Vice-premier Liu Yandong met with Helle Thorning-Schmidt, former prime minister of Denmark.

Vice-president Li Yuanchao met with Sir Henry Keswick, chairman of Jardine Matheson Group. State Councilor Yang Jiechi met with the delegation of Mexican governors.

Lin Wenyi, vice-chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, together with Oleg Dgomin, Ambassador of Ukraine to China, attended the celebration marking the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Ukraine. Contents

Express News FOCUS 04 CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin Meets Guests at Belt and Road Forum / Our Staff Reporter

05 CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin Attends Launching Ceremony of Essilor and

Xingxian County PovertyAlleviation Program “Bright Sight, Viewing World” /Fan Lili

05 Reception Marks 45th Anniversary of China-Madagascar Diplomatic Relations

/ Fang Ying

06 Vice-President Xie Yuan Attends Flying Tiger C-47 Dedication Ceremony

/ Chen Ke 04 06 Opening Ceremony of Zhou Enlai Memorial Exhibition Held in Kyoto / Yu

Xiaodong

07 Vice-President Lin Yi Attends Events Marking the 60th Anniversary of the

Establishment of Diplomatic Ties Between China and Sri Lanka / Jiao Tianjiao

07 China-Japan New Year Concert Held in Beijing / Gao Hui

08 CPAFFC Secretary-General Li Xikui Visits Spain and Morocco / Zhan Xiushuang 35 08 China National Peking Opera Company Achieves Great Success in Performances in Japan/ Gao Weimin 09 Foreign Friends Plant Trees to Make Beijing Greener / Beijing Friendship Association 09 Carry Forward Traditional Culture; Promote International Communication / Beijing Friendship Association 10 Awards Ceremony of China-Japan Friendly Children’s Art Exhibition Held in

38 Shenyang / Shenyang Friendship Association

10 Internship Broadens Horizons for Chengdu Youths / Chengdu Friendship

Association

Cultural Exchanges 09 A Memory of the Adventure of Evacuation of Chinese Nationals from Albania/ Wang

54 Runke

2 NO.188 June 2017 13 Mr Adnan Kassar, an Old Friend of the Chinese People/ Ai Lin

15 Israeli Young Ambassadors Delegation Visits China / Ai Lin

17 Exhibition of Chinese Characters Held in Kyoto / Yu Xiaodong

19 My Spring Festival in a Sister City / Chengdu Friendship Association

21 The Globalization Pace of Confucius Institutes / Li Jie

25 The New Bike Sharing / Zhao Yang

28 Splashing, Dancing and Making Merry at the Dai Water-Sprinkling Festival 30 Clear and Bright / From China Today

31 Volunteers Breaking Cultural Barriers / Hou Liqiang, Guo Xiaojun

33 When Crime Pays / Xu Fan Published in Chinese and English 34 Chinese Urban Dictionary: Yanzhi / Mia Li Interview Front Cover: The Unicorn Purse, 35 Malta-China Relations—45 Years Later / Reno Calleja a Peking Opera piece that praises compassion for the poor and loyalty Global Vision to friendship.

37 Cooperation Brings Benefits, while Confrontations Wound/ Zhou Lin

40 Chinese Ambassador to Japan: Bilateral Relationships Improve and Progress / Chen Jing

42 Mexico and China: 45 Years of Diplomatic Relations / Julián Ventura

44 Mutual Benefits Important to Sino-US Ties / Martin Sieff View Sponsored and published by the Chinese People’s Association for 45 Expats in Jiangsu Focus on Their Second Hometown / Zhou Weidong, Jiang Lu Friendship with Foreign Countries

47 The Cloud Silver Line / Zhang Heqiang Editor-in-Chief: Ji Wei Between Friendship Cities Address: 1 Taijichang St., Beijing, 50 Treasures of Folk Art with Bayu Features and Charm 100740, China

52 Chongqing Boosts its International Friendship Cities Program Fax: (010) 65122782 E-mail: [email protected] 56 The Yangtze River Economic Belt

58 China’s Capital of Food with a Combination of Ba-Yu Flavors http://www.cpaffc.org.cn 60 Chongqing Pilot Free Trade Zone http://www.qikan.com ISSN 1000-9582 CN11-1234/D / Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs office of Chongqing Municipal Government

3 Express News

CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin Meets Guests at Belt and Road Forum

Our Staff Reporter

n May 14, CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin, Vice-President O Lin Yi and Vice-President Song Jingwu attended the opening ceremony and high-level plenary meeting of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. At the same time, they held meetings themed “People-to-People Connectivity”. Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the opening cer- emony and delivered a keynote speech. Twenty-nine heads of state and government, a number of principals of international organizations and 1,500 guests from various social circles from more than 130 countries attended the forum. On May 15, Li met with leaders of foreign organizations that had been invited by the CPAFFC to the forum. The guests were: Mr Gianfranco Terenzi, former captain regent of San Marino; Mr Dmitry Mezentsev, president of Russia-China Friendship Association and former secretary-general of the Shang- hai Cooperation Organization and member of Federation Council of Russia; Mr Narson Rafidmanana, minister of state for presidential projects, land management and equipment of Madagascar; Mr William Marlin, prime minister of St Maarten; Mr Adnan Samarah, chairman of Palestinian-Chinese Friendship Society and adviser to president; Mr Sayed Makhdoom Raheen, chairman of the Afghanistan-China Friendship Association; Mr Chkhartishvili, president of Georgian-Chinese Friendship As- sociation; Dr Berndia, secretary-general of United Cities and Local Governments, Asia-Pacific; Mr Edmundo Galiza Matos, chairman of Mozambique-China Friendship League of the Assembly of the Republic Mozambique; Mr Lee Shiyung, president of the Korea Foundation; Mr Thomas Wagner, president of the Swiss-Chinese Association and former mayor of Zurich; and Mr Jesus Osuna, president of Spain-China Friendship Association. CPAFFC vice-presidents Lin Yi and Song Jingwu were present at the meeting. President Li said it was a great honor to invite so many representatives from abroad to attend the Belt and Road Forum. She expressed sincere gratitude for their close attention and support of the Belt and Road Initiative. She hoped that a joint effort would further promote the friendship and practical ex- changes between China and the rest of the world. The foreign guests all expressed warm congratulations on the success of the forum, and spoke highly of President Xi’s speech. They expressed hope to work together with the CPAFFC to contribute to the building of the Belt and Road and bring benefits to people of all countries.

4 Voice of Friendship No. 188 June 2017 CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin Attends Launching Ceremony of Essilor and Xingxian County Poverty Alleviation Program “Bright Sight, Viewing World”

Fan Lili

o-hosted by the Chinese Peoples’ Association for Friendship with C Foreign Countries, the French Essilor Vision Foundation (FFVE), Secours Populaire Francais (SPF) and the Xingxian county People’s Government in Lyuliang, Shanxi province, the launching ceremony of the poverty alleviation program “Bright Sight, Viewing World” was held at the Xingxian Experimental School on the morning of March 31, 2017. CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin was present and delivered a speech. Li said that Xingxian, as an old revolutionary base area, had made tremendous contributions to victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression 1937-45 and the founding and developing of the New China. It is our common wish, she said, to help the people there improve their lives as early as possible and build a moderately well-off society in an all-round way. Reception Marks 45th Anniversary of China-Madagascar Diplomatic Relations Fang Ying n March 27, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with O Foreign Countries and the embassy of Madagascar in Beijing jointly held a reception in celebration of the 45th Anniversary of China- Madagascar diplomatic relations. Qiangba Puncog, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, and Hery Rajaonarimampianina, president of Madagascar, attended the reception and delivered speeches. Li Xiaolin, president of the CPAFFC, together with about 100 other people also attended. Vice-Chairman Qiangba Puncog said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Madagascar 45 years ago, the two countries have remained sincere friends who treat each other as equals and with mutual respect.

