Zhang Baowen, vice-chairman of the National People’s Congress standing committee, meets with Vaira Vike-Freiberga, president of the World Leardership Alliance, before the opening ceremony

Shen Yueyue, vice-chairwoman of the National People’s Congress standing committee, poses with delegates to the reception for celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Baltic states Contents

Express News FOCUS 04 President Li Xiaolin Meets with Lord Powell, Member of the House of Lords of the UK Parliament / Wang Fan

04 Vice President Xie Yuan Meets with Delegation of Colombian Governors / Lin Zhichang

05 The Opening Ceremony of a Large-Scale Relics Touring Exhibition of Chinese Characters / Yu Xiaodong

05 Vice-President Lin Yi Meets with Premier of the British Virgin Islands / Wang Fan 10 06 Vice President Song Jingwu Meets with Mr. Kawamura Takeo / Fu Bo

06 Secretary-General Li Xikui Leads a Delegation to Jiangxi / Sun Yutian

07 China-Latin America and Caribbean 2016 Year of Culture Exchange / Wang Lijuan

07 The Chinese Culture Tour for Cultural Officials of Relevant Embassies in China 14 and Foreign Experts in Changsha / Gao Hui

08 Enjoy the Global “Music Journey” on the Doorstep / Chengdu Friendship Association

08 “Panda Chengdu”Shines in Ljubljana / Chengdu Friendship Association

Global Vision

3020 09 G20 Hangzhou Summit Points the Way for the World Economy / He Yafei

2016 Imperial Springs International Forum

12 2016 Imperial Springs International Forum / Department of American & Oceanian Affairs

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2 NO.186 December 2016

15 Forum Spotlight: City Development and Cooperation Under the Belt and Road Framework / Department of American & Oceanian Affairs

16 Imperial Springs International Forum: A Forerunner in People’s Diplomacy / Department of American & Oceanian Affairs

Interview

19 Interview with the Chilean Ambassador / Staff reporter

View

21 In Memory of Jakob Rosenfeld / Lyu Hongwei Published in Chinese and Cultural Exchanges English

26 A Trip of Linked Heart—The Sino-Macedonian Friendship Association Delegation’s Visit to China / Zuo Fengqiang Front Cover: Group photo of major guests attending the 2016 29 Key Chinese Concepts Imperial Springs International Forum. Between Friendship Cities

30 A Brief History of the Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries / Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries

31 Questions & Answers on the SPAFFC and People-to-People Diplomacy / Shanghai Sponsored and published by the People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries 34 People-to-People Diplomacy Gives Full Play to “Soft Propellant Force” of People’s / Friendship Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Editor-in-Chief: Ji Wei

/ 36 Former Vice-Mayor on People-to-People Diplomacy in Shanghai Wang Jiaye Address: 1 Taijichang St., Beijing, 100740, China 38 Ex-CPAFFC Leader Talks about Shanghai’s Civil Diplomacy / Yang Jun Fax: (010) 65122782 / S 40 Shanghai Organization Promotes People-to-People Diplomacy hanghai People’s E-mail: [email protected] Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries http://www.cpaffc.org.cn 42 Impressions of Komaki Kurihara / Gong Yi http://www.qikan.com ISSN 1000-9582 CN11-1234/D

3 Express News

President Li Xiaolin Meets with Lord Powell, Member of the House of Lords of the UK Parliament

Wang Fan n Oct 12, President Li Xiaolin of the Chinese People’s O Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries met with Lord Powell, member of the House of Lords of the UK Parliament. The two sides extensively exchanged views on China-UK exchanges and cooperation, the China-UK Regional Leaders Summit and other issues of common concern to both sides. President Li thanked Lord Powell for his hospitality to the Chi- nese leaders attending the inaugural China-UK Regional Leaders Sum- mit. She is ready to work with the UK to deliver more fruitful coopera- tion under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. Lord Powell expects a bigger role for the CPAFFC in promoting people’s friendly exchanges and cooperation around the world and in safeguarding world peace. Vice President Xie Yuan Meets with Delegation of Colombian Governors Lin Zhichang

n Oce 11, Vice-President Xie Yuan met with the delegation O headed by Mr. Amilkar Acosta, Executive President of Colombian National Federation of Departments. Xie welcomed Mr. Amilkar Acosta; Mr. Sigifredo Salazar, gover- nor of Risaralda; and Mr. Nebio de Jesus Echeverry, governor of Gua- viare. He briefly introduced the CPAFFC and reviewed the friendly exchanges between people from China and Latin America. Colombian Ambassador to China Mr. Oscar Rueda García and Mr. Acosta appreciated Xie’s participation and the efforts on exchang- es between friendly cities carried by the CPAFFC. They also expressed their willingness to establish more intimate contacts with the CPAFFC to extend cooperation and develop the friendship between the two peo- ples.

4 Voice of Friendship No. 186 December 2016

The Opening Ceremony of a Large-Scale Relics Touring Exhibition of Chinese Characters Yu Xiaodong

n Oct 18, the opening ceremony of the Chinese relics touring O exhibition of Chinese Characters: A Legacy and Marvel Perfected Over Three Millennia was held at the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum. Mr. Cheng Yonghua, ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Japan, and Mr. Hu Sishe, vice-president of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, attended the ceremony. Hu said Chinese characters embody the development of 5,000 years of Chinese culture, and form the common cultural foundation for East Asian countries. The history of the exchanges between China and Japan would have been impossible without Chinese characters. He also hoped the two countries could further explore the rich cultural conno- tation of Chinese characters and promote exchanges between the two countries.

Vice-President Lin Yi Meets with Premier of British Virgin Islands

Wang Fan

n Oct 19, Vice-President Lin Yi of the Chinese People’s Association O for Friendship with Foreign Countries met with Dr. Orlando Smith, premier of the British Virgin Islands. Lin extended welcome to Premier Smith, and briefed him on the CPAFFC’s work in people-to-people diplomacy and local government cooperation. Smith thanked the CPAFFC for the invitation and its considerate arrangements. He expressed willingness to establish contact with the CPAFFC to facilitate bilateral exchanges and cooperation.

5 Express News

Vice President Song Jingwu Meets with Mr. Kawamura Takeo

Fu Bo

r. Song Jingwu, vice-president of the CPAFFC, met in Beijing M with Mr. Kawamura Takeo, former Japanese minister of education, culture, sports, science and technology on Sept 30. Song conveyed CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin’s greetings to Takeo and welcomed him to China during the Chinese National Day. He said that the CPAFFC is willing to work together with Japan to develop nongovernmental exchanges, and the sustainable and stable improvement of bilateral relations. Takeo said that next year marks the 45th anniversary of the normalization of China-Japan diplomatic relations and he would like to develop various commemorative activities and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Secretary-General Li Xikui Leads a Delegation to Jiangxi

Sun Yutian ecretary-General Li Xikui led a delegation of foreign diplomatic S envoys and cultural officials to Jiangxi to attend an activity commemorating the 400th anniversary of the deaths of Tang Xianzu, Shakespeare and Cervantes. Li said that the CPAFFC will continue to serve as an international cultural messenger to promote cultural exchanges and build a broader platform for the cultural and creative industries to cooperate. The Diplomatic Envoys and Cultural Officials Cultural Tour Jiangxi station activities lasted from Sept 23 to 26, and showcased China’s cultural image. It increased the diplomats’ knowledge of Chinese traditional and contemporary culture, and it had profound meaning.

6 Voice of Friendship No. 186 December 2016

China-Latin America and Caribbean 2016 Year of Culture Exchange

Wang Lijuan

hina-Latin America and Caribbean 2016 Year of Culture Exchange, China- C Argentina Original Comic Art Exchange Exhibition, hosted by the CPAFFC and the Vinetas Sueltas, presented by the Beijing Total Vision Cultural Spreads Co. Ltd., was held successfully in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, from Oct 14 to 16. The CPAFFC organized a delegation of eight cartoonists to attend the activities in Argentina. Deputy Director-General Ji Wei of the Cultural Exchange Department of the CPAFFC, Director Marcelo Panozzo of the Argentina Cultural Ministry, Cultural Counselor Yang Chuanying of the Chinese Embassy in Argentina and Director Thomas Dassance of the Vinetas Sueltas attended the opening ceremony and made speeches. More than 100 audience members from both home and abroad watched the exhibition. The Chinese Culture Tour for Cultural Officials of Relevant Embassies in China and Foreign Experts in Changsha Gao Hui

rom Oct 17 to 21, 2016, the CPAFFC organized 12 cultural officials F from embassies in China, representing 10 countries, to attend the Chinese Culture Tour held in Changsha, Hunan province. The delegation learned the current condition of culture, the arts and city development in Changsha from such perspectives as cultural heritage, artistic creation, ecological and environmental protection and green planning, and discussed the possibility of launching cultural ex- changes and cooperation between the association, the city of Changsha and the countries concerned.

7 Express News

Enjoy the Global “Music Journey” on the Doorstep

Chengdu Friendship Association

n July 29, 2016 Chengdu International Sister Cities Youth O Music Festival, hosted by the Chengdu Municipal People’s Government, held a grand opening ceremony, with nine overseas professional music troupes delivering wonderful performances to the citizens of Chengdu. Started in Chengdu a decade ago, the influence of Chengdu International Sister Cities Youth Music Festival has gained stature every year with sister cities and residents. The well-known festival features high-standard musical performances and has had tremendous social influence, building a fine interactive platform for accelerating exchanges between Chengdu and the international community in music and culture.

“Panda Chengdu” Shines in Ljubljana

Chengdu Friendship Association

n the evening of Oct 17 (local time), “Panda Chengdu” entered O Ljubljana city in Slovenia, to host a gala commemorating the 35th anniversary of the founding of Chengdu- Ljubljana sister city relations. Leaders including Wu Dongmei, charge d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Slovenia, and Viktorija Potocnik, dean of the Ljubljana Children’s Palace, attended the activity. Chengdu-themed cultural demonstrations were presented during the show. As mentioned by Wu Dongmei, the show fully showcased Chengdu’s cultural characteristics. It is hoped that more literary and artistic works will approach Slovenia and promote cultural exchanges between the two sides. Potocnik was delighted to see the cultural demonstrations of Chengdu artists again in Ljubljana and hoped the Chengdu-Ljubljana friendship would prosper.

8 Global Vision

G20 Hangzhou Summit Points the Way for the World Economy

He Yafei

he 2016 G20 Summit was the shadow of the financial crisis has G20 Guiding Principles for Global T successfully held in Hangzhou, loomed over the world. New tech- Investment Policy-Making were China on Sept 4 and 5. This fruitful nologies and industrial revolutions worked out as well. meeting has set the course for the replace the old, but have not saved the China’s contribution in helping world in such respects as economic world from an economic downturn. realize these action plans cannot be growth, response to global challenges Moreover, major economies are faced overlooked. Innovation, coordination, and global governance system reform. with“graying” populations. Anti-glo- green development, openness and The world economy again stands balization and protectionism are rising sharing – the new development at a crossroads since the financial crisis in some developed countries, affecting concepts of China – have been of 2008. China, having lived up to economic globalization, the multilat- integrated into the consensus of the expectations, contributed its wisdom eral trade system, and free trade and Hangzhou Summit, and are regarded and proposals to encourage the leaders investment. In addition, financial risks as a driving force in boosting future of G20 members to reach a consensus including over-leverage and economic global economic progress.The world on pursuing innovative, invigorated, bubbles are increasing worldwide. has witnessed China’s participation and interconnected and inclusive world In Hangzhou, G20 leaders agreed leading role in the G20 mechanism and economic growth. The achievements of to continue enhancing communication global governance. the G20 Hangzhou Summit will without and coordination of the G20’s macro- What’s more, through China’s doubt influence the global economy policy.On top of that, the G20 efforts, development was for the and governance in a significant way. Blueprint on Innovative Growth was first time placed on the summit Over the years, the G20 has been adopted to support innovation of agenda.Leaders are determined to devoted to encouraging the world’s development concepts, systems and promote inclusive and interconnected economy to grow through sustainabil- mechanisms, and business models development whereby G20 cooperation ity, balance and inclusiveness. Never- stimulated by technological innovation. will deliver benefits to the whole theless, growth momentum has been Having reiterated the commitment to world. To be specific, development in challenged lately by various risks and reject protectionism, the G20 Strategy the global macro-policy framework pressures.Over the last eight years for Global Trade Growth and the was for the first time given priority,

