China-Africa Youth Gala 2016 closes successfully in Guangdong

The 4th Round-Table Summit of the No. 185 Global CEO Council Held in Beijing Interview with Gu Kaijie Indian September 2016 Ambassador to China Fuzhou Enters International View A Lifetime of Belief Bridges East and West Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend the 15th anniversary ceremony of the signing of 2001 Sino-Russian Treaty of Friendship.

Vice President Li Yuanchao meets Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. President Xi Jinping gives a speech at China-Poland Forum on Local Cooperation.

Zhang Ping, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, meets former president of Cape Verde, Pedro Verona Rodrigues Pires. Contents FOCUS Express News 04 President Li Xiaolin Meets with British Ambassador to China / Wang Fan 04 Vice-President Xie Yuan meets with Apple’s Vice-President Ge Jun /Jiang

Yingshan

05 Vice-President Hu Sishe attends the opening ceremony of the 5th Beijing

Cup International Schools Football Tournament / Sun Yutian

05 Vice-President Lin Yi Attends “China Arab Friendship Youth Ambassadors

0407 Program 2016 ”/ Gong Xu 06 Vice-President Song Jingwu meets with CLAIR President OKAMOTO

TAMOTSU / Fu Bo

06 The 2016 China (Chengdu)-US Sister Cities Youth Debate Challenge comes

to a successful end / Hu Yang

The 4th Round-Table Summit of the Global 1722 CEO Council

07 The 4th Round-Table Summit of the Global CEO Council held in Beijing /

Research Center for People-to-People Diplomacy of the CPAFFC

08 Impressions of the Global CEO Council / Liu Lang

09 Global CEO Council’s first rendezvous with AIIB/ Wang Hefei

12 CEO VOICES/ Research Center for People-to-People Diplomacy of the CPAFFC

3020 13 Rainbow Bridge in Zun Yi / Liu Lang

14 International students’ visit to Zunyi with RainbowBridge Project / Jia Jipan

Joint Commemoration in Fuzhou

15 Tang Xianzu and Shakespeare, giants of Eastern and Western culture

/Zou Yuanjiang

3925

2 NO.185 September 2016

China-Africa Youth Gala 2016 closes successfully in Guangdong 17 300 photographers focus on seeking “Mr Tang” in Le’an County /Fan Qiang

18 A work from Tang Xianzu’s hometown /Ming Hua

19 Fuzhou enters into international view/ Ning Huang

Interview

Interview with India’s Ambassador to China / The 4th Round-Table Summit of the 22 Staff reporter No. 185 Global CEO Council Held in Beijing Interview with Gu Kaijie Indian September 2016 Ambassador to China Fuzhou Enters International View A Lifetime of Belief Bridges East and West Cultural Exchanges Published in Chinese and English 24 A lifetime of belief bridges East and West /Zhou Wei

27 Foreign faces in “Thunderstorm”/Tang Mingxin

30 A grand theater of China-UK Youth Drama Exchange /Hao Xiaosong Front Cover: Joint commemoration of Tang Xianzu, William 33 China steadfastly safeguards peace and stability in the South China Sea /Wu Sike Shakespeare and Cervantes is scheduled for Sept 24, 2016 in 38 G20: China’s part in global economic growth /He Yafei Fuzhou city of Jiangxi Province.

View

42 Story of an old friend /Du Wentang

44 Pierrette Djouassa, president of the Gabon-China Friendship Association /Fang Ying Sponsored and published by the Chinese People’s Association for 46 Deepen traditional friendship between China and Montenegro and promote the Friendship with Foreign Countries building of “One Belt, One Road” /Sichuan People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Editor-in-Chief: Ji Wei

48 Memory of Japanese visit 50 years ago still fresh /Wu Ruijun Address: 1 Taijichang St., Beijing, 100740, China 52 Proposal for a Coordinated International Institute on Friendshipology /Billy Lee

55 China-Pakistan relations enter golden era Fax: (010) 65122782 E-mail: [email protected] 56 Accordion wind is blowing /Qian Guangjian http://www.cpaffc.org.cn A better South China Sea /Cai Baishan 58 http://www.qikan.com ISSN 1000-9582 CN11-1234/D

3 Express News

President Li Xiaolin Meets with British Ambassador to China Wang Fan

n 28th July, President Li Xiaolin of the Chinese People’s O Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries met with Ms Barbara Woodward, British Ambassador to China in the ambassador’s residence. The two sides have extensively exchanged views on the Second China-UK Regional Leaders Meeting, the two countries’ all-dimensional exchanges and cooperation and hotspot issues of common concern. President Li thanked the British Embassy in China for its support to the CPAFFC. She is ready to work with the UK to promote mutual understanding and mutual learning and deliver more practical coopera- tion results in all sectors.

Vice-President Xie Yuan Meets with Apple’s Vice-President Ge Jun

Jiang Yingshan

ice-President Xie Yuan met with Vice-President Ge Jun of V Apple Inc. on Aug 9. He introduced some of the organization’s brand projects, saying that both China and the United States should enhance cooperation based on mutual trust. He expressed hope that Apple would continue its contribution to supporting China’s development, environmental protection and the philanthropy cause. Ge Jun said that Apple attached great importance to its development in China. As a people-oriented corporation, Apple has been practicing zero emissions in all its production facilities as well as those of its suppliers. The company is looking forward to enhancing its cooperation and exchanges with the CPAFFC. Apple will play a more important role in environmental protection, culture, education and the philanthropy cause in order to promote China-US people-to-people diplomacy.

4 Voice of Friendship No. 185 September 2016

Vice-President Hu Sishe Attends the Opening Ceremony of the 5th Beijing Cup International Schools Football Tournament Sun Yutian

he 5th Beijing Cup International Schools Football Tournament T kicked off in Beijing on the morning of Aug 15. CPAFFC Vice- President Hu Sishe and Zhang Yanjun, a full-time vice-president of the Chinese Middle School Sports Association, attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches. Hu said in his speech that sports — the bridge between nations — offer an important platform to facilitate cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Football, in particular, is popular among people across the world, especially teenagers for its unique charms. By hosting this tour- nament, we aim to promote the development of teenage football and boost understanding and friendship among teenagers from different countries. Vice-President Lin Yi Attends “China Arab Friendship Youth Ambassadors Program 2016” Gong Xu

he opening ceremony of “China Arab Friendship Youth Ambassadors T Program 2016” was held in Beijing on July 20. Lin Yi, vice-president of CPAFFC; Mona Saad, chief coordinator of Arab China Friendship Association Federation; and youth representatives from eight countries, were present. After the opening, the Chinese and Arab youths had a friendship dialogue on subjects of mutual concern. Around 50 youths from Palestine, Lebanon, Sudan, Algeria, Oman, Libya, Morocco and Egypt attended the activities. The one-week program commemorates the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Arab, and to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese and Arab countries’ younger generation.

5 Express News

Vice-President Song Jingwu Meets with CLAIR President Okamoto Tamotsu

Fu Bo

ice-President Song Jingwu met in Tokyo with Mr. Okamoto V Tamotsu, president of Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) on Aug 6, and said that although the bilateral relations still suffer from a sensitive and complex situation, exchanges between the two countries are still increasing. Song noted that Japan was the first country to establish friendship city relations with China. He expressed the hope that CLAIR could develop its advantages and work together with China to further promote pragmatic cooperation and youth exchanges.

The 2016 China (Chengdu)-US Sister Cities Youth Debate Challenge Comes to a Successful End Hu Yang

Between June 4 and 5, six teams recommended by Chengdu’s international sister cities and friendly and cooperative cities — Phoenix, Honolulu, Louisville and San Francisco in the US — and 10 Chinese teams who finished in the top 10 in the Chengdu qualification match held debates on whether eletronic reading will completely replace print reading. The participants fully demonstrated their the linguistic and thinking competence as well as the vigor and vitality of Chinese and American youths. The 2016 China (Chengdu)-US Sister Cities Youth Debate Challenge, was co-hosted by Chengdu and its sister cities in the US. Cui Tiankai, Chinese Ambassador to the US, sent a congratulatory letter to the event organizers. Raymond Greene III, US Consul General in Chengdu, made a visit to the debate venue himself, where he watched the debate and conveyed best wishes from US Ambassador to China Max Baucus.

6 The 4th Round-Table Summit of the Global

The 4th Round-Table Summit of the Global CEO Council Held in Beijing

Research Center for People-to-People Diplomacy of the CPAFFC

remier Li Keqiang met with 15 P CEOs from 15 world-leading companies at the 4th Round-Table Summit of the Global CEO Council, initiated and hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and held at the Great Hall of the People on June 7. The CEOs expressed their views and offered suggestions on innovation- driven growth in China, green devel- opment, the Belt and Road Initiative and other issues, based on the theme set for the round-table summit — “The 13th Five-Year Plan: Opportunities and Challenges to Multinational Corpora- tions”. The summit posed this question: After more than 30 years Premier Li Keqiang meets world-leading CEOs of rapid growth, how should China steadily and effectively deal with the problems, confusions, challenges a comprehensively well-off society. said. China’s economy is undergoing and opportunities in an international Li noted that the current recovery transformation and upgrading, with economic environment that is complex of the world economy is weak, and the service industry and domestic and unpredictable? international trade growth is slowing. spending contributing more than half The year 2016 marks the China’s economy is also facing many of economic growth. The potential of beginning of China’s 13th Five-Year difficulties and challenges. But hopeful the communication, health services, Plan (2016-20), which aims at building prospects outweigh the difficulties, he sports and other new consumer

7 The 4th Round-Table Summit of the Global

markets is tremendous, Li said, and provides new market opportunities for both domestic and international Impressions of the Global investors. Li stressed that, as the largest developing country in the world, China CEO Council has huge development space, as well as market potential, and China’s door to the world will be opened even wider. Liu Lang China is willing to share development opportunities with companies and investors all over the globe, so as to achieve mutual benefits and win-win fter long flights, 15 members of Rajeer Suri, president and CEO results. the Global CEO Council arrived of Nokia, commented: “There is no The CEOs were unanimous in A in Beijing from all over the world on comparable country like China whose expressing their belief that the oppor- the morning of June 7. Later in the national leader could arrange his very tunities presented by China’s economic day, they would have a face-to-face busy schedule every year to meet development outweigh the challenges. dialogue with Premier Li Keqiang and directly exchange views with The country continues to be a hot spot on the theme “13th Five-Year Plan: executives of multinational companies. for investment. Multinational corpo- Opportunities and Challenges to This truly indicates the openness and rations want to participate in China’s Multinational Companies” – which confidence of China.” innovation and green development for was set for the council’s fourth Upon arrival in Beijing, the win-win results, the CEOs agreed. Round-Table Summit. CEOs gathered on the top floor of It has never been easy to coor- the Grand Hotel Beijing. Looking at About Global CEO Council dinate time between Chinese leaders the axis line of the Forbidden City on and so many CEOs from world-leading the open terrace, they could feel the The Round-Table Summit of the corporations. In fact, the date for the pulse of an ancient yet modern and Global CEO Council has been held an- summit had been changed three times, dynamic China. The reception staff nually since its founding in 2013 by and was finally confirmed just two days was particularly careful in arranging the Chinese People’s Association for before. All of them welcomed the op- the working lunch. They decorated Friendship with Foreign Countries. portunity to meet the Chinese premier. the dining tables with some Chinese The council consists of 15 CEOs from Hamid R. Moghadam, chairman displays, including small figurines of important industries leading the world and CEO of Prologis, who has monks—some of them with closed economy. Its aim is to make friends participated the summit four times, eyes and peaceful smiles, some in kung and promote cooperation for peace and said, “I always plan ahead each year for fu postures—along with small bamboo development. Premier Li Keqiang has the summit and certainly understand slips with snippets of writing from met and exchanged views with mem- the possible changes. It is extremely traditional Chinese classics, including bers of the council for four consecutive important to exchange views with the the Analects of Confucius and The Art years. Chinese premier.” of War by Sun Tzu. Stylish purple clay

8 Voice of Friendship No. 185 September 2016

teapots added charm. The magic of the delicate and agreeable Chinese decorations immediately caught the imagination of the CEOs and turned this group Global CEO Council’s First of global wealth managers into big kids. They reveled in their Rendezvous with AIIB personal favorites, playing with the decorations in their hands. The table arrangements—which served in their own way as ambassadors of Chinese culture—vividly told Chinese stories Wang Hefei that will travel with the CEOs to their homes. Aside from enjoying Chinese culture at the luncheon, the CEOs also polished their speeches. Everyone hoped to express views to the Chinese premier in the most accurate words ifteen CEOs from world-famous dominated by China and would threaten possible in limited time. F companies connected with the existing multinational development June 7 also happened to be the Asian Infrastructure Investment banks. first day of China’s national college Bank on June 7, through an exclusive “It is understandable that entrance examination, or gaokao, and dialogue with the bank’s president, Jin misunderstandings and controversies traffic was heavy along Chang’an Liqun. It was a key moment at the 4th arise when a big nation like China Boulevard. The CEOs traveled in heavy Round-Table Summit of the Global initiates such an international traffic from the Grand Hotel Beijing CEO Council in Beijing. The group organization,” Jin said. “However, it to the Asia Infrastructure Investment was formed to find out more about is necessary to reiterate that China’s Bank and then to the Great Hall of the cooperation opportunities in China. intention in setting up the AIIB is to People. have the international community When they arrived at the Great China Track begins. come together to push for regional and Hall, Premier Li Keqiang warmly global integration, and to contribute welcomed them, shook hands with “AIIB was initiated by China, but it to regional connectivity through each and stood for a group picture. is not a Chinese bank, and it does not infrastructure investment, thereby Li responded to the well-prepared serve only China’s interests.” reducing poverty and facilitating speeches in an insightful and strategic peace and prosperity across the whole manner. After an hour of dialogue, the When the idea of setting up a world.” CEOs had a clear picture of the 13th new bank was proposed by Chinese With regard to the relationship Five-Year Plan and full confidence in leadership, it was immediately of AIIB and other multinational their business prospects in China. questioned by those who worried that development banks, Jin said that, just AIIB would be a unilateral organization as AIIB has no intention to upend the

9 The 4th Round-Table Summit of the Global

CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin and bank’s President Jin Liqun with 15 world CEOs international financial order, it also Bank for Reconstruction and Dushanbe-Uzbekistan border road doesn’t want to threaten other banks. Development to co-finance projects.” improvement. AIIB will be run at the highest standard How does AIIB determine in a responsible manner, Jin said. whether a project is within its “AIIB will operate in accordance “Many European countries have investment range? Asked that question with the best international practices, chosen to join AIIB, with 30 more from Klaus Kleinfeld, chairman and and will try to broaden the definition countries in the process of applying,” CEO of Alcoa, Jin first reviewed the of infrastructure.” Jin said. “They would not have made experience of China and many Asian such a commitment if they were not countries in which the economy comfortable with how AIIB operates.” AIIB invests in a wide range benefited from infrastructure He added: “From the very of projects. Recently, its board of development. He explained that outset, AIIB has been trying to learn directors approved four projects, best practices can be found in the from other MDBs and build up including Bangladesh’s upgrading and experience of those developing long-term partnerships. Recently, expansion of its electricity distribution countries since World War II, and AIIB has signed memorandums system, Indonesia’s national slum- that’s the reason for establishing an of understanding with the Asian revamping project, Pakistan’s national organization dedicated to infrastructure Development Bank and the European highway construction and Tajikistan’s investment.

10 Voice of Friendship No. 185 September 2016

AIIB’s business covers infrastructure a dialogue and to exchange our the policies it has announced. and other production sectors. thinking,” he said, noting that the “My answer,” Jin said, “is a AIIB has a global procurement policy, definite yes, but I am not anxious to meaning it can work with any company convince you right now. Five months “By other production sectors, in the world regardless whether its into operation is too short a time to be we mean all production sectors— home country is a member of AIIB convincing. healthcare, education, environmental or not. In the future, he said, “we “Let me tell you, the youngest engineering,” Jin said. The CEOs should forge a community of common member in this MDB family is robust, appeared to be largely in agreement. destiny” mindset, sharing development healthy and time will be the best Jin went on to say that the AIIB has opportunities and creating a better answer to those queries.” the courage to explore all possibilities future together. China Track was coming to to develop the economy and achieve Group Chief Executive Bill an end. Fifteen CEOs had received social benefits, and it will try to design Winters of Standard Chartered PLC, firsthand, comprehensive information projects in an innovative way in the the largest foreign bank in Asia, Africa about the AIIB, as well as about future future. This means multi-national and the Middle East, raised a question cooperation opportunities, and five companies will have more opportunities on the private sector’s involvement in companies immediately expressed their to cooperate with AIIB. AIIB. Jin responded that the AIIB is willingness to collaborate. Talking about whether the AIIB open to all possibilities, though it tends, The CEOs soon departed for has geographical restrictions, Jean- at the current stage, to favor projects the Great Hall of the People. They Pascal Tricoire, chairman and CEO of guaranteed by sovereign credit, since were looking forward to their fourth Schneider Electric, asked whether the the current short-term goal is to strive in-depth dialogue with Premier Li immediate beneficiaries of the Belt and for high ratings from the three largest Keqiang on the Chinese and world Road Initiative are mainly those along international rating agencies. In the economy. the routes. Jin said the European Bank future, however, it will try to accept for Reconstruction and Development more private projects and others not provides a lesson. It suffered a About China Track guaranteed by sovereign credit. bottleneck after 15 years of operation During the annual Round-Table because of its narrow coverage area, Summit of the Global CEO Council, he said, adding that AIIB will not only “AIIB will not be a shooting star but China Track is held to help business cover emerging markets that join the a brilliant and dazzling fixture in leaders, who play critical roles in world bank but also welcome all nations’ the universe. It will not vanish in the economic development, to understand projects, so long as they are beneficial dark sky.” Chinese culture, history, political and to Asian development. When AIIB was founded, it social systems and Chinese leaders’ “If we combine efforts, we will was frequently questioned about its concepts and strategies for governing make a difference in the world.” governance, Jin said. Will this bank the country. It is also a forum to Jin said the AIIB hopes to be dominated by China? Will it fit into discuss paths and methods for win- leverage every CEO’s knowledge and the MDB family? All those questions win cooperation. The Global CEO experience, and wants to cooperate are quieting down, he said, but some Council’s “Close Encounter with AIIB” with them in the future. people are still unsure that AIIB will is the second lecture of the China Track “This meeting is a wonderful honor its promises and implement all series. opportunity for us to have such

11 The 4th Round-Table Summit of the Global

CEO VOICES

Research Center for People-to-People Diplomacy

Frans van Houten, chairman and CEO, Royal Philips China is now the second-largest market and a home market, like the Netherlands, for Philips globally, becoming a key innovation and operation center for Philips value creation. China’s population is deeply passionate about sports and the culture around it. Dr Dieter Zetsche, chairman, Led by mobile, Chinese consumers Daimler AG are among the most connected in China has been playing an the world. With high expectations important role in developing the world for premium personal products and economy. In the first quarter of this services, their demand for innovation year, China’s economy maintained plays right into Nike’s strengths. Our a steady growth rate of 6.7 percent, digital platform is doing quite well which is quite remarkable. I firmly Andrew Mackengie, CEO, BHP in China, and consumers are voting believe that the Chinese government Billiton every day. We continue to lead as the will continue to drive the economy China is one country, one time region’s most coveted sports brand. We onto a track of healthy growth through zone, one race, one party, and their see significantly more opportunity still restructuring, so as to continuously degree of cohesion because of that ahead over the longterm. improve people’s well-being. has allowed them—ever since Deng Xiaoping decided they were going to catch up—to get there.