5 Express News

Vice-President Xie Yuan Attends Flying Tiger C-47 Dedication Ceremony

Chen Ke

ceremony was held at the Flying Tiger Guilin Heritage Park on A March 25, 2017 for the donation of a World War II-era aircraft — a Douglas C-47. CPAFFC Vice-President Xie Yuan read a message from Chinese Vice-Premier Liu Yandong, in which she extended her sincere welcome and best wishes to the family of General Claire Lee Chennault, veterans of the Flying Tigers and their families, members of Flying Tigers Historical Organization and those in the United States who have dedicated themselves to China-US friendship. She also offered congratulations on the donation of the C-47 to Guilin, its final home. Noting that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the issuance of the Shanghai Communique, Liu said history has proved that a sound China-US relationship serves the common good of the people of both countries and the world. Opening Ceremony of Zhou Enlai Memorial Exhibition Held in Kyoto

Yu Xiaodong he year 2017 marks the 45th anniversary of the normalization of T diplomatic relations between China and Japan. On March 27, the opening ceremony of the Zhou Enlai Memorial Exhibition was held in Miyako Messe, Kyoto, Japan. The exhibition mainly displays the precious inscriptions, paintings, calligraphy and photography works of Chinese and foreigners in memory of Zhou Enlai, along with related historical data collected during the making of a TV documentary marking the 100th birthday of the former Chinese premier. Also exhibited are inscriptions and photos of Nakasone Yasuhiro, Norodom Sihanouk, Henry Kissinger, and other international dignitaries. The famous calligraphers and painters Guan Shanyue, Ouyang Zhongshi, Shen Peng, Li Duo and Li Qi also created works in memory of Zhou.

6 Voice of Friendship No. 188 June 2017

Vice-President Lin Yi Attends Events Marking the 60th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Ties Between China and Sri Lanka

Jiao Tianjiao

t the invitation of the Association for China-Sri Lanka Social A and Cultural Cooperation, CPAFFC Vice-President Lin Yi led a delegation to visit Sri Lanka for activities celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries—including the commemorative ceremony, a diplomacy- themed forum and the China-Sri Lanka Women Friendship Forum. Karu Jayasuriya, speaker of Sri Lanka’s Parliament; Chandima Weerakkody, petroleum resources minister of Sri Lanka; Chandrani Senaratna, secretary to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs of Sri Lanka; and Anoop Bhattarai, president of Organization for South Asian Regional Friendship and Cooperation with China, took part in the activities. China-Japan New Year Concert Held in Beijing Gao Hui o commemorate the 45th anniversary of the normalization of T diplomatic relations between China and Japan, a Sino-Japanese Friendship New Year Concert was held on February 10 at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing, sponsored by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China-Japan Friendship Association. More than 120 people were present, including Tang Jiaxuan, president of the CJFA; Song Jingwu, vice- president of the CPAFFC; and Yokoi Yutaka, Japan’s ambassador to China. During the concert, Chinese and Japanese youth pianists per- formed classic music with superb skills, such as The Girl With the Flaxen Hair and Chopin’s Scherzo No 2, and other piano music reflect- ing the two countries’ culture, such as Silver Cloud in a Moon Night and Sakura, which won praise from the audience.

7 Express News

CPAFFC Secretary-General Li Xikui Visits Spain and Morocco

Zhan Xiushuang

t the invitation of the Public Diplomacy Council of Catalonia, A Spain, and the ORU-Fogar—an international nonprofit group that represents the region around the world—Mr Li Xikui, secretary- general of the CPAFFC and council president of the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development, visited Spain and Morocco from April 22 to 29, accompanied by a delegation. While in Spain, the delegation attended the Sant Jordi Festival— a literature festival featuring books and roses—held working meetings with Mr Albert Royo, secretary-general of the Public Diplomacy Council and met with Mr Maria Marin, technical secretary of the Catalan Booksellers Association. In Morocco, the delegation attended the executive council meeting of ORU-Fogar and visited Morocco’s Prime Minster H.E. Saadeddine El Othmani. The delegation also held a working meeting with Mr Abdessamad Sekkal, president of ORU- Fogar and president of Council, Region Rabat-Sale-Kenitra. China National Peking Opera Company Achieves Great Success in Performances in Japan

Gao Weimin

t the invitation of the Min-On Concert Association, the China A National Peking Opera Company performed three masterpieces (Leopard, Imperial Concubine Yang, and Suolin Purse) in Nakano Sunplaza. The performances received positive responses from the audience, which included Cheng Yonghua, Chinese ambassador to Japan; Minoru Harada, president of the Soka Gakkai; Kazuto Ito, executive representative of the Min-On Concert Association; foreign envoys from 47 countries; and Japanese people from all walks of life. Altogether, there were more than 2,000 people. After the performance, Ambassador Cheng stepped onto the stage to praise the performances during the tour. He also encouraged the actors to contribute to China- Japan cultural exchanges.

8 Voice of Friendship No. 188 June 2017

Foreign Friends Plant Trees to Make Beijing Greener Third Beijing International Friendship Forest Tree Planting Day held in Changping

Beijing Friendship Association

n April 15, more than 400 foreign diplomats, experts and students from O Sri Lanka, Australia, Russia and 33 other countries planted trees at the Changping TBD Science and Technology Park as part of the Third Beijing International Friendship Forest Tree Planting Day. The activity received high praise from international participants. Shannyn Karunarotni, minister of the embassy of Sri Lanka in China, said the activity not only provided a platform for friendly exchanges between people from different countries but also contributed to environmental protection. The event has become one of the main voluntary tree-planting activities for Beijing residents. Carry Forward Traditional Culture; Promote International Communication 2017 Beijing International Kite Festival and Beijing-Tianjing- Hebei Kite Exchange successfully held Beijing Friendship Association nder the theme “Release the Hope, Release the Dream”, the 2017 U Beijing International Kite Festival and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Kite Exchange event was held at Beijing Expo Garden on April 20 and 21. The event attracted master kite-makers, kite lovers and “intangible cultural heritage inheritors” from both China and abroad, with teams from 24 foreign countries, including the United States, Russia, Britain and Germany. There were 10 Chinese mainland teams and six teams from the Hong Kong and Macao regions and Taiwan. During the event, more than 200 Beijing- based foreign diplomats, experts and students were invited to watch the competition and make their own kites with help from the kite masters.