9 Global Vision

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, host a banquet at the Xizi Hotel in Hangzhou to welcome foreign heads of delegations and other participants in the G20 Hangzhou Summit on Sept 4, 2016.

and a groundbreaking action plan on its successful experience, China has invited to the Hangzhou Summit to on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable put forward new concepts and projects, take part in discussions on the world’s Development debuted. As victims of like the Belt and Road Initiative, in economic prospects.The action plans neoliberalism and the Washington an effort to make joint progress with and practical outcomes are expected to Consensus, most developing countries other developing countries. It not only help reduce inequality and imbalances are not benefiting from economic identifies with its status as a developing in global development and deliver globalization. China has always striven country, but also unswervingly stands tangible benefits to the peoples of the to make development issues a highlight with its peers. Representatives from developing world. of the G20 Summit. Meanwhile, based several developing countries were Decisions were also made to

10 Voice of Friendship No. 186 December 2016

transform the G20 from a crisis exposure. Increased interaction and capacity cooperation is misinterpreted response mechanism to a long-term greater openness highlight the new by some Western critics as a way of governance mechanism, and expand its starting point of the relationship “letting out its domestic problems.” focus from short-term policy response between China and the world. But facts speak for themselves. The to a combination of short-, medium- The Belt and Road Initiative, Belt and Road Initiative is widely and long-term policy making. first proposed by President Xi in 2013, welcomed; the philosophy it holds of Leaders showed their has been warmly welcomed by over cooperation and mutual development determination to improve global 100 countries. Under the guiding was echoed at the Hangzhou Summit. economic and financial governance principle of “jointly building through The country’s leaders have on different to enhance the resilience of the world consultation to meet the interests of occasions expressed that all countries economy. Further more, they agreed all,” China has signed cooperation are welcome aboard the train of China’s to advance the quota and governance agreements with more than 30 development to share the fruits of its reform of international financial countries along the routes and launched progress. institutions, broaden the use of Special international production capacity The world has complimented the Drawing Rights (SDR), enhance cooperation with 20 plus countries. Hangzhou Summit for the tangible international cooperation on taxation, Many countries have benefited from outcomes it has achieved, the hope it energy resources, and anti-corruption, the cooperation with China. brings to global economic growth, and as well as join hands to deal with global The Belt and Road Initiative the direction in which it points for a issues like climate change. shows China’s determination to open to global governance system. However, China has earnestly practiced what the world – both to developed countries quite a few people throughout the world it preaches and played a leading role in and developing countries. On top of still uphold neoliberalism,even though this regard. Before the meeting,China that, China initiated the establishment the philosophy has been disputed in the and the US jointly deposited their of the Asian Infrastructure Investment wake of the financial crisis. More effort legal instruments of joining the Paris Bank and the Silk Road Fund with is required to dispel neoliberalism and Agreement. the aim of providing new financing lead the world economy toward a more China’s greater participation in the channels for developing countries to equitable global economic governance G20 mechanism and global governance build up their infrastructure. system that is more just, fair and rea- reveals that the relations between this China has no intention of sonable. responsible major country and the overturning the current system world are changing, and with historic and setting up a brand new one. From China Today significance. At the summit,Chinese Cooperation and mutual benefits are President Xi Jinping pointed out that the goal of the new mechanisms and China has reached a new historical initiatives launched by China. Its starting point wherein the country will objective is not to build China’s own deepen reform across the board, foster backyard garden, but a garden shared He Yafei is the first G20 sherpa for new drivers of economic and social by all countries. In the field of global China, former deputy foreign minister development, adapt its economy to economic and financial governance, and former deputy director of the the “new normal” stage and transform China is playing a leading role in a Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the its growth model, further globally substantial way. State Council. integrate itself, and increase worldwide China’s international production

11 2016 Imperial Springs International Forum

2016 Imperial Springs International Forum

Department of American & Oceanian Affairs

rom May 29 to 30, the 2016 chairman of the Standing Committee Alliance, attended the opening F Imperial Springs International of the National People’s Congress; ceremony and addressed the forum. Forum, co-hosted by the Chinese Li Xiaolin, president of the CPAFFC; Zhang met with the foreign VIPs People’s Association for Friendship Dr. Chau Chak Wing, president of before the opening ceremony. Eleven with Foreign Countries and the the Australia China Friendship and former heads of state and government Australia China Friendship and Exchange Association and chairman leaders, including Vike-Freiberga; Exchange Association, with support of Kingold Group; and Vaira Vike- John Howard, former prime minister from the World Leadership Alliance- Freiberga, former president of Latvia of Australia; Jorge Quiroga, former Club De Madrid, was held at the and president of the World Leadership president of Bolivia; Jenny Shipley, Imperial Springs International Convention Center in Guangzhou, Guangdong province. Under the theme “The Belt and Road: Inclusive, Sustainable and Resilient Cities”, the forum explored subjects of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, city collaboration, infrastructure, resources development and investment, and featured in- depth discussions about the common opportunities and challenges faced by Chinese and foreign cities in their development in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative. Hu Chunhua, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Group photo of major guests attending the 2016 Imperial Springs Committee; Zhang Baowen, vice- International Forum

12 Voice of Friendship No. 186 December 2016

former prime minister of New Zealand; international community and, as a are complementary, Han said. Esko Aho, former prime minister of result, world economies could break Finland; Han Seung-soo, former prime through traditional boundaries and The Belt and Road Initiative is minister of the Republic of Korea; realize mutual communication and “the second round of China’s reform Benjamin Mkapa, former president cooperation regardless of their size. and opening-up drive” of Tanzania; Olusegun Obasanjo, Former Bolivian President former president of Nigeria; George Quiroga noted that world development Participants thought highly of the Papandreou, former prime minister was like climbing a mountain, which Belt and Road Initiative and believed of Greece; Andrés Pastrana, former requires a correct path, a reliable guide it was an extension of China’s reform president of Colombia; Petre Roman, and a rope for protection. The Belt and opening-up policy that would former prime minister of Romania, and and Road is a far-sighted and practical promote further opening, exchange and more than 100 experts, scholars and strategy which acts like a guide and integration in a wider area, at a higher business leaders from 20-plus countries could lead the world toward economic level and to a more profound depth. attended the forum and had in-depth recovery and prosperity, Quiroga said. Guangdong CPC chief Hu emphasized discussions on four subjects related to Aho, the former Finnish prime at the luncheon that China’s the Belt and Road Initiative: inclusive, minister, used ice hockey, a popular development was closely linked to sustainable and resilient cities; cities sport in his country, to elaborate on its reform and opening-up policy. and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable the strategic significance of the Belt Proposed by President Xi Jinping, the Development; cooperation and and Road. The difference between Belt and Road Initiative highlights the challenges for cities in the making; and a star ice hockey player and an crucial role of reform and opening- infrastructure and resource investment. ordinary player, Aho said, is that an up. Several thousand years of Chinese ordinary player only chases the puck, history prove that whenever the country The Belt and Road Initiative is while a star player is able to predict was open, it developed; whenever it a path of cooperation and common where the puck will be and skate to was closed, it lagged behind, Xi said benefit with Chinese characteristics the correct position in advance. The — “therefore we must persist in reform Belt and Road is China’s initiative and opening-up”. Most of the forum participants to take a path of its own, based on Quiroga said the Belt and Road believed the Belt and Road Initiative its predictions, Aho said, adding that Initiative was part of China’s second is a solution China offers for world the initiative had great foresight and round of reform and opening-up, and it development on a backdrop of comes with huge potential. It will will bring unprecedented development globalization. The participating bring new technological breakthroughs opportunities to the world, including countries hoped that with the initiative, to the world and contribute to a new countries in Latin America. they could take advantage of China’s ecosystem. Former Australian prime minister rapid growth, innovate collaborative Former ROK Prime Minister Han Howard noted that the Belt and Road models and materialize shared noted that the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Initiative originated from the ancient development. Shipley, the former Sustainable Development contained 17 Silk Road more than 2,000 years ago. New Zealand prime minister, pointed subgoals, nine of which are relevant to The core of both ideas is to promote out that the Belt and Road Initiative the Belt and Road Initiative. The two shared development and to resist brought revolutionary changes to agendas share common objectives and risks jointly faced by different nations

13 2016 Imperial Springs International Forum

we should take better advantage of city’s functions, especially through carrying out sister city activities extensively. The Belt and Road Initiative also crosses national boundaries and provides new platforms and opportunities for cities to share resources and develop in a sustainable way. Shipley noted that the challenges facing cities epitomize those facing the world. The ideas of cooperation and common benefit between cities embedded in the Belt and Road Initiative were in tune with the trend of the times and could help increase social inclusiveness and commonality Zhang Baowen, vice-chairman of the National People’s Congress standing committee, meets with Vaira Vike-Freiberga, president of the World while addressing current problems. Leardership Alliance, before the opening ceremony In practice, if we could soundly implement inclusiveness, it might and people from different cultural further close the development gap and be quicker to find a solution for the backgrounds, he said, adding that increase mutual understanding and European refugee problem, Shipley it is the open and inclusive spirit of trust. said. globalization embedded in the initiative Olusegun Obasanjo, former that has helped China to realize rapid The Belt and Road Initiative president of Nigeria, thought the economic growth, lifted hundreds of brings important opportunities for countries along the Belt and Road millions of people out of poverty in city development should take the opportunity it offers to the past three decades and benefited strengthen coordination at the regional the world, especially the Asia-Pacific Participants discussed how level and seek a city development region. At present, globalization is to implement the Belt and Road model that is more effective, more threatened by populism and trade Initiative, respond to common sustainable and more inclusive to protectionism, so the Belt and Road challenges facing city development realize shared prosperity and peace. Initiative comes at an opportune and improve governance in the At the closing ceremony of the moment to help the world respond to context of globalization, digitization forum, Vike-Freiberga officially invited the challenge effectively, he said. and urbanization. Today over half ACFEA President Chau to take the Vike-Freiberga of Latvia the world’s population live in cities; post of Asia-Pacific director of the expressed her belief that the initiative the proportion will reach 70 percent World Leadership Alliance. CPAFFC would further diversify and deepen by 2050. Cities are both economic President Li presented the Award for collaboration between countries and centers and cultural centers. To Contribution to People’s Friendship to cities along the Belt and Road routes, promote the Belt and Road Initiative, Dr. Chau.

