution that China can make to international cooperation in meeting the financial crisis. Our important contribution to international cooperation against the financial crisis is also that we've increased our assistance to other developing countries, particular, African countries. We've called upon other countries to honor their commitments of assistance. Our commerce minister Mr. Chen personally headed a Chinese delegation to visit some European countries, including the UK. During their visits, the Chinese companies had consultations with their European counterparts on how to expand their business cooperation and they inked agreements and intends on further cooperation worth a total of 15 billion USD. This is another important contribution that China makes to the international efforts against financial crisis. China was one of the first countries to make announcement that it will attend the WDC Financial Summit and we are also one of the countries which are actually cooperating with the host UK to make the upcoming London Financial Summit a success. We believe with the point efforts of all parties, positive results will be achieved at the London Financial Summit. As regards in whose favor this international financial crisis is moving, actually, I believe that the international financial crisis has made rationality as well as the legitimate demands of people of all countries gain better attention. I believe it's imperative for governments of all countries to always put people's interests first and take a down-to-earth approach in pursuing economic development, social progress and international justice and equity.
The year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. How do you comment on China-Russia relations? And what potential do you think can be released in China and Russia cooperation in international organizations and under the framework of the BRICs?
It has been 13 years since China and Russia established the strategic partnership of coordination, China-Russia relations have come a long way in the past 13 years and made a lot progress, particularly, in recent years. I believe in the new year, we should make efforts in the following 4 areas. First, we should enhance our high-level exchanges and mutual visits and strength exchanges at other levels so that we'll be able to increase our mutual trust and strength our cooperation. Second, the two countries should engage fully in practical cooperation in all fields, particularly in the fields of energy, sciences and technology.
Recently, the representatives of China-Russia Energy negotiations held their 3rd meeting. They reached an agreement on a series of important aspects, including the construction of crude oil pipeline, loans as well as the long- term trading, include oil, these agreements are of mutual benefit.
Third, we should take full effort to promote cultural exchanges and people-people interaction between China and Russia. The year is the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. It's also the year of Russian language in China. We should make every effort to make all these activities successful to increase mutual understanding and friendship between our peoples and strengthen the popular support for China and Russia relations.
Both China and Russia are major countries in today's world, and Permanent Members of UNSC. It's important for the two countries to strengthen their cooperation on major international issues to promote world multi-polarity and great democracy in international relations and make great contribution to promote world peace, stability and development.
The issue of climate change has attracted a wide attention from the international community. What will China do to meet the challenge of climate change? At the end of this year, the UN will hold the international conference on climate change in Copenhagen, what does China expect from this UN conference?
Let me first make a few additional remarks on the cooperation of BRIC's countries, China, Russia, Brazil, and India are countries with important influence in today's world. They are called the big emerging countries. We face a lot of common challenges in many areas and also share many developing opportunities.
Leaders and foreign ministers of those 4 countries have met to exchange views. I think it'll be useful to continue such practice as I believe this is in the interest of cooperation among the 4 countries. It's also in the interest of promoting peace, stability and development in the relevant regions and in the world.
At the end of this year, the UN will hold the international conference on climate change in Copenhagen. We believe this is a very important meeting and hope that all parties can work together to pursue the Bali Roadmap and achieve desired results at the Copenhagen Conference.
It's essential that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities be observed and I believe the success of the meeting is very much depended on the developing and developed countries contributing their respect shares and working together as well.
China will continue to implement its national program on tackling climate change and make every effort to honor its commitments and contribute its due share to the success of the conference.
I have two questions, the first is about China-Japan relations. We are both victims in Japan and China of the poisoned dumpling incident. The incident has not been resolved since it broke out more than a year ago. And the Japanese consumers are still concerned about the quality of made-in-China food, what is the biggest obstacle in resolving this case? The other question is about the East China Sea, the two countries reached an agreement or a common understanding on the issue of the East Chain Sea, but why have the two countries not started their relevant negotiations on this issue? Does China think that this common understanding is not applicable to the Tian waitian oil and gas field?