Mark Parker, chairman and CEO, Nike Inc. Nike sees strong momentum in China and very healthy long-term growth in this important market.

12 Voice of Friendship No. 185 September 2016

Matthias Muller, CEO, Volkswagen AG China has become the second hometown of Volkswagen AG. Rainbow Bridge in Zun Yi

Liu Lang

A thank-you letter from the students “It was an unforgettable experience Merlin Swire, CEO, Swire Group of Zunyi Houshan Ethnic Primary for them to walk into the auditorium Swire is proud to have operated in School of the National CPPCC. After giving China for 150 years, and we believe their stage performance. Impressions that our long-term outlook and focus of Rainbow Bridge, they expressed On June 12, Ms Xu Ni, headmaster on quality will enable us to flourish in their excitement and appreciation in the of Zunyi Houshan Ethnic Primary this dynamic market. We are confident letter: School, shared her students’ letter of in China’s future. thanks during the Rainbow Bridge ceremony in Zunyi, Guizhou province. “It was our first time to come to “It was the first time for our Beijing; our first time to wear jackets students who were born and grew that could only be seen on TV; our first up in mountains to leave home for time to taste the smooth chocolates, Beijing on Jan 23, 2016,” she said. which again could only be imagined

Hamid R. Moghadam, Chairman and CEO, Prologis Prologis is optimistic on the future of China’s economy. Its long-term, sta- ble and healthy development trend will not change. We have full confidence in China’s economic growth. The Belt and Road Initiative makes our business development in China once again meet the opportunity.

13 The 4th Round-Table Summit of the Global

from TV. Indeed, thank you very much, Rainbow Bridge Project, for offering us so many first times!” International Students’ Visit

Creative leadership inspired by to Zunyi with Rainbow LEGO Serious Play Bridge Project Sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank, a program called “Training Jia Jipan County Mayors for Creative Leader- Zunyi in the eyes of awed by its beautiful landscapes and ship” was held from June 14 to June commented on the stunning views. 17 in Zunyi, attracting 40 local county international students When visiting the Museum of the mayors. Mr Wang Ligen, chief trainer Zunyi Conference, Feuba Hermann for LEGO Serious Play, led the may- “Study Abroad in China: Findings from Cameroon paid his respects at ors to think out of the box and break and Thoughts”, a project based on the Premier Zhou Enlai’s former resi- boundaries through interlocking LEGO Golden Key Project, was carried out dence. Zunyi Conference, held on Jan blocks. After this fun and unusual train- in May and June. Fourteen students 15, 1935 in the Guizhou city, was a from foreign countries were invited to ing experience, the mayors all felt they milestone meeting in the history of the visit poor rural areas covered by the had a better understanding of innova- Communist Party of China. CPAFFC’s Rainbow Bridge Project, tion for county planning. “Premier Zhou was admired by Af- which is designed to give international ricans, and we all still remember his businesses a link to rural China. Upon visit to 10 African countries during his About the Rainbow Bridge Project landing in Zunyi, the students were

The Rainbow Bridge Project, cre- ated by the CPAFFC in 2012, is a char- ity program to connect less-developed rural areas of China with multinational corporations. Over the last four years, the project has reached to 88 counties in Hubei, Shaanxi, Gansu, Jiangxi and Guizhou provinces. More than 60 For- tune Global 500 companies have taken part in about 60 sub-projects, includ- ing child and senior care programs, libraries, computer programming labs, an English teacher training program, a rural youth leadership training program and more. Some 300,000 people imme- diately benefited from the project. Foreign students studying in Zunyi

14 Joint commemoration of Tang Xianzu, William Shakespeare and Cervantes trip,” Hermann said. Tang Xianzu and A get-together of international students and local trainees Shakespeare: Cultural Alexandra Pappa from Greece, who has been in love with Chinese Giants of East and West martial arts since childhood, performed an eight-part exercise for Chinese train- Professor Zou Yuanjiang ees during the party. She joked that “We Wuhan University Greeks thought every Chinese would be good at martial arts, which turns out n the early years of the last century, the Asian humanistic enlightenment. to be not so true. When I came to Chi- I Aoki Masaru, a Japanese drama Their artistic charm make them “belong na, I found that not so many Chinese history expert, for the first time not to an era but to all centuries”, the know how to do it at all.” compared Tang Xianzu and William poet Ben Jonson said. Shakespeare from an international The footsteps of both Tang and International students at Disney perspective. Tang was born in 1550, 14 Shakespeare are tinged with the “social English Training Classroom years before Shakespeare, but they died throes caused by the collapse of old International students vividly pre- in the same year, 1616. Masaru notes in beliefs and the immaturity of new sented their own countries in English to his History of Chinese Modern Drama: ideas”. Through the delay of Hamlet’s local English teachers during the train- “They both were drama giants, revenge, Tang’s confusion about ing session. They had a lively and fun born in the same historical period. Confucianism’s call to “cultivate one’s time together. What a coincidence! Tang was famous moral character” and the Taoist concept In a short time, international stu- not only for his great achievements in of the “spiritual tour”, we can see the dents fell in love with Zunyi and the lo- dramatic, but also for his commendable sublime tragedy that transcends the cal people. personality and integrity, which is limitations of their own era. Tang and reflected in his drama works. And that’s Shakespeare are both advocates of new why Chinese people love his works so ideas and rationalism and creators of a About the Golden Key Project much.” new humanistic spirit. By chanting “the Initiated in 2015, the Golden Key Indeed, Shakespeare and Tang beauty of the world” and “love above Project aims to help foreign friends were both great men of their era, a time everything”, the two giants ushered in a gain a deep understanding of the Chi- during which “humanity experienced tidal change in thought toward modern nese political system, social system, the greatest progressive revolution”. times. history and culture, as well as eco- And as Friedrich Engels said, “It’s Both Tang and Shakespeare nomic development, via in-depth visits, an era that needs giants and creates were enthusiastic in highlighting studies, field trips, discussions and ex- giants who have great thinking and human emotions. They both believed changes. By doing so, foreign friends personality and who are passionate, what German philosopher and can develop a better understanding of a versatile, and knowledgeable.” anthropologist Ludwig Feuerbach real, comprehensive, open, developing Tang and Shakespeare both (1804-1872) would summarize three and friendly China. And through them, sang praises to the dignity, value and centuries later: “A body without spirit the stories of the Chinese Dream can be strength of humanity, becoming the is animal; a spirit without flesh is God. told to the world. soul of the Western Renaissance and It takes both spirit and flesh to become

15 Joint commemoration of Tang Xianzu, William Shakespeare and Cervantes

and The Rape of Lucerne but also many lyrical poems. His 154 sonnets are still popular today. Tang, from the first five- character poem he wrote when has was only 12, to the last one penned a day before his death at the age of 67, had written more than 2,730 poems over 55 years, not including more than 30 odes. We can see that Tang and Shakespeare perceived the world—and their lives— with poetic wisdom, creating a poetic The CPAFFC and a municipal delegation from Fuzhou takes way of life. part in the parade marking the 400th anniversary of the death Drawing on the literary of Shakespeare achievements of previous dynasties, human.” In the mid-Ming Dynasty, Dream and 30 in The Handan Dream. Tang created his own poetry style. and in a society where profit worship In 1982, Jiangsu province’s His poems are beautifully worded and became fashionable, Tang soberly put Kunqu Opera Theatre staged four rich in meaning. Some of them were forward the idea of “looking at human pieces from The Peony Pavilion, which widely known and have been famous emotions from a different perspective”. lasted for two and a half hours. It through the ages. Shakespeare is also Shakespeare also repeatedly reminded takes more than 20 hours to perform known for his beautiful language and people that “As surfeit is the father all 55 pieces. Note that the Kunqu rich vocabulary. Generally speaking, of much fast, so every scope by the Opera originated in the Yuan Dynasty an educated person can only master a immoderate use turns to restraint.” (1271-1368) and achieved dominance 4,000-word vocabulary. Shakespeare ( Measure for Measure). This around 450 years ago in the Ming used more than 15,000 words in his undoubtedly reveals their pursuit of Dynasty (1368-1644). Back then, the dramatic works. His vocabulary has new rationality. performance often took a day or even become an indispensable part of the Tang and Shakespeare both were several days, and the audience had to English language. And Shakespeare extremely talented dramatists, poets bring enough food to make it to the is, by far, the most quoted writer in and masters of language. Reading end. In Shakespeare’s time, theaters many quotation books. For example, in their works or watching theatrical in London opened at 2 o’clock in the The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations performances will make us exclaim that afternoon, and the performances lasted (1953), Shakespeare takes up 65 pages. they really represent “shining genius in about two and a half or three hours. For It’s clear that both Shakespeare every sense” (Victor Hugo). We even example, Romeo and Juliet has five and Tang were great masters skilled strongly feel that their works of genius acts and 24 scenes. But the length of it at describing human feelings through “infinitely extend our life” (Goethe). is equivalent to only about four pieces beautiful language. “Language is the Shakespeare wrote 37 dramatic of The Peony Pavilion. In this sense, house of Being,” German philosopher works. Tang Xianzu only wrote four — we can say that Tang’s Lingchuan Four Martin Heidegger wrote.Thus, the Linchuan Four Dreams. But each one Dreams is as great a masterwork as house built by Shakespeare and Tang of the four is much longer than any of Shakespeare’s, displaying a very rich through language provides dignity, ho- Shakespeare’s plays. The Peony Pavilion and broad theatrical range. liness, beauty and warmth to existence, has 55 dramatic pieces. There are 53 in Shakespeare wrote not only bringing hope to desperate eyes and joy The Purple Hairpins, 44 in The Nanke narrative poetry like Venus and Adonis to the crying heart.

16 Voice of Friendship No. 185 September 2016

300 Photographers Focus on Seeking “Mr Tang” in Le’an County

Fan Qiang

his year marks the 400th Ancient Villages of Fuzhou photo renowned at home and abroad. It is T anniversary of the death of Tang exhibition, whose theme was “Building an important national cultural relics Xianzu, the iconic dramatist of the Fuzhou into a photography base for protection unit, and is among the first Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and the Chinese traditional village culture”. group of famous Chinese historical 80th anniversary of the heroic Long The group then went to Liukeng village and cultural villages recognized by the March, which gave rise to modern and the Niutian Ancient Camphor government. Since the Five Dynasties China. On July 7, the launching Forest scenic spot to document the (907-960 AD) and Southern Tang ceremony of a commemorative cultural elements of Tang Xianzu. Dynasty (937-975 AD), Liukeng has journey—called the Dream-Seeking To commemorate the Tang Xianzu been famous not only in Jiangxi Journey to Fuzhou—took place in anniversary, Fuzhou organized a series province but also across the country Liukeng, Le’an county, Fuzhou, Jiangxi of activities, including the creation of a for its splendid imperial examinations, province, Tang’s homeland, with the photography collection. The event will numerous officials, political worship, goal of creating a national photography last until October. Afterward, the best economic prosperity, architecture, collection honoring both Tang and the photographs will be recognized. beautiful art and long tradition of Red Army of East Jianxi province. It Fuzhou was home to many large families. It is the epitome of would follow the Army’s footprints celebrities and gifted scholars in China’s feudal patriarchal society in on the desperate march that began in ancient times, such as Wang An-shi, ancient times. In recent years, Fuzhou October 1934 and ended one year later, Tang Xianzu, Zeng Gong, Yan Shu, has steadily increased its efforts to while documenting anniversary events. Yan Jidao and Lu Jiuyuan. There are protect and develop its ancient villages More than 300 photographers and more than 1,000 century-old villages and towns, and actively promote the photography enthusiasts from across and towns within the jurisdiction of development of the cultural tourism the country attended the launch. Fuzhou city. Liukeng village in Le’an industry by spotlighting those places The Fuzhou government and county is an outstanding example, for photographers and other visitors. China Photography newspaper jointly organized the photography collection activities to further dig Tang Xianzu elements out of Fuzhou; to publicize the city’s beautiful ecological environment, profound cultural heritage and inspiring revolutionary history, and to promote the development of Fuzhou’s cultural tourism industry. At the launching ceremony, the photographers took in the Charm of Camphor trees in Ushita (Photo by Zhou Muyang)

17 Joint commemoration of Tang Xianzu, William Shakespeare and Cervantes

A work from TangXianzu’s hometown

The Dialectal Version of Yu Ming Tang in Rehearsal

Ming Hua

o offer a convincing performance “This dialectical version of Yu other ones. The stage design and light- T at the 3rd China (Fuzhou) Tang Ming Tang is a redo of the original, ing were modern. Xianzu Art Festival, the actors and with its own characteristics. It’s quite The play also borrows elements actresses at the Fuzhou City Culture a difficult and challenging job. We from Fuzhou local melodies and Nuo and Art Development Center engaged started rehearsals in May to give the Opera themselves in intense rehearsals of the audience an excellent performance on “Because this play commemo- dialectical version of Yu Ming Tang the 400th anniversary of the death of rates 400 years of the death of Tang, (also known as Linchuan Four Dreams). Tang Xianzu. It’s really hard work for we wanted to highlight the local cul- The adapted version was produced in us. I lost 10 pounds last month.” tural characteristics of Fuzhou,” Zhang Fuzhou, homeland of Chinese literary Zhang Lei, the show’s executive said. “According to experts’ studies, giant Tang Xianzu, to commemorate director, said that this version of Yu the original script of Linchuan Four the 400th anniversary of his death and Ming Tang was performed in an old Dreams was written for Haiyan tone. his contribution to culture. Professor local dialect, Haiyan tone, which com- So we decided to perform it in that dia- Cao Lusheng of Shanghai Theatre bines traditional performing forms with lect. In Tang’s homeland, we wanted Academy wrote the script based on Tang’s life and works. Cao sketched Tang’s life with four dramatic excerpts: The Purple Hairpins, The Revival of Du Liniang for Love, The Nanke Dream and The Handan Dream. The entire show lasted two hours, with more than 30 actors involved in the performance. Actor Li Jinfu, 53, was the eldest. He left the troupe many years ago and was invited to return as the lead actor in The Nanke Dream and The Handan Dream. His performance was more than an hour long and involved many difficult dramatic skills. Stage scene of Tea-leaf Picking Opera “Peony Pavilion” (photo by Wu Li explained the challenge: Shangyuan)

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to perform Tang’s famous work in an authentic way to show our greatest sin- cerity and respect.” Fuzhou Enters An opera version of Yu Ming Tang and a musical titled Tang Xianzu will be performed at the Tang Xianzu International View Art Festival in Fuzhou. At the festival, the University of Leeds will perform The Nanke Dream, adapted from the Ning Huang perspective of 21st century British students. A Spanish Flamenco troupe will perform excerpts from Don uzhou, Jiangxi province—known culture and operas of Fuzhou. Today’s Quixote, the classic work of Miguel de F as the “land of talent” and “home Fuzhou, with its rich natural resources Cervantes. of culture”—is connected with many and profound historical culture, is Early in April, delegations from historical celebrities and well-known beginning to attract the attention of the the Chinese People’s Association for scholars. With its abundant natural world. Friendship with Foreign Countries, the resources, it has also been called by Jiangxi Provincial People’s Association local residents the “granary of Jiangxi for Friendship with Foreign Countries province”, “land of tangerine”, “land of Fuzhou, a brilliant land and the Fuzhou Municipal Government white lotus”, “land of Ma-Chicken” and of traditional Chinese operas went to the United Kingdom to “land of watermelon”. With picturesque commemorate the 400th anniversary of scenery and fresh air, Fuzhou leads the the deaths of Tang Xianzu and William allegedly top 50 “oxygen bar” cities of Culture is both the calling card Shakespeare, and performed excerpts the Chinese mainland. As a historical and the soul of a city. Fuzhou has from The Peony Pavilion in the style “land of talent”, Fuzhou gave birth to the rich cultural soil to foster learned of tea-leaf-picking opera, as well as the profound Linchuan culture. scholars and great works. The poet a Nanfeng Nuo Opera dance and a In December last year, during Tang Xianzu, for example, is an Jinxi hand lion dance at Shakespeare’s their visit to Britain and Spain, a outstanding representative of Linchuan birthplace garden, along with the Tang Fuzhou government delegation signed talent and culture, and his Linchuan Xianzu All Life Exhibition at Stratford agreements to jointly commemorate Four Dreams is a world-renowned Library. the 400th Anniversary of the deaths of masterpiece. The graceful Du Liniang and the literary giants Tang Xianzu, William Fuzhou, which is also known as a elegant Liu Mengmei (the heroine and Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes “land of opera”, is home to a variety of hero of The Peony Pavilion) touched in their birthplaces. Shakespeare folk art forms, including the tea-leaf- the hearts of the foreign audience with was born in Stratford-upon-Avon picking opera (in Haiyan tone dialect), their beautiful singing and exquisite in Warwickshire, United Kingdom; the Nuo Dance and the Meng Opera. dancing. The traditional opera perfor- Cervantes was born in Alcalá de In colleges, high schools and primary mances broke regional and language Henares, Spain. schools in Fuzhou, it’s common to have barriers and received warm applause In April this year, a Fuzhou professional actors teach basic acting and praise from the audience in Shake- delegation paid another visit to Britain skills to stimulate young people’s speare’s hometown. and Spain, taking with it the brilliant interest in traditional Chinese opera