9 Express News

Awards Ceremony of China-Japan Friendly Children’s Art Exhibition Held in Shenyang Shenyang People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries

Shenyang Friendship Association

n March 10, the awards ceremony for the China-Japan Children’s O Art Exhibition was held at No 2 Hepingdajie Primary School in Shenyang, co-hosted by the Shenyang People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Education Bureau of Heping District. Ms Tsuruyukari, president of the Belle Peau Association, a nongovernmental organization from Japan, presented the awards to the winners from Shenyang. The Belle Peau Association has been engaged in promoting China-Japan friendship for many years. It participated in developing China’s national education program known as the Hope Project by helping build schoolhouses for 16 Chinese schools. The organization also participated in the Green Peace Plan of Yunnan province, planting 320,000 trees. Internship Broadens Horizons for Chengdu Youths Chengdu Friendship Association rom March 19 to 27, four outstanding young people from Chengdu F went on a trip to Perth, Australia, as the winners of the Perth Professional Development and Internship Competition, an innovative campaign for Chengdu and its sister city Perth, which has had fruitful student exchanges.The competition was designed to select four winners from Chengdu, from age 18 to 27, for a short-term internship in Perth. The first group of Chengdu winners was awarded a nine-day trip sponsored by Perth, where they were invited to feel the charm of the city and experience firsthand its unique professional culture. The special trip enabled the lucky Chengdu winners to broaden their horizons, experience a different life and make new friends while serving as ambassadors of Chengdu.

10 Cultural Exchanges

A Memory of the Adventure of Evacuation of Chinese Nationals from Albania

Wang Runke

hina’s successful evacuations of quickly became insolvent. The Airport was shut down, cutting off C its nationals overseas in recent government intervened and had their the only air corridor to the outside years demonstrates its rising national assets frozen in banks, causing them to world. Western countries including strength. go bankrupt. Witnessing their years of United States, Italy and France sent in In response to the outbreak of savings swallowed up, the people took helicopters to evacuate their nationals, the Libyan civil war in 2011, China to the streets to call for the return of including diplomats and their families. evacuated more than 38,000 nationals their money. Around 7:30 am on March 14, in 12 days, supported by its civil Banking on the unrest, which a gang of armed men stormed into aviation, Air Force and Navy. had gone out of control, the opposition the worksite of a Chinese company During the strong earthquake in party put the blame on the government based in Nanchang, Jiangxi province. New Zealand in 2016, the Chinese and called on the public to stage Firing into the air, the rioters ransacked embassy—by renting helicopters— massive protests in a bid to force the dormitories, the canteen and warehouse immediately and safely evacuated ruling Democratic Party out of power. and made off with everything within about 125 Chinese tourists from the Buildings were set on fire in riots. half an hour. Workers could do nothing disaster area. On the morning of March 12, an but helplessly watch their possessions A rising China gives strong armory in Tirana, the country’s capital, and savings earned in the past two support to its nationals and becomes a was robbed. People wielding guns years being taken away. source of pride for them. rampaged through the streets and shot In great disappointment, they Twenty years ago, however, such randomly, plunging the city into chaos. went to the Chinese embassy to ask for evacuation work was hard-fought. Next morning, Tirana International help. The embassy immediately sent a March 15, 1997 is unforgettable to me. At that time, I worked for the Chinese embassy in Albania, and on that day performed a special evacuation mission. The beginning of the 1990s saw economic decline and political unrest in Albania. The transformation of the political system led to economic turmoil and downturns. The opening of a market economy gave rise to high-interest illegal fundraising. Everybody dreamed about becoming wealthy overnight. On March 15,1997, the author was on the Greek warship during the However, these companies evacuation.

11 Cultural Exchanges

commercial counselor to the scene. government to arrange vehicles and 30 minutes later, with the help of the Though the ambassador’s wife police cars to escort the Chinese Greek Navy, some evacuees changed to advised using an old Mercedes in case nationals from Tirana to the Port of other ships that had been waiting. of a robbery, the car was held up by Durres. However, vehicles were hard to After another seven hours, we thieves the moment it reached the site. find, given that the Albanian multiparty reached Corfu. It was late afternoon, By noon, nearly 200 people, reconciliation government was newly which is actually a great tourist mostly the company’s employees and established, with top leaders working attraction in Greece. Having left a some Chinese shop owners, had come on warships and the police force not chaotic city to come to a tranquil and to the embassy, turning the usually yet fully recovered. picturesque island, everyone felt as if quiet premises into a crowded and The Greek side requested that the they had woken from a nightmare. noisy shelter. The embassy’s banquet Chinese evacuees arrive at the port by As the ships sailed close to hall, which was usually used for 11:30 am on March 15, otherwise it the wharf, I saw in the distance four receptions, was made a temporary would be too late for the Greek vessels Chinese diplomats from Athens dorm for the people. to depart. At around 10:30 am, the already waiting. With their help, we Given that the Embassy had embassy managed to find six buses checked into two hotels. Meanwhile, closed its canteen a few years before, and two police cars, ensuring that the the Chinese embassy in Athens called it was quite a headache to prepare evacuees left for the harbor on time. back to Beijing to ask whether Chinese food for so many unexpected guests. With Chinese flags on the first and last planes could be sent to complete the Heedless of the possible dangers, vehicles, the convoys drove to the Port evacuation. Because of China’s limited several staff members and I ventured of Durres, watched by crowds of local economic strength at that time, Beijing out of the embassy in a car in search residents at the roadside. declined the request. But the evacuation of food. To our relief, we found a few After an hour, the convoy arrived work went on. sacks of rice. at the wharf. The usually heavily On March 16, 73 engineers and Meanwhile, the embassy reported guarded port was filled with Albanians shop owners returned to China from the situation in Albania back to Beijing. trying to flee the country. The moment Corfu by way of Zurich, Switzerland. The Chinese government attached great the Chinese vehicles appeared, they Another five returned from Athens via importance to the matter and decided were surrounded by crowds. The Macedonia, and the last group of 78 that immediate moves must be taken situation turned tense. took an Air China flight from Rome to evacuate Chinese nationals from the Thanks to our police escort, we back to the motherland the next day. country. The embassy contacted the broke from the crowds to reach the After seeing them all off, Greek and Italian embassies for help. parking place. Guarded by armed Greek Ambassador Ma and I returned to the Yang Guangsheng, Chinese soldiers, Chinese women, children, Chinese embassy in Athens, waiting for ambassador to Greece at the time, workers and, finally, the embassy staff orders from Beijing while watching the managed to reach the Greek minister of members boarded the ship. situation in Albania. A few days later, national defense by phone. The minister Seeing this, some local people we were ordered to go home by way promised to try every possible means to tried to squeeze in to board. In of Frankfurt, which meant that the 158 assist in China’s evacuation effort. response, the Greek soldiers fired Chinese nationals in Albania had made After that, Chinese Ambassador into the air and the ship lost no time it back to the motherland safe and to Albania Ma Weimao met with the weighing anchor and leaving the dock. sound. Greek ambassador and military attachés It was not until then that everyone, The special evacuation carried out to discuss the details of the evacuation including the soldiers, felt relieved. 20 years ago is an unforgettable memo- plan. Ma also called the Albanian When the ship made for the open sea ry in my diplomatic career.