Secondly, my question is about the East Asian cooperation, last year, leaders of China, Japan and the ROK held their first meeting in Japan this year. They will meet again in China under the international financial crisis. What does China expect from this cooperation? What will China do to enhance the cooperation?
First, I'd like to say that the Chinese government or relevant government departments take food quality and safety very seriously. The dumpling incident you referred to is a criminal case. The relevant Chinese departments are still conducting the investigation and working hard to crack the case.
We believe that China and Japan should continue to cooperate in the investigation. I wonder if there were cases in Japan too on which after a long time of investigation still can not be resolved. I believe the Japan police will not give up their efforts and will pursue the investigation until these cases are resolved. That is what we are determined to do on this specific case. As well I think we should have the understanding of the Japan side on this point, and the two countries should cooperate on resolving the case to ensure food safety. And I also believe it's important that our two countries establish a long-term cooperation mechanism on food safety. Isn't this a good idea?
I'd like to make a comment here which I hope the journalists will not misinterpret, I can't say that we don't have any problem at all in the food in China, but, more often than not, I'll go to attend some foreign or diplomatic functions after I have taken Chinese-made frozen dumplings,
The principled common understanding reached between the two countries on the issue of the East Chain Sea is the reflection &improvement and development of China-Japan relations. I believe both sides should honor the spirit of the principle common understanding and create necessary conditions for its implementation.
The 天外天 oil and gas field is located in China's exclusive economic zone, and it's nothing to do with the principled common understanding between the two countries on the East Chain Sea issue. We believe the first separate meeting among leaders of China, Japan and the ROK held last year in Japan was a big success. And we appreciate the efforts made by the host country Japan.
My colleagues told me that trade among China, Japan and the ROK is bigger than the trade among the UK, France and Germany. Moreover, the 3 countries are close neighbors and share a strong historic bound of culture. In the face with international financial crisis, there is every reason for these 3 countries to enhance exchange and cooperation and make due contribution to international efforts against the financial crisis and helping Asia emerge from the difficulties as early as possible. China will do what it can to be a good host and chair and make the meeting a success. We believe we will also have support from our Japan and ROK colleagues.
I have three questions: first, since the inauguration of US Obama administration, will China make adjustment to its foreign policy, particularly its policy on Northeast Asia, including the Korean Peninsula; second, if the DPRK insists on launching a missile. What will be the response of the Chinese side? And how will it impact the 6-Party talks process? Third, since the outbreak of the financial crisis trade between China and ROK has declined, therefore, some experts suggested that fast progress be made in the negotiation of China-ROK FTA to promote trade between the two countries, what's your comment?
China has made clear its foreign policy on many occasions. We're committed to pursuing peaceful development. We'll unwearyingly pursue an independent foreign policy of peace and the win-win strategy of opening-up. There has been no change in China's 'foreign policy. We are glad to see that the Obama administration has expressed the high importance it gives to the 6-Party talks process and is ready to work with other relevant countries to advance the process.
Important progress has made in the 6-Party talks and we should cherish the progress that has been made. It's true that now the talks have encouraged some difficulties. But I believe it's natural that people will encounter difficulties when negotiating a settlement of such a complicated issue, what's important is that all relevant parties should earnestly implement the agreement reached on Sep. the 19th, 2005, they should work together towards their shared goal, complete the remaining action in the second phase as early as possible and bring the talk into its third phase. As the host of the 6-Party talks, China will continue to play its unique constructive role for continued progress at the 6-Party talks.
We're aware of the DPRK announcement of test firing a communications satellite. We have also taken note of the reactions of relevant countries. We are following the development of the situation. We are of the view that safeguarding peace and stability on the KP serves the interest of all relevant patties.
Regarding the establishment of China-ROK FIA, discussions have also been held among government officials, academics and people from the industries. I believe it's very positive thing for both China and ROK to continue to conduct such discussions and research and even move onwards to launching the related negotiations at an early date. I hope the two sides will make joint efforts and meet each other halfway.