19 Joint commemoration of Tang Xianzu, William Shakespeare and Cervantes

and display the unique charm of the into international view, Fuzhou created audience a fully immersive experience theatrical art of Fuzhou. the International Center for Study of reflective of Tang’s words: “What Fuzhou features many genres of Tang Xianzu, for which it gathered the should I do facing such beautiful opera. With more than 400 years of wisdom of domestic and international scenery, and whose courtyard is this history, the tea-leaf-picking opera is experts. Last April, Fuzhou performed that offers joy and entertainment?” the perfect combination of folk tunes Tang’s classical repertoire and some and colored lanterns with strong local intangible cultural heritage art forms characteristics. Known as the “living on the stages at Shakespeare’s former Aroma of Ink Drifts fossil of ancient Chinese opera tones”, residence, at his daughter’s former Across Land of Talent Guangchang Meng Opera in Haiyan residence and at the University of tone is featured with powerful, loud Leeds. Excerpts from Linchuan Four music and passionate and imaginative Dreams were performed in the forms Since ancient times, Fuzhou performances able to intoxicate an of tea-leaf-picking opera, Yihuang (called Linchuan long ago) has always audience. Yihuang Opera, the first Opera, and Guangchang Meng Opera, been known for its cultural wealth. opera genre to stage Tang’s Linchuan giving the audience a taste of authentic As early as the Tang Dynasty (618- Four Dreams, features distinct Fuzhou traditional culture. Fuzhou also 907), Wang Bo, a famous poet, in his performance styles and exquisite cooperated with the Sunshine Media masterpiece A Tribute to Prince Teng’s tunes. It radiates the brilliant light of Group in creating a resort-style live Tower, expressed his heartfelt love for Chinese Opera history. It originated performance—Dream Seeking in the the city with such words as, “It is also from the NanfengNuo Dance of the Peony Pavilion—in the Menghu Lake like the feast at River Ye where Cao Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD) and is Scenic Area. Rock gardens, courtyards, Zhi composed the poem in praise of the known as the “living fossil of ancient bridges and pavilions served at the lotus flower. Present are many talented Chinese dances” for its primitive dance backdrop for the performance, and scholars who are as gifted as Xie movements. cutting-edge technology was used to Lingyun of Linchuan”. Xie (385-433) In order to bring the study of create the sounds of nature, including was known for his poetry depicting Tang Xianzu and the Linchuan culture wind and bird songs, giving the landscapes. “Linchuan talent” is a proud part of the Linchuan culture. Liuken Village of Le’an is an ancient village dating back 1,000 years. It was home to numerous high-level officials and scholars in ancient times. From the Song Dynasty (960-1279) to the Qing Dynasty (1644- 1911), more than 2,600 candidates from Linchuan (Fuzhou) successfully passed the highest imperial examinations. Since 1949, nine scientists from Fuzhou were elected as academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences or Chinese Academy of Engineering. Celebrities in Fuzhou are Fuzhou municipal delegation takes a photo with mayor of Alcalá, Spain not only numerous but splendid in

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achievement. More than 100 people Celebrity Sculptures Park, there tone that never fades. It is surrounded by from Fuzhou are included in the are life-size statues of 66 historical Dajue Mountain, Magu Mountain and Dictionary of Chinese Celebrities, celebrities from Fuzhou, including Junfeng Mountain, and the Fuhe River including Yan Shu, a Ci writer in Wang Anshi, Tang Xianzu, Zeng Gong runs through it, which gives the city the Northern Song Dynasty (960- and Yan Shu. These sculptures are charm and spirituality. Xihu Lake and 1127); Wang Anshi, the great reform integrated with the squares, trails and Menghu Lake are like mirrors, reflecting leader of the Northern Song Dynasty; gardens, giving visitors a strong feeling the city’s beauty. Riverside Park, Fuhe Zeng Gong, a prose writer, historian, of the profound Linchuan culture. The Botanical Garden, Rushui Forest Park and politician in the Northern Song 49.9-meter-tall Nixian Pavilion by the and Fengggang River Wetland Park Dynasty; Lu Jiuyuan, a new Confucian Fuhe River, together with Yellow Crane form a wide landscape belt. The age- in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127- Tower, Yueyang Tower and Pavilion of old camphor forest near Liukeng 1279); and Tang Xianzu, a dramatist Prince Teng, are called the Four Great village stretches for several kilometers, in the Ming Dynasty. They not only Towers in southern China. Moreover, radiating an intense fragrance. Zixi made outstanding contributions to the the History Memorial Hall, Hall of county, with forest coverage exceeding development of Chinese culture but Fame, Chuihong Pavilion, Sunset 87 percent, is home to 926 species of were praised worldwide. Pavilion, Bell Tower and Drum Tower rare animals and plants. Yiqian town Because of the area’s cultural help reproduce Fuzhou’s Song Dynasty in Guangchang county, located at the heritage and tradition, many in folk customs. Standing on any of these headwaters of the Fuhe River, boasts Fuzhou seem to have a “talent towers, one has a panoramic view of thousands of hectares of lotus, making complex”. There is a social climate of the beautiful river. it the world’s largest lotus lake. The respect for teachers and education in emerald lotus leaves reach as far Fuzhou. Two high schools often create as where water and skies meet, and Fuzhou, a glamorous green city “miracles” during China’s college lotus blossoms bathing in sunshine entrance examinations: Every year, exhibit a distinctive dazzling pink. The 25 percent of the students admitted Fuzhou is often associated with magnificent scenery is unforgettable. to Tsinghua University and Peking green hills, clear water and blue sky. Following the water ecology University, China’s top institutions, Last year, it topped the list of 50 concept, Fuzhou is currently developing from Jiangxi province are from those Chinese mainland “oxygen bar” cities 36 special-feature villages and towns two high schools. In recent years, rated and nominated by a Beijing-based along the Fuhe, fusing tourism Linchuan No 1 High School has unofficial organization, the “Standard development with the environment, produced eight top scorers in the Ranking Research Institute, scoring history and village culture. In the near college entrance exam. high in terms of green coverage, per- future, it will be possible to enjoy the Focusing on integrating cultural capita green area and annual days beautiful lotus lake in a gaily-painted elements into urban construction, of good air quality. The ecological pleasure boat. A visitor could then sail Fuzhou has developed many scenic environment of Fuzhou is envied by downstream to Jinxi to experience spots branded as Linchuan culture— residents of many heavily polluted the woodblock printing of the Song for example, the Celebrity Sculptures cities. With forest coverage of 64.5 and Ming Dynasties in ancient-styled Park, Nixian Pavilion, Dream Garden, percent, and urban green coverage of bookstores, and watch the old movie Tang Xianzu Memorial and Yulong 46.46 percent, Fuzhou is branded as Peony Pavilion before traveling to Longevity Palace—highlighting a national forest city and garden city, Xianie village to watch the whole the charm of the “land of talent and attracting many tourists every year. porcelain-making process at Baihu home of culture”. In the 66.7-hectare In Fuzhou, green is the dominant Kiln.

21 Interview

Interview with Vijay Gokhale Indian Ambassador to China

Staff reporter

VOF: On April 14, 2016, the meeting of BRICS Friendship Cities was held in Mumbai. More than 75 delegates from the BRICS countries attended the opening ceremony. So far, there are 10 pairs of friendship cities (including states in India and provinces in China). Mr Ambassador, may I ask your views on the exchanges between the existing China-India friendship cities? And what is your expectation on the establishment of friendship cities between our two countries in the future?

Vijay Gokhale: The government CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin meets Vijay Gokhale, Indian Ambassador of India attaches high importance to to China developing relations at the subnation- al level. India and China have taken platform for direct exchanges between the last three years. several initiatives in this regard. The our states, provinces and cities. This mechanism has been use- first States/Provincial Leaders’ Forum The sister city/sister province ar- ful in sharing experience in areas such was held in 2015 and was attended by rangement is another important initia- as urban development, infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and tive that we have been encouraging as etc., and also in facilitating contacts at Premier Li Keqiang. It also saw partici- a means to enhance cooperation at the the provincial and municipal levels be- pation from the governors of Chinese local level. As you mentioned, we have tween India and China. There is interest provinces, chief ministers of Indian established two pairs of sister states and from both sides in more such partner- states and mayors of cities from the eight pairs of sister city relations over ships, and we look forward to deepen- two countries. This forum provides a

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ing cooperation in this area. between young people? ism can play a major role in this regard. The “Visit India” year was promoted Vijay Gokhale: We are two large in China in 2015 and the “Visit China” VOF: The China-South Asia neighbors with civilizational linkages year is being promoted in India now. Cultural Forum was founded by spanning centuries. Recognizing that We have also taken steps to facilitate CPAFFC, together with Chinese people-to-people contacts are essential travel by Chinese tourists. For instance, and foreign universities and relevant to further mutual understanding and we have started issuing e-tourist visas research and academic institutions, to provide a social foundation for our to Chinese tourists. In order to promote in commemoration of the 110th partnership, our two countries have an understanding of each other’s coun- anniversary of the birth of Tan decided on several measures, one of tries, which in turn would push tourism Yunshan in 2008. It is a platform for which is the exchange of the 200-mem- forward, we entered into a memoran- cultural and academic exchanges ber youth delegation that you referred dum of understanding on co-production between China and South Asian to. of movies. The first movie, Xuan Zang, countries, aimed at enhancing We greatly value this initiative. I [was released] on April 29. Two more mutual understanding and deepening believe, as future leaders, interactions co-produced movies are in the pipeline. friendship. The 2nd forum was held between the youth will help in promot- We hope that these will provide a win- in New Delhi. The 5th—Exploring ing friendly relations. Our delegations dow into India and Indian culture for Cooperation Across the Himalayas— in the past have included students, Chinese people and encourage more concluded in Chengdu at the end of young scholars, journalists, athletes, travel. 2015. Mr Ambassador, what are your civil servants, etc. Visiting China has expectations for the China-South Asia helped them broaden their understand- VOF: Mr Ambassador, could you Cultural Forum? ing of the country as well as the bi- please talk about your experience and lateral relationship. I am sure China’s the things that attract you in China? Vijay Gokhale: We appreciate delegations traveling to India have had the efforts made by the CPAFFC in similar experiences. Vijay Gokhale: This is my third promoting cultural and academic ties tenure in Beijing. Further, I have been between China and the countries of dealing with China in different capaci- South Asia. We believe that such inter- VOF: 2015 was the Year of Indian ties at the Ministry of External Affairs actions serve to bring our people clos- Tourism in China, while this year, in India also. We admire the economic er and foster mutual understanding. 2016, is the Year of Chinese Tourism development that China has achieved in India. Now, many Chinese over the last 30 years. India-China rela- VOF: The future of friendship people are choosing India as their tions have also developed significantly between our two countries rests with destination, and Indian people also in the past few years. It has been just the youth. China and India have like visiting China. Mr Ambassador, over three months since I took charge decided that from 2015 to 2019 they how can China-India tourism be as India’s ambassador to China. I look will exchange 200 young people each promoted further? forward to a fruitful tenure in China year. Mr Ambassador, to further and to further growth of our bilateral enhance China-India friendship in Vijay Gokhale: I just mentioned relations. the future, how can more favorable the importance we attach to people-to- conditions for exchanges be created people contacts. We believe that tour-

23 Cultural Exchanges

A Lifetime of Belief Bridges East and West

Zhou Wei

Beijing Foreign Studies University

e are seated in the auditorium on stage, I recalled the process of at Beijing Union University. We were W at Beijing Foreign Studies writing and casting with pride and a classmates and good friends at the University on May 28, 2016. sense of fulfillment. Central Academy of Drama, where Holding hands and standing face-to- It all started in October 2015 we pursued our PhD studies. We were face in the spotlight on stage are Isabel when I was asked to write a short play in the process of producing Tea, an and David. “I think we need to pack about David and Isabel Crook, two of American play that I had translated up,” Isabel says. David asks: “For the first international experts to work into Chinese, when I was asked to England?” Isabel replies: “No, for at Beijing Foreign Studies University, write the short play. When I briefed Nanhaishan.” then called the Central Foreign Affairs my friends about the new project, they On hearing these words, the School. I was both excited and nervous showed great interest and were happy audience bursts into applause. Then to be given the task. I considered it a to help. more applause comes when Jia Wenjian, great opportunity to repay my alma The following five months vice-president of the university, mater, BFSU. But I was worried were devoted to interviews of Isabel, presents a bouquet of flowers to the because I was fully aware of the readings about the Crooks’ lives and real Isabel, now 100 years old, who is important role David and Isabel played drafting the play. I conducted several seated in the audience. in shaping this tiny school into what it interviews with Isabel, but the first This was how the play ended. is today. How could I present their rich proved crucial. It took place on the Titled David and Isabel’s Choice, lives in a 20-minute play? morning of Nov 27. Tian and I met it was the final short play of a joint I decided to enlist some help. Isabel and her son, Michael, in her youth drama festival — China-Britain Since the project aimed to promote apartment on BFSU’s West Campus. Meet in Drama — organized by the friendship between Chinese and British Our talk was random and pleasant, Chinese People’s Association for college students, I invited Tian Ran, shifting from the Crooks’ way of Friendship with Foreign Countries, a senior in the university’s English addressing each other at home to the Beijing Foreign Studies University and Department, to work with me. I also student-teacher relationship at the Edinburgh Napier University of the invited Zhang Ying and Wu Yingjie Central Foreign Affairs School, where United Kingdom. to assist in the production of the play. they had started their teaching career. Sitting with the audience and Zhang is an experienced stage designer The focus was on how it happened watching my own play being performed and Wu is a performance art director that the couple were invited by Wang

24 Voice of Friendship No. 185 September 2016

Bingnan, a central government foreign affairs official, to teach at the Central Foreign Affairs School at Nanhaishan. That first interview provided me with a clear picture of the young David and Isabel. I could imagine David as an ambitious journalist and Isabel as a promising scholar in anthropology. Both were firm believers in communism and harbor deep affection for China. They devoted their lives to helping the new China train future diplomats. Between my heavy teaching workload and Tian Ran’s upcoming BA thesis, we somehow managed to finish reading David’s autobiography and David and Isabel Crook in China, a collection of essays written by their Stage photo of David and Isabel’s Choice friends and colleagues. We also read the two books written by the couple about their experience working at Michael and two professors, Zhang we did the first rehearsal in May. Shilidian, or Ten Mile Inn village, in Jian and Mei Renyi. Isabel and Michael Casting turned out to be an Hebei province where they observed offered more historical details—for equally challenging task. I invited the land reform movement led by the instance, how David turned down Zhang Yuexuan, a junior English major Communist Party of China. Liao Chengzhi’s invitation to work at to play Wang Bingnan in January. Based on my research, I quickly Xinhua News Agency. Zhang has some experience as a student wrote an outline for three theatrical Zhang suggested that I focus on actor but lacked experience in playing scenes, with Scene 1 focusing on their Scene 1, and Mei offered more details a man much older than himself. As for decision to stay in China in 1948, on how to characterize the couple, the foreign actors, my plan was simply Scene 2 describing a teachers’ meeting while Zhang Ying and Wu Yingjie to find some international students at and Scene 3 presenting David’s English offered some professional advice on BFSU. This soon proved impractical, class. the structure of the play. Taking their as most of the international students Scene 1 was completed with the suggestions and the time limit for the were from Asian countries. Those from help of Tian in January. It was a draft play into consideration, I revised Scene English-speaking countries are usually script of about 900 words. Since Tian 1 by adding some dramatic conflicts short-term exchange students who only needed to focus on her BA thesis, I and reducing the number of characters stay for one or two months to learn completed Scenes 2 and 3 on my own. to three—David, Isabel and Wang Chinese. Therefore, we decided to put By Feb 6, just before Spring Festival, I Bingnan. The focus became how they off the casting until spring semester. had three scenes ready. accepted Wang’s invitation to work at The ideal requirements were that the After I put them into Draft 1 in the Central Foreign Affairs School. The actor should be British and the actress March, I passed the script to Isabel, script went through 13 revisions before Canadian.