12 Voice of Friendship No. 188 June 2017

Mr. Adnan Kassar, an Old Friend of the Chinese People

Ai Lin

“Among countless awards I have promoting friendly exchanges between and in their exchanges with Chinese received, the China-Arab Friendship Arab countries and China in the fields businessmen and officials, they learned Outstanding Contribution Award of economics, trade and culture. In the right way to start a business and presented by Chinese President Xi January 2016, during President Xi manage a company—the crucial role of Jinping is the greatest honor of my life. Jinping’s visit to Egypt, Kassar was building trust and attracting talent and I will not only keep it at my home, but given the China-Arab Friendship the importance of having patience and also in my heart. Outstanding Contribution Award and paying attention to detail. “Today, I’m very excited that my had the opportunity to take a group “For what we have accomplished friendship with China received recogni- photo with Xi, along with nine other today, we owe China a great deal. We tion from President Xi. It reminds me awardees. are determined to continue to promote of how I felt when introducing China to Kassar’s friendship with China various kinds of exchanges between the Arab world for the first time 63 years can be traced back to the 1950s, when China and Arab countries to carry out ago. Over half a century, this enthusiasm he followed his father, the Lebanese President Xi’s strategic decision of has never faded, no matter where I lived ambassador to Pakistan, to live in reviving the ancient Silk Road, which in the world. Karachi and start a business with started in China and reached Europe “Although I am now in my his brother Adel. In 1954, they met via Lebanon.” eighties, I will continue to contribute a Chinese entrepreneur who was Kassar has always supported the my strength to promoting and purchasing cotton in Karachi. Thus “one China” policy. He said: “China is expanding friendly and cooperative began a more than 60-year friendship like a motherland for me, so I’m quite relations between Arab countries and with China. aware of the significance of its unity China as long as I am alive.” Kassar often recalls those days: and solidarity. It is a great nation. Unity These words came from Mr “When I first set foot on Chinese soil in will bring her progress and prosperity.” Adnan Kassar, an 87-year-old, the 1950s, China quickly entered into In 1955, when China and vigorous, bright-eyed Lebanese, an my heart and has occupied an important Lebanon had not yet established old friend of the Chinese people and a position ever since. It was more than diplomatic relations, Kassar resisted well-known entrepreneur and financier. half a century ago, when no one would the repeated interference from the Kassar, the president of General have predicted the rise of China. But I Taiwan “ambassador” to Lebanon, Union of Chambers of Commerce, saw the great potential of the country and persuaded Camille Chamoun, the Industry and Agriculture for Arab with its long history, rich resources and Lebanese president, to invite a Chinese Countries, manages the Fransabank industrious and practical people.” delegation for a visit. That resulted Group, the third-largest banking Kassar always thought of China in the signing of the first China- institution in Lebanon. Since 1954, as a great school. He and his brother Lebanon trade agreement. Kassar then Kassar has been committed to were in their twenties at that time, helped set up the Chinese Commercial

13 Cultural Exchanges

Counselor’s Office in Beirut. The five- in 1988, he proposed to establish development and strategies. He has star red flag flew in the sky of Lebanon the China-Arab Joint Chamber of his own understanding of the Belt for the first time. Commerce. Approval of this proposal and Road Initiative, which he firmly In 1956, the Kassar brothers were created a platform of strengthening believes will play an important role invited to visit China. The flight they trade and business cooperation between in deepening bilateral relationships took was an American airplane with China and the Arab world. between China and Arab countries in an outmoded Russian engine that had In 1999, Kassar was elected various fields such as economics and to stop to refuel every couple of hours. president of the International Chamber trade. The plane landed on grass fields several of Commerce and became the first In July and November 2016, the times, and the captain had to get off Arab president of the organization, CPAFFC and the Fransabank Group, and carry cans of fuel himself. After which has 140 national committees led by Kassar, jointly organized a series fueling, the captain would put his hand and represents the world business of cultural activities under the themes under the engine to check for oil leaks. circle. His first job was to set up the “Belt and Road in China” and “Belt During the trip, the brothers China National Committee of the and Road in Lebanon” to enhance attended the Canton Fair for the International Chamber of Commerce, understanding between the people of first time and brought back food, which has become one of the most China, Lebanon and Arab countries handicrafts, stationery, glass and active committees of the association. through food festivals, commodity porcelain products and thus began to During his tenure as president exhibitions, book fairs and business promote Chinese goods in the Arab of the Federation of Commerce, dialogues. world. Kassar often said: “I’m very Industry and Agriculture of Lebanon Fransabank Group released the proud to be the first to promote Chinese and president of the General Union first Belt and Road credit card with the products in the Arab world, and I’m of Chambers of Commerce, Industry UnionPay logo in a bid to use the Belt proud to witness China entering into and Agriculture for Arab Countries, and Road concept to actively promote the ranks of advanced countries and Kassar warmly received all Chinese economic and trade exchanges between becoming the most important trading delegations visiting Lebanon. Chinese and Arab banks and enterprises partner of major Arab countries.” Moreover, he and his brother along the route In the 1970s, Kassar was elected encouraged high-ranking officials of “China has become an inseparable president of the International Chamber Arabian chambers of commerce, as part of the corporate culture of the of Commerce of Lebanon and Arab well as entrepreneurs, to visit China. Fransabank Group,” Kassar says. countries, and also the Lebanese In 2007, Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu of “Every year, we send specially minister of economy and trade. the Chinese State Council met Kassar designed New Year’s cards to all Throughout his tenure, he always put and called him “an old friend of the Chinese embassies, companies and Chinese affairs in first place. Chinese people”. In the same year Wan friends all over the world who have In 1981, he organized an Arab Jifei, chairman of the China Council for cooperative relations with the group. entrepreneur delegation to visit China the Promotion of International Trade, “Meanwhile, we encourage em- for the first time, paving the way awarded Kassar the title of Honorary ployees of the group to learn Chinese for developing China-Arab business Member of the China Council for the culture and language to enhance their relations and partnerships. At the Promotion of International Trade. understanding of that great country, to conference of the General Union of Despite his many achievements, which we attach great importance and Arab Chambers of Commerce, Industry Kassar still keeps pace with the for which we have special feelings.” and Agriculture held in Damascus times and pays attention to China’s

14 Voice of Friendship No. 188 June 2017

Israeli Young Ambassadors Delegation Visits China

Ai Lin

his year marks the 25th country and helped build friendships. Israeli Center for Young Leaders which T anniversary of the establishment was founded in 2006, with support General Information about the of China-Israel diplomatic relations. To from the Israeli Ministry of Education Young Ambassadors Program further strengthen friendly cooperative and the prime minister’s office. The relations between the two countries, Young Ambassadors Program is the CPAFFC invited a 38-member The School of Israeli Young a training ground for outstanding Young Ambassadors delegation to Ambassadors is affiliated with the students of Alliance High School in visit China from March 8 to 16, a few days before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit. The delegation was led by Mr Yitzhak Eldan, headmaster of the School of Israeli Young Ambassadors and former chief of protocol for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was the first visit to China by an Israeli group recommended by the Young Ambassadors program. During the nine-day trip, the delegation visited several well-known Chinese universities and academic institutions, had discussions with teachers and students from key high schools of Beijing and Tianjin and explored high-tech companies and the China-Israel Demonstration Farm. Delegation members said the China visit broadened their horizons, The delegation of Israeli youth ambassadors. enhanced their understanding of the