In my view, China, Japan and the ROK should all be good examples in opposing trade and investment protectionism. Last year, China-Japan trade exceeded 200 billion USD, China-ROK trade approached 200 billion USD. I believe to continue to expand the market's presence in each other's countries will help boost the confidence of people in Asia in meeting this financial crisis, it also serves the interests of people of both countries and in Asia.
We've noted that Chinese leaders have advocated the vision on many occasions that diplomacy should serve the goal of economic development in China. As the international financial crisis continues to spread and develop. What role should China's diplomacy play to meet the financial crisis and support economic development at home?
I can tell you for the Chinese Foreign Ministry and its overseas diplomatic commissions, one of our important tasks is to serve the goal of economic development at home and promote the business relations between China and other countries.
When some of the ambassadors tom back and talk to me, they told me that in all their working hours, they have spent about 30-50% of all working time on dealing with economic affairs. Our oversea diplomatic missions have putting a lot effort in facilitating some major cooperation projects as well as settling disputes in the economic field. Because time is timed, it's impossible for me to list them one by one.
As regards what we will do next, let me say the following. First, we'll make in-depth analysis into the evolution of the current international economic and financial situations and offer our suggestions and advices to the CPPCC and State Council. Second, we'll make our contribution to maintaining or even raising the trade and economic cooperation between China and relevant countries. Third, we'll provide services to Chinese companies as they go global and offer necessary guidance. Fourth, we'll continue to provide protection for the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese nationals and companies abroad.
The French company Christie insistent on going ahead with the auctioning of two bronze rabbit and rat heads from China's Old Summer Palace, the relevant Chinese department has said that this has offended the Chinese people. In spite of China's strong opposition, French Premier met with Dalai at the end of last year. How do you comment on China-France relations? My second question is what will the Chinese Foreign Ministry do to protect the overseas interests of Hong Kong compatriots and support the HK SAR government in conducting external exchanges?
The Chinese government opposes the auction by relevant company of the two bronze rabbit and rat heads from China's Old Summer Palace. Because these two bronze rabbit and rat heads are cultural relics looted from China and China has the right to recover those lost cultural relics. This move is adding salt to injury and it's immoral.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry is committed to working to foster a good external environment for prosperity and stability in HK SAR. The central government invited HK SAR government officials to join the Chinese delegation and attend the Washington Financial Summit. We'll also invite officials from HK SAR to join the China's delegation for the London Financial Summit. We have also been encouraging the relevant international organizations to have Hong Kong and Macao more in their minds and host meetings there. We have also created conditions for the participation of Hong Kong and Macao government officials and people to participate in overseas multilateral activities and events. The Chinese Foreign Ministy followed and handled over 600 cases of consular protection with an involvement of over 2200 people in Hong Kong and Macao. We believe under the leadership of the HK and Macao SAR governments, people in the regions will tide over the difficulties during the financial crisis. We believe with strong support of the Chinese central government, HK and Macao will maintain prosperity and stability.
You also asked about China-France relations. In the past 45 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China-France relations have made a lot of progress and brought real benefits to people of both countries. China has always attached great importance to promoting relations with France and made tremendous efforts to this end. The current problem in China-France relations is not caused by the Chinese side; the response for it does not rest with China. We hope France will make a positive response to the major concerns of the Chinese side. Finally, I want to emphasize that I have confidence for the long-term development of China-France relations, because that serves the common interests of both countries and it's in accordance with the aspiration of both peoples.
The cooperation between China and EU has to tackle a lot of important issues, like the financial crisis and climate change. Last year, many Europeans were puzzled that China cancelled the China-EU Summit in December because French president was going to meet the Dalai Lama. There is a lack of understanding in Europe that China would suspend this important cooperation at any time, even when the European leader met the Tibetan religious leader for a tea, how do you respond to that? And the Czech EU presidency has proposed a new EU-China Summit in May in Prague, will China take part in this summit and is the date fixed?