25 Cultural Exchanges

The first round of casting was time. With Roisin in mind, I tried to finding the right actor to play David. not fruitful: No suitable students find an actor who was slightly older I had not yet received a reply from turned up to audition. Thinking our and taller so that together on stage they Abdiel. requirements may have been too strict, would resemble the real David and I decided to make a last-ditch I changed them to any international Isabel. I interviewed several English- attempt to fill the role with an actor from student who can speak good English, speaking students. No one was right BFSU and asked Tian Ran to design regardless of nationality. Inquiries for the role. After the date of the a poster. Just two days later, Abdiel were made at BFSU’s School of performance was finalized on May emailed me saying he was interested in Chinese Language and Culture 28, I became increasingly worried. playing the role. without any results. Then I thought I discussed the problem with Wang We scheduled an appointment on of Beijing Culture and Language Zhanpeng and Ju Dan, two colleagues April 23.This meeting was more like University, where the majority of the who were responsible for the project, a reunion between old friends than an students are international and come to and for awhile we even thought of interview. We happily recalled our first learn Chinese. On May 8, I emailed hiring a professional Chinese actor to meeting in 2010 and our lives after that. Professor Lu Wei, deputy dean of the play David. However, we gave up the Abdiel told me that he was currently university’s Foreign Languages School idea after figuring it would be about working at CCTV. After I explained and a close friend of mine, explaining as difficult to train him to speak fluent the terms in detail, he gladly accepted our requirements for the actors. I got English as to find an English-speaking the role. He also offered to polish the her reply the next day, saying a young actor. language of the play. Irish teacher, Roisin Timmins, seemed I found the right David by a Compared with the initial to meet the requirements for Isabel. stroke of luck. As I was racking my difficulties of writing and casting, Overjoyed at this news, I contacted brain, I received a call on April 7. The rehearsals were exceedingly smooth. Roisin. She called me on March 18, caller introduced himself as Abdiel As a mature Shakespearean actor and we scheduled an interview for the LeRoy and said we had met some and director, Abdiel offered some next day. years ago when he and several English constructive ideas on the acting and Roisin is a beautiful young actors had come to BFSU to present stage movements. Wu Yingjie’s concept woman, over 170 centimeters tall and some scenes from Shakespeare plays. of presenting the play as realism in many ways a perfect match to the I remembered the pleasant show in echoed the content, and Zhang Ying’s young Isabel. Zhang Ying and Wu my class. Abdiel asked me if he could period costumes added a final perfect Yingjie took an immediate liking to her. come again to lecture on a book he had touch. We had a pleasant conversation about just published. As we emailed back and When Isabel and some of her her life in China. When she mentioned forth concerning the venue and time friends saw the technical rehearsal on that her father is a member of the for the lecture, it suddenly occurred May 21, she was delighted. “I saw a Communist Party of Britain, I felt a to me: Why not invite Abdiel to play young and slender Isabel on the stage secret joy surging over me. I could David? and felt much relieved, ” she said. detect echoes of the Crooks in her After I explained the project to The title of the play was revised family values. After I briefly introduced him, he said he would like to read the three times. The original title was Red the Crooks to her and explained the script first. I sent him Draft 9 on April Star, since I had intended to highlight requirements for the actress, Roisin 13. That was just two days before the Crooks’ belief in communism. Af- almost instantly agreed to play the role. our first production meeting. At the ter I passed the script to Zhang Jian, Finding the right David took more meeting, we all felt the urgency of he suggested changing it to David and

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Isabel in China. I used that title until Draft 13. However, both Michael and I thought it was too broad a topic for Foreign Faces in such a short play, which focuses on a single turning point in their lives— specifically why they decided to stay Thunderstorm in China in 1948. Then I suggested we change the title to David and Isabel’s Choice, which would keep the audience Stories of a Delegation from Edinburgh Napier in suspense. That’s the title we used for the final draft, Draft 14. University of UK The dress rehearsal and perfor- mance fell on May 28. Everything went smoothly except that we lost an Wang Fan important property—a glass bottle— for the performance. It was used in the dress rehearsal in the afternoon but was apparently misplaced after someone s Lu Shipping tears up a $5,000 of the performing arts until the Ming removed it from the stage. When Tian check offered by Zhou Puyuan Dynasty (1368-1644). Theater has Ran told me in a panic half an hour be- A and storms off in a huff, the classic many forms, the most common being fore the official performance that she Chinese play Thunderstorm comes to drama, opera, dance drama, musical couldn’t find the bottle, I asked her to a close at the Beijing Foreign Studies play and puppet show. Different immediately buy a new one from the University Auditorium. civilizations have given birth to diverse campus store. Nobody was aware of After playing only two scenes, theatrical forms, including the Western this mishap except Tian and me. the actors—students from Edinburgh drama, Chinese theater arts, Indian This project has proved fruitful Napier University in the United sanskrit drama and the Japanese nō in many ways. It was a learning expe- Kingdom—won enthusiastic applause drama and kabuki. rience for me. I have achieved a pro- for their perfect interpretation. These After the show, with a touch of found understanding of David and Isa- students, together with those from pride and excitement, the students from bel. It was a team effort both on stage Beijing Foreign Studies University, the UK told me about their love of and off. I worked closely with Isabel, had staged a remarkable show as part drama. Michael, Tian Ran, and later Abdiel on of China Meets UK in Drama, a youth Every year, the United Kingdom the script; and Wu Yingjie, Zhang Ying cultural exchange project launched by organizes various art festivals, and Zhang Yuexuan discussed Shake- the Chinese People’s Association for including street shows that stir students’ speare with Abdiel during rehearsal. Friendship with Foreign Countries. interest in drama. Some began learning These friendships formed off-stage are In Chinese, the term “theater” about drama as early as senior high a continuation of the friendship begun is expressed as xiju, a combination of school by taking courses recommended by David and Isabel Crook and further operas from southern China and the by their teachers. They were told evidence of the success of the China plays of northern China. The expression that drama can improve a person’s Meets Britain in Drama project. didn’t find its way into the lexicon communication skills. It requires

27 Cultural Exchanges

the players to study literature, performance, stage design and music. They must act in cooperation with other actors, under the watchful gaze of an audience. Alex Card, the actor who played Zhou Puyuan in Thunderstorm had an even more extraordinary experience in drama. He intended to major in something else in his university studies, but one of his teachers couldn’t bear the thought of Alex’s acting talent going to waste and convinced him to take up drama in college. Four years of education provided a profound understanding: With drama, you can experience different personalities. It consists of stories that distill the essential moments in life and explore intricacies and complex emotions. Drama proves to be a superb form Publicity photo for Thunderstorm of communication, not detached from real life but rather amplifying it. The British program leader, Iain Many cultural elements at deep most Chinese drama was based on Davie, has a deep understanding: levels have been passed on by drama— mythology, so he expected lots of “Drama is life without the boring elements that might otherwise have masks. But he learned through the trivialities,” he said. died off. Andrew Sim, the actor who exchange that Chinese drama is close to However, when asked about their played Zhou Ping, said he had only people’s daily lives. The performances understanding of Chinese drama, the seen Chinese dance drama at the are professional, fluent and accurate in British students seemed somewhat shy, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, said to be detail. even a bit perplexed and embarrassed. the largest arts festival in the world, Gabrielle Kitson, who was born Lisa Robertson, who played the and was impressed by its grand scenes, into a drama family, played the role character Lu Shiping, said that before complex plot and elaborate stagecraft. of Fanyi this time. She found Chinese the exchange program she had only He had thought there were only one drama to be a new experience. She seen pictures of elaborate costumes or two Chinese dramatic styles, not had been told that China had fantastic that reflect a long Chinese tradition. It knowing that there are nearly 100 in opera, but she had never seen any of it. was only after she came to China that traditional operas alone. Unfamiliar with Chinese drama she discovered the amazing, delicate Card said that before he came as they were, the students accepted the texture of Chinese drama. to China he always thought that invitation of the CPAFFC asking them

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to perform two scenes of Thunderstorm an impressive martial arts scene in the doesn’t really happen back home. It for the China Meets UK in Drama opera Stealing the Silver Jar proved to may happen, maybe in a hall, and you section of the China-UK Youth Drama be eye-opening for the British students, have to pay for it. But here, people just Exchange Project. who frequently burst into applause and join in and dance to the music. I really Robertson told me that they cheers. love this kind of community spirit.” were confident because they had In the classroom, the students got Robertson agreed, saying, carefully rehearsed two Shakespearean acquainted quickly. They took pictures “The old buildings on the streets are comedies, Measure for Measure and and exchanged contact information. wonderfully decorated, and you can The Merchant of Venice. But time was Davie noticed that although the see history through them. And there is short. They hurried to research related Chinese and British dramas differ a feeling of peace about the Temple of materials online and found, to their in technique and circumstances, the Heaven that was stunning. I had been great surprise, that Thunderstorm was fundamental thread is the same: They told that China is beautiful, but now I’ve one of the most popular plays in China. both convey people’s emotions and seen it.” They had never heard of it, nor could break lines into small units to express “The architecture really impressed they find any English materials about the feelings intended by the playwright. me,” said Alex Card. “You could see it. In performances, the students would the attention to detail and how well They began to study the scripts meticulously polish the details of every it’s maintained. These buildings are trying to understand the emotions and moment. massive. But every single inch of thoughts of each character, so as to do When the time to go home drew them is handcrafted and beautifully justice to this Chinese home treasure. near, the students were reluctant to expressed. One of the main things Program leader Davie was also pleased part, as if they still wanted to see more I look for when I go to any city with what the play brought to him. He of China’s cultural relics and historical is similarities to Newcastle, my wanted the students to try it. He found sites, try more of its cuisine and learn hometown. And I found similarities that these students, who had never more about its history and culture. here, mainly from the people. I feel so before performed a Chinese drama, Previously, China was only a remote relaxed—like home.” quickly grasped their roles with an geographical concept to them; now it Before leaving, Davie told me understanding rarely seen in his 15 was a place they would always care that Thunderstorm was a great piece of years of teaching. about. drama and an interesting story. It’s also Excited by their first taste Gabrielle Kitson joked: “What are good material to train with, he said. of Chinese drama, they visited we going to eat back home after we’ve After going back to Britain, he said, he the National Academy of Chinese had so many good things here? Our would add it to his course and perhaps Theatre Arts, where they discovered stomachs are spoiled. Before I came, have students perform a full version. connections between Chinese and I thought Beijing was a big city like He also wanted to know about other British forms of drama. In the rehearsal London. But I found that people here good Chinese dramas, so he’d know room, students learning dan (female are warmer and have bigger hearts.” what is worth “stealing” and carrying roles in Chinese Opera) were dancing Andrew Sim expressed similar back to Britain. to a Chinese song called Pusaman. feelings. “I went for a walk one His words amused me. Cultures Students learning Sheng (male roles) evening, and there was a dance become more radiant only when they were carefully performing every motion gathering in a plaza,” he said. “I was learn from one another. So feel free to and facial expression. A military really impressed that it seemed like take Chinese culture back with you, no comedian’s skillful performance and an organized community event. That strings attached.

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A Grand Theater of China-UK Youth Drama Exchange

Hao Xiaosong

he term “drama” originates in Chinese and British students worked students. T ancient Greece, meaning action. together to stage A Midsummer Night’s Early in the morning of the big As a major player in the history of Dream by William Shakespeare and day, there was a busy scene in BFSU’s Western drama, the United Kingdom Thunderstorm by Cao Yu, along with auditorium, under a banner hung high produced many great playwrights, two other newly created dramas. and proclaiming “China Meets UK including William Shakespeare, during Since the launching ceremony in Drama—China-UK Youth Drama the reign of Elizabeth I in the 16th and at the end of 2015, the Chinese and Exchange Project”. Acoustics and 17th centuries. British partners have prepared with lights were being tested; students and Chinese drama consists of both script writing, rehearsals and publicity. staff were making final preparations; traditional and modern forms. The The official performances were photographers were taking snapshots of traditional Chinese Opera has a long staged on May 28. The most eye- the action. history and comes in diverse forms, catching were the Chinese version of Four students and their program with prominent representatives such A Midsummer Night’s Dream using leader, Iain Davie from Edinburgh as Guan Hanqing in the Yuan Dynasty Chinese students and the English Napier University, interacted with (1271-1368) and Tang Xianzu in version of Thunderstorm using British students from BFSU before the the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The modern drama was introduced into China in the 20th century, and a galaxy of playwrights emerged, including Lao She, Xia Yan, Wu Zuguang and Cao Yu. The year 2016 marks the 400th anniversary of the deaths of both William Shakespeare and Tang Xianzu. With the China-UK Youth Exchange Program choosing drama as its second- season activity, the CPAFFC team joined hands with Edinburgh Napier University and Beijing Foreign Studies University to launch an exchange CPAFFC Vice-President Song Jingwu (third from left, first row) and the acting project—China-UK in Drama. The staff

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performance. Davie gave an impressive or queen’s life was like, he must have It was a bold undertaking for lecture on Shakespeare’s plays in which emotions like love, hatred and jealousy, British students to attempt to play he said that the most difficult part for which are shared by mankind in all Thunderstorm. Adjustments were British people was the language itself. times. made. Instead of complex scenes and Shakespeare’s language had seen a At the beginning, the British props, only a chair and a sofa would major transition from the English of students had planned to stage two be on the stage. Without traditional the Middle Ages to Early Modern Shakespearean classics—Measure for Chinese costumes, the British students English, so his use of many words was Measure and The Merchant of Venice. would perform in black suits and long often different from that of today. To But our project was aimed at promoting skirts. faithfully replay Shakespeare’s works, China-UK youth drama exchanges. The students played with great actors must devote a great deal of time Since the Chinese students would confidence, not in the least discouraged to discussing the words and referring stage plays by Shakespeare, we asked by the lack of scenery and dress. My to the dictionary to find out what the British side if they could play a eyes were glued to the characters Shakespeare really meant. Davie added Chinese piece, such as Thunderstorm. Zhou Ping and Fan Yi, who were that an actor must have confidence and It was just two weeks before the final arguing vehemently on stage. Their be connected with the role to be played. performance, and we sent them the performance carried the audience away. In response to a question by English scripts of Act I and Act II Ms Wu Yingjie, director of David and a Chinese student on how one can of Thunderstorm downloaded from Isabel’s Choice, who sat beside me, get “connected” with a story that the internet. Unexpectedly, we got a praised them continually: “Bravo! happened centuries ago if one has positive reply from Iain immediately. That’s it.” The meeting of Zhou Puyuan little knowledge about that time, Iain We were excited at this new and Lu Shiping in Act II was also soul- answered that even though one might development, as it would bring more stirring. Lisa Robertson, the actress not know specifically what a king’s luster to the exchange project. playing Lu, gave vivid expression to Lu’s grievances and outbursts against what she had to endure as a secret lover and housemaid of Zhou for 27 years, as well as to the character’s misery and helplessness. All the audiences were deeply touched. Some called the performance “excellent” and “not merely a scene of bickering but rather of a fierce conflict of emotions”. A storm of applause rose from the audience when the curtain fell. It was the first time for British students to stage Thunderstorm. They had overcome many difficulties in rehearsal, including the poor English script downloaded from the internet. They looked around in haste for a better Stage photo of A Midsummer Night’s Dream version, since the final performance

31 Cultural Exchanges

was drawing near. To everyone’s relief, School of English and International Timmins, who would play Isabel, was the book Thunderstorm in English Studies at BFSU. It tells the story of also an excellent match. The real-life was finally discovered in the National Hans, an old soccer fan, who has cancer Isabel, who was 101 years old, came Library of Scotland. and is confined to bed. He persists in to provide personal guidance during Another difficulty was the coming to the field to cheer for his rehearsals. She thought highly of the pressure of the four students’ coming favorite team and finally witnesses the performance. graduation. They were busy with victory. Alhough these young actors Another key role in the play is various job interviews, as well as were not highly skilled, their sincerity Wang Bingnan, who was president of rehearsals for two other plays. But and naivete touched the audience. CPAFFC from 1975 to 1986. Wang thanks to the strong skills they had David and Isabel’s Choice is persuads the couple to stay in China. developed over years of professional- based upon the real-life story of In order to reconstruct life in China’s level training as performing arts David and Isabel Crook, two of the liberated areas in the 1940s, the crew students, their rich stage experience first international experts to work at was picky about the scene, props and and good teamwork, they were ready in Beijing Foreign Studies University, costumes. Isabel offered the typewriter little more than a week. In their words, then called the Central Foreign Affairs once used by her husband, which was they enjoyed the rehearsing, and it was School. David and Isabel, who had too precious to be used in rehearsals a matter of pride. Program leader Davie been in China for several years helping but showed up in the first performance. found Thunderstorm interesting and to cement the Communist Revolution, Gray uniforms, an old desk, a bookcase was ready to stage the entire play if an were invited by Mr Wang Bingnan, and old-fashioned travel trunks opportunity presented itself. deputy-director of the Central Foreign brought the audience back to Shilidian The BFSU students also made Affairs Office, to stay in China to help village in 1948. When the curtain great effort in rehearsing A Midsummer train diplomats for the newly founded fell, CPAFFC Vice-President Song Night’s Dream, A Promise of Loyalty nation. However, Isabel was about Jingwu and Beijing Foreign Studies and David and Isabel's Choice. to return to England to complete her University’s Party Vice-Secretary Zhao Act II of the Shakespearean PhD courses, while David was an Min presented flowers and gifts to the comedy was staged based on the ambitious journalist. What should they real-life Isabel. The audience burst Chinese edition translated by Ms Shao do? As firm believers in communism into sustained applause in tribute to the Xueping, a teacher at BFSU who and having a deep love for China, the Crooks, who dedicated their lives to the was also the director. Respecting the couple sacrificed their own careers and lofty cause of China’s revolution and traditions of Elizabethan times, the chose to stay. education. characters were all played by men from Casting for this play turned out When the two-and-a-half- different schools of the university. It to be challenging. British nationals hour performance ended, excited was not easy to organize and coordinate were specially invited from Beijing actors and staff posed for group the 24-member crew, the largest of the Language and Culture University and photos. The China-UK Youth Drama project. The humorous performance China Central Television to perform. It Exchange Project was a result of that evening had the audience in is worth mentioning that Abdiel LeRoy, collective wisdom, including idea hysterics. The exquisite costumes chosen to play David, loves drama and formation, naming, project approval, tailored especially for the play were often performs in drama clubs in his launching and formal performances. also impressive. spare time. Playwright Zhou Wei said It was gratifying that our efforts were A Promise of Loyalty is an original finding the right David was a stroke rewarded so warmly. drama created by the freshmen of the of luck. At the same time, Roisin Although drama, a traditional art,

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might not be as popular as modern arts such as film, it has unique charm. The power of drama comes from its faithful China Steadfastly Safeguards reflection of real life. Audiences, seeing live actors speaking and performing not Peace and Stability far away, feel immersed in the scene. Dramatic actors in this demanding art form can only rely on the delivery of in the South China Sea their lines, facial expressions and body movements to portray a character’s WU SIKE personality and fate—and they must do it right the first time, rather than depending on multiple camera shots, fter three years, the dramatic administrative management, military film editing or visions created by high Aarbitration on the South China Sea patrols, production and business technology. Both the Chinese and issue choreographed by the Philippines operations, and rescue activities at sea. British students challenged themselves approaches its end. Since the Uited During WWII, Japan seized the Xisha to bring the classic plays to life. States inflated the South China Sea and Nansha islands. They were restored Performing well-known plays issue at the 2010 meeting of foreign to China after the war in compliance from the other nation was also a way to ministers of ASEAN member states, with the Cairo Declaration and Potsdam show their intercultural understanding. and later announced its rebalancing to Proclamation. China stationed troops Their experimentation with drama Asia Pacific strategy, tranquility in the and built military and civilian facilities is a pursuit of goodness, beauty and South China Sea has been shattered on the islands, so exercising legitimate truth. The spiritual wealth they gained by the commotion surrounding so and de facto sovereignty over them. outweighs all the improvements in called “freedom of navigation,” In the decades leading up to the their performing skills. Both Chinese “militarization,” and the latest 1970s, it was widely recognized in the and British cultures celebrate good “arbitration”. The region is now a focus international community that the South things and denounce evil, which can of media attention. What, as some China Sea islands belong to China, and be seen in all the plays mentioned foreign friends have asked me, exactly not a single country raised objections here. is up in the South China Sea? on this account. As to the Philippines, As Iain Davie said in his speech the scope of its territory is defined in at the opening ceremony: “Stories are the 1898 Treaty of Peace between the China’s indisputable sovereignty important for societies because we live US and the Kingdom of Spain (Treaty over the South China Sea islands in a somewhat chaotic world. The good of Paris) and other pacts. They clearly guy does not always win. Love does specify 118 degrees east longitude as not necessarily conquer all. If you work China was the first country the western limit of Philippine territory. really, really hard, you might not get in the world to discover, name, China’s islands and reefs in the South where you want to be. And so in our administer, and develop the islands China Sea are all located west of that world of chaos, we look for order. We in the South China Sea. Successive line. In blatant disregard of this fact, search for patterns to create some kind Chinese governments have exercised the Philippines has occupied, step-by- of understanding of this chaos. And jurisdiction over these islands and step, China’s islands and reefs ever that’s what stories do.” adjacent waters through such means as since rich oil and natural gas reserves