14 Voice of Friendship No. 186 December 2016

Forum Spotlight: City Development and Cooperation Under the Belt and Road Framework

Department of American & Oceanian Affairs

ith the theme of “The Belt and urbanization process is burgeoning. Aho, former prime minister of Finland, W Road: Inclusive, Sustainable and The development status of a city often pointed out, from the perspective of Resilient Cities”, the 2016 Imperial mirrors that of a country, be it on future urbanization and development, Springs International Forum focused hardware or software, and cities are that science, technology and innovation on city cooperation and emphasized well-equipped for collaboration. What’s would be the three key drivers in the the idea of “city” as the pilot for more, in the Belt and Road regions future, while sustainable development, cooperation under the Belt and Road there are already many cosmopolises, digitalization and democratization Initiative, winning general recognition forming a foundation for cooperation. would form the macro environment. from forum participants. During breakout sessions, Esko Aho believes future city development Li Xiaolin, president of the Chi- nese People’s Association for Friend- ship with Foreign Countries, said that cities were important channels for the association to conduct international exchanges. She hoped all cities in the regions along the Belt and Road would grasp opportunities to promote interconnectivity and realize mutual benefits — and to create new momen- tum as they take on challenges. Urbanization is one of the main ongoing trends worldwide. Statistics show that 2007 was a watershed year in which the balance shifted and more than half the world’s population consisted of city-dwellers. Today, the proportion has reached 70 percent. In CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin delivers a speech at the 2016 Imperial Springs developing countries particularly, the International Forum

15 2016 Imperial Springs International Forum

should focus on four goals, starting can be models for the Belt and Road with infrastructure. Initiative. The first, he said, are those Large amounts of investment and emerging rapidly and realizing leapfrog resources for infrastructure construc- development. They come from scratch, Imperial Springs International Forum: A Forerunner tion are needed, Aho said, adding that or in terms of innovation, from zero to the Belt and Road “will support us in one. infrastructure, especially digital infra- in People’s Diplomacy Second are those that insist on structure development, which is exactly maintaining the most essential part of the feature of future development”. their culture. While everybody else gets Second is talent. The capabilities Department of American & Oceanian Affairs required for talent are different from lost, they still stick to the core. This, the past. Zhao said, is also innovation. A city Third is to optimize collaboration should be warm and people-oriented, between government and business so and should be defined by its humanity uangdong was one of China’s that they can cooperate in a more scien- instead of its functions. We should pro- G first foreign trade ports and the tific manner. pose some trend-setting ideas for cit- birthplace and starting point of the Fourth is to develop risk response ies in the Belt and Road regions, Zhao ancient Maritime Silk Road. At the capability. Risk here refers to idea said. forefront of China’s opening-up policy, change. We need to be more open and Many experts also suggested a Guangdong has continued to welcome more receptive to innovation, including the outside world. Through its open city alliance be established for the more risk in innovation, Aho said. economic system it has become the than 60 countries along the Belt and Jordi Hereu, former mayor of most export-oriented economic region Road. Such a network would connect Barcelona, emphasized the importance in China. of building the city brand. He proposed cities, enabling them to develop and The Imperial Springs International that cities should develop under a clear respond together, and would especially Forum is the only high-profile concept or image, such as smart city, help underdeveloped regions address international forum in Guangdong. It secondary city, people- and culture- their challenges. originated from the Imperial Springs oriented city, sustainable development Today people live in an economi- Summit in 2011 and was approved by city, global city, resilient city, and so cally globalized world where exchang- the Chinese government in 2015. It has forth. Ultimately, a city must have its es and collaboration between cities has been hosted by the Chinese People’s own characteristics and identity to be become more and more frequent. It is Association for Friendship with remembered, Hereu said. the cities that organically coordinate Foreign Countries and the Australia- Green and people-oriented devel- China Friendship Association. The the economic activities of all countries opment was also one of the common forum is located in Imperial Springs, and regions. With more city collabora- understandings reached by the partici- Conghua, in the southern part of tion, the exchanges and relationships pants with regard to the trend of future China, and is a major nongovernmental between countries and regions along city development. Professor Zhao Lei diplomatic and international exchange from the Institute for International the Belt and Road will surely step on a platform. Imperial Springs has played Strategic Studies of the Central Party new stage and usher in new opportuni- host to the China-Australia Media School of the Communist Party of ties of healthy interaction, joint explo- Forum, the Global Economic Forum, China talked about what kinds of cities ration and win-win results. Global SME Leaders Forum, Chinese

16 Voice of Friendship No. 186 December 2016

Imperial Springs International Forum: A Forerunner in People’s Diplomacy

Department of American & Oceanian Affairs

Enterprises in Latin America Forum, leaders, scholars and other celebrities Dr Chau Chak Wing, the founder China-Australia Economic Forum attended the events here, including of the International Forum, said that and the Imperial Springs International former US president Bill Clinton and today’s world is characterized by Forum in 2015 and 2016. More than former Australian prime minister John common pursuit and interests, as well 300 international dignitaries, business Howard. as by many differences. To avoid

Chinese and foreign officials in a photo session before planting ‘friendship Trees’ prior to the meeting

17 2016 Imperial Springs International Forum

misunderstanding and misjudgment, Indonesia, and experts from home political experience, observations and people need to understand each other. and abroad exchanged views on Belt judgments with the community about Dialogue is necessary, whether it is and Road construction, security and the challenges facing today’s high- governmental or nongovernmental, cooperation in Asia, as well as global level government decision-making formal or informal. Dialogue promotes security, development, governance and effective leadership. Through policy communication, so that trade and challenges. Through in-depth the World Leadership Alliance, it is more smooth, and more financial discussions and dialogues, the forum is possible to establish an active facilities will be in place and better will help countries along the Belt and dialogue and cooperation bridge with connected. Imperial Springs is the Road to build credibility, erase doubts existing governments, international ideal location for such high-profile and achieve cohesion and consensus, intergovernmental organizations, civil dialogues, Chau said. which is is of great significance. society organizations, national business The forum is designed to promote The Imperial Springs International circles and national experts and understanding and consensus among all Forum invited the World Leadership scholars. parties, as well as regional and global Alliance this year for joint hosting, At the closing ceremony, the cooperation. It explores important which greatly enhanced the forum’s president of the World Leaders issues in the economic, political and international influence. The alliance is Alliance and former president of cultural sectors. For two consecutive the world’s most influential coalition Latvia,VairaVike-Freiberga, invited years, China’s Belt and Road Initiative of former politicians, with 108 Chau, president of Australia-China has been the theme of the forum. former prime ministers and premiers Friendship Exchange Association and Veteran politicians from Australia, from 69 countries. These coalition chairman of Kingold Group, to act as Mexico, Greece, Italy, Sweden, and members often share their expertise, chairman of the Asia-Pacific Region of the World Leadership Alliance. Professor Zhao Lei, a scholar at the Central Party School’s International Institute for Strategic Studies, said this was not only an honor for any individual but also an affirmation of the increasing strength and status of China. It would promote cooperation between the World Leadership Alliance and China, and Chau would play an active role in supporting the Belt and Road Initiative. Li Xiaolin, president of the Chi- nese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, expressed hope that the results of the exchanges would help the international community under- stand the Belt and Road and strengthen Xu Qin, Mayor of Shenzhen, speaks at the forum China’s cooperation with the rest of the world.

18 Interview

Interview with the Chilean Ambassador

Staff reporter

VOF: Chile was the first country in Santiago into the financial services and the other at St Thomas University South America to establish diplomatic center for the region. In terms of trade, (the latter doubles as a coordinating relations with China, on Dec 15, bilateral trade flows have increased center for all the Institutes in the 1970. It was also the first to recognize fourfold since the signing of the FTA in region) are doing an outstanding job. China as a market economy and sign 2005 (reaching some US$ 31 billion in I am especially impressed by the a bilateral free trade agreement with 2015), making China into Chile´s No. 1 work done by Cruzando el Pacífico China in Latin America. With frequent trading partner in the world, and Chile (Crossing the Pacific), an NGO exchanges at the top, China and into China´s No. 3 trading partner in dedicated to teaching the Chinese Chile have maintained cooperation in Latin America. Incidentally, this was language to young people across various fields. Mr. Ambassador, what not just China’s first FTA with any Chile. I have joined them in a number is your view on China-Chile relations? country in Latin America; it was the of their events, and it has been first signed by China with any single fascinating to see the passion with Mr. Heine: As we all know, there country anywhere. which my young compatriots have is no country that is farther from China taken up the by no means easy task than Chile. Yet, despite the distance, VOF: There are two Confucius of learning Mandarin. We still have bilateral relations have flourished, Institutes and over 20 Chinese a long way to go, and we need many and they are going from strength to language teaching centers in Chile. more Mandarin speakers in Chile, but strength. In 2014, President Michelle The Chinese language fever or the we are moving in the right direction. Bachelet and President Xi Jinping met Chinese Culture fever is gaining more not once but twice—first in Brasilia in momentum in Chile. Mr. Ambassador, VOF: 2016 is the China-Latin July in the aftermath of the VI BRICS what is your expectation on people- America Cultural Exchange Year. Mr. Summit, and then in November, when to-people and cultural exchanges Ambassador, what kind of activities President Bachelet made a bilateral visit between our two sides? has been arranged between China and after the APEC Summit held in Beijing. Chile? In May of 2015, Prime Minister Li Mr. Heine: You are quite right. Keqiang visited Chile as part of a South Because of our history, in Chile we Mr. Heine: In January, Patricio American tour which also included have been traditionally more oriented Guzmán, our leading documentary film- Brazil, Colombia and Peru. Eighteen toward learning English, French or maker, visited Beijing in what was his agreements were signed in Santiago German (I myself went to Santiago’s first visit to China. A retrospective of on that occasion, including some as German School) than towards learning half a dozen of his films was held at the significant as one to avoid double Asian languages. Yet, China’s rise has Ullens Center for Contemporary Arts taxation and another on extradition. triggered a considerable interest in the (UCCA). His epic trilogy, The Battle of China Construction Bank recently Chinese language, and, although we Chile, is widely considered to be one opened for business in Santiago, and it still have a long way to go, Chinese is of the great political documentaries will be the clearing bank for all RMB now part of the regular curriculum in of our time, and it was very well operations in Latin America, which a number of schools. The Confucius received by the Chinese public, as were brings us closer to our goal of making Institutes, one at Catholic University his most recent films, like Nostalgia

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for the Light and The Pearl Button, exhibition on the Forbidden City, its significant role in foreign affairs. I which have received some of Europe’s art, its history and its architecture, will am greatly encouraged by the very leading awards. In May, we had here take place in Chile’s Presidential Palace fruitful and productive relations being Miguel Sayago, a well-established Museum, and in October and November developed between Chilean cities and photographer, who had an exhibition Qingdao’s Symphonic Orchestra will regions and their Chinese counterparts. of his work on Easter Island (a very tour Santiago, Valparaíso and Rancagua. In Chile, the Bio Bio region has taken popular destination among Chinese It is a very full and enriching year, as the lead in this matter. The governor, travelers) in Beijing. One of the biggest you can see. Mr. Rodrigo Diaz Worner, has visited events has been an exhibition of 40 China three times (twice since my works by José Venturelli (1924-1988), VOF: There are 13 pairs of friendship arrival here in Beijing two years ago), the renowned painter, who was a great cities (including friendship provinces he always does so with a delegation friend of China and lived here for most and states) in China and Chile. that includes both government officials of the 50s. His work is being shown in We can see very close contacts and private sector representatives. Bio Beijing, Nanjing and Shanghai over a between these friendship cities. Mr. Bio is the Chilean region that exports three-month period (July-September). Ambassador, may I ask your opinions the most in non-copper products to In August we shall have here Alejandro on the exchanges between China- China, and its people are fully aware Zambra, perhaps the best known among Chile friendship cities? that their prosperity is closely linked to Chile’s new generation of writers, China’s. Mr. Jorge Flies, the governor whose work is featured in The New Mr. Heine: In today’s world, cities of the Magellan region (in Chile’s Yorker. Many of his books have come and regions are playing an increasingly Deep South) will be visiting shortly as out in Chinese editions by publishing well, and we hope it can give further house Shanghai99, and he is very impetus to Chile-China cooperation on much looking forward to interact with Antartic issues. Chinese tourists are his readers both in Shanghai and in keen to visit Antartica, and the best Beijing. We were lucky enough to be way to do so is via Punta Arenas, the able to host Mo Yan here at the Chilean capital of the Magellan region. In turn, Embassy in Beijing not too long ago, we have a regular stream of provincial as he signed an agreement allowing the and municipal authorities from China adaptation of his novel Life and Death visiting Chile, furthering cooperation are Wearing Me Out into a play to be on a variety of fronts. I am especially produced in Chile and in other Latin upbeat about the upcoming visit of American countries. Mr Mo Yan has the Mayor of Shanghai to Chile in not visited Chile yet, and we very much September. hope that he could do so for the opening of this play. Chinese culture will also VOF: Chile is the third largest wine have a very strong presence in Chile exporter to China. China imports in the second half of this year: Lang 98 percent of its blueberries, 80 Lang will be performing in Santiago percent of its cherries and 50 percent in August (in his second visit to Chile; of its apples and table grapes from he was there first in 2013). There are Chile. Mr. Ambassador, besides the great expectations, and the event is sold cooperation mentioned above, what out. From September to November an about the economic bond between