The China-EU Summit had to be postponed at the end of 2007, the responsibility doesn't rest with the Chinese side and I believe people are clear about the cause of it. People in Europe know well the classic philosophy of ancient Greece. I believe they have very good logic. The Dalai side still insists on establishing a so-called greater Tibet on 1/4 of Chinese territory, they want to drive away the Chinese armed forces on the Chinese territory, and ask all non-Tibetans to relocate themselves, people who have long spent their lives on that part of the Chinese territory. You call this person a religious figure? Will Germany, France or other countries accept that a 1/4 of their territories will be separated?
Please keep in mind that China has always been a supporter of German's course of reunification. Dalai is by no means nearly a religious figure, but a political exile. Our differences with him are not over religious issues, human rights, democracy or culture. It's a major issue that is about whether we should defend China's unity and prevent Tibet from being separated from China's territory. In developing relations with China, other countries should. not allow Dalai to visit their countries or should not allow their territories be used for Dalai to engage in separatist activities for Tibet independence. I think this is integral part of the norms governing international relations. This is not doing a favor to China. What we hope is-that all countries when handling this issue will follow the principles that they have claims they always pursue. We hope that they all respect the norms governing international relations, international law, as well as China's constitution and law of regional ethnic autonomy. Let me draw your attention to this fact, the upcoming China-EU Summit was not proposed by the Czech Republic alone. This discussion was taken between Premier Wen and EU leaders during Premier Wen's visit to the EU headquarters earlier this year. I don't think it will be a big problem to finalize a date of the China-EU Summit.
I'd like to ask in the face of the international financial crisis, how does China define its role and influence in Asia? And what will China do to advance regional cooperation in Asia?
China is a member of the big Asian family; we pursue to establish amicable relations and partnership with surrounding countries. We hope to see political stability, economic development and the improved livelihood of the people in our neighboring countries. We are committed to pursuing partnership of mutual benefit with surrounding countries. If you look around, you will find that many of China's important trading partners are located in Asia. For example, our trade with India has topped 150 billion USD. The growth of China's economic contributed to more than 20% to grow world economy last year, and I believe the figure for the growth of Asian economy is even higher.
In the face of international financial crisis, I believe its important for China and other Asian countries to be more creative and take more pioneer steps so that our Asian economy will be one of the first to walk out from the shadow cast by the financial crisis.
To be more specific, we'll continue to promote 10+l and 10+3 cooperation. We'll pursue the multi-lateralization of the Chiang Mai Initiative, establish the Asian Capital market and put in place the 10+3 foreign exchange reserves pooling. We'll also promote our cooperation with countries in the sub-region in the Mekong River and enhance cooperation with the Southern Alliance member states.
In addition to our strong business ties, China and Asian countries share a long history of friendly exchanges, our relations are solidly based. Making friends is about treating each other with every sincerity, as an old phrase reads/saying goes that cooperation driven solely by profits will soon end when there is no profit to gain. Our relations with other Asian countries are much more than just mutually beneficial cooperation in the economic and trade fields. Our relationship is a friendship of shared principles and integrity, I have confidence that there will be an even better future for Asia.
In the light of the current international financial crisis, what are the prospects of China-Africa relations? And anther question, how could China be more engaged in solving some African conflicts? Meaning Sahara in North Africa and Darfur in east Africa.
China and African countries enjoy traditional friendship and cooperation between the two sides has been raised to a new level. In 2000, the summit of China-Africa Cooperation Forum was held in Beijing, on behalf of the Chinese government, President Hu announced 8 major policy measures supporting the development in African countries, good progress is being made in the implementation of some of these measures and some of these measures have already been completed.
We highly appreciated the tremendous support from our African friends and brothers on Taiwan, on Tibet, and on hosting the Beijing Olympic Games and in our fight against natural disasters.
Some leaders from some African countries told the Chinese leaders that our countries are too poor that we have nothing to give you. All we can give you is sincere heart.
We are deeply touched by this. We are very close brothers and friends. Not long ago, President Hu made a trip to some African countries, during the trip, he made it clear that China will continue to support African development and support a greater say and representation of African countries and the African Continent as a whole in international and regional affairs.