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were detected in the region in the late Chinese government categorically of international laws. The dispute 1960s, thereby giving rise to the South opposes these activities, and has between China and the Philippines China Sea issue. repeatedly taken up the issue with and over the South China Sea is in essence To cloud the matter, the made protests against the Philippines. a dispute about territorial sovereignty Philippines played the role of victim, over certain islands and reefs in the and decried China’s legitimate action area, and maritime delimitation, an China’s stance on arbitration of erecting justified defense works on issue over which the arbitral tribunal its own territory as militarization of has no jurisdiction. In an attempt to the South China Sea. It then exhorted Ever since the Philippines circumvent this jurisdictional hurdle, external forces to increase military initiated the arbitration on the South the Philippines cunningly packaged its deployments in the region and finally China Sea issue in 2013, politicians and case, in hundreds of pages, in such a unilaterally initiated an arbitration scholars of certain Western countries way as to appear ostensibly concerned action in The Hague. The Chinese have publicly made predictions on about the interpretation or application government has every reason to object. the arbitration result, and underscored of the UNCLOS, rather than about First of all, it has the right to reject its binding force. China made it the sovereignty over those maritime and not participate in arbitration under clear from the very beginning that features. But by demanding a ruling on international law, which stipulates that it would not accept or participate in the compatibility of China’s maritime choosing the accepted means to solve the arbitration, thereby exercising claims with the UNCLOS provisions, disputes is the sovereign right of the the right accorded to it by the United it actually intends to negate the rights concerned countries. China and the Nations Convention on the Law of and interests of China. Nevertheless, Philippines have already agreed, in the Sea, and defending the authority no packaging, however contrived, can bilateral and multilateral documents, to resolve disputes in the South China Sea through negotiation. However the Philippines breached these agreements, and contravened its obligations to China under them by unilaterally initiating the arbitration, so violating China’s right to voluntarily choose the means to solve the disputes. Since the 1970s, the Philippines has carried out illegal occupation of or made claims over certain Chinese islands and reefs in the South China Sea, and has also conducted unlawful activities such as natural resource exploitation of them and in adjacent waters. These actions violate the UN Charter and relevant international laws, and grossly infringe on China’s sovereign rights and interests. The

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conceal the very essence of the subject- concerning maritime delimitations, and interests, China has been consistent in its matter of the arbitration, namely, that military and law enforcement activities stance that any dispute should be solved of territorial sovereignty over certain from the dispute settlement procedures peacefully through negotiations between maritime features in the South China provided for in the UNCLOS. Over the countries directly concerned. Sea. Anyone with a basic knowledge 30 countries have made similar A consensus was moreover of international laws understands that declarations, including four permanent reached between China and the disputes over the sovereignty of islands member states of the UN Security Philippines to address the South and reefs do not fall under UNCLOS Council, other than the US, which China Sea issue through friendly jurisdiction. The preamble to the has not ratified the UNCLOS. The consultation and negotiation. Besides, Convention refers to: “the desirability declaration made by China conforms the Declaration on the Conduct of of establishing through this Convention, to relevant international laws and the Parties in the South China Sea with due regard for the sovereignty prevailing international practices. jointly signed by China and ASEAN of all States, a legal order for the seas The Philippines, however, before member states in 2002 stipulates and oceans.” It is thus apparent that exhausting all possible bilateral in Paragraph 4 that “the Parties “due regard for the sovereignty of all consultation and negotiation avenues, concerned undertake to resolve their States” is the prerequisite to application arbitrarily and unilaterally initiated territorial and jurisdictional disputes of the Convention to determining an arbitration, running counter to the by peaceful means … through friendly the maritime rights of the states that widely accepted international rule of consultations and negotiations by are parties to it. The declaration on bringing a matter to arbitration with the sovereign states directly concerned.” optional exceptions that China made prior consent of all parties concerned. In essence the subject-matter of in 2006, in accordance with Article On issues concerning territorial the said arbitration is that of territorial 298 of UNCLOS, excludes disputes sovereignty and maritime rights and sovereignty over certain maritime features in the South China Sea, which is beyond the scope of the UNCLOS, and therefore not covered by the interpretation or application of the Convention. Even assuming that the subject matter of the arbitration did concern the interpretation or application of the UNCLOS, it has been excluded by the 2006 declaration filed by China under Article 298 of the Convention, due to its being an integral part of the dispute over maritime delimitation between the two states. China has explicitly excluded such disputes from the applicability of any compulsory procedures under the Convention. International judiciary and arbitrary organizations should respect the Chinese officers patrol the Yongxing Island of the Xisha Archipelago declarations on optional exceptions that

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countries have made pursuant to Article 298 of the UNCLOS, and support concerned countries in peacefully solving sovereign and maritime disputes through friendly consultations according to bilateral agreements and the DOC. Certain countries outside the region that claim not to take sides in the dispute over the South China Sea, meanwhile, have taken it upon themselves to meddle in the issue. They send planes and fleets to the region of contention, and meanwhile direct groundless accusations at China. Such deeds only embolden certain countries in the region to take reckless action, thereby escalating the situation. Yang Yujun, spokesman of the Ministry of National Defense, stressed in a May press conference that China would not accept any result of the arbitration unilaterally initiated by the Philippines China adheres to peaceful consultation peace and stability in the South China the jurisdiction and admissibility of the Sea, so complementing and supporting South China Sea is null and void, and China resolutely defends the peace each other in the effective control and has no binding effect on China. The and stability of the South China Sea. proper handling of specific aspirations. Ministry of Foreign Affairs made clear Having a long peace-loving tradition, This overture by China has been widely China’s position soon after the ruling the country is adamant in its policy endorsed by ASEAN countries. was made. The tribunal circumvented of neighborliness and commitment to The arbitration initiated by the fact that the South China Sea solving international disputes through the Philippines will not alter the dispute is in essence a territorial dispute friendly consultations. The Belt and historical fact and reality that China over certain islands and reefs, and Road Initiative it proposed in recent has sovereignty over the South China maritime delimitation, and willfully years is another attempt by China to Sea islands and adjacent waters; nor expanded and abused its power by develop friendly cooperative ties with will it undermine China’s resolve to hearing the case at the Philippine’s other countries in efforts to achieve defend its sovereignty and maritime request and assuming jurisdiction. mutual benefits, win-win results and rights and interests. China will not Such action dangerously lowers the common prosperity. It also propounded budge on its policy and stance of bar for UNCLOS signatory countries the “dual track” approach to the South solving these disputes with the parties to enter compulsory dispute settlement China Sea issue — namely, disputes directly concerned, and to work with procedures, and betrays the tenet and should be addressed by countries directly regional countries to defend peace goal of the Convention, compromising concerned through friendly consultations and stability in the South China Sea. its authority and integrity. and negotiations. China and ASEAN It should be clarified that the ruling by Worthy of attention is that the member states can then jointly maintain the arbitral tribunal in October 2015 on tribunal ruling deliberately deprecates

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the role and authority of the DOC. to return to the negotiation table and the rights to which sovereign states Signed between China and the 10 stay in talks until a mutually accepted and state parties of the UNCLOS are ASEAN member states, including the scheme emerges. We have noticed that entitled in independently choosing Philippines, the DOC is a guideline certain people of foresight and insight ways of dispute settlement should be document for and the fruit of endeavors in the Philippines are now aware that respected. by China and ASEAN to properly bilateral negotiations are the key to the What’s more, several countries, handle the South China Sea issue. Such solution. As to China, we have always including Sudan, Mauritania, and a ruling by the arbitral tribunal can in kept the door to negations open. Yemen, have made clear their support no way dissolve disputes and check To fully implement the DOC, for China’s justified stance on the contentions, but will instead undermine China and ASEAN countries have held South China Sea issue by issuing the joint efforts by China and other consultations on the Code of Conduct statements or delivering speeches at regional countries to defend peace and in the South China Sea, and an early the meeting. Even in the West, many stability in the South China Sea. harvest has been reaped. The parties experts on international law have Since its founding in 1949, the have adopted the List of Crucial and made serious, just comments from the People’s Republic of China has, in Complex Issues and List of Elements legal perspective that endorse China’s the spirit of peaceful coexistence and for the Possible Outline of a COC, jurisprudential argument. They agree trustworthiness, successfully delineated thus marking a new state of COC that the award of the arbitral tribunal is with its neighbors over 90 percent of consultations that covers complicated not legally binding. This testifies once its total borderlines through peaceful and sensitive issues. China looks more to the fact that China’s stance on consultations and negotiations. In the forward to teaming up with ASEAN the South China Sea issue is widely case of the South China Sea, the solution countries in properly handling the supported, that its approach to solving lies in the “dual track” approach that South China Sea issue through a dual disputes through friendly consultation China advocates. Peace and stability in track approach, and to unwaveringly and negotiation is broadly welcomed, the region calls for joint efforts by China maintaining peace and stability in the and that its efforts to work for win-win and ASEAN member states. Producing region. Justice is self-evident. So far results that benefit all parties concerned a plan acceptable to all parties more than 40 countries and regional are appreciated worldwide. It will not concerned in an issue as complicated organizations have explicitly expressed take long for the hurly-burly of the and sensitive as that of the South China their support for China in the arbitration arbitration farce to settle. China, the Sea is not easy. But whatever ruling the case. Among them are both ASEAN Philippines and other claimants in the arbitral tribunal might yield, it cannot members and countries outside the South China Sea issue will, sooner or change the facts. Rather than making region. In May 2016, the seventh later, return to the negotiation table, and positive contributions to the issue’s ministerial meeting of the China-Arab seek a solution acceptable to all through possible solution, it further complicates, States Cooperation Forum adopted consultation and negotiation on an equal expands, and escalates the contention, the Doha Declaration. The declaration basis, which is the only right approach. thereby exerting a negative effect on emphasizes that Arab states support A staunch force in defending world any endeavor to put the situation under China in peacefully settling territorial and regional peace, and a responsible control and find a solution. This is not and maritime disputes with concerned country, China will, as it always has, the scenario that China wishes to see. countries through friendly consultation work with other countries to bring China and the Philippines are permanent and negotiation, in accordance with peace, friendship and cooperation to the neighbors. The only way they may solve bilateral agreements and the relevant South China Sea waters. the dispute in the South China Sea is regional consensus. It also stresses that From China Today

37 Cultural Exchanges

G20: China’s Part in Global Economic Growth

HE YAFEI

he 2016 G20 Summit will be held the question of what China can do for world economy.” T in the Chinese city of Hangzhou global economic growth. This also pos- Innovative economic development under the theme of “Building an es a severe challenge for a China which concepts are of utmost importance. An innovative, invigorated, interconnected has entered its “new normal”stage. ancient Chinese axiom says that “Noth- and inclusive world economy” and As the most authoritative platform for ing can be accomplished without strong with the goals of transforming growth leaders to liaise with one another and determination”. The economic devel- patterns in innovative ways, improving coordinate the financial sector, this opment concepts of “innovation, vital- global economic and financial year’s G20 Summit will seek solutions ity, interconnection and inclusiveness” governance, promoting global trade to sluggish global economic growth. conform to China’s new development and investment and nurturing inclusive What then is amiss with the world concepts of “innovation, coordination, and interconnected development. economy? President Xi Jinping shared green development, opening-up and China’s hosting of the G20 Sum- his views on this question at the 2015 sharing” proposed during the Fifth Ple- mit has attracted world attention for G20 Antalya Summit as follows: First, num of the 18th CPC Central Commit- two reasons: First, the G20 stands at a although the world economy no longer tee, all of which serve as indicators that critical juncture in transforming from teeters in crisis, the economic recov- China stands of the forefront in formu- a crisis-response mechanism to a long- ery base is weak nonetheless, while lating global economic development term economic governance mechanism. impetus for growth remains elusive. concepts. Second, against the backdrop of the Second, progress in reforming global China has contributed more than global economic downswing, people economic governance has been uneven, 30 percent to global economic growth hope that China and other G20 partici- and thus international economic and over the past several years, thereby pants will devise new ideas and plans trade rules are mired amid profound entrenching the country as the engine to foster sustainable development of changes. Third, as the main body for driving global growth. G20 members the world economy. The world places world economic coordination, the G20 and other economies around the world high hopes on China because the world is confronted with great difficulties in expect China, through the G20 Sum- has encountered bottlenecks in promot- managing macroeconomic policies. mit in Hangzhou and other meetings, to ing economic growth and reforming These perspective assessments by play a leading role in uniting other G20 global economic governance, and also the Chinese leader regarding the cur- members to formulate new solutions to because China has achieved spectacular rent world economy are likewise the facilitate global economic growth and results over the past few years. main considerations prompting this strengthen macroeconomic policy co- At a time when China is assum- year’s G20 Summit to focus on the ordination in a bid to resolve the deep- ing the G20 rotating presidency, coun- theme of “Building an innovative, in- level conflicts currently confounding tries around the world are pondering vigorated, interconnected and inclusive the global economy.

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Enhancing communication monetary and trade policies. To better international body created by the G20. ensure the implementation of decisions Second, efforts should also be made to and coordination by G20 leaders, the delegation of cer- help developing countries enhance their tain powers of coordination and super- capacity to deal with such financial and Countries around the world today vision to the consultation mechanism economic risks as those brought by must adjust their economic structures of G20 finance ministers and central fluctuations in bulk commodity prices to tackle the problem of economic bank governors should be taken into and sudden outflows of liquidity stem- imbalances. Globalization and global consideration. ming from a stronger dollar, so as to value chains have bonded nations into The G20 members must further forestall a severe impact upon and con- a community of shared future and adopt a holistic view of the world sequent damage to their national econ- common interests. Restructuring and economy, render their macroeconomic omies. promoting growth are no longer the and financial policies more transpar- Developing countries now ac- isolated behaviors of a single country. ent, and fully consider the impact of count for half of global GDP and con- It is critical for the G20 to play a lead- their policies on other economies to tribute over 50 percent to world eco- ing role in bolstering coordination of avert adverse “spillover effects.” For nomic growth, yet remain subordinate macroeconomic policy among the ma- example, when the Federal Reserve in decision making or when expressing jor economies. First, efforts must go raises interest rates and adjusts the their opinions within the global finan- toward establishing a ministerial-level US dollar exchange rate against cial and economic system. The fluctua- mechanism for macroeconomic policy other currencies, the Fed can notify tions of international capital markets coordination and joint-action and, G20 members and world financial and bulk commodity prices in general especially, to enhance communication centers in advance via coordination can engender huge risks that medium- and coordination of financial, fiscal, with the Financial Stability Board, an sized and small countries find difficult

President Xi Jinping attends the 10th G20 Summit in Antalya, Turkey, in November 2015

39 Cultural Exchanges

to cope with on their own. in technology and production models and industrial revolutions. It presents The G20 Summit is expected to is needed in China’s industrial an effective means for the Chinese focus on how to help developing coun- restructuring and upgrading. Efforts economy to maintain medium- to high- tries enhance their capability to avert must not only target stimulation of speed growth under the current “new and resist risks. From 2009 to the pres- overall demand, but also improvement normal” stage by promoting innovation ent, the US has implemented quantita- of aggregate supply by developing as a propellant, exploring new tive easing, a policy that has pumped new technologies, products, energy dynamism for growth and persisting in US $6 trillion into its financial system. sources and business models, the better the reform of the economic system and The European Central Bank and the to attract consumers and explore new mechanism, a path that may also prove Bank of Japan both continue to imple- markets. The market must also be effective in lifting growth for other ment policies featuring excess money given free rein to ply its function of G20 members. supply. Currently, as the US economy determining resource allocation. At the Representatives of industrial has gradually stabilized, the Federal same time, the governments of various and commercial concerns within Reserve is likely to raise interest rates, countries must actively exercise the G20 member states harbor the a move that in all likelihood will lead effective macroeconomic regulation deepest understanding of economic to a periodically strong dollar. The and control, as the coordination of the development and growth. They will financial risk posed thereby may sub- “invisible hand” of the market and participate in G20 activities through stantially harm emerging economies “visible hand” of the government will the Business 20 Summit. Other events and developing countries. reciprocally ameliorate one another’s affiliated with the G20 Summit include As the “guiding committee”of workings. the Youth 20, which brings together the global economy, the G20 is A retrospective of the world young leaders from across G20 expected to help developing countries economic development and China’s countries, and Think 20, comprising build a firewall to cope with financial reform and opening-up of over 30 think tanks, academics and researchers and economic risks. As the rotating years demonstrates that innovation is representing G20 Summit countries. president of the G20, China will an inexhaustible source of dynamism These participants will offer their prioritize this issue on the agenda. for sustainable economic growth. The advice and suggestions for promoting motive force of economic growth world economic growth. must come from innovation and from China must plan in advance Spur impetus to economic growth a new round of technological and in order to present pragmatic through innovation industrial revolution. Xi Jinping has plans to the summit. For example, stressed that we are in the midst of business representatives and youth New impetus to galvanize a new industrial and informatization leaders can discuss how to avoid the world economy should derive revolution and that, accordingly, the pitfalls associated with capital from technological innovations, but we must clearly comprehend the and unemployment. It is axiomatic attention must also rest on preventing currentsituation and achieve growth that some Asian and Latin American the development of automation and through innovation, new technologies, countries fell into the middle-income artificial intelligence and the use of new types of business and new models trap as a consequence of improper robots from impacting the employment of production and business, a view that policies. Consequently, when their of those doing repetitive work. China also holds true for world economic industrialization attained critical mass, in particular must stress this issue when growth. Innovation’s two major goals they hadn’t yet resolved problems designing the agenda for this year’s are to reform the economic system and relating to capital and unemployment. G20 Summit. Reliance on innovation mechanism and to spark technological First, national savings mainly