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China and Chile? Mr. Heine: Trade has been in some ways the bedrock of these flourishing ties between Chile and China. Ever since the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in 2005 (the first signed by China with In Memory of any single country anywhere) trade increased fivefold. It reached $32 Jakob Rosenfeld billion in 2015. China is now Chile’s No 1 trading partner, and Chile is China’s No 3 trading partner in Latin Lyu Hongwei America. Chile is the world’s biggest producer and exporter of copper (we have 29 percent of the world’s reserves), and China is the biggest wo doctors, Norman Bethune Aggression Internationalist Fighter”. In importer and consumer of it, so copper T and Dwarkanath Kotnis, are May that year, during her visit to Israel, forms the bulk of our exports to this household names in China, but the Liu told a story about the friendship country. But over the last few years we name Jakob Rosenfeld is seldom between her father, General Liu have seen a big increase in other items, recognized. In fact, Rosenfeld, an Ruilong, and Rosenfeld during the war such as the ones you mention. Chile is Austrian doctor of Jewish ancestry, against Japan and presented to Israeli the world’s biggest exporter of fresh has made contributions no less than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a fruit in the southern hemisphere, and those of Bethune and Kotnis to China’s group photo of Rosenfeld with General the second-largest exporter of them victory in the War of Resistance Liu and a few other generals. to China. We are the fourth-largest Against Japanese Aggression. In a On the occasion of the 70th exporter of wine in the world, and the certain sense, Rosenfeld’s contribution anniversary of the victory in the war third-largest to China. We are also was even greater than theirs, because against Japan and World War II against making strong inroads in meats, fish. he took part in the War of Liberation fascism, we Chinese people remember and all kinds of products from the sea. of the Chinese people as a soldier of the contributions our international We are even exporting live cattle to the People’s Liberation Army and a friend made. In September 2015, the China (20,000 of them last year), which member of the Communist Party of CPAFFC, on behalf of the Chinese is quite a feat given the distance and China. government, invited nearly 200 the very stringent sanitary requirements In July 2014, on the 77th international friends who helped us in such exports demand. Ten or 20 years anniversary of the Lugouqiao Incident, wartime, along with their families, to down the road, I see Chile providing China’s ambassador to Israel Gao attend the commemoration ceremony in an increasing share of China’s food Yanping visited a cemetery in the China. Regrettably, none of Rosenfeld’s imports. With its Mediterranean outskirts of Tel Aviv to commemorate relatives came. climate, natural geographic barriers that Rosenfeld, laying a wreath with great Rosenfeld remained unmarried all keep plagues and diseases away and respect on behalf of Chinese Vice- his life. Many of his family members very strict sanitary conditions, Chile is Premier Liu Yandong. The memorial on were persecuted and killed by the ideally placed to become an important the wreath read: “In Commemoration Nazis. When we attempted to contact food supplier to this country. of Jakob Rosenfeld, the Anti-Japanese- his niece Freja, who had been to

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China twice to attend commemorative Mr. Chen Haosu, former president of the Military Medical Service activities, we sadly learned that she of the CPAFFC, once told us that Dr. Department of the New Fourth Army, had died. If he could see from the Rosenfeld was the first person he saw to Jakob Rosenfeld. heavens what was going on in China in the world after his birth. Born in Garizien in the Austro- on Sept 3, Rosenfeld might feel greatly In 1995, the CPAFFC held a Hungarian Empire in 1903 (within the reassured, witnessing the strength and launching ceremony for the book Bi- territory of Ukraine today), Rosenfeld power of the PLA, the peaceful life of ography of Dr. Rosenfeld. The Austrian graduated from the University of the Chinese people and the tremendous defense minister at the time led a del- Vienna with a doctorate in medicine. changes that have taken place in the egation to visit the CPAFFC. I served Unfortunately, as he was born to a nation for which he fought. as the interpreter during that visit. I still Jewish family, he was persecuted by the I joined the CPAFFC in 1993 after remember the presence of the famous Nazis and confined to a concentration graduation from university. The first General Wan Yi, who had served as camp. In 1938, he went to Shanghai, story about our international friends commander-in-chief of the First Col- and opened a clinic in the French I heard was about Dr. Rosenfeld. At umn of the Northeast Democratic Al- Concession. Despite his sufferings, he the end of 1992, our association and lied Army (later called the Fourth Field always harbored sympathy for the poor the government of Shandong province Army). Rosenfeld was then the head and for Communist Party members, jointly unveiled a statue of Rosenfeld at of the medical corps. Despite suffer- since he had been educated with a ceremony formally naming Rosenfeld ing from severe glaucoma, which made progressive ideas. Recommended by Hospital in commemoration of this him almost blind, General Wan man- Hans Shippe, a member of the German international humanitarian fighter. aged to find his way to the ceremony, Communist Party, Rosenfeld decided Some of my collogues accompanied helped by his assistant. The general to give up his good living conditions the Austrian delegation of senior told us he and Rosenfeld were great and job in Shanghai, and join the New officials, led by the executive vice- chums during the war, and that the Aus- Fourth Army, to contribute to the war chairman of the Austrian Federal trian doctor saved his life. He said he against fascism. Council, to attend the ceremonies. definitely would never miss the occa- In March 1941, disguised as When they came back, they told us sion commemorating his old comrade- a Christian priest, he traveled to touching stories about Rosenfeld. On in-arms. Yancheng, the headquarters of the New the bookshelf in my office is a book All these stories made me more Fourth Army, after trekking through titled Dr. Rosenfeld in China. The curious about Dr. Rosenfeld. After several Japanese blockades. He was the book’s title was handwritten by General having read a large number of books first foreigner to join the New Fourth Zhang Aiping. Its preface was written and historical records about him, Army. A welcoming meeting was by General Gu Mu. Twenty retired and having attended a series of held for him, hosted by Acting Army army generals, including Hong Xuezhi, commemoration activities and listening Commander Chen Yi, with remarks Ye Fei, Ji Pengfei, Zhang Zhen, Chen to stories from several of his former given by Political Commissar Liu Shiqu, Liang Biye, Cui Yueli and Chen comrades and bodyguards in the Army Shaoqi. Rosenfeld was then appointed Minzhang, contributed inscriptions. In — like Wu Zhili, Li Guang and Fang as the Health Consultant of the Army addition, some veteran revolutionaries, Zheng — I had a vivid, positive image and was put in charge of training such as Mrs. Lin Yueqin, wife of of Dr. Rosenfeld in my mind. medical personnel. He helped set up Marshal Luo Ronghuan, wrote articles The Chinese name Luo Shengte the Army’s Huazhong Health School. to commemorate their old friend. was given by Shen Qizhen, the director In 1942, on the recommendation of

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Chen Yi and Qian Junrui, he became Field Army, the Fourth Field Army and conditions will not be a problem for a special member of the Communist the Shanghai government, commending me.” Party of China. him as a “living Dr. Bethune”. Rosenfeld experienced an In order to treat Marshal Luo Rosenfeld took the uniforms of ideological change before joining the Ronghuan’s serious kidney disease, the New Fourth Army and the People's Communist Party of China. At first, Dr. Rosenfeld was transferred to serve Liberation Army with him when he he just wanted to fight fascism. In the as a consultant of the Department returned to his homeland. early years, he was a social democrat of Health in the Shandong Military After returning home, Dr. who could not accept certain policies Region of the Eighth Route Army in Rosenfeld sadly found that his mother of the Communist Party of the Soviet 1943. After the war, he went to the and other family members had either Union led by Stalin. After joining the northeastern region with Marshal died or were dispersed. It was the time New Fourth Army, he found the CPC Luo and accepted an appointment as of the Cold War, and local community different: The Chinese communists director of the Department of Health refused to accept him because he shared his ideals. So he joined the of the First Column of the Northeast had come from China, a communist CPC, sparing no effort to contribute to Democratic Allied Army (which later country. He once hoped to go back to the Chinese People’s War of Liberation became the 38th Army), the highest China; unfortunately, he didn’t make after World War II. Strong in faith, position any international friend has it. In 1951, he went to Israel to visit his he risked his life to perform medical ever taken in our military. He followed relatives, and a year later he died in Tel operations at the front. For the sake of the Army in the War of Liberation and Aviv. his life, officials planned to send him participated in many significant battles Dr. Rosenfeld was a man of to hospitals in the rear, but he replied including the so-called Four Battles in integrity and firm faith. He took part sharply in Chinese: Bu hao ban! — Siping, and the conquest of Jinzhou, a in China’s revolution out of hatred for meaning “that’s impossible”. strategically important city in Northeast fascism and sympathy for communist Rosenfeld never dwelled on fame China. In early 1949, Rosenfeld came ideals. When he heard of the sudden or wealth; he lived a simple life. He to Beijing as the Fourth Field Army attack on the New Fourth Army by gave up his comfortable circumstances took the city, and was diagnosed with forces of the Kuomintang in what was in Shanghai and went to northern severe coronary heart disease. later known as the Southern Anhui Jiangsu. His clinic — called “Dr. After the victory of the revolution, Incident, he said in anger: “The KMT Rosenfeld” — was famous in the Rosenfeld returned to his Austrian is destroying the anti-Japanese united French Concession in Shanghai. After hometown in November 1949, as front. How could they open fire on their coming to Yancheng, leaders of the he deeply missed his family. Before compatriots? I have no attachment, and New Fourth Army hoped he would take Rosenfeld’s departure, Marshal I’m going to northern Jiangsu province” the post of the director of the Health Luo gave him his pocket watch as a to join with the remnants of the New Department, but he declined. After he memento of respect. The inscription Fourth Army based there. Shen Jizhen was transferred to Shandong province, read simply: “To Dr. Rosenfeld, Luo told him that life in northern Jiangsu Marshal Luo wanted to appoint him Ronghuan”. Liu Shaoqi spoke with was “the most primitive, which is not as the Health Department head of the Rosenfeld in Tianjin. Chen Yi held suitable for foreigners”. Rosenfeld Shandong Military District, but he a reception for him in Shanghai, and replied: “What I care about is justice. I declined that as well, saying: “I am a awarded certificates of honor (both in have survived confinement in the Nazi foreigner, I can’t speak Chinese, and Chinese and German) from the Third concentration camps; the harsh living Huang Nong is more suitable than

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me to take the post” — a reference to the University of Vienna and private body of the patient without hesitation. Wang Yutian, the former director of the practice specializing in urology. He suppressed the inevitable feelings Department of Health of the Northeast Despite the limited medical of revulsion during the treatment of Democratic Allied Army and later facilities in the base areas of the some cases so as not to offend the the New China’s first ambassador to Communist army, he successfully patients. He showed respect for them. West Germany. Rosenfeld was then treated the serious kidney disease In the base area, where medicines were appointed by Marshal Luo as consultant of Marshal Luo, which allowed the scarce, he was a “panacea” doctor, to the Department of Health. Huang commander to continue his work in who could deal with various diseases Nong was appointed director upon his Shandong province. In 1944, Wan from parasites to inner-ear infections. arrival in Shandong to assist Rosenfeld Yi, chief commander of the Binhai Fifty years later, Zhang Yueqin, a in carrying out the work. Detachment of the Shandong Military peasant from Shandong province who Dr. Rosenfeld never made any District, was seriously wounded in a had been treated by Rosenfeld, sent special demands about his living battle with Japanese troops. A bullet a silk banner to his niece to express situation. He ate coarse grain pancakes pierced his tongue and knocked her gratitude for his efforts. Stitched like everybody else. Whenever coffee out seven teeth. Rosenfeld treated on the banner were the words: “There was found in the spoils of victory after him. Highly trusted by the leaders, would not be my family if there were battles, he would be very happy; and Rosenfeld was the only physician no Dr. Rosenfeld”. he would always share with others authorized to draw from the limited Rosenfeld’s life became legendary. the chocolates, milk candies and other stores of sulfanilamide and penicillin, Of all foreign friends who served in spoils given to him by comrades. In which were very hard to get during our army, he served the longest — January 1945, in celebration of his wartime. Upon his arrival in Yancheng, eight years. He took part not only in 42nd birthday, his bodyguard asked Rosenfeld began to undertake the fight against Japan but also in the him what he wanted to eat. He asked operations immediately, working from War of Liberation, establishing deep for 42 dumplings. The bodyguard 8 am to midnight and also helping friendships with many CPC and Army was surprised at the simple request, others to carry the stretchers of the leaders. He interviewed some of them, especially since 42 dumplings seemed wounded. In addition, he set up medical hoping that he could write a book too many for one person to eat. schools, compiled teaching materials about those extraordinary leaders of Rosenfeld explained that he wanted to and gave lessons, fostering a large team the Communist Party of China, and share the dumplings with others just as of medical personnel for the army. promote the image of the new China to he shared birthday cake with his family News that a “magical foreign the world. He also tried to visit Yan’an, back in Austria. doctor” had come spread around the the revolutionary base, but failed Rosenfeld possessed superb base area. Local people flocked to the because the roads were blocked by the medical skills and noble ethics. Army’s clinic, hoping Dr. Rosenfeld enemy. Chen Yi wrote him a letter in Graduating as a doctor of synthetic would treat their diseases. Rosenfeld 1942, saying: “Dr. Rosenfeld, as our medicine from the University of never refused a request. At that time, anti-fascist ally, you have come a long Vienna Medical College, he had the local people were very poor and paid way from abroad to China to take part highest educational background of all little attention to hygiene. Rosenfeld in the anti-Japanese war and engaged the international friends working in was not fazed: To make accurate in the work of the New Fourth Army liberated areas at that time, including diagnoses, he discarded is stethoscope on the front line. You have witnessed work at the Affiliated Hospital of and instead put his ear directly on the and experienced the arduous struggles