15 Cultural Exchanges

Tel Aviv who were selected by the between China and Israel members language, and felt an urgent need to School of Israeli Young Ambassadors acquired a better understanding about enhance cultural exchanges between through organizing various courses the historical foundation of bilateral the two countries. and activities. The program aims to relations. The delegation shared their study cultivate students to be future leaders The people of Israel, he said, experience with students of the Beijing of Israel, with high values, skills, would never forget how Chinese people BAYI School and soccer No 20 High knowledge and problem-solving provided shelter to Jews in cities such School and had football and basketball ability. as Shanghai and Harbin during World matches with the hosts. The program lasts three years. War II. He himself took part in the At the farewell banquet hosted In the second year, students will be process of establishing China-Israel by the CPAFFC, BAYI students and chosen to go to foreign countries for diplomatic ties. He had visited Beijing members of the Israeli delegation exchanges. and developed a profound feeling for staged a performance and exchanged Before their China visit, the Young China, and he hoped that young people traditional gifts. CPC Party Secretary Ambassadors delegation had already of Israel would remember history and Niu Zhenyun of the BAYI School visited 24 countries, including the become the core strength in promoting signed an agreement on friendly United Kingdom, France and Australia. China-Israel cooperation. exchanges with Eldan. When the The trip to China aimed to use the 25th Eldan reaffirmed that Israel time came to part, the young people anniversary of the establishment of is willing to actively participate in of both sides found it difficult to say China-Israel diplomatic relations as an the building of the Belt and Road. goodbye. opportunity to learn Chinese culture Israeli students also shared their The delegation also visited and history, introduce Israeli and understanding of the Belt and Road internet giant Tencent and the China- Jewish culture, visit local schools and Initiative and raised questions about Israel Demonstration Farm to get make friends with Chinese students. what Israel can do to cooperate in this firsthand knowledge about the Also, a Chinese youth delegation was area. The conversation was lively and science and technology cooperation invited to visit Israel. at times heated. between the two countries. They said The delegation also had Chinese companies have reached the animated discussions, in Hebrew, world’s advanced level in science and The Young Ambassadors Delegation with teachers and students at Peking technology and in providing a favorable Visits China University, as well as with the work environment for employees. They When visiting the China Institute anchors of China Radio International. hoped to have a chance to work and of International Studies and China CRI invited the delegation to create a live in China in the future. Foreign Affairs University, the feature program. During his recent visit to China, delegation listened to experts’ lectures The Israeli students said they had Prime Minister Netanyahu said: on bilateral relations and cooperation in learned through Israeli media reports “Cooperation between China and Israel the building of the Silk Road Economic about Itzik, an Israeli host of CRI, and is the choice of God.” Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk his regular show, Know Your Way in It is believed that fruitful Road. Members had discussions with China, which had aroused their interest results will be achieved in the future teachers and students at the university. in Chinese culture. The youths were development of China-Israel relations, Mr Eldan, the head of the delegation, excited to get to know so many Chinese based on friendships between the two said that by recalling past exchanges friends proficient in the Hebrew countries’ younger generation.

16 Voice of Friendship No. 188 June 2017

Exhibition of Chinese Characters Held in Kyoto Yu Xiaodong

o commemorate the 45th International Art Exchange Association great event for Sino-Japanese cultural T anniversary of the normalization and Japan KOUZAN Fine Arts exchanges, adding that it has become a of Sino-Japanese diplomatic relations, a Company. More than 114 articles from “golden bridge” that helps to strengthen large-scale relics exhibition of Chinese 17 relics museums in six provinces and understanding and deepen friendship characters titled A Legacy and Marvel cities in China were displayed. Among between China and Japan. Perfected over Three Millennia was them, 22 are ranked as national first- He said the exhibition was the presented in Kyoto Municipal Museum class cultural relics. first attempt to give a systematic of Art from March 24 to April 21. CPAFFC Vice-President Hu Sishe display of Chinese character-related Attending the opening ceremony said in his speech that, since the touring relics in Japan and is an effective way were Mr Hu Sishe, vice-president of exhibition was launched in Tokyo in to promote Sino-Japanese friendship the Chinese People’s Association for October, the unique beauty of Chinese using Chinese characters as the Friendship with Foreign Countries; characters has attracted many visitors medium. Mr Li Tianran, Chinese consul and received favorable appraisals from To coincide with the 45th general in Osaka; Mr Yamauchi specialists and amateurs from cultural anniversary, Kyoto was honored Shuji, deputy governor of Kyoto; Mr sectors in both China and Japan. as the Culture City of East Asia in Takeuchi Koichi, permanent member Around 88,000 visitors came during 2017. Hu said he believes the timing of the Japan-China Cultural Exchange the 40 days of the exhibition. would help make the event a success. Association; Mr Nakano Akira, senior Hu said that the exhibition was a The exhibition, he said, would be an director of Japan-China Cultural Exchange Association; Mr Shiranish Shinyichirou, director-general of the Japan-China Society; Mr Qi Gaoquan, deputy director of the Bureau of Cultural Relics of Shaanxi province; Mr Shioe Kozo, director of Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art; and around 300 specialists and amateurs from cultural and business sectors from China and Japan. The exhibition was hosted by the CPAFFC, Art Exhibition China and the China International Cultural Association. The exhibition was Hu Sishe, CPAFFC vice-president, addressed the opening ceremony. conducted by the China Friendship

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important chapter in the history of of communication activities to mark oldest and most enduring written lan- Sino-Japanese cultural exchanges. the 45th anniversary this year. He guages, and that is has spread the wid- Consul General Li Tianran said expressed hope that people from all est. The creation of Chinese characters in his speech that after 3,000 years fields will help to build more platforms not only propelled the development of evolution, Chinese characters still for friendly exchanges between the two of Chinese culture, but also greatly retain their youthful vitality. For countries. impacted various cultures across the nearly 2,000 years, China and Japan Takeuchi Koichi of the cultural world. In the long history of human developed their own cultures based exchange association said in his speech civilization, Chinese characters are the on Chinese characters, which reflect that the fact China and Japan share only language that is still being used a unique and influential East Asian the culture of Chinese characters is of after thousands of years since its birth. spirit in the world’s cultural sector. The particular significance to both nations. Also, as a medium for cultural Japanese language, which has its roots Chinese characters are not only exchanges and communication, in Chinese, contributed to enrichment symbols of language communication Chinese characters are an inseparable of Chinese by adding more words and but also represent a connection of part of the cultural exchanges between meanings. cultures — of China and Japan, as China and Japan over the past 2,000 Li said Kyoto is among the cities well as other East Asian countries. years, Qi said. having the closest communication Visual arts like calligraphy and seal “We believe that after this with China, and he believes the current cutting that were derived from Chinese exhibition, more and more Japanese exhibition will become a vital platform characters are also favored across will discover the beauty of Chinese for strengthening friendship between Asia, he said, adding that he hoped characters,” he said. “That will deepen the two countries. Because the two are that this exhibition would deepen understanding between the two geographically near each other, he said, Japanese people’s understanding and peoples.” stable, healthy development of bilateral fondness for Chinese characters, and In his speech, Shioe Kozo, relations is not only in the interest of would promote cultural exchanges and the Kyoto museum director, read both peoples but will contribute to friendship between ordinary people. a congratulatory letter from Mr regional peace and stability. Qi Gaoquan, the Shaanxi relics Monkawa Oku, mayor of Kyoto. Oku Li said the Chinese consulate official, said in his speech that Chinese wished the exhibition great success. general in Osaka will organize a series characters represent one of the world’s Also,Yamauchi Shuji, Kyoto’s deputy governor, praised the exhibition for its significance and far-reaching influence, and expressed his thanks for all the people who had been dedicated to promoting friendship between China and Japan. The exhibition gave visitors an opportunity to see at close range the precious relics, which showed the history, artistic beauty and profound impact of Chinese characters. This will help visitors focus more on the charm and grace of Chinese characters, which People visiting the exhibition. are displayed in different forms.