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transformed into labor and resource spirit of win-win cooperation. capacity. For example, efforts can products for export, and the capital China has contributed to fueling be made to encourage government needed for industrial upgrades was global economic growth during the most and private capital to invest in the thus absent. Second was the difficulty difficult time for the world economy. In construction of industrial parks experienced by low-end labor in 2015, the Chinese economy rose by 6.9 incidental to cooperation with countries gaining reemployment in the course of percent. Although growth has slowed, along the Belt and Road. Those industrialization. China’s economic structure had been efforts demonstrate China’s resolve to Indeed, China’s experience in optimized, with the proportion of tertiary shoulder its responsibility to participate this regard is well worth sharing with industry hitting 50.5 percent, 10 percent in global governance. China’s five- other G20 members. Developing higher than that of secondary industry. year plans, a series of economic growth countries such as China, India, Brazil, End-user consumption contributed initiatives, have lasted the longest of Indonesia and Turkey can learn and as much as 66.4 percent to total GDP any country in the world, having been draw experience from each other growth. Efforts such as streamlining implemented for a total of 60 years. on similar issues. China is not a administration and delegating power to As of 2016, China started to institute resource-exporting country, and its lower strata, as well as lowering taxes its 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20), industrialization level is uneven in and slashing various administrative fees which covers areas such as agriculture, different regions. Its medium- to low- have further stimulated enthusiasm for industry, service industry, urbanization, end labor can be absorbed internally by mass entrepreneurship and innovation. resources and environment, technology developing service and manufacturing In China, an average 12,000 new and education, public service, social industries. However, the situation may businesses register each day, 53 percent management, culture, economic reform, be quite different in countries reliant on of them engaging in new types of and opening up to the outside world. resource exports. business and adopting new business The G20 meetings encompass models. a summit of leaders, meetings of As a large responsible country, coordinators, ministerial and vice- China wants to provide new ideas ministerial meetings, and meetings Providing new ideas for achieving and new dynamism to boost the of experts and professional working balanced development of the global balanced development of the global groups. These will all serve as economy economy, with the Belt and Road platforms for cooperation and set the Initiative as an important trial in this foundation for the implementation China is gearing up for the regard. Practical measures adopted of a global economic coordination summit, its focus on transforming include: 1. Establishment of the system. China’s experience stands as growth patterns in innovative ways, Asian Infrastructure Investment an example worthy of reference in improving global economic and Bank, whose aim is to contribute its devising the G20. financial governance, promoting share to building infrastructure in The 2016 G20 meetings can be international trade and investment and countries along the Belt and Road an important occasion for China to furthering inclusive and interconnected using China’s development experience, share its development experience. development. It may thus manifest accumulated technology and capital, We therefore hope that China’s its willingness to enhance exchanges and so boosting regional and cross- achievements and experience will and share experience in economic and regional economic development; 2. contribute to stimulating global financial governance with other G20 Advocating new models for bilateral economic growth. members. Its hope is that the G20 may and multilateral cooperation while From China Today lead world economic growth in the elevating international cooperative

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Story of an Old Friend

Du Wentang

rigitta Zeumer, an old friend of Kollwitz. More than five decades left the guestbook filled with sincere B the Chinese people and a famous passed before the 1993 exhibition for compliments, praising her works as painter, died not long ago in Cologne, Zeumer, which marked the second both novel and friendly and fusing Germany. I was shocked at the news, time in history for a German artist’s Chinese and Western beauty. Zeumer since not long before, she had written works to be exhibited in China. It signed autographs and stood for photos. to me that she was feeling better and was hailed by the German media as She felt at home surrounded by fans. planned to visit China to experience its an unprecedented event with special The language barrier could not prevent changes and development and renew meaning and influence. That was the hearts from being connected through old friendships. I planned a warm first for her in China, and she was filled art. She rejoiced in finding so many reception and a series of meaningful with both excitement and worry — aficionados in China. activities for her. Sadly, the reunion over whether her paintings would be Zeumer broke from traditional was not to be. understood and accepted by the general Western painting in her themes, artistic Zeumer (1939-2015) enjoys a public. The exhibition was a huge concepts and skills. Her paintings have great reputation in German art circles. success. Audiences from across China neither the solemnity of classicism Decades ago, when visiting China, encircled her passionately, giving nor the colorfulness of romanticism, former German Chancellor Helmut congratulations and thanks. They but they are not purely oriental. In Kohl took some of her paintings as gifts to Chinese President Jiang Zemin. Some of her paintings were collected as treasures in art galleries. Her works were shown in countries in Europe, America and Asia, and were publicly regarded as masterpieces representing contemporary Germany along with their own uniqueness. In the early 1990s, China’s Ministry of Culture held a grand art exhibition for Zeumer at the Imperial Ancestral Temple. In the 1930s, Lu Xun and people in cultural circles overcame a number of difficulties to hold a personal art exhibition for German artist Kaethe Brigitta Zeumer

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layout and choice of hue, her paintings to promoting friendly relations with friends with the Chinese, for “having a seem to have incorporated the bold China, which is heartily appreciated in new Chinese friend would mean a sum freehand brushwork of traditional the country’s diplomatic and cultural of cultural wealth added”. Such a life Chinese painting. But they are different circles. In the past few decades, philosophy — taking it as a pleasure from Chinese paintings, as they lack she was always an important guest to help everybody else — is vividly the mutual contrasting and merging specially invited to the meetings for demonstrated in the paintings of her between man and scene common in visiting Chinese leaders or other VIPs. middle and later years. Chinese landscapes. She took this both as an honor and a Now she has left us suddenly, Westerners sometimes view her responsibility, which was true in both and I’ve lost a close friend. Recalling paintings as unique and alien; however, Bonn and Berlin times. She developed her deep love of China and selfless Asians, especially the Chinese, see deep friendships with people in the friendship to me, I regret that I gave the connection of heart and nature. diplomatic and cultural circles of her too little in return and have not There are no high mountains, grand China. studied and introduced her enough. valleys, spectacular waterfalls or gentle I was a friend of Zeumer’s for I only wrote a short essay — Mir- springs — not even people, villages or many years, and I am deeply moved ror of the Heart: A silent but strong cottages in her works. Often seen in by the selfless help she has provided call— which was published in the her paintings is a vast plain bathed in to the Chinese people, some of whom 1990s in Guangming Daily. After dim light under a crescent, a few light only had a nodding acquaintance that, I had the idea of writing more clouds flowing over the horizon, some with her. Whenever she learned that about this most respectable, kind indistinct arcs partly hidden in the someone was in difficulty, she would and gifted friend. But with limited clouds resembling mountain ridges and spare no time or money to offer a knowledge and talent, I delayed the a dark red in the distance suggesting a helping hand. She once told me that writing until today, leaving myself a sunset. she regards it as good luck to make permanent regret. The Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi wrote: “The music dies down in hidden grief, leaving silence to reveal more than speech.” Zeumer’s works have the same artistic effect. Their simplicity and purity create a dream- like world, attracting the audience to further study the connotations of the painting, explore the wonderland hidden behind and experience the infinite philosophy of life that dwells in her work. Zeumer, influenced in her childhood by her family, developed a strong interest in Asian culture and an intimate feeling about that remote and foreign land and its people. That’s why she dedicated herself for decades A Painting by Brigitta Zeumer

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Pierrette Djouassa, the President of the Gabon-China Friendship Association

Fang Ying

“Although this is my seventh visit to and the people of China and her West she was serving as procurator-general China, it still looks new to me—as African nation. of the Supreme Court. She had served surprising as I found it the first time I Approved in 2004 by the former before as minister of justice and keeper was here—as it is changing so fast! But president, Omar Bongo, the GCFA of the seals. Having retired from the when I meet my Chinese friends, I feel aims at enhancing friendship and government, Djouassa currently serves I’ve come home.” achieving win-win cooperation with as chairman of the Transport Company Those were the words of Pierrette China. The first president of GCFA of Gabon and as an honorary professor Djouassa, president of the Gabon- was Jean Ping, former chairman of the at China’s National Prosecutors China Friendship Association, to the African Union and the then minister of College. As a veteran member and Chinese receptionists upon her latest state for foreign affairs. Members of leader of the GCFA, she has spared visit in April at the invitation of the GCFA, including President Ali Bongo no effort to develop the organization CPAFFC. and Guy Ndama, the former president and the friendship between China and That strong feeling is deeply of the National Assembly, are all elites Gabon. She once said: “Whatever rooted in the friendship between the of the country and all very friendly positions I occupy, I always pay two countries. Djouassa has said toward China. attention to China — and be concerned many times that the China-Gabon Djouassa succeeded Ping as the about the interests of Chinese friendship has been deep for a long president of the GCFA in 2008, when enterprises and citizens in Gabon.” time, and the leaders of both sides have been attaching great importance to bilateral relations. Former president Omar Bongo and President Ali Bongo are good friends of China. Under the guidance of these two presidents, the GCFA has been working hard to strengthen the friendship between the two countries. Djouassa devotes virtually every minute to the promotion of China-Gabon relations. She says she wants to live up to the expectations of Pierrette Djouassa (center left) pay a courtesy call to CPAFFC Vice-President both the president who appointed her Lin Yi

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During the April visit, Djouassa female Chinese prisoner happened to Djouassa speaks highly of Chinese visited Huawei Technologies Co, China be in a local prison when it was set on companies’ infrastructure construction North Industries Corp and many other fire by arsonists. The president granted in Gabon, especially roads. Chinese enterprises. She marveled at a special amnesty to the woman. “I hope all roads in Gabon will be the high technologies developed by the Djouassa believes that Western built by Chinese companies,” she said. Chinese companies, calling them “eye- countries want Gabon to be independent She said the roads in the country opening” and “inspiring”. She said politically but dependent on the West used to be built by Europeans, which it was an unshakable duty for GCFA economically. China, on the other hand, was time-consuming due to the to support Chinese companies. As a pursues a win-win relationship with country’s heavy rainfall and the need messenger between the two countries, Gabon, she said. Chinese companies for detours around the mountains. The the GCFA will report regularly to the invest in various sectors of the country, roads had to be repaired frequently Presidential Palace of Gabon and make contributing to its goal of becoming because of quality problems. It had suggestions. It stands ready to arrange a “newly rising country by 2025”. been thought by local people that they bilateral cooperation at any time. Therefore, she is willing to help the would never have good roads because After her latest visit, Djouassa Chinese in Gabon, who turn to her for of the poor natural conditions. Then determined to send her son to study any problem they encounter. Decades the Chinese workers came, and the in China despite the fact that many of efforts to promote the China-Gabon climate and geological difficulties children of the African upper class are friendship and help Chinese companies to build high-quality roads in Gabon sent to Europe or the United States. invest in her country have proved her were overcome, setting an example China will certainly win the future of special feeling for China. of cooperation between the two the world, she believes. When a CPAFFC delegation countries. Gabon will have its national visited Gabon in 2013, Djouassa “Hoping that all roads will be built presidential election in the second half showed them pictures taken in China. by Chinese companies” is a concept of this year. Asked whether the result She said with tears in her eyes: “I felt now embedded in the population. will influence the work of the GCFA, like a princess in China. That’s the best Impressed with Chinese Djouassa answered resolutely that experience I’ve ever had in my life.” companies’ technology and capabilities, regardless of the result, the GCFA will Her words moved every Chinese guest. Djouassa spares no effort to help them continue to function as always, and the Whenever put in charge of receiving invest in Gabon. She recommended friendship between Gabon and China Chinese visitors, she makes meticulous local companies for cooperation, will never change. arrangements personally to ensure that helped establish links between Chinese With increasing numbers of nothing goes wrong. companies and local institutions Chinese doing business in Gabon, Fascinated by Chinese culture, and even made suggestions about the GCFA president has been paying Djouassa has collected many examples cooperation directly to the president. ever-greater attention to their safety of porcelain and tea ware in her home. Once, when a Chinese company and interests. She is in charge of Her love for China shines through encountered problems investing drafting laws related to the repatriation whenever she mentions her visits to in Gabon, Djouassa facilitated of Chinese citizens and setting up various provinces and cities in China. communication between the ministers arbitration between the two countries. “The biggest treasure of China of relevant departments, and finally When serving as procurator-general, is the people’s wisdom and courage,” won the approval of the president—all she reported to President Bongo she said. “I love the country from the because she believed the project would immediately when she learned that a bottom of my heart.” benefit her country.

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Deepen Traditional Friendship between China and Montenegro and Promote the Building of “One Belt and One Road”

Sichuan People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries

t the invitation of the Sichuan later, the MCFA delegation—Budva working relations with the CPAFFC, A People’s Association for Mayor Srdjan Popovic, Zabljak Mayor the SPAFFC and the Shanghai People’s Friendship with Foreign Countries, VeselinVukicevic and friends from Association for Friendship with Foreign an eight-member delegation from cultural, media and medical circles in Countries. Meanwhile, MCFA has been the Montenegro-China Friendship Montenegro—visited Sichuan, opening making friendly contacts with dozens of Association visited Sichuan province a path for friendly exchanges between cities in Montenegro and is committed from April 26 to 30. Zigong and Budva and promoting to promoting friendship-city exchanges, It was the first time MCFA had practical cooperation between Sichuan as well as pushing and helping Chinese sent a delegation to Sichuan. The team Museum and the Public Institution enterprises to invest in Montenegro. comprised the mayor of Budva, the Museum and Gallery of Budva. Zhao Tara River Canyon Bridge, mayor of Zabljak, the president of said that on the occasion of the 10th which appeared in the famous former the MCFA and representatives from anniversary of the establishment Yugoslavia film Bridge, was located in various circles, including culture, of China-Montenegro diplomatic the city of Zabljak, of which Vukicevic economics, trade, media and medical relations, the delegation’s visit would is the current mayor. He introduced science. During the stay in Chengdu, further enhance mutual understanding the city’s rich tourism resources—its the delegation made an official visit to between the two peoples and promote mountains, lakes, forests and valleys— the SPAFFC meeting with its officials. exchanges and cooperation between and expressed hope of developing SPAFFC President Zhao Ping briefed Sichuan and Montenegro. friendship-city relations with cities in the delegation on Sichuan’s rich tourism MCFA President Samir Sichuan. President Zhao recommended resources, convenient transportation Hadzic noted that his organization, Jiuzhaigou county, Sichuan’s World and ever-improving conditions for founded in April 2007, was the first Natural Heritage site, to Vukicevic. opening-up and cooperation, as friendship organization established in They both agreed that the two cities, as well as on SPAFFC’s functions, Montenegro, with the aim of promoting UNESCO World Heritage sites, have responsibilities and main activities mutual understanding, exchange and some similarities that provide a good currently underway. Zhao reported cooperation between his country and foundation for friendship exchanges. that the SPAFFC had successfully held China. With help from the Chinese On April 29, Zhao and President its first “Friendly Sichuan” activity Embassy in Montenegro, MCFA has Samir Hadzic of the MCFA officially in the Public Institution Museum and carried out fruitful people-to-people signed a letter of intent on exchanges, Gallery of Budva in 2015. A year friendship activities and established under which the two sides would

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actively promote cooperation in such half of the nation’s tourism revenue. intent on establishing a friendship- fields as culture, education, science and Under the Chinese government’s city relationship between Zigong and technology, sports, health, economics One Belt, One Road Initiative, China Budva. and trade. Both sides will visit the other Road & Bridge Corp is building an The delegation also visited the and hold exhibitions and seminars expressway that runs north-south Sichuan Museum. This year marks the to promote the One Belt, One Road through Montenegro. Popovic told the 10th anniversary of the establishment concept and help implement the 16+1 Chinese guests that his city attaches of China-Montenegro diplomatic regional cooperation between China great importance to maintenance and relations. The Sichuan Museum plans and countries in Central and Eastern renewal of the city’s infrastructure to organize a number of cultural Europe. and invests a huge amounts of money relics including facsimiles of ceramic During the stay in Zigong, the to improve the tourism infrastructure figures, calligraphic stone rubbings delegation visited the Zigong Lantern every year. He promised a careful study and portrait-painting bricks that reflect Festival & Trade Corp, learned of the of how Budva could be part of a lantern the social life of the Han Dynasty company’s experience in organizing festival, and he invited engineers from (206 BC-AD 220) to be exhibited in overseas exhibitions and explored some Zigong Lantern Festival & Trade Corp the Public Institution Museum and specific cases. They expressed their to visit the city as soon as possible. Gallery of Budva for two months. intent to introduce Zigong lanterns to He expressed hope that Zigong After detailed discussions between Budva and to organize a marine lantern lanterns would push the city’s tourism the two sides, a formal agreement on festival and a summer lantern carnival. development to a new high. exhibition cooperation was signed Mayor Popovic invited technical Biljana Brajovic, director of by the delegation and the Sichuan groups from the company to conduct a the Public Institution Museum and Museum. field study in Budva as soon as possible Gallery of Budva, introduced the The SPAFFC delegation made to explore the feasibility of organizing city’s profound cultural tradition and a successful visit to Montenegro last exhibitions there. The delegation rich cultural relics from its 2,500-year year, and the MCFA delegation was also visited the Zigong Salt Industry history spanning multiple interwoven invited to Sichuan this year, giving Museum, the Shenhai Salt Well Relic civilizations. She recalled an exhibition them an opportunity to learn firsthand and other places, all of which gave of calligraphy and paintings from about the province’s cultural and them a comprehensive understanding Sichuan held in her city last year. Titled natural excellence and to experience of Zigong’s long history, rich natural Friendly Sichuan, Whispering Flowers the hospitality of its people. Their visit resources and profound cultural Along the Silk Road, the exhibition strengthened working relations between deposits. was sponsored by the SPAFFC at the SPAFFC and MCFA, advanced On April 27, Zigong Mayor Liu the museum. Brajovic expressed her friendly exchanges between Zigong Yongxiang met with the delegation, and willingness to help introduce Zigong’s and Budva and promoted practical Deputy Mayor Zhang Bang managed cultural works to Budva for exhibition cooperation between the Sichuan the discussion. Liu introduced Zigong’s and exchange, so as to further increase Museum and the Public Institution economic and social development in the popularity of Sichuan culture in Museum and Gallery of Budva. It his speech. Secretary-General Xiang Montenegro. In addition, the two sides opened a new chapter in celebrating the Qionghua of the SPAFFC attended. had an extensive exchange of views on 10th anniversary of China-Montenegro Mayor Popovic introduced the cooperation on elderly heath, organic diplomatic relations, deepening the general situation of Budva. He said, food, culture, tourism and sports traditional friendship between the two Budva is the most prestigious tourist After the meeting, mayors countries and promoting One Belt, One city in Montenegro and accounts for Liu and Popovic signed a letter of Road.