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of the Army, which make you the most know about the findings made by the human dignity. In July 2015, President qualified witness of the New Fourth Austrian researchers. Li Xiaolin of the CPAFFC paid a visit Army.” As China’s largest civil to Austria and presented the Austria- When talking about Dr. Rosenfeld, organization engaged in people-to- China Friendship Association two we should pay tribute to Prof. Gerd people diplomacy, the Chinese People’s items that had been used by Rosenfeld Kaminski, executive vice-president Association for Friendship with Foreign — a scarf and a cutlery bag — which of the Austria-China Friendship Countries has held many activities in were gifts sent by Rosenfeld to his Association, for his efforts to collect commemorating Dr. Rosenfeld over the former bodyguard Li Guang. On the and compile historical materials about past 20 years, in an effort to champion 70th anniversary of victory in the Anti- Rosenfeld. His masterpieces, including the deeds of that great soldier of Fascist War, Mrs. Gong Youlin, widow History of Austria-China Friendship internationalism and humanity, who is of Li Guang, made a special trip from and Biography of Dr. Rosenfeld brings an enduring symbol of the friendship Chengdu to Beijing to visit CPAFFC the doctor’s wartime experience and between Austria and China. to donate those objects, which she has character alive. In 1992, a high-level Austrian saved for 70 years. According to Kaminski, the first delegation attended a Rosenfeld CPAFFC President Li met with time he heard about Rosenfeld was commemoration in Shandong province Austrian Federal President Heinz in the 1970s from Harry Sichrovski, at the invitation of the CPAFFC. Fischer, who knew a lot about the ac- who was a member of the Austria- Members of the delegation were tivities of our association in commemo- China Friendship Association, and once received by former Chinese President ration of Dr. Rosenfeld. Back in 1992, served as a resident correspondent for Yang Shangkun during their visit in serving as the president of the National Volksstimme of the Communist Party Beijing. In 1998, Bu He, who was Council, he wrote a letter to our as- of Austria in Beijing. Later on, Tang vice-chairman of the National People’s sociation to show his gratitude for our Ke, former minister for the petroleum Congress at the time, paid a visit to work. industry, also mentioned Rosenfeld’s Austria and inaugurated Rosenfeld’s In 2003, Jakob Rosenfeld: Ich contribution to the Chinese revolution residence as a monument, accompanied kannte sie alle, Das Tagebuch des chi- during his visit to Vienna. An official by the president of the Austrian Federal nesischen Generals Jakob Rosenfeld in the delegation also presented to Council. On the 100th anniversary Harry an article written by Rosenfeld’s of Rosenfeld’s birthday in 2003, the was published. Former Chinese Presi- former bodyguard Liu Hongde, whose CPAFFC held an exhibition at the dent Hu Jintao wrote a letter of con- wife was a nurse in Rosenfeld’s National Museum, which was attended gratulation for the publishing of the department. Through the introduction by Wang Zhaoguo, then the vice- book’s Chinese edition, which reads: of Liu, Kaminski made acquaintance chairman of the National People’s “From 1941 to 1949, Dr. Rosenfeld with Li Guang, another of Rosenfeld’s Congress, and Anna Haselbach, deputy contributed his most precious years to bodyguards. The two provided him with president of the Austrian Federal the liberation of the Chinese people, firsthand information about the doctor. Council. and his brilliant achievements have Professor Du Wentang of the The leaders of the CPAFFC have been written into history. He is a sym- Institute of History at the Chinese all attached great importance to activi- bol of the friendship between Austrian Academy of Social Sciences has ties commemorating Dr. Rosenfeld, and Chinese peoples, and will be cher- translated many German books, thus to help more people learn about this ished in the memory of future genera- giving Chinese readers a chance to great warrior of internationalism and tions forever.”

25 Cultural Exchanges

A Trip of Linked Heart—The Sino- Macedonian Friendship Association Delegation’s Visit to China

Zuo Fengqiang

n early summer, some tourists Ljupcho Malenkov, paid a visit to the venerable honorary president of I on the Mutianyu Great Wall in China at the invitation of the CPAFFC the SMFA, with his full white beard Beijing were drawn to the beautiful, from June 7 to 15 this year. Among the reinforcing his nickname, “Marx”; soft sound of a flute, which lingered delegates were Mr. Klime Korobar, Mr. Vladimir Martinovski, secretary- around the watchtowers. Following general of the association and a the sound, they found a middle- versatile poet who played music aged European man reclining on the during the trip; Mr. Reshat Ameti, a gray stairs of a tower, flute in hand, painter; and Ms. Suzana Stasovska, a immersed in the music. That man was Macedonian soprano whose graceful Mr. Vladimir Martinovski, a member songs immersed the delegation in joy of the Sino-Macedonian Friendship all the way. Association Delegation and the It was my first opportunity since association’s secretary-general. He joining the CPAFFC to accompany was performing a Macedonian song Macedonian guests in China. We with a wooden Macedonian flute. The visited Beijing, Changzhou and music brought the visitors a vision of Shanghai. During the journey, Hu charming pastoral scenery: a lush green Sishe, vice-president of the CPAFFC; hillside, a band of sheep enjoying a Zhang Yue, vice-chairman of the meal, a shepherd lying leisurely on the Chinese People’s Political Consultative slope overlooking the sheep, playing Conference Changzhou committee; his beloved pipe and envisioning the and Zhang Xiaosong, president of the good life of the future. Shanghai Friendship Association, met The Sino-Macedonian Friendship Mr. Vladimir Martinovski played the with the delegation. Association delegation, led by Mr. Macedonian flute on the Great Wall During the delegation’s time in

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Beijing, the Eurasian Department, It has been more than 10 years the Balkan Peninsula. The people China Friendship Art Exchange Asso- since the CPAFFC last received there are simple, honest, enthusiastic ciation of the CPAFFC and the Song- a Sino-Macedonian Friendship and vigorous. The delegation’s visit zhuang Jindian Gallery presented the Association delegation. Before the to China was accompanied by songs 2016 China-Macedonia Friendly Art visit, our association made elaborate and laughter all the way. And what Exhibition and Academic Symposium prearrangements. Art is the external we described at the beginning of this for the delegation. The exhibition dis- expression of the human mind. article was one of the most touching played 20 paintings by delegate Mr. Although nations differ in language, art scenes. At the farewell dinner in Reshat Ameti. Artists from China and is without borders, enabling us to link Changzhou, Director Zhang Guojun Macedonia exchanged their thoughts our hearts. The interactive activities of the Changzhou Foreign Affairs on the arts. Mr. Ilija Isajlovski, Mace- between painters from both countries Office and Ms. Suzana sang in chorus donia’s ambassador to China, also at- in Songzhuang and Hangzhou’s Liu a famous song, Meeting at the Yurt tended the exhibition, and delivered a Haisu Memorial served as a bridge to in Chinese. Their emotional singing warm speech at the opening ceremony. link the hearts of both peoples, and touched the audience. Right after that, The government of Xicheng made the guests’ trip a heart-to-heart Mr. Martinovski played traditional District in Beijing invited the journey. folk music with the dobro, a traditional delegation to the Tianqiao Art Center Macedonia is a small, newly instrument of Macedonia. and the Capital Museum. On behalf independent landlocked country on The whole visit was full of touch- of the district director, deputy district director Wu Xiangyang invited the delegation to have tea and talks at the Dawancha Teahouse. The China Opera and Dance Theater sent a special car to pick up Ms. Suzana to watch its opera rehearsal. In Changzhou, the delegates went to the Changzhou Museum, the Changzhou City Planning Exhibition Hall and the Liu Haisu Memorial, where they exchanged artworks with their Chinese colleagues. In Shanghai, the delegation paid a visit to the Shanghai Friendship Association, participated in the shooting of a film that celebrates the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Shanghai Friendship Association, and visited the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. Painters from China and Macedonia make paintings together

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ing moments. June 8 marked the 58th donia. The association holds activities tion of 2.11 million in 2014, with a per birthday of Mr. Malenkov, the head of relevant to China every year and re- capita GDP of $5,371. Macedonia has the delegation. Accompanied by the ceives Chinese delegations from time enjoyed supreme glory in history: It sweet song Happy Birthday To You, a to time, which has won it high popular- cake was presented to him as a surprise ity and wide impact in Macedonia. Al- is where the empire of Alexander the at the end of the reception dinner hosted though the association is a nongovern- Great was born, with its border reach- by CPAFFC Vice-President Hu Sishe. mental organization, it has always been ing to Persia. Nowadays, however, Mr. Malenkov was moved to tears. Ms. supported by the government. Macedonia’s domestic economy has Suzana is very fond of Chinese liquor, The SMFA has some local branch- been hurt by the global economic re- but the drink was very expensive in the es in Macedonia. In 20 years, the asso- restaurant, so the CPAFFC reception- ciation contributed greatly to the sign- cession. Fortunately, with nine years of ists went to the market to buy some ing of many cultural cooperation agree- unremitting efforts by the government for her. Martinovski is a music fan, ments between China and Macedonia. and the people, Macedonia has reduced who carried and played the traditional Last November, the association elected its domestic unemployment rate from Macedonian instruments — the flute Mr. Malenkov, the former secretary- 34 percent to 26 percent. In Macedonia, and dobro — throughout the journey. general, as its president, when former Unfortunately, he lost his flute on the president Mr. Klime Korobar resigned. the air is filled with the scent of wine, high-speed train during the trip from Mr. Vladimir Martinovski, a professor fruits and vegetables, giving visitors a Beijing to Changzhou. The accompa- at St. Cyril University and litterateur, feeling of being in a fairyland. nying CPAFFC personnel contacted the took the post of secretary-general. The On Oct 12, 1993, the People’s Re- railway service personnel immediately, new president is very friendly to China and upon their arrival in Shanghai, af- and has not only sent his son to study public of China established diplomatic ter visiting Changzhou, they went to Chinese culture in the country, but also relations with the Republic of Macedo- the Hongqiao Railway Station to look encouraged the younger Mr. Malenkov nia at the ambassadorial level. The two for the missing instrument, and finally to become a member of the friendship countries have maintained stable de- found it. All those heartwarming acts association, hoping his son would fol- velopment in their relationship ever made the delegation’s visit to China a low in his footprints. He has said on touching journey. many occasions that Macedonia attach- since. In June 1997, then-Macedonian During the visit, Mr. Malenkov es great importance to its relations with president Kiro Gligorov paid a visit often talked enthusiastically about the China, and always regards China as its to China and signed a joint statement development of the Sino-Macedonian best friend. He also said that the Sino- with former Chinese president Jiang Friendship Association. He is also the Macedonian Friendship Association curator of the Macedonian National will make unremitting efforts to pro- Zemin that ushered in a new era of Gallery. The Sino-Macedonian Friend- mote mutual understanding and friend- friendly relations between the two ship Association was established in ship between the two peoples. countries. We sincerely believe that 1995 with more than 300 members, Every time members of the del- the Sino-Macedonian Friendship As- most of them being celebrities in vari- egation talked about their country, they sociation delegation’s visit to China ous fields. The first chairman of the beamed with pride. The Republic of Association was Mr. Kiro Gligorov, the Macedonia covers an area of 25,713 will open a new chapter in bilateral first president of the Republic of Mace- square kilometers and had a popula- friendly exchanges.