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My Spring Festival in a Sister City A story of a staff member of Chengdu Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office

Chengdu Friendship Association

asting delicious local food we accepted with pleasure the gracious T and watching an NBA dinner invitation of Governor Stephen Experiencing the Chengdu Lantern basketball game live enabled Roe Lewis of the tribal government of Festival on the other side of the globe me to gain a deeper insight the Gila River Indian Community, and into Phoenix, an international Before our departure, we were Song Yang, vice-president of the US- sister city of Chengdu. informed that the Chengdu Lantern China Culture & Education Foundation. Festival — Lights of the World — was At the dinner, Lewis learned that On the second day after the Chi- going on in Phoenix. What would it Chengdu is surrounded by many ethnic nese New Year holiday, I left Chengdu feel like to watch a lantern festival on minority communities, that three of the on an official trip to the United States the other side of the globe? Would it four most famous liquors of China are as a staff member of the Chengdu For- still be spectacular? produced in Chengdu and that Chengdu eign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Of- Lanterns were in all shapes is home to China’s largest vegetable fice. After a flight of 20 hours, we ar- and sizes, and Chengdu snacks of supply base. He said excitedly that rived in Phoenix, Arizona. different kinds made every visitor’s he would like to visit Chengdu in During our stay in Phoenix, we mouth water. Even though that day September and October during the experienced the local popularity of was nearly at the end of festival, and best tourist season, to initiate cultural the Chengdu Lantern Festival and met it was a chilly evening, there were still exchanges between American Indian with local friends. At their invitation, many people around. The vast parking culture and the ethnic minority culture we also tasted delicious local cuisine lot was jam-packed and there was a around Chengdu. He also would like and attended an NBA basketball game. long line in front of every snack stand. to bring liquors from Chengdu to his All these enabled me to gain a deeper During my two-day stay in Phoenix, I restaurant, and consider collaboration insight into Phoenix, an international gained a deeper insight into American with Chengdu’s vegetable growers. The sister city of Chengdu. I became more people’s love for Chinese snacks. head delegate of our group responded sentimentally attached to Chengdu’s After a journey of more than 20 with excitement: Chengdu and Phoenix counterpart in the States. hours, our bellies were rumbling and are destined to be sister cities.

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The main course of the dinner— playing for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. Memphis Grizzlies, at America West filet mignon—finally came after an Gerard also mentioned that both chiefs Arena, the Suns’ home court. The game hour of talk. I suddenly realized the of the city’s police and fire departments was broadcast live all over the country. role of waiting: It is an opportunity for were female, which is rare in the US. Gerard thought we might bring some socializing. Western gastronomy makes At the meeting with Mayor Greg luck from the mysterious East to the ill- the process of socializing an enjoyable Stanton, we extended the invitation of performing Suns. experience by having the gourmet wait the China (Chengdu) Global Innovation When we arrived, Gerard was for the main course. and Entrepreneurship Fairs to him. He waiting for us at his seat. He said the was delighted to accept the invitation, city government owns the arena and the and said he would include the fairs Suns rent the facilities. Tickets revenues Joining hands to promote in his agenda this year. Stanton also are income to the Suns. If there are VIP sustainable development hopes to have exchanges on climate guests, the government may request change with the attending delegates that some seats be reserved. For that, The next morning, we stopped at the Sister Cities Mayors Forum to we felt greatly honored. by Arizona State University, a partner be held in Chengdu and is looking Even though the two teams were school of Sichuan University. It was forward to interacting with the citizens not at the same level, and the match an open campus without any walls of Chengdu. was lackluster, the excitement of separating it from the public, so we After the meeting with Mayor watching an NBA game in person was found ourselves within the campus Stanton, we met with Phoenix’s Chief a great experience for us. We were without knowing it. Everyone walking Sustainability Officer Mark Hartman, impressed by the national anthem on campus was smiling and confident, who briefed us about his city’s ideas on before the match, the cheering squad’s neither languid nor in a hurry. When sustainable development. He repeatedly hot dance at half time, the Phoenix we were gathering for a group photo in emphasized the city’s ambition to build Suns mascot gorilla and souvenir Suns’ front of the univerity’s official symbol, itself into a world-leading sustainable jerseys flung high into the stands with a blonde woman offered help. We were development city, coinciding with special guns to any lucky fan who surprised and grateful. Chengdu’s goal of becoming one of could catch one. We were very lucky When we arrived at City Hall at China’s national central cities. to see jerseys cast to spectators with 11:45 am, Mr Rick Gerard, director of Regarding the problems of a cannon designed for the purpose. the Office of International Relations traffic congestion and air pollution, Gerard said it was the first time such a for Phoenix, was already waiting at Hartman said the desert city suffers cannon had been used in the arena. the gate. Gerard showed us all the from sandstorms in May every year, photos of the previous mayors and so it encourages its citizens to use Sister City friendship to promote chief councilors of Phoenix and told public transportation while developing joint development us unmistakably which of them had carbon-neutral projects to improve the visited Chengdu in which year. quality of life. Some cactus plants around During our tour, an African Phoenix—notably the saguaro— grow American woman came unexpectedly. to two or three times the height of a Watching an NBA game Gerard immediately introduced her person. Due to lack of water in the as the chief of the Phoenix Police Gerard invited us to an NBA desert, the smaller the saguaro, the Department, and told us her son was game—the Phoenix Suns vs. the less chance it has to survive. So every