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Memory of Japan Visit 50 Years Ago

Wu Ruijun

y career as a “people-to-people commenced my employment and thus day before our scheduled departure, a M diplomat” began 51 years was envied by my young workmates. I commercial flight from Hong Kong to ago when I graduated from Peking told myself I must accomplish the task Tokyo went missing near Mount Fuji University and landed a job with perfectly to show that I had performed in nasty weather, and the Japanese the Chinese People’s Committee for my duty well. “Giving a good perfor- Air Force helicopter sent to search for Safeguarding World Peace, or Heda, as mance”—meaning to perform to the the plane also crashed. Hong Kong it was commonly known at the time. leader’s satisfaction and appreciation— newspapers were awash with reports Since then, I lived, worked and grew was a common aspiration of young em- about the accidents, triggering panic up—literally and politically—on the ployees at the time. among passengers. My excitement for organization’s garden-like campus in China and Japan had no another airplane ride dimmed a little. Beijing, devoting my prime years to the diplomatic relations in 1966, and there As the Hong Kong-to-Tokyo cause of developing nongovernmental were no direct flights between Beijing flights passed over Taiwan (cross- diplomacy. and Tokyo. We had to go to Hong Straits relations were tense at the time) I worked for 38 years promoting Kong to apply for visas at the Japanese the head of the delegation contacted the friendly exchanges between Chinese consulate, and that meant a flight to airline company, asking it to promise in and Japanese people, but what re- Guangzhou. I was very excited, as this writing that if the plane was unable to mained most deeply etched in my mind would be my first time on an airplane. land at Tokyo’s Haneda airport because was my first visit to that neighboring The next day we took a train to of weather (Narita International Airport country to the east. Shenzhen, where we went through the didn’t exist at the time), it would not be In March 1966, at the invitation usual exit formalities. After a walk diverted to any airport on the island of of the Japan Asia-Africa Unity Com- on the bridge spanning the border Taiwan. Nowadays, 2 million mainland mittee, Heda sent a 7-person delegation river, we got on a train at Luohu and tourists travel to Taiwan each year. to Japan, headed by Yang Shuo, a well- set off for Hong Kong. After a three- Recalling the past, I can see how far known writer who died under persecu- day wait at a hostel run by Xinhua we’ve come. tion during the “cultural revolution”. News Agency’s Hong Kong bureau, After boarding the plane, the I was in the team as interpreter and we received our visas. We learned that atmosphere inside the cabin was secretary. At the time, it was rare for an many other groups from the mainland somber. People were nervous and ordinary Chinese person to go abroad had been denied visas even though they depressed. Everybody sat silently, on business trips. I was lucky to be giv- had waited many days. some with eyes closed. On the seat en the opportunity since I had hardly However, bad luck struck too. The next to me was an American woman

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who had just finished a global tour with Nobusuke Kishi, and US President every time the Chinese group got on a her husband and was returning to the Dwight Eisenhower signed the New bus or walked out of a station, I always United States via Tokyo. Because of the US-Japan Security Pact to further lagged behind. accidents, the couple decided to split strengthen their military alliance. Deeply immersed in joyful com- up and take different flights for fear The move triggered massive protests munication with my Japanese friends, that if they were unlucky enough to die from the Japanese public. Tens of I sometimes forgot my duty as the del- in an accident together, their children thousands of people took to the streets egation’s secretary and failed to take back home would be orphaned. in demonstrations against the pact. good care of the senior members, which When the plane touched the For several days, as many as 6 million was part of my job. This even caused tarmac at Haneda, a wave of applause people blocked Haneda airport to some of them to worry about me, and swept through the cabin. And at last prevent Eisenhower’s plane from it wasn’t long before I was admonished we arrived in Tokyo, five days after landing, and he canceled the trip. Not for my inattention. My pre-visit deter- leaving Beijing. Today, one needs little long afterward, Kishi stepped down mination to “give a good performance” more than three hours to fly between from leadership. went up in smoke. the two cities. After learning that I would visit Not long after we returned to Stepping out the cabin door, I their country, all the Japanese friends China, the “cultural revolution” began. saw a dozen or so people standing on I had made in China came to the For six years, until 1972, I was stripped a platform opposite us, waving red airport to meet me. They grasped my of any opportunity to work. That was ribbons and singing a familiar song. I hands and told me how they had loved when Heda merged into the Chinese found they were the friends I had met China and how much they missed their People’s Association for Friendship in Beijing at the Chinese-Japanese Chinese friends. During our month- with Foreign Countries. In August of Youth Get-Together. long stay in Japan, they would show that year I visited Japan again, enlisted Before I was employed by Heda up at the railway station or airport by the 208-member Shanghai Dance in August 1965 I had participated in the whenever I went to visit other places or Troupe delegation headed by Mr Sun gathering, which involved 500 Japanese when I returned to Tokyo, always with Pinghua, who was head of the China- youths who had come to China despite warm affection and singing. As a result, Japan Friendship Association. hindrances back home. Among them was a team of performance artists from the New Dramatists Federation for Breaking the (US-Japan) Security Pact. I was in charge of receiving them and was deeply impressed. They were enthusiastic and fashionable, singing and waving red ribbons wherever they went. In meetings with their Chinese counterparts, they told of how they set up the organization. In 1951, Japan had signed a security agreement with the US to bind itself on Washington’s war chariot. Japanese protest in front of the National Diet building against the pro- In 1960 the Japanese prime minister, posed revision of Article 9 of the Constitution and the lifting of the ban on the right of collective self-defense with allies.

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Exchanges between the two one another and build up mutual trust blatant defiance of international law nations date to about 2,200 years ago and friendliness. My love of literature, and justice. He makes it difficult for when China was at the end of the developed from childhood, led me to a Sino-Japanese relations to return to Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC). Chinese particular interest in cultural exchanges normal. writing began to be passed to Japan. An between China and Japan. My job gave Abe has repeatedly visited the old saying goes this way: “Before being me opportunities to meet my idols— Yasukuni Shrine in disregard of exposed to Chinese culture, Japan was literary giants such as Ba Jin, Xie international criticism and the will a pot of bean milk. Chinese culture Bingxin, Cao Yu and Mao Dun, for of large numbers of people in his was like the brine. Once touched by whom I acted as interpreter and from own country. He has denied that the Chinese culture, the Japanese nation whom I learned a lot. And my job as Imperial Japanese Army forced women became bean curd, or tofu.” a receptionist for Japanese visitors into sexual slavery during World War With the Meiji Reformation in provided opportunities to meet a II, arguing that there is no evidence to 1868, Japan turned to the West to number of lords of the Japanese literary support the allegation. He also tried learn its culture and hence made much world, including Nakajima Kenzo, to amend his nation’s Constitution to headway in industrial and technological Yasushi Inoue, Minakami Tsutomu, allow Japan to re-arm. development. In the early 1900s, many Kaneko Touta and Kondou Yoshimi. Almost immediately after he Chinese revolutionary pioneers and Once I visited Inoue at his home. assumed the role of prime minister, Abe intellectuals with lofty ideals went to Seeing me, he exclaimed: “Here returns declared that amending the Constitution Japan in an attempt to save the Chinese my daughter who was married off.” is a “major issue that has to be settled” nation by following the Japanese The Japanese friends who were present during his tenure. That document, model. More than 50,000 Chinese all looked at me with envy. Mr. Kaneko created after the end of World War II, is studied in Japan from 1896 to 1937. Dr Touta was a well-known haiku poet and famous for its pacifist Article 9, which Sun Yat-sen went to Japan 14 times as calligrapher. When I learned to write states that “the Japanese people forever an exile. The Kyoto Arashiyama poems haiku, he taught me with great patience. renounce war as a sovereign right written in Japan by former Chinese On the eve of the last Spring Festival, of the nation and the threat or use of premier Zhou Enlai when he studied I received a New Year’s greeting from force as means of settling international there are widely known among Chinese him in his own handwriting. At the disputes. …[and that] land, sea, and air people. end of it, he wrote: “Let’s join hands forces, as well as other war potential, It has been rare in world history to criticize Shinzo Abe, who never will never be maintained.” that any two nations have kept so long expressed remorse over the aggressive The country’s right-wing and so close a relationship as China wars waged by Japan in the past.” politicians have resented that language and Japan. Last year marked the anniversary for a long time and want to repeal it. The world is full of human of the Chinese People’s War of As a first step to that end, Abe banked activity. Wherever human hands reach, Resistance Against Japanese on his ruling party’s majority to get a there is culture. Culture is the material Aggression. It was also a good bill lifting the ban on collective self- and spiritual wealth created by the opportunity for the two countries defense — the notion that Japan can human race in its development. Cultural to open a new phase of relations by militarily assist its allies — passed in exchanges—usually with literature drawing lessons from history. The both houses of the National Diet in and the arts as primary vehicles—help Abe administration, however, sticks July. The change means that Japan has people of different backgrounds and to its erroneous stand by constantly moved from “defense only” to “active different countries communicate with challenging the historical facts in offense”, stripping the Constitution of

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its most striking characteristic. This is a stateswoman I respect greatly. In wide anti-Abe demonstration, which development will undoubtedly foster August 1980, I accompanied her in a covered 29 prefectures and 110 cit- uncertainly — and have a generally visit to Guilin in the Guangxi Zhuang ies. Many demonstrators held placards negative impact on regional security autonomous region. On the return to with words written by Kaneko Touta— — in East Asia, as well as on efforts Beijing, a thunderstorm forced our “Zero Tolerance for Abe Politics”— toward world peace. plane to land in Zhengzhou, Henan and they were hung all over Tokyo. Abe’s actions have met strong province, instead. Takako, along with The leader of the campaign hoped that opposition from various circles in her secretary and I, spent the night at a the placards would help the masses Japan. Five former prime ministers— small hotel near the airport. As it was see through Abe’s political nature. As Tomiichi Murayama, Morihiro hot, we had difficulty sleeping. So the the voice of protest has become ever Hosokawa, Tsutomu Hata, Yukio three of us cooled ourselves with fans stronger, college and high school stu- Hatoyama and Naoto Kan—made joint and chatted long into the night about dents have joined in anti-security-bill statement critical of Abe, accusing him topics ranging from Sino-Japanese ties organizations that have emerged at 90 of ignoring the Japanese people’s love to women’s liberation. That was the be- universities. A “Mom troupe” consist- of constitutionalism and asking him ginning of our three-decade friendship. ing of more than 2,000 mothers also to withdraw the new security bill. It is At the end of 2014, her secretary told took to the streets carrying or holding pleasing that these five former Japanese me that before Takako died in Septem- the hands of their children or pushing prime ministers are all old friends ber last year, she had been depressed strollers, loudly identifying themselves of the CPAFFC. I had the honor of because she was too feeble to do any- as “Moms Against War” and shouting receiving Murayama and Kan several thing to stop Japan from turning right, slogans such as “No killing of kids”. times. which was marked by a wild expansion On August 30 last year, people In the summer of 1977, I met of right-wing forces. It saddened me to from more than 300 administrative Murayama for the first time. He was learn that the pacifist scholar-turned- regions across Japan took part in the then a congressman representing politician had left this world with such “Million People Parade” to protest the the Social Party. Once we went a great regret. new security bill. In Tokyo, 120,000 swimming at a beach in Qingdao. He After accidentally dropped his dentures in the securi- the sea. The Qingdao Foreign Affairs ty bill was Office sought help from a diver, who passed by searched but failed to find them. When the House I told Murayama about the failure, he of Repre- grinned broadly — and toothlessly sentatives — and said: “Leave it on the seabed on July 16 as a permanent souvenir.” The event last year, became a standing joke between him famous and me. Once I visited him in his prime figures minister’s office as a member of a from liter- Chinese delegation. He gladly recalled ary and the event. arts circles Doi Takako, the former speaker of launched Japanese go to the streets holding banners proclaiming “zero- the Japanese House of Representatives, a nation- tolerance toward Abe politics”.

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people surrounded the National Diet building and the prime minister’s house, requesting that the bill be aban- doned and peace be returned to Japa- nese society. That was the largest anti- government protest the public has Proposal for a Coordinated waged since the 1960 campaign against the US-Japan security pact. In the pro- test, youths and college students fer- International Institute on vently voiced their opposition to war and their determination to safeguard Friendshipology the pacifist Constitution. Since the end of World War II, Sino-Japanese relations have experi- enced ups and downs, twists and turns. Billy Lee Fortunately the efforts of nongovern- mental organizations and friendly ex- changes have been playing a positive ince becoming an active member brains to make us behave more kindly role in helping restore and develop dip- S of the South Bay Chapter of and more empathetically. lomatic ties between China and Japan. the US-China Peoples Friendship The third, “To Promote It has become a tradition that nongov- Association, I have contributed four Friendship, Be a Friend” in March ernmental exchanges promote official articles to the Voice of Friendship 2015, spoke about caring and respect contacts. We cherish the memory of magazine, a publication of the Chinese vs. ignorance and arrogance. our forebears who took great pains to People’s Association for Friendship The fourth, “A Special develop nongovernmental diplomacy with Foreign Countries. Although Workshop—To Promote Friendship” between the two countries. the USCPFA focuses on friendship in September 2015, talked about I believe my fellow staff members between the US and China, my deeper the World Children’s Festival of the in the CPAFFC will continue to col- interest is learning about and promoting International Child Art Foundation in laborate with all insightful people from cross-cultural bonding and friendship Washington DC. It was held during both countries to continue the tradition worldwide — people-to-people and the week of Independence Day in the of nongovernmental diplomacy and person-to-person. United States, and the idea for a group work to put bilateral relations back on a My first article, “Homestay — of international students to create their normal track. As we look to the future, Building Cross-Cultural Friendship” own Declaration of Interdependence we should learn from the past. As a in March 2013, spoke of embracing came alive with an urgent call for the veteran who has devoted a large part of visitors as friends by opening your creation of a Coordinated International her life to people-to-people friendship home in welcome. Institute on Friendshipology. between China and Japan, I sincerely The second, “Meaning of Friendshipology simply means hope that the two peoples will keep the Friendship” in September 2013, the study of friendship. It can, past in mind and never again go to war explained Harvard professor Rudy however, involve many different cross with one another. Tanzi’s super-brain theory, which disciplines—history, religion, culture, suggested that we can instruct our sociology, philosophy, psychology,

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anthropology, physiology, neurology Harvard professor Tanzi’s super brain Center for Emotional Intelligence. Two brain science and more. Todays’ theory. top high schools in the US—Gunn computer technology can help us In discussions about empathy— High in Palo Alto, California, and extract essentials from big data very specifically, choosing empathy, Phillips Academy Andover in Andover, effectively with algorithms. The harnessing empathy and then making Massachusetts—led respectively recent educational focus on emotional choices—Stanford professor Jamil by instructor Ronen Habib and Tang intelligence and emotion management Zaki emphasizes the need to complete Institute Fellow Andy Housiaux, are also teaching us new social skills. the three stages of empathy: first have established special emotional Beware: Study means gathering experiencing, or catching another’s intelligence training programs, as well knowledge, but knowledge itself can be distress; second, mentalizing”, or as empathy and balance philosophies, dangerous if abused. rationalizing the other person’s feelings; for their school communities. Ashoka A Coordinated International third, “feeling compassionate”, or Foundation’s Start Empathy Initiative is Institute has serious purposes. being concerned and motivated to take also noteworthy. It now has classrooms “International” emphasizes global action and help. Indeed, the ultimate around the world. perspectives, practices and inclusive purpose for a Coordinated International All of these can give guidance to collaborations. “Coordinated” suggests Institute on Friendshipology is to seek the proposed Coordinated International pulling separate efforts together ways to help people with different Institute on Friendshipolgy. to compare, and possibly to cross- backgrounds in our world to relate I also want to mention the fertilize. Today, scientists and scholars to each other harmoniously under launching of two very important are doing multidisciplinary research different circumstances. In my simple centers in the US this past year: in many different areas separately. mind, it’s simply a matter of promoting The Berggruen Philosophy and More coordinated exchanges and good feelings. Cultural Center at the Berggruen collaborations seem to make good Over the last decade, many Institute in Santa Monica, planned sense. remarkable studies, experiments and a fellowship program that would The establishment of the practices related to empathy and send scholars from around the world Coordinated International Institute will social emotional intelligence have to a US or British university for a signify a recognition of the importance been developed with help of advanced year, followed by a year at Tsinghua of Friendshipology, which in my neuroscience technology. Stanford’s Universityor Peking University opinion is still being largely neglected Social Neuroscience Lab, led professor in Beijing. The aim is to use the in the same way as environmental Zaki, has already been mentioned. philosophy as an East-West bridge— issues were neglected 40 years ago. Laura Delizonna’s Wisdom Lab on to find solutions, not merely underline Environmental issues were not taken mindfulness, at Stanford, borrows some differences. seriously or studied holistically until ideas from Thich Nhat Hanh, a popular Yale University announced in prominent schools for environmental Zen Buddhist monk. Anabel Jensen, February the establishment of the study were established. Karen Stone McGown and Susan Schwartzman Center to advance intel- There is another important Stillman’s Six Seconds: Know/Choose/ lectual work related to ethnic studies, dimension requiring coordination: the Give” emotional intelligence network along with intersectional race, gender need to extend pure knowledge to the has provided workshops around and sexuality research and work with search for solutions, methodologies and the world, including in Hangzhou, native and diasporic communities both practices that can transform our goals Zhejiang province, in China. Six in US and in other countries. It will to habits. This is possible, according to Seconds is affiliated with the Yale sponsor conferences, colloquia, work-