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Key Chinese Concepts

乾 坤 /qián/ /kūn/ Heaven Earth “八卦”之一，由三个“阳爻”组成。又为“六十四卦” “八卦”之一，由三个“阴爻”组成。又为“六十四卦” 之一，由六个“阳爻”组成。按照易学的解释，由于“乾” 之一，由六个“阴爻”组成。按照易学的解释，由于“坤” 卦全部由阳爻组成 , 因此具有纯阳之性，被用以象征各种 卦全部由“阴爻”组成，因此具有纯“阴”之性 , 被用以 阳性的事物或原则。“乾”卦的基本象征意义是天 , 在社 象征各种“阴”性的事物或原则。“坤”卦的基本象征 会领域主要象征男性、父亲、君主等社会角色以及刚健 意义是地，在社会领域主要象征女性、母亲、臣民等社 有为的行事原则。结合 “乾”卦的各种象征意义，“乾” 会角色以及柔顺宽厚的行事原则。结合“坤”卦的各种 还被赋予了创生、统领万物之义。 象征意义，“坤”还被赋予了创生、长养万物之义。 One of the eight trigrams, it consists of three yang One of the eight trigrams, it consists of three yin lines. lines. It is also one of the 64 hexagrams when it It is also one of the 64 hexagrams when it consists of six yang lines. According to experts on The consists of six yin lines. According to experts on The Book of Changes, as the qian trigram is composed only of Book of Changes, as the kun trigram is composed only of yang lines it is purely yang and is thus used to symbolize yin lines it is purely yin and is thus used to symbolize all all yang things or principles. The qian trigram symbolizes yin things or principles. The kun trigram symbolizes earth, heaven, and in society it symbolizes the social roles and in society it symbolizes the social roles played by the played by the male, the father, and the monarch, as well female, the mother, and the subjects of the ruler, as well as as decisive and vigorous ways of doing things. In view of gentle, kind and generous ways of doing things. In view of what qian symbolizes, it also means creating and leading what kun symbolizes, it also means creating and nourishing all things under heaven. all things under heaven. (From China Today)

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A Brief History of the Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries

ounded on September 13, 1956, the Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (SPAFFC) is F one of the first local branches of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. In its 60-year history, it has been committed to people-to-people exchanges with foreign countries and regions. It is proud to say that up to 2015, it has forged a relationship of exchange with 345 friendly organizations in 100 countries, and has received nearly 1,000 delegations of 100,000 people from 100-plus countries. From 1979 to the end of 2015, it has dispatched more 600 goodwill missions and professional delegations of more than 3,000 delegates to visit nearly 50 countries and regions. Upon the eve of its 60th birthday, the Voice of Friendship has produced a special column to record its 60 years of entrepreneurship, struggle, perseverance and achievements. It also highlights its commitment, insistence, innovation and creativity in the 21st century through this reflection.

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Questions & Answers on the SPAFFC and People-to-People Diplomacy

Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries

n 1954, on a trip to the Geneva tutor and a counselor in the Counselors’ the category of people-to-people I Conference, then-premier Zhou Office of the Shanghai Municipal diplomacy. Enlai took with him a film — Butterfly Government. For example, before the Lovers — the first color adaptation of a normalization of diplomatic relations traditional Chinese opera, starring Yuan Q: What is people-to-people between China and Japan, our people- Xuefen, a master of Yueju Opera and diplomacy? What kind of an to-people diplomacy was flourishing, former vice-president of the Shanghai organization is Shanghai People’s which served as good preparation for People’s Association for Friendship Association for Friendship with the restoration of diplomatic relations with Foreign Countries, and Fan Foreign Countries? between the two countries. In the Ruijuan, another well-known actress. It words of the common people, people- was a sensation among foreign officials Yang: Let me start from 1949. In to-people diplomacy promotes official and journalists and made headlines in its early years, the People’s Republic of diplomacy. all the major media. China was faced with a not-so-friendly Japan’s Matsuyama Ballet Troupe Unlike solemn official publicity, international environment. Encircled came to China to perform The White- the film conveys in a natural way by hostile international Forces, China Haired Girl, and our ballet troupe also Chinese people’s aspirations for peace found itself in diplomatic relations went to Japan to perform. During its and happiness. with only a few countries. In order tour in Japan, the Chinese side sent Such is the power of people-to- to break the blockade and enhance people to contact different circles. Zhu people diplomacy. other peoples’ understanding of China, Shi, a veteran scholar of the Shanghai This year marks the 60th Premier Zhou Enlai proposed that Institutes for International Studies, anniversary of the birth of the SPAFFC. there should be official diplomacy, experienced the whole process as Recently, we interviewed Yang Jiemian, semiofficial diplomacy and people- interpreter for the Shanghai Ballet chair of the Academic Committee of to-people diplomacy. The Shanghai Troupe. Shanghai Institutes for International People’s Association for Friendship Another example is ping-pong Studies — a research fellow, doctoral with Foreign Countries falls into diplomacy. In the absence of contacts

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between China and the United States 100,000 students. So we must go with foreign organizations and people visit for more than 20 years, the sport prides the times and adopt a new approach. China, our officials also meet them. itself on this well-known slogan: “The With the development of new media And people-to-people diplomacy has small ball pushes the globe”. and new means of telecommunication, extended to individuals — for example, Organizationally, people-to- the work we do today is entirely Bill Gates and Ma Yun. When Bill people diplomacy — aside from the different from what we did in the past. Gates came to China, China’s top trade unions, youth federation and But our goals remain clear. leaders met with him, and President women’s federation — also contains Obama and the king of Belgium also cultural, educational, opera and other Q: Official diplomacy and met with Ma Yun. Ma Yun is a business nongovernmental organizations. In people-to-people diplomacy go side- leader, who represents a new type of general, people-to-people diplomacy is by-side, so how would the latter play a industrial sector and interacts with based on individuals and seldom makes supporting role for official diplomacy advanced science, technology and IT forays into the arena of ideology. It in meeting national interests? around the world. represents a broad cross-section of the people, and it conducts exchanges Yang: It is not appropriate to say a Q: What are unique features with nongovernmental organizations in supporting role. It is like what we said of people-to-people diplomacy in many countries. in the past, that a train depends entirely Shanghai? on its locomotive to run fast. But the Q: People-to-people diplomacy high-speed trains of today have several Yang: In my view, there are three. continues to extend with social engines, not just one locomotive. I fully First, it has a long history. It started development, how should one look at agree with what you said earlier — that in the early years of New China, after this? is, official diplomacy and people-to- its founding in 1949. The organization people diplomacy go alongside each was called the China-Soviet Friendship Yang: Not only the extension. other. Association, the predecessor of the Its content is also changing. Since the On the other hand, the official SPAFFC. Some veteran members of start of reform and opening-up, our side also works in concert with people- the Shanghai Institutes for International national interests have extended, not to-people diplomacy. When friendly Studies took part in some friendly only in political and economic security but also development security and ecological security. It is only natural that people-to-people diplomacy has extended. When Deng Xiaoping, as vice- premier, visited the United States in 1979, China and the US reached agreement to exchange the first batch of students and visiting scholars. Two years ago, President Xi Jinping and US President Barack Obama concluded an agreement that calls for exchange of Yang Jiemian

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activities between China and the Soviet places. kinds of means, platforms and forces. Union even before 1949. I personally For example, in the past, when the have met with quite a few of them. Q: How should we view the new world knew little about New China, Most of them have passed away now. national strategy put forward after we used the film Butterfly Lovers to They showed me a photo of Chairman the 18th National Congress of the communicate with the outside world. Mao Zedong meeting with Soviet Communist Party of China? How will But it was merely a film, and not many guests, with one of the veterans as the people-to-people diplomacy play its people had the opportunity to see it. interpreter. role? Today, there are films and videos about Another veteran official worked Shanghai we can show to the whole for the TASS Shanghai Bureau before Yang: It is an opportunity, as well world. 1949. These things were rarely seen as challenge, that history has given If people-to-people friendly elsewhere because Shanghai, which us — which is not only an economic contacts are restricted to the exchange was forced to open as a port city after question but also a political one. of material interests, then we will not the Opium Wars, has maintained ties What is important here is the common be able to foster a vision and go far. We with other countries for a long time. aspirations of the people. should turn it into a goal for which the Second, Shanghai has always We should note that the world is Chinese people and the people of the been a window of China for people- changing, and diplomacy has walked world will strive. In the words of today, to-people friendly exchanges with out of its ivory tower. Participation it is the common destiny of mankind. foreign countries in different historical by the broad masses of the people We should express clearly the thought periods. Therefore, Shanghai has has provided more driving power for behind this common destiny and make many things to show the world, such people-to-people diplomacy. it a goal that can be accomplished with as the development of New China, the effort. livelihoods of people after 1949 and the Q: On the occasion of the There is also a question of talent. city’s contacts with other countries. 60th anniversary of SPAFFC, what In those years, Shanghai was at the Third, we have talented people expectations and wishes do you have forefront of the Chinese film industry, in all sectors for people-to-people for the organization? and table tennis was able to succeed diplomacy, such as Yuan Xuefen and with ping-pong diplomacy. Our Du Xuan, a former leader of SPAFFC, Yang: When the association was football is not so good, so there is no from the cultural sector. They were first established, we were encircled football diplomacy. When the people giants in their respective areas, by hostile forces, ring upon ring. Our of other countries all want to send their internationally and domestically. country was poor and the level of children to study in Shanghai, and Talking about ping-pong education and living standards of our when they all wish to borrow China’s diplomacy, Shanghai is the birthplace people low. Today, we have become the experience in reform and opening-up, of table tennis, and many of China’s second-largest economy in the world. then our friendship associations will best players were from Shanghai at The G20 summit in Hangzhou was a have reached a new height in term of that time. The same is the case with grand global meeting in a real sense. talent. scientists. Of course, other parts of So we stand now on a historical new A private company in Shanghai China have all greatly developed today. starting point. There is a lot more we has this motto: “To be second means But I think, on top of what we have can do and achieve. Times have made falling behind”. I fully agree with achieved, we should look a bit further, it so. it. We should be ambitious and turn go a little faster and do more than other We should make good use of all potential into reality.

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People-to-People Diplomacy Gives Full Play To “Soft Propellant Force” of People’s Friendship

Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries

n the occasion of the 60th the world and promoted the solidarity O anniversary of the Shanghai and progress of the entire human race. People’s Association for Friendship As the oldest civilian organiza- with Foreign Countries, Li Xiaolin, tion in people-to-people diplomacy in president of the Chinese People’s China, the CPAFFC has maintained Association for Friendship with friendly and cooperative relationships Foreign Countries, reviewed the course with more than 500 nongovernmental of people-to-people diplomacy since organizations in 157 countries. It has the founding of the People’s Republic done a massive amount of highly effec- of China, especially its important role tive work and played an irreplaceable in cultural exchange. part in cementing people’s friendships, Interviewed by Voice of paving the way for developing rela- Friendship magazine, Li said that in tions between China and the rest of the the past 60 years, people-to-people world and enhancing international co- diplomacy — which aims to enhance operation. goodwill, advance international The Shanghai Association — the cooperation, maintain world peace and SPAFFC — is a non-governmental promote common development — has organization that also aims at cultivating focused on making friends worldwide, people-to-people communication with consolidated and expanded popular other countries. Since its founding in support for friendly relationships 1956, it has forged friendships with between China and countries around 345 organizations in 100 countries and