I'd like to say that China will not develop relations based on whether a country is wealthy or poor. Nor is China a country that only pursues relations with the country because that country is rich in oil. You can ask some African countries without rich oil or gas reserves whether they have a better impression of China or other countries.
Our energy and resource cooperation with African countries is based on mutual benefit. It has been 100s of years since our African brothers and friends cherished the dream of translating their potentials into real strength. Should someone still advice them to wait? And do you think such an advice is a moral one? Are they in the position to provide such advice? Our cooperation with Africa is based on mutual benefit; we'll continue to pursue such mutually benefit and win-win cooperation. Besides, China is not the only big emerging country that is developing cooperation with Africa, there are many other emerging big countries having similar cooperation and how would you explain that?
On the issue of Sub-Sahara, I hope that the relevant parties will engage in dialogue and consultation for proper resolution.
On the issue of Darfur, our position has always been to promote a dialogue and peace talks. We hope to see continued progress in both peacekeeping operations and the political process in Darfur.
We'll continue to support the role of the tripartite mechanism involving the AU, UN, the Sudanese government as the main channel. We have provided assistance to people in Sudan and people in Darfur. We have provided people in Darfur with aid goods worth 140 million RMB. We've also made donations to the AU mission in Sudan and UN Trust Fund, our companies in Sudan have helped sink wells or provide equipment to local schools in Darfur. In addition, China is among the first to send a multifunctional contingent of engineering soldiers to Darfur.
We hope to see an early resolution of the Darfur issue, and we hope that all relevant parties will do things to facilitate this, not the opposite.
We know that successive foreign ministers of the PRC have all faithfully discharged their duties as Foreign Minister, and also won the applause from the international community with their personal charm and appeal. I'd like to ask that what has struck you most in your interaction with foreign counterparts and if you can share with us your diplomatic vision particularly under the current difficult circumstances?
Actually, there are many unforgettable things since I became China's foreign minister more than a year ago. I feel very happy that I have this opportunity to serve my country. I think one important feature of China's diplomacy now is that diplomacy is closely tied with development. Our diplomacy must serve China's economic development and social progress.
You know the central task of our country is to develop the economy. Now China's diplomacy is more than just fostering a favorable external environment for China's economic development at home. In many occasions and under many circumstances, we need to directly serve China's economic development. By directly, what I mean is we must pay very close attention to all major cooperation projects and major issues in the business relations between China and other countries and offer our advice and suggestions.
Every time I encounter an issue, it will set off a chain effect in my mind. Whenever I encounter an international issue, the first thing that came to my mind is that what impact will it have on Chinese domestic development? Is it positive one or is it negative one? How should the Chinese Foreign Minister and its overseas diplomatic missions react to it?
For things that are taking place at home, we should consider how to make the best of the overseas impact of such things taking place at home.
Seem that we should be receptive to all sources of information and knowledge and always keep the big picture in mind.
In the past one year and more, I do have had a lot of contacts with my foreign counterparts. I should say that there was a lot that I can learn from them. One thing I found they do share is that besides their focus on diplomatic work, they also have their own hobbits.
For instance, some foreign ministers told me when I just became Chinese Foreign Minister that they have been relying on their tennis rackets all through the years of being foreign ministers to keep them fit and having enough energy. Well, you know that I like playing table tennis and a couple of days ago, I won a few games in my match with a player that is supposed to be better than me. So I'm in very good spirit today.
Frankly, I'm a person who wants to win and I don't accept defeat that easily. I think it will help me in doing diplomatic work. At the same time, I know that I have to have an objective judgment of the situation always.
Diplomacy in today's world should not be a zero-sum game. It should be one of mutual benefit. In pursuing Chinese diplomacy, we always follow the fine tradition of the Chinese nation, that is, to pursue harmony, cooperation and mutual benefit. Our vision is to put people first and doing diplomacy for the people, Guided by this vision, we should always work hard to defend the fundamental interests of the Chinese people and people of the world.
Thank you all.