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saguaro in Phoenix strives to grow taller and stronger, reserving enough water in its trunk and arms to live in The Globalization Pace of the harsh environment. Come to think of it, this is quite similar to Chengdu. Chengdu is making vigorous Confucius Institutes efforts to break its stereotype as a geographical basin. It hopes to learn Li Jie from other places in the world for its development. Establishing sister city lizabeth, who is from Ireland, is in at Confucius Institutes also answer relations with foreign cities can expose E her late 60s. She adores Chinese specific questions about Chinese culture it to advanced thinking and experience. fiction, especially the works of Yu Hua and social issues. These include: “Why The establishment of an international and Mo Yan. Thanks to the classes do some Chinese children wear open- advisory board was a wise decision to she has been taking at the Confucius crotch pants?”, “Why are the Chinese pull wisdom to help with Chengdu’s Institute for almost a decade, she can so keen on soup?” and “What is the development. read Chinese well. Chinese government doing about the The city houses the largest Wang Hong, the Chinese dean of smog?” number of foreign consulates in the Confucius Institute at the University The 511 Confucius Institutes, western China, facilitating various of Helsinki, in Finland, teaches her 1,073 Confucius classrooms and their kinds of external exchanges and current course. “Elizabeth never misses 2.1 million attendees in 140 nations cooperation. To address the old any classes and is passionate about have made Confucius Institutes as a problem of Sichuan’s notoriously learning Chinese,” Wang said of her whole a bridge-builder and medium harsh conditions for geographic access, student, noting that she is no exception. for East-West cultural exchanges. They Chengdu built its second international “The students in my class include tell the world about China and enhance airport. The Chengdu-Europe Plus young women whose style of dress friendship and cooperation. strategy has been fully implemented to reflects their fascination with China; regain the past glory of the ancient Silk a Finnish girl whose main pastime Born of “Chinese Fever” Road. Aren’t these efforts similar to the is Chinese calligraphy, which she tenacious growth of the saguaro cactus executes beautifully; and seniors who “Ms Li, how do you distinguish in the Phoenix desert? have been studying for many years.” big-seal, small-seal and clerical script The warm hospitality we received Wang is somewhat bemused at styles of Chinese calligraphy?” a from our hosts in Phoenix reflected not this phenomenon, but nonetheless student asked Li Yiqi, a Confucius only the respect brought by China’s rise gratified. “These students are truly Institute volunteer at University College but the sincere friendship established obsessed with learning Chinese,” she Dublin, during a Chinese language by our colleagues over the years. The said. lesson. Li, who got her master’s degree two-day stay in Phoenix was short, but Along with teaching Chinese in China, was astounded: The student, it was an integral part of our mission to language and calligraphy, and giving a retired man in his 60s, was doing nurture and grow the Chengdu-Phoenix classes on traditional Chinese poetry research for a book on the evolution of sister city relationship. and opera, the tens of thousands of Chinese characters and could not wait personnel, like Wang, who work abroad to share his opinions with her.

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Some students carry the 300 Tang Confucius Institute at Dublin’s UCD Confucius Institute. Poems with them at all times, and also provides materials for the weekly Building on the experience of the engage Li in discussion whenever they broadcast of the Hello, China radio United Kingdom, France, Germany have the chance. Chinese language show. and Spain in promoting their national classes are booming in Ireland. Some Courses at the Confucius Institute languages, China began its own young women in their teens even of University of Helsinki, where exploration in 2004 through nonprofit asked Li how they could buy branded Wang serves as dean, have expanded public institutions. Called Confucius merchandise of the TF Boys, a popular from basic language learning to Institutes, they aim to promote the Chinese band. Her class also celebrates multidimensional content, such as Chinese language and culture in foreign students’ birthdays by singing Happy Chinese media language and Chinese countries. Birthday in Chinese. It would seem that culture. Some of Wang’s students go on The institutes’ guiding principle China’s popular culture is permeating to become teachers of Chinese at local is laid out in the organization’s the daily life of Irish youth. schools after graduating, which spreads Constitution and Bylaws, which In Ireland, Confucius Institutes the influence of the institute. state: “Confucius Institutes devote have achieved coverage of all More than a decade ago, when themselves to satisfying the demands age groups, including students at products made in China appeared more of people from different countries kindergartens, primary and secondary often in households throughout the and regions in the world who learn schools, universities and community West, the Chinese language, as well the Chinese language, to enhancing colleges. More than 5,000 primary as the culture and society behind these understanding of the Chinese language and secondary school students attend products, drew global attention. This and culture by these peoples, to Chinese lessons every year. The led to the establishment of the first strengthening educational and cultural exchange and cooperation between China and other countries, to deepening friendly relationships with other nations, to promoting the development of multiculturalism, so as to construct a harmonious world.”

Global Layout “Confucius Institutes have developed at a rate beyond our expectations,” said Xu Lin, the former chief executive of the Confucius Institute headquarters. The Ministry of Education initially planned to set up 100 of the institutes worldwide within a decade. To the surprise of all concerned, 46 Confucius Institutes were built Students from the Confucius Institute at University College Dublin visit Xi’an to learn more about Chinese culture. globally in the first year, and the

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number reached 100 the following the University of Helsinki focus on job. Although filled with trepidation year. After 12 years, there are now 511 sunshine and warmth. And because of when she first arrived, she gradually Confucius Institutes in 140 nations the generally introverted nature of the found her way. Now, Wang has won across five continents. Finnish people, the Confucius Institute recognition and praise from local The development pattern of the gives rein to students’ strengths by participants. “Their take on the actual institutes has extended far beyond basic emphasizing on the teaching of Chinese situation is what really counts,” she Chinese language teaching. Originally writing. said. an associate professor of English at Li was responsible for teaching When Confucius Institutes were Renmin University of China, Wang has a children’s Chinese language class first established, fears were sometimes been Chinese dean of the Confucius in Ireland. Their first impressions voiced based on the so-called China Institute at the University of Helsinki of China came almost entirely from threat theory. Over the past three since 2014. This has entailed teaching her descriptions. But she gradually years, institutes at the University of the language and holding culture- realized that simply pointing out the Chicago, University of Pennsylvania themed activities with Chinese teachers “importance” or “meaning” of the and Stockholm University have shut and volunteers, and also inviting teaching content did not register with down. The international community has Chinese scholars to Finland to give them. They became far more engaged become a breeding ground for rumors lectures and exchange ideas. Finnish through contact with and use of and controversy about Confucius students are encouraged to study in guintessentially Chinese items such as Institutes in this regard. China. opera masks, shuttle cocks and paper Wang wholeheartedly rebuts “Chinese language teaching is our fans. such rhetoric. In fact, the procedure foundation; cultural activities expand “Interest is the key to arousing for establishing a Confucius Institute our impact; and academic activities children’s spirit of exploration,” Li requires a foreign university or relevant draw the attention of more scholars and said. “They most enjoy finding out educational institution to first apply to intellectuals to China,” Wang said. about Chinese culture and life through the Confucius Institute headquarters. After two years’ experience, Wang such activities.” Upon receiving approval, the local and is clear about the purpose of her work. In 2016, to meet local demand, Chinese parties jointly run the institute. Although the Constitution and more than 240 Confucius Institutes The Chinese dean is responsible for Bylaws applies to all Confucius in 78 countries worldwide instituted the institute under a governing council, Institutes, conditions vary in different Chinese culture-related courses, such and both Chinese and foreign deans are countries. So what should the as traditional Chinese medicine and tai jointly in charge of the institutes’ daily Confucius Institutes do? Integrating chi. Confucius Institutes that specialize operations and management. and being welcomed into the local in textiles, dance, performance, music, It is generally the foreign dean community is a test for each one. food and tea culture have also been set who raises demands, and the Chinese In the process of teaching, Wang’s up. Adjusting to local conditions is the contingent that offers cooperation and unfamiliarity with the local culture key for each institute to take root and support. has at times put her in embarrassing develop in its host country. Take academic activities as an situations. Practice has resolved this example. The two parties jointly decide problem. Owing to Finland’s high on activities and invite researchers Firm Steps Override Doubts altitude, low temperatures and short specializing in topics relating to China daylight hours in winter, cultural As dean of her institute, Wang’s or East Asia to present their views activities at the Confucius Institute at public relations work is part of the and hold academic debates. Teachers