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received nearly 10,000 delegations the film to Geneva when he went there Chinese President Jiang Zemin from more than 100 countries, totaling to attend meetings. A big hit, it won a presented, on behalf of his government, 120,000 foreign friends. It has greatly series of honors, including a prize from two of the birds — known as You You promoted Shanghai’s cooperation with China’s Ministry of Culture and awards and Yang Yang — to the Japanese the rest of the world in many fields — at the Karlovy Vary International people. In 2000, Zhu Rongji, then- economics, trade, education, science, Film Festival 1954 and Edinburgh Chinese premier, visited Japan and technology, culture, sports, medicine, International Film Festival 1955. also took another crested ibis — Mei health, social welfare, youth, history “I have never seen such an Mei — along. And, on his Japan trip and personnel — and has contributed extraordinary film before,” film master in 2007, Wen Jiabao, who was premier to Shanghai’s economic and social Charlie Chaplin said at the time. “Such at that time, again presented a pair development. a film is essential. It contains several of birds — Hua Yang and Yi Shui, thousand years of Chinese culture.” to China’s neighbor on behalf of the Yuan Xuefen, one of the two Chinese government. 60 Years Ago, One Opera leading actresses, was then president The crested ibis not only has of Shanghai Yueju Opera House been an envoy for official diplomacy Moved the World and vice-president of the Shanghai between China and Japan but has also People’s Association for Friendship played a significant part in people-to- When asked about her impression with Foreign Countries. She devoted people diplomacy. of people-to-people diplomacy in all her life to Yueju Opera. By “going In 2014, a dance drama, Crested Shanghai, Li replied: “Since I joined international” with the opera, she Ibises, was getting public attention. the CPAFFC in 1975, Shanghai is the promoted cultural exchange with other On Oct 8 that year, Xinhua News city I have been to the most times. countries and contributed to people- Agency published news and pictures It remains a top destination on the to-people diplomacy. Today, Butterfly under the headline “Dance Drama itineraries we prepare for visiting Lovers is a cultural treasure of the Crested Ibises Has Successful Premiere delegations, and almost all our guests Chinese people and a beautiful memory in Japan”. Shanghai Dance Theatre want to include a visit to the city for the people of the world. performed, and was warmly received on their China trip. Shanghai holds by the local audience, Xinhua reported. a profound historical and cultural The performance was sponsored by 60 Years Later, One Dance heritage, and it always radiates unique the CPAFFC and a Japanese music charms.” association. CPAFFC President Li, Shakes the World People-to-people diplomacy in along with Cheng Yonghua, the Shanghai has been through a path Chinese ambassador to Japan and some rich in history and culture. In 1953, The crested ibis was a bird 1,500 people from political, business, Butterfly Lovers, the first color opera relatively unfamiliar to most Chinese culture and other circles of Japan art film of the People’s Republic of people before 2014. In the 20 years of attended. China — starring Yuan Xuefen and Fan official diplomacy between China and The production was four years Ruijuan — was made in Shanghai and Japan, the bird, as a friendly envoy, has in the making, from script writing to acclaimed internationally as the Romeo become a bridge connecting the two rounds of discussion, rehearsal and and Juliet of the East. countries. final staging. When it was ready to “go In 1954, Premier Zhou Enlai took When visiting Japan in 1998, international”, Japan was chosen as

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the venue for the world premiere. The important reason was that the crested ibis is an auspicious bird in the eyes of Former Vice-Mayor on the Japanese, and they well remember their concern when this species was People-to-People Diplomacy once on the verge of extinction because of pollution. This was about the Chinese and Japanese people joining in Shanghai hands to save these beautiful birds. From May 31 to Aug 2, 2015, Wang Jiaye Crested Ibises went on tour in Japan for 64 days, giving 57 performances in 29 prefectures and cities and attracting hen speaking about Shanghai’s stories in a way that foreigners can un- a combined audience of 120,000. W contacts with the outside world, derstand and not use language found in Wherever it went, there was a long one name cannot be skipped, and that government documents and editorials. line of spectators waiting hours for is Zhao Qizheng, former vice-mayor of “Generally speaking, what tickets before the performance, and the Shanghai and head of Shanghai Pudong civil organizations say is more easily theatres were always packed. New Area administration. During trusted. When they tell stories, they Ambassador Cheng noted: “The his time in office, his responsibilities usually do not use political vocabulary crested ibis is a symbol land envoy covered, among other things, or philosophical sayings to make things for friendship between China and local foreign affairs and Pudong’s larger. The friendship associations are Japan. The dance drama conveys to the development and opening-up. good at telling stories. They tell you Japanese people the best wishes of the This year marks the 60th anniver- things going on around them or what Chinese people for lasting friendship sary of the Shanghai People’s Associa- they do,” Zhao said. between the two countries. It has given tion for Friendship with Foreign Coun- “I was responsible for the a push to cultural exchanges between tries, or SPAFFC. In a recent interview, SPAFFC, and it is my big friend”, he the two countries.” Zhao told about Shanghai’s people-to- said. “Etiquette serves thinking. If you CPAFFC’s Li calls it “a significant people contacts with other countries just shake hands and exchange cards thing to co-produce Crested Ibises with and expressed his new hopes for the with your guests and have no more fol- friends in Shanghai. Its performance in SPAFFC. Japan has greatly promoted people-to- people exchanges between China and Japan. It displayed Shanghai’s stage art Making Friends Sincerely and boosted the city’s image. Its impact and the concept of harmony it conveys by Telling True Stories continue to spread even today.” Through the crested ibis story, Li Zhao has made many speeches in appeals for “harmonious coexistence recent years — for example, “Do a Job between man and nature, and Telling Stories About China: Image of cherishing the beautiful homeland of the Country and the Value of Public Di- mankind”. plomacy”. He encourages people to tell

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low-up, it will not take you anywhere. shoulders a heavy workload and faces a the route of the Belt and Road Initiative What you want is to be able to contact formal limit when performing its duties, and the 1+16 countries; and exchanges them when Shanghai has needs. You whereas civil and social organizations between Shanghai’s districts and their should make true friends and stay in are more flexible in both form and con- counterparts in other countries. touch with them. tent. In this sense, the SPAFFC has a “I once accompanied the presi- big stage for dances such as samba and dent of India on a visit to a suburban rumba with Latin Americans, standard Thinking over the Terrestrial Globe township in Shanghai,” Zhao recalled. ballroom dancing with Americans and and Spreading New Chinese Culture “A village woman told the Indian presi- yangge dance with Asians. The civil dent about her new house and showed organizations are making, and will con- the visitors where she and her husband tinue to make, contributions. This is an “Thinking over the terrestrial lived, and where her son and daughter- important reason why Shanghai is de- globe and dialoguing with the whole in-law lived. When asked why her son’s veloping fast, he said. world are essential to all those engaged room was better than hers, she replied On the other hand, Shanghai his- in people-to-people diplomacy,” Zhao that it’s because in China a daughter-in- torically has been an important port, law is an honored guest. with wide foreign contacts and fewer said. “If you look at the WeChat startup “A story is like an apple. In this cross-cultural barriers, and whose dia- screen, it means exactly that.” case, the president took the vitamin lect contains many words derived from He encouraged members of the C in the apple — that is, women are English. Its boundary with foreign friendship association to focus more highly respected in China. Whether countries is relatively soft, a factor fa- on new Chinese culture. China’s tradi- or not he absorbed the vitamin, that is vorable for people-to-people diploma- tional culture contains such classics as his business, but it is ours to tell the cy. operas, calligraphy and painting, but story. If you tell it effectively, the apple In fact, in its 60 years, the today it is more important to introduce will taste good. That is the difference SPAFFC has scored brilliant achieve- new Chinese culture — for example, between telling stories and directly ments. The major events the association how to use the essence of philosopher talking about politics. It is not that we held for exchanges with foreign coun- Laozi’s teachings to guide what we do reject politics, but we put it in the sto- tries in recent years include celebra- today. And we should explain clearly ries,” Zhao said. tions of the 30th and 40th anniversary to foreigners our domestic and foreign Miracles in Pudong, a book co- of the1972 Shanghai Communique be- policies through stories. authored by Zhao and Shao Yudong, tween China and the United States; the It’s been six decades since the has been translated into English, Rus- Shanghai International Youth Interac- birth of the SPAFFC. With regard to its sian, Korean and Japanese. tive Friendship Camp; the “China, Ja- future development and that of people- pan and ROK Children’s Painting” ex- to-people diplomacy in Shanghai, Zhao hibition; the “Shanghai in the Eyes of For People-to-People Diplomacy, Latin American Journalists” effort; the said he sees a good foundation and Hudec architectural heritage protection plenty of room for growth against a the Stage is Big project; World Expo Shanghai 2010; background of economic globalization China International Sister-City Confer- and political polarization. Zhao said that with regard to for- ence 2010; business exchanges between “I hope the SPAFFC will take off eign contacts the local foreign affairs SOEs (State-owned enterprises) and and fly higher for the Chinese dream,” office is a government department that private enterprises with countries along Zhao said.

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Ex-CPAFFC Leader Talks on Shanghai’s Civil Diplomacy

Yang Jun

o mark the 60th anniversary of What makes Shanghai’s rest of the world. Zhou said that since T the founding of the Shanghai people-to-people diplomacy? Shanghai opened to the outside world People’s Association for Friendship earlier than other places in China, it with Foreign Countries, Shanghai is easier for exotic cultures to survive As China’s largest metropolis, local news portal Eastday.com in the city. Expats also find it easy to Shanghai boasts the spirit captured by conducted an interview with Zhou adapt to the local living environment, a Chinese saying: All rivers run into Muyao, Shanghai’s former vice-mayor which is definitely beneficial to the de- the sea — which means the city always and vice-chairman of the Standing velopment of people-to-people diplo- opens its arms to cultural diversity. The Committee of the Shanghai Municipal macy. city regards it as an obligation to serve People’s Congress, who reviewed The SPAFFC is a mass organiza- the whole country and to embrace the achievements in the city’s people-to- people diplomacy since the beginning of the 21st century and expressed wishes for its future development. In the early years of the 21st century, Zhou was president of the SPAFFC. Foreign affairs and people- to-people exchanges with foreign coun- tries were then of great significance for China as it greeted a new golden era of development, Zhou recalled. He be- lieves that people-to-people diplomatic work, or “making friends” as it’s popu- larly known, serves the city’s economic development through cultural exchang- es and social development.

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tion committed to forging closer ties Begun in 1994, the art festival is tions to the city’s development. In 1992 between Shanghai and the world and the earliest and most lasting multina- the city created the Magnolia Gold to making Shanghai better known to tional children’s cultural exchange pro- Award and Magnolia Silver Award. In people all over the world. Since its es- gram in China. So far, the festival has 1993 the Gold Award was given for tablishment in 1956, the association drawn nearly 6,000 participants from the first time to foreign friends for their has created a variety of opportunities over 40 countries and regions that have achievements in Shanghai’s economic for communication and exchange. For built friendships with more than 10,000 development, social development and instance, in 2015 it received a total Chinese children. foreign exchange. In 1997 the Shanghai of 161 delegations from 58 different The child diplomacy also means Honorary Citizen title was introduced countries and organized and assisted in letting domestic children go abroad, as the top prize for expats in the city. 28 groups abroad. So far, the associa- in addition to welcoming foreign chil- By the end of 2015, 39 expats had been tion has maintained good relationships dren to China. The festival was held in recognized with that title. In addition, with 345 friendly foreign organiza- Sydney in 2005 and in Rome in 2008. there were 289 winners of the Magno- tions. Zhou said Shanghai’s people-to- From 2005 to 2016 the Shanghai lia Gold Award and 1,009 winners of people diplomacy is driven by a profes- International Youth Interactive Friend- the Magnolia Silver Award. sional, seasoned team with 60 years of ship Camp has received more than profound working experience. 1,000 young participants from nearly 50 countries and regions. The camp The future prosperity of Shanghai’s features joy, interaction and friendship people-to-people diplomacy Children diplomacy and emphasizes “being a folk ambas- sador” — all of which were shown in In the new century, Shanghai resi- The SPAFFC devotes itself to col- a string of experience programs such dents have shown mounting enthusiasm laboration and exchanges between the as “Be a Shanghainese for a Day”, “I for foreign exchanges and thus have city and the world in their economy, Love Shanghai” (an urban orienteering created closer ties with people from all society, hi-tech, culture, education, competition), and “A Bite of China”, over the world. For a future vision of sports and other areas. Zhou empha- featuring Chinese cuisine. Folk crafts people-to-people diplomacy, Zhou ad- sized that the association’s real value are also part of the mix. lies in “making friends”, which means vised deeper engagement of the masses connecting with other countries at a and innovation. The previous idea of “Honorary Citizen” and people-to-people level, especially in “More welcome, less going abroad” “Magnolia Award” communication with adolescents and has become “More welcome, and even younger children from all over the more going abroad”. world. Zhou hopes the SPAFFC will In March 2016 the association In the 1990s people-to-people di- pass on the fine tradition of making began a strategic cooperation with plomacy had its focus set on establish- friends to raise the global profile of Eastday.com in overseas marketing, ment of a smooth mechanism at home Shanghai Honorary Citizens and the branding, event planning, and people- and abroad. The association organized winners of the Shanghai Magnolia to-people exchanges, all of which Zhou the Shanghai International Children’s Award. highly praised, saying that people-to- Cultural and Art Festival and the The year1989 saw the beginnings people diplomacy should keep up with Shanghai International Youth Interac- of honoring foreigners who live in the development direction of “Internet- tive Friendship Camp. Shanghai for their outstanding contribu- Plus”.