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ing groups and other programming ogy to accomplish that. and help support students and faculty I need help, advice and guidance. building connections across the coun- Right now, I can only make an urgent try and around the world. call: Let us no longer leave cross-cul- China-Pakistan Relations Enter Golden Era As a retired architect, I sadly have tural friendship to happenstance. Like no expertise on the actual forming of the environment, the path to friendship an effective educational organization. needs to be better understood, nurtured It would be wonderful if we could tie in and sustained. I wish we could create the proposed Coordinated International a world in which friendship truly has Institute on Friendshipology with some no borders. We should seriously work hina-Pakistan diplomatic relations organizations and scholars like those on this, just as we now work on many mentioned above. C are in their 65th year. Spread over environmental issues without respect to more than half a century, relations have Actually, the International Insti- borders. grown steadily in the fields of defense, tute on Peace Education (www.i-i-p- We need to have people with will, economy and diplomacy. China has e.org) could possibly be a model to influence and creativity from different become a giant economic power, follow. It focuses on the exchange of parts of our world to step up and em- striding fast along a path to become a theory and practice in teaching peace brace this challenge—separately and functional world power. education. Its stated three purposes are: together. A recently published book by 1) Development of substance for peace US scholar Noam Chomsky —Who education; 2) Build strategic alliances; Please contact me with ideas, Rules the World?— serves as ample and 3) Encourage regional cooperation. comments and suggestions. testimony that after the completion of It holds periodic international confer- Gwadar Port in Pakistan, China will be ences at different locations around the William Ming Sing Lee 李名信（美国） able to expand its trade from Malacca, world. 271 West Floresta Way, Portola Valley, Malaysia, to the Gulf of Aden, and the A dear friend of mine who truly Calif. 94028 USA sea will turn into an economic highway understands my passion suggested that for emerging powers after long serving Email: [email protected] a good beginning might be a small as the personal lake of the United Friendshipology foundation that would States. About the author: act as a resource center and clearing An overview of world geopolitics, Billy Lee is a retired architect. house, while promoting Friendshipol- particularly in this region, reveals that He is a graduate of Phillips Acad- ogy by seeding the world with dozens the US and NATO, bypassing Russia, or hundreds of independent, local, in- emy Andover, Yale College and Yale are busy extending their influence in digenous clubs. A website to attract a School of Architecture, and is a found- Eastern Europe. But now the scene kaleidoscope of different approaches to ing member of The 1990 Institute, a is changed. China has established the the common goal could be constructed group whose mission is to broaden Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank as part of this effort. His advice sounds understanding and build trust between to support the developing economies promising, but I will definitely need the people of the United States and of the world. This bank has put a dent help from younger friends who are fac- China. He is an active member of US- in the International Monetary Fund and ile with contemporary media technol- CPFA South Bay Chapter World Bank, as Australia and Britain,

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China-Pakistan Relations Enter Golden Era

fed up with the US veto power in the have never seen any waning. One entire South Asia region, exceeding affairs of those institutions, have joined vision for the future is that in 35 years even European Union trade. It is also a the newly established bank. China and Pakistan will be celebrating message to India that it should abandon China has developed a system their centennial of friendship, and its policy of conflict and instead to make the poor states of Africa China will have become a world confront and explore potentials for independent and self-reliant, but the superpower. All this will lend China in improving the well-being of its people. most recent move — and one of the an enviable image in the Islamic world. Malaysia is also negotiating maritime wonders of the world — is the China- When disputes have arisen in the issues with China, which will lead to Pakistan Economic Corridor, which Middle East, Afghanistan, Kashmir or development milestones. will empower Pakistan in its region. any other place, China has consistently Another encouraging aspect in Opinions are diverse, but it is supported Pakistan. All ebbs and flows China-Pakistan relations appears in widely agreed that this giant leap during the past 65 years of friendship shape of China study centers at the will raise China to superpower have never seen trouble in their University of Peshawar and other status. President Xi Jinping visited relations. universities in the country. China has Pakistan last year and announced a In the light of all this, it is announced it will give eight modern huge investment of $46 billion for the now high time to venture forward submarines to Pakistan in the biggest corridor, known as CPEC. on educational and cultural fronts. defense deal ever made with that The Malakand hydroelectric Chinese universities and training country. power project is a gift to the people institutions should attract Pakistani More than 150 companies are of KPK, whereas China’s Silk Road students. Chinese universities should working on different development Economic Belt will make this region be established in Pakistan, as should projects in Pakistan. Gwadar Port was a hub of trade and economic activity. Chinese culture and language centers. handed over to China in 2013, and Joint development of the CAC/PAC These steps will find maximum within one year China made it fully JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft by the acceptance, as Chinese products from functional. Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and tires to machinery have already made The Pak-China Society in KPK Chengdu Aircraft Corp of China — their way to every home in Pakistan. has worked to foster the Pakistan-China and its manufacture in Pakistan — is a In early May 2016, China sent relations for four decades. More than living example of faithful friendship. relief goods by rail to Nepal following $90 billion worth of agreements were Despite the many changes in both the earthquake, which is a message to inked during the visit of the Chinese countries, their relations and friendship the world that China intends to link the president last year.

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Accordion wind is blowing

Impressions of Varuzhan Shanshiyev, a world champion from Ukraine

Qian Guangjian

first encountered Varuzhan piece was accurately played, with I Shanshiyev at a concert celebrating notes like floating clouds and flowing Russia’s May 9 Victory Day at the water, natural and smooth. Thunderous Central Conservatory of Music Middle applause arose when it ended. From School in 2003. The audience came that day on, I couldn’t forget the name alive when the host announced that Varuzhan Shanshiyev. It was etched in he would play Fighting Tiger in the my heart. Mountain, a well-known folk song I encountered Shanshiyev again from the “cultural revolution” (1966- in several Russian music salons and 76). The music, adapted from modern small-scale performances and was Peking Opera, requires high-level skills again deeply impressed by his natural to play. Accordion enthusiasts were figure, state-of-the-art skills, inviting proud to be able to play the music back music and gentle behavior. I was then. surprised to find that he speaks fluent Everyone was surprised that a Chinese. He always greets me warmly foreigner would be playing the song in Chinese. and held their breath. When I asked about his Chinese The notes flowed from name, he said it was Li Bai. Why that Shanshiyev’s accordion like great name? I asked. Shanshiyev answered: “I Varuzhan Shanshiyev rivers—overwhelming and spectacular. love drinking. Inspiration comes to me The composition has a lively, high- when I drink, and I play the instrument China. He always carries a Russian- spirited rhythm, and he captured it better.” How romantic! Chinese dictionary, memorizes words perfectly. His right hand flew across the Li Bai was a Tang Dynasty (AD and sentences he doesn’t know and keyboard while his left created the main 618-907) poet known for his romantic asks a Chinese person for help. I took melody using the bass. His mastery was poetry and love of liquor. his number down for contact. dazzling. The music vividly presented “Where did you learn Chinese? But Shanshiyev surprised me the tough and lonely story of the hero, And how did you learn?” I asked. again. He creates text messages using Yang Zirong, roaming in forests and He told me he learned the pinyin and thinks and communicates snow-covered mountains. The whole language by himself after coming to like a Chinese. Some of the highly

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educated among us don’t know how Asia Pacific International Accordion Black Eyes, Csardas, The Gypsy and to send short messages. And he is a Art Festival last August. For all his theme music from the film Schindler’s Ukrainian! The Chinese and Ukrainian achievements, he mentioned nothing List. There was folk music in China, languages are a world apart. How much about himself as world champion. such as At the Golden Mountain in energy and time has he paid to achieve I cannot help but think of the Beijing, Grapes Are Ripe in Turpan this? I don’t know, but it’s amazing! celebrities who come out with dazzling and Give Me a Rose. Music Shanshiyev Appreciating, collecting and lights and screaming fans, and who composed when he lived in China, playing accordion music have been demand sky-high appearance fees. By such as Living in Shenzhen, Armenian favorite pastimes of mine since middle contrast, Shanshiyev is a great artist. Tango and Russian Gypsy Dance, were school. When I knew Shanshiyev had He competed in a foreign country unforgettable. Much of the Chinese recorded an accordion music album, I for a decade through sheer wit. He music he plays is adapted to his own asked him for it, and he agreed without is diligent, modest and gentle, often taste. His skills are splendid with a hesitation and sent it to me quickly. A taking his German-made Hohner Chinese style, that presents a fresh beautifully played Russian tango in the accordion to accompany singers at environment to all. disc attracted me, and again I asked for Chinese singing clubs. You can spot In recent years, numerous the written score. He sent it to me, and him in Jingshan Park, Hou Hai, dancing concerts held in many localities have I treasure it. I know many musicians clubs and in Russian music fan circles, been aimed at popularizing accordion will not send their scores to others for among other places. It’s admirable that education among primary and middle free. It touched me that I hadn’t known he never speaks of his achievements, school students. Shanshiyev for long, and yet he gave even a little. During his tours around China, me the score as a gift. The year 2015 was Accordion Shanshiyev uses vivid humor to answer One day last year I watched some Year for Chinese Youth. Concerts were children’s questions. They must have videos and read articles introducing held across China with enthusiasm. gained a lot from the exchanges and Shanshiyev on the internet. He has won Shanshiyev attended more than 80 surely were deeply impressed by seeing numerous Russian, German, Italian concerts, with some featuring him in a world accordion champion up close. and other international accordion solo performances and some set up for Hearts beat enthusiastically competitions and was invited to local youths. He hit the road with no for Shanshiyev among thousands of Germany, France and Italy for special delay from the foot of Mount Tianshan accordion fans. He said with evident concerts. He won top prize at the to the prairies of Inner Mongolia; from emotion: “I feel that the accordion in Zaporozhye International Accordion south of the Yangtze River to inviting China has a bright future and will soon Art Festival in 1997; a gold medal at Qingdao in the east; from well-known surpass piano as it reaches out to the the Ukraine International Accordion cities in Hubei and Hunan provinces to world. There are plenty of talented Music Festival in 1999; first place the Shenzhen special economic zone; accordion players. I’ll do everything I at the Kiev International Accordion and from China’s icy north to its central can to help you.” Competition in 2001; a gold medal region. He’s visited nearly all parts of People from all walks of life have at the Italy Florence International the country. Everywhere he goes, an committed themselves to the accordion Music Festival-Accordion in 2002; accordion wind is sure to blow. cause in China. And it is flourishing. and special recognition at the Spain The music he played during When Chinese accordion players one International Accordion Competition the tour had attractive melodies and day rank at the top of the world, it is in 2004. He was invited to be a judge varied styles. There were difficult only natural for us to recall Li Bai from and performing guest at the 2015 and world-renowned pieces such as Ukraine — Varuzhan Shanshiyev.

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A Better South China Sea

Cai Baishan

Vice-president of Thai-Chinese Cultural and Economic Association

Zhongnanhai in the eyes of a Thai Beihai and Nanhai areas, Zhongnanhai on world maps of all kinds, including has served as the headquarters of those of the Asian and Pacific the Communist Party of China and countries. People have always referred the central government since 1949. to this sea area as the South China Thailand-China relations can Zhongnanhai also refers to the South Sea. No countries or individuals have be traced back thousands of years, China Sea in Chinese. In the eyes of ever thought differently of the name or which makes the two countries not the people of Thailand, this sea has a doubted China’s sovereignty over the only intimate friends and relatives with dual identity: area. shared origins but also good partners. First, the South Sea is the There is no need to mention any There are no leftover issues from Bodhimanda of Avalokiteshvara, an more historical evidence or history history between them, only friendship important Bodhisattva in Mahayana of marine navigation. For more than and mutual help. with believers around the world. 1,000 years, the name South China Most Thais do not speak Chinese The name Avalokiteshvara was first Sea has been sufficient to prove to the though they have Chinese ancestry. known in the Tang Dynasty (AD 618- world that the waters are an inalienable However, many Thais are familiar with 907) when Tang Sanzang, portrayed part of China and all the islands there the word “Zhongnanhai” and find it in Journey to the West, brought belong to China. lofty and holy. back Tripitaka from India. With the They were introduced to this masterpiece, Avalokiteshvara of the word in the era of Chairman Mao Peace and development South Sea became famous. Zedong. At that time, China did not Second, the South Sea is appear frequently in international news, epicontinental, overlapping China’s but the Thai people often heard that continental shelf like Thailand’s Siam After World War I, the United Zhongnanhai was the place where Mao Gulf and Vietnam’s Beibu Gulf. Since States began to expand globally, welcomed many guests. the invention of maps, 中国南海, or and by the end of World War Ⅱ , its Located between Beijing’s the South China Sea, has appeared military power extended around the

58 Voice of Friendship No. 185 September 2016

world. Its navy’s Fifth, Sixth and According to the Charter of the be just around the corner. Its 25-year- Seventh fleets, covered three oceans United Nations and the spirit of the long strategic disposition is quite touching every continent. Philippine Asian-African Bandung Conference, similar to what it was like before the waters were under the jurisdiction of “the principle of non-interference Vietnam War. Since the second half of the Seventh Fleet. in each others’ internal affairs” is 2013, US authorities have made public It was of strategic importance the soul of peaceful coexistence. the latest arrangement of it military for the US to set up military bases Fairness never comes from heaven forces — 60 percent of its naval in the Pacific beyond Hawaii’s Pearl or the charity of certain countries but forces deployed to the Pacific region. Harbor. Bases were established on from the satisfaction of the countries The US strategic umbrella covers the Guam, Okinawa and other places, involved. southernmost point of the Malayan including South Korea, the Philippines, For example, Thailand and Peninsula and extends from the South Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore. China reached a mutually beneficial China Sea across the Pacific Ocean It has spared no effort to impose its consensus through bilateral talks on to the coast of California. Execution military influence on Australia and jointly developing drilling platforms of the plan has been underway since New Zealand. in disputed sea areas and dividing 2014, which coincides with the timing Before the end of the Vietnam resources in a way satisfactory to both of its “rebalancing to Asia” policy War, the ownership of the islands in parties. statement. US military forces on the Pacific Ocean and South China This is a perfect example of Guam and Okinawa, and in South Sea had never been disputed. Pham peaceful coexistence: Two countries Korea, the Philippines, Australia and Van Dong, the former prime minister combined their efforts to solve one other places have all been adjusted of Vietnam once even publicly problem through bilateral talks on the accordingly. acknowledged China’s sovereignty basis of mutual benefit and shared For the Thailand government and over the South China Sea. The area has profit. Outside intervention brings its people, conflicts and wars are the enjoyed tranquility for a long time; the only conflict and war, so the countries last things we need. The government countries around it live in peace and concerned should resolutely reject decided to change its important military harmony. such attempts by unrelated countries or airport, U-Tapao, into a commercial Yet border issues arise from time organizations. facility. As a result, the number of to time between neighboring countries. tourists has been surging in recent Since the international community, years—especially Chinese, thanks as well as individual countries, prefer to incentive policies created by their The storm subsides peace and development and stand government. against conflict and war, bilateral Disputes over the South China Sea negotiation has been the main way arose after the US decision to refocus out. The natural state of the sea is on the Asia Pacific region. Charges and There was once a maritime alternately calm and rough; sometimes demands for the sovereignty of islands dispute between Thailand and there can even be a violent storm. by some ASEAN countries have been Malaysia, but it was resolved through The situation in the South China growing, which makes an unfavorable talks. Both countries believed the Sea, in many other regions and even environment for the unity, solidarity matter had nothing to do with anyone in the world is like that. A storm of the and common interests of ASEAN. At else and was their own business. US returning to the Asia-Pacific might present, the ASEAN community is

59 View

in a new era of accommodation, with verdicts (the US, Russia and UK, for up to the pressure and made the best 650 million people concentrating on example). Relating to the tribunal of of the current situation. In the end, developing their economy, society the International Court of Arbitration, ASEAN and China reached consensus and transportation as well as sharing besides the rule mentioned above, that the arbitration should be ignored the prosperity brought by free trade the court is also forbidden to pass for the sake of all parties’ comfort zones. ASEAN holds a very clear judgment on any country’s sovereignty level. position that it is committed to closely or territory. To our disappointment, the The successful announcement of corporate with both China and India in tribunal’s verdict on the South China the joint declaration has made it clear a triangular economic strategy. China Sea was not only one-sided and unfair to the world that peaceful development has a population of 1.4 billion people, but violated relevant regulations, which is the mainstream concept that will while India has 1.2 billion. The three created a highly negative image of the be resolutely defended by ASEAN regions together total 3.2 billion, nearly court globally. Moreover, the tribunal countries and China, which have the half the world’s population. — made up of members from NATO capacity to do so. That the ASEAN As long as all the countries countries — acted beyond its authority countries successfully dealt with this make joint efforts in planning and when it ruled on sovereignty. Anyone crisis presents an image of unity and cooperation under such excellent with even limited knowledge of laws solidarity when facing inner and outer circumstances, they could certainly would definitely regard this result as a relationships in the international arena. create synergy that would lead the nullity with no legal basis. The world could see their devotion to world to peace and development, and Recently, at the ASEAN-China peaceful coexistence on the basis of eventually to the greatest dream of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in mutual benefits. Chairman Mao and the whole human Laos, certain countries even tried to put As the power of peace advocates race — eternal peace. Unfortunately, the South China Sea verdict into the grows greater, that of conflict some ASEAN countries have joint declaration. supporters will grow weaker. Storms been drawn into a violent storm On July 30 we met with Lao can occur on the sea, but they are not inadvertently. Take the Philippines for leaders and were impressed by how a permanent condition. People around example. Under the leadership of the the declaration was truly produced the world are bound to enjoy life better last government, it handed the South from its draft to the final script. together when the South China Sea is China Sea issue to an international Despite great pressure from the at peace. arbitral tribunal in The Hague under outside to have the arbitration result The West puffs the wind of war the delusion that the South China Sea included, the general secretary, prime to the world while the East blows the area adjacent to China was its own and minister and minister of foreign affairs fresh air of peace and development that China should lose its sovereignty of the Lao People’s Revolutionary in reply. The peace will eventually and all the resources in these waters. Party made extraordinary efforts prevail. However, in light of international law, to coordinate the whole process. If Stormy waves set off the beauty China accepted neither the tribunal’s handled inappropriately, it might have of South China Sea and help the people legitimacy nor the result. generated internal division among here know how to better cope with fu- What’s more, though many ASEAN countries and had an adverse ture storms. Realizing how many ben- countries may recognize a court’s effect on peaceful development. The efits could be brought by a tranquil sea authority, they may not be satisfied new Philippine president and Chinese allows everybody to embrace an era of with — or simply do not follow — the Foreign Minister Wang Yi also stood peace, hand-in-hand.

60 China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development

(CFFPD)is a 4A-level national public offering foundation institutions and friendly personages at home and abroad.The registered with the approval of the Ministry of Civil Affairs of foundation has carried out a series of programs on 6 themes, the People’s Republic of China. It was founded by the Chinese namely “Friendly China Program”, “ Youth Football People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries on Exchange Program”, “Cross-Straits Culture exchanges May 15, 1996. Program”, "Sustainable Development Program”, "YuYing The aims of the CFFPD are to safeguard world peace Education Program”, "Future Belongs to Children Program”. and promote common development. It serves for the national It has supported projects on nongovernmental diplomacy, development and makes full use of rich resources in people education and training, environmental protection, culture and to people diplomacy. The funds received by the foundation sports, medical care and health,helping the disabled and poor are mainly from enterprises, friendly oganizations and people, providing disaster relief etc.

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