23 Cultural Exchanges

of Chinese language and culture “These rumors themselves mind our own business, as people who classes — fundamental courses at perhaps reflect some general understand us know what we have Confucius Institutes — do their utmost misapprehensions about China,” really done. to teach students the most effective Li said. “Confucius Institutes are a learning methods, and to present a bridge to the Chinese language and Next Crossroad multidimensional image of Chinese culture, as well as providers of learning society. resources.” “Confucius Institutes have now “The so-called China threat theory Li believes the institutes play reached a crossroad. We must seriously is a false proposition,” Li said. Nobody an irreplaceable role because they consider how they are going to develop takes it into consideration in their offer face-to-face, experiential and what kind of path we should take,” actual work. learning. Interaction between workers said Xu, the former headquarters chief, As teachers and volunteers at the institutes and people in local in reviewing the past decade. assigned from China, Wang and Li communities provides a tangible, According to the development must do their best to accomplish their touchable China. plan, the global layout will be basically teaching plan, while at the same time After reading a newspaper article complete by 2020. This will entail hosting various cultural activities. As that arbitrarily attacked Confucius unifying standards for quality, test they are apart from their families, they Institutes, Wang’s Finnish colleague certification and appointing and training devote all their time to their work at showed it to her and angrily challenged teachers; realizing multilingualism and the institutes, yet still feel there are not its content. Wang just laughed it off, broad coverage of international Chinese enough hours in the day. remarking that all we can do is to language textbooks; establishing a wide-ranging global Chinese language and culture communication system with comprehensive functions; and making Chinese one of the languages learned and spoken widely throughout the world. Teachers are integral to the future development of Confucius Institutes. At present, they are mainly professionals and volunteers assigned from China. All, including Chinese deans, sign contracts valid for one to four years. Most return to their original posts in China when they finish their overseas assignments. Then groups of newly selected teachers go out. During her two-year posting at the Confucius Institute in Helsinki, Wang has witnessed two shifts of volunteers Local students are keen to join the Chinese painting course in the Confucius and many other staff rotations. Institute at the University “This actually increases the

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difficulty of our work,” she said. Every group of workers needs The New Bike Sharing training in order to be familiar with the work right from the start. Li has returned to China after finishing her A Concept for Urban Commuters year of volunteer work. She was reluctant to say goodbye when the time Zhao Yang came to leave. “Just as I started to feel attuned to the work there, I had to leave. I knew hanghai saw the launch last April transportation. Back in the 1970s, a and had achieved a rapport with all S of bike-sharing startup MoBike, bicycle meant much more than simply my students. But a new teacher needs with its fleet of station-free bicycles a cheap way of traveling to work. to start from the very beginning while distinguished by their app-activated Rather it signified a family’s level of carrying on with the teaching plan. This rear-wheel locks. The company’s aim affluence. Along with a watch and a is a challenge for both teachers and was to provide urban dwellers with sewing machine, a bicycle was one of students,” she said. affordable, convenient, short-distance the “three prerequisites” for tying the Localization of teachers has transportation. knot. been frequently mentioned over the The bikes were an immediate When China’s economy started past two years in connection with the success. A few months later they made to revive in the late 1970s after the development of the institutes. However, their debut in Beijing, and soon after in launch of the reform and opening-up taking Finland as an example, no Chengdu and Guangzhou. They were drive, bikes generally became more more than 10 Finnish teachers hold such a hit in Shenzhen after a 30-day affordable. City roads crawled with local Chinese teaching certification. trial that the fleet there was expanded Localization thus appears to be a long- to 30,000. Many cities have designated term, complicated project. special parking zones for the shared “At the moment, at least, it’s bikes. a difficult proposition,” Wang said. MoBike extended its business Ensuring the quality of assigned coverage to 20 cities in February with teaching staff seems a particularly the launch of its bicycles in Haikou, important task Hainan province. The company also Wang has been pondering another has its eye on other cities on Hainan matter lately. She hopes to provide Island. MoBike CEO Wang Xiaofeng educational and consulting courses for said the company’s current target is to local enterprises in Finland, thereby operate a fleet of 100,000 shared bikes forging more links between the institute in each city. and community. This will, at the same time, make more funds available, Collective Memory something that is also relevant to the Several decades ago, when future sustainable development of China was known as the “kingdom Shared bikes prevail in big cities Confucius Institutes. of bicycles”, residents put great because they are convenient and From China Today store in their two-wheeled personal environmentally friendly.

25 Cultural Exchanges

cyclists at rush hour, and the silvery serious downside effect of traffic bicycles had been ridden an average tinkle of bicycle bells pervaded streets congestion and air pollution. Beijing of 300,000 times each on a daily basis, and alleys. Since the turn of the 21st is now the country’s undisputed traffic and more than 400,000 “smart” public century, however, cars — considered jam capital. This undesirable accolade bicycle rental cards had been issued, more labor-saving and efficient, as throws into sharp relief the merits according to the Beijing Evening News. well as comfortable — have steadily of the low-carbon, environmentally Although these figures reflect the superseded human-powered two- friendly, resource-saving bicycle. But enormous public demand for bicycles, wheeled transportation. Today, as although both urban governments and the red tape involved, particularly autos become ever-more accessible to individuals are keen to restore two- the documentation required to apply Chinese families, bicycles are not as wheeled transportation, commuting for a rental card, generates frequent apparent in urban areas. distances present a problem: They complaints. Such bikes must also be Ministry of Public Security are often far longer than what can rented from and returned to franchised traffic management bureau statistics reasonably be traveled by bicycle. stations, which may be full. show that, as of the end of 2016, Some people have considered getting Shared Bikes Solve Problems China’s inventory of motorized around this by traveling part way by vehicles numbered 290 million, among bus or subway and part by bike. But MoBike cuts through this red which cars exceeded 194 million — making a smooth connection between tape with a smartphone app that covers a world No 2 ranking. The number public transportation and bicycle riding all steps in the rental service, from of bicycles, meanwhile, has shrunk. is a common stumbling block to this finding an available bike to payment. Their percentage as a mode of local solution. Meanwhile, the station-free aspect transportation dropped from 62.7 The recent advent of shared bikes considerably simplifies matters. Sharers percent in 1980, to 38 percent in 2000, marks a significant progression from can leave their bikes at any public to 11.9 percent in 2014. the public bicycle rental service that bicycle parking lot, making them The convenience of cars is Beijing first offered around 2008. As available for the next rider. somewhat counterbalanced by the of November 2015, the city’s public Wei Bo of Beijing had her first MoBike experience during a trip to Shanghai. “I was wearing high heels to look good in photos, but it wasn’t a good idea for sightseeing,” she admitted. “As my feet were killing me, and I’d heard about renting shared bikes, I thought I’d give them a try.” As she was unfamiliar with the city, it took her a while to find an available bike. But as soon as she