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Shanghai Organization Promotes People-to-People Diplomacy

Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries

On the occasion of the 60th between the peoples. Steady and sound in the mid-1950s and saw marked anniversary of the Shanghai People’s diplomatic relations depend on amity development in its first 10 years, going Association for Friendship with Foreign and trust and on an ardent desire to through a period of readjustment in the Countries, Chen Haosu — son of the become friends, Chen Haosu said. next decade, from 1967 to 1977. In the first mayor of Shanghai and former In people-to-people diplomacy, 38 years since the start of reform and president of the Chinese People’s the people are the foundation, and opening-up in 1978, the well-prepared Association for Friendship with Foreign friendship is the focus. The Shanghai organization has gone all-out to make a Countries — reviewed in an interview People’s Association for Friendship great abundance of accomplishments. with Eastday.com the historic changes with Foreign Countries — a people’s On Sept 13, 1956, the Chinese made since “yesterday” and summed organization engaged in people-to- People’s Association for Cultural up the glorious achievements of people diplomacy — was founded Relations with Foreign Countries “today” and look forward to the bright prospects of “tomorrow” for people-to- people diplomacy in Shanghai.

“Yesterday”—Braving Winds and Rains Along a Journey of 60 Years

“My father once put forward his judgment that people-to-people diplomacy is a distinctive feature and advantage of China’s diplomacy,” said the son of the late Marshall Chen Yi, who served as Shanghai’s mayor after the victory of the War of Liberation. The relations of countries rest on amity

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Shanghai Branch was established. It the decade. many different parts of the world. was one of the first such branches in Since 1978, responding to the People-to-people diplomacy in the country, and Shanghai’s earliest deepening reform and opening- Shanghai has received great attention civil organization for people-to-people up process, the rapid economic from the Communist Party of China, exchanges across borders. development and the ever-increasing as well as the government and social In the decade that followed, it cultural needs of the people, the circles. The secretaries of the CPC received 1,200 delegations, totaling organization has opened up new Shanghai Municipal Committee have 20,000 members from 96 countries. channels, innovated its work style successively served as its honorary During that period, it hosted and shifted the focus of its work to president, while Shanghai municipal performances by 120 cultural and art economic development and social leaders and internationally renowned troupes, including renowned ballet service. In December 1986, the personages such as Meng Bo, Zhao troupes, circuses, symphony orchestras, Shanghai Branch changed its name Xingzhi, Su Buqing, Li Shoubao, Zhao song and dance troupes and film to Shanghai People’s Association for Yunjun and Zhou Muyao have been its delegations from the United States, Friendship with Foreign Countries, or president successively. Canada and Germany. It held more than SPAFFC. Through hosting economic People-to-people diplomacy in 80 foreign arts and crafts exhibitions, forums, briefings and business talks, it Shanghai has covered a wide range including painting, sculpture and has acted as a go-between for foreign of areas. The SPAFFC has conducted calligraphy. On Jan 5, 1966, it changed businesses and Shanghai departments friendly exchanges in the political, its name to the Chinese People’s and helped local enterprises “go economic, financial, cultural, art, Association for Friendly Cultural global” and send study groups educational, scientific, technological, Relations with Foreign Countries overseas. municipal, transportation, legal, health, Shanghai Branch. In order to enrich the cultural life youth, children, women, elderly, civil From 1967 to 1977, the of the public, particularly exchanges affairs, welfare and other areas. organization underwent some major with other countries by the youth and With the deepening of reform changes in its structure and mode the elderly, the SPAFFC holds some 20 and opening-up, foreign friends are no of operation, but people-to-people events annually, including the Shanghai longer content with superficial tours contacts did not come to a halt. It International Children’s Cultural and of China. They now want to walk carried out exchanges with countries Art Festival, Shanghai International through the alleys, visit the homes of including Albania, Romania and Youth Interactive Friendship Camp and ordinary people and experience local Vietnam in the form of cultural Shanghai International Elderly Cultural culture and daily life. Local residents, performances and photo exhibition Festival. without even leaving home, now have and received friendly delegations from frequent opportunities to make the Britain, France, Spain, Australia and acquaintance of foreign friends, have “Today”— An Abundance of Fruits New Zealand. After the normalization access to foreign cultures, broaden of relations with the United States in their horizons and get a taste of the 1970s, China established diplomatic The SPAFFC has erected a bridge internationalization. relations with Japan and Western of friendship between Shanghai and the Over the 60 years of its life, the countries, which resulted in a sharp rise world, and numerous foreign friends SPAFFC has established ties with 345 in the number of foreign visitors — have come to city, while residents of friendly organizations in100 countries topping 150,000 a year by the end of the city have returned the favor, visiting and received 9,749 delegations —

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123,515 foreign friends in all — from more than 100 countries. From 1979 to 2016, it has sent some 600 delegations and study groups, totaling 3,300 members, to around 50 countries. Impressions of Komaki

“Tomorrow”—Writing a New Glorious Chapter Kurihara

The SPAFFC has accumulated a Gong Yi great deal of experience and resources and made numerous friends over the past six decades. These friends are mong Chinese people of middle she stars, were popular with Chinese all influential in their respective areas A age or older, few are unfamiliar audiences and known to almost every and are thus valuable resources. They with the name Komaki Kurihara. household in the country in the 1970s should be brought into play in China’s Sandakan No. 8 and To Live Upon and 1980s. Like Manhunt, starring development. At the same time, we will Death, two Japanese films in which Takakura Ken, they have become continue to advance friendly exchanges with foreign countries, building an economic network and carrying out cultural exchanges. Today, the association stands on the starting point of a new journey. In the spirit of “Peace, Friendship, Cooperation and Exchange”, it will inherit and carry forward the fine tradition of people-to-people diplomacy in Shanghai, and blaze new trails and make innovations, enrich work content, expand work scope, improve working style and conduct friendly people-to- people exchanges with other countries in multiple areas and channels and at different levels. We should continue to treat friends with sincerity and warmth and strive for closer friendship and greater mutual support between the Shanghai people and other inhabitants Komaki Kurihara gave an interview to the Documentary Channel of the world.

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classic memories of that era. Later, explosion, but in real-life Kurihara TV programs or performing on stage, other Kurihara films, including Moscow has remained alive in the hearts of I have always been welcomed and My Love and Tora-san’s Grand the Chinese. Before To Live Upon felt the warmth and friendship from Scheme, came to China; and Shanghai Death, Kurihara’s other film, Sandakan the Chinese people. Each meaningful TV Station introduced two TV series, No. 8, was shown in China in 1978. exchange encourages me to carry on.” A World of Two and A Family of Three, She plays a kind journalist with a Looking back, she is thankful for starring Kurihara and Muga Takewaki, strong sense of justice. Following the the opportunity to visit China in 1979 who plays the part of Sugata Sanshiro. screening of these two films, Kurihara with the film delegation. “Had it not In 1991, Chinese film director Xie Jin popularity with Chinese audiences rose been for that, I would not have been invited Kurihara to play in his film dramatically. Writer Ba Jin and director here talking to you,” she said. Bell of Purity Temple, in which she and Xie Jin said that from her films we can Chinese actor Pu Cunxin act as mother see the kindheartedness of the Japanese Kurihara and Liu Guangning and son. people. Kurihara recently visited Shanghai “ To Live Upon Death and in her capacity as vice-president of Sandakan No. 8 are of completely “Do you still remember me?” Liu the Japan-China Cultural Exchange different styles,” Kurihara said in the Guangning asked Kurihara at the Jin Association. The Shanghai Stories Shanghai interview. “I am so happy Jiang Hotel, where the interview took program of Shanghai TV Station they are liked by the Chinese people. place, using the lines of Natsuko in To — which is making a documentary They began my bond with China and Live Upon Death — and the two artists called Everlasting Friendship — has they are my very important works.” embraced to greet each other. interviewed this great friend of the Liu, a renowned dubbing artist, Chinese people. The Japan-China Cultural was a representative of artists during Exchange Association was founded the high years of the Shanghai Film in 1956. Koreya Senda, a renowned Dubbing Studio. In the films To Live Forging an Indissoluble dramatist in Japan who taught Upon Death and Tora-san’s Grand Kurihara, was actively involved in its Scheme, as well as in the TV series A Bond with China establishment. Kurihara took part in Family of Three, she dubs for Kurihara. many of the association’s activities. Her superb dubbing art and sweet voice In 1979, when Komaki Kurihara “Later, I had the opportunity to perfectly match Kurihara’s on-screen visited China with a Japanese film participate with its former presidents image. delegation, she brought along her film Dan Ikuma and Yasushi Inoue in a Liu recalls Kurihara’s visit to To Live Upon Death. Her portrayal of music exchange and in a recital of the studio on Yongjia Road in the Natsuko, the film’s heroine, left a deep literary works by Inoue and Ba Jin,” 1980s, where they had a pleasant impression on the Chinese audience Kurihara said. “We have carried out conversation. On a visit to Japan with her beautiful and amiable image exchanges with China not only in film with a Shanghai film delegation, Liu and sad ending. Many people can but also in drama and other cultural also met with Kurihara. But those recite the classic dialogues in the areas.” meetings were more than 30 years ago. film, and some still keep the movie She comes to China almost every This time, the two senior artists were poster today. In the film, the beautiful year now. “Be it my first visit to China excited to meet again. Liu praised and kindhearted Natsuko dies in lab or later ones making films, appearing in Kurihara’s artistic creativity in all the

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films and said her image always stays pronunciation was perfect. “That was about the reunion between the son and in her mind. Kurihara replied: “I am taught to me by director Xie Jin,” she the mother. Kurihara plays Oshima so moved. I want to thank you. Only said. Kazuko, with Pu Cunxin in the role of through your vocal art have I become In 1991, at Xie’s invitation, she the monk Mingjing. In the making of known and liked by the Chinese played in Bell of Purity Temple. It this film, Kurihara, Xie and Pu Cunxin people. I thank you so much.” tells a story of a Japanese war nurse, forged a profound friendship. Oshima Kazuko, and her infant son Since the 1980s, Kurihara has during the retreat of defeated Japanese appeared many times on the drama Kurihara and Shanghai troops. They become separated, and a stage in Japan. Even though she’s in kindhearted Chinese family brings up her 70s, she continues to give more When it comes to Shanghai, a the child. Twenty years later, the child than 100 performances each year. With smiling Kurihara says she has pleasant has become a monk with the Chinese regard to her past performances in memories, making films, performing name Mingjing at Purity Temple. When Shanghai, she recalls that then mayer and attending film festivals, among he visits Japan with a Chinese Buddhist of Shanghai Jiang Zemin once came other things. She even tried a word delegation, he takes along with him a to see a performance. “Maybe because or two in Shanghai dialect. Her silk waistband that eventually brings of that, when President Jiang Zemin visited Japan in 1998, I was chosen to present flowers to him at a welcoming banquet hosted by seven Japanese civil friendship organizations,” she said. In Reflections, his most important work after the “cultural revolution” (1966-76), in five volumes with 150 articles, Ba Jin devotes the first two to the Japanese film Santakan No. 8 and his reception of Japanese actress Komaki Kurihara at his home. Speaking of Ba, Kurihara’s eyes brighten. She says that during exchange activities she often recites passages from Reflections. “Thinking back on a call with Koreya Senda and Kaii Higashiyama on Ba Jin at his home, I feel like a dream coming true,” she said. “Sitting beside them and listening respectfully to their conversation was most exciting.” She recalled her meetings and friendship with other Chinese artists in those years, including Zhao Dan and Bai Komaki Kurihara and Liu Guangning Yang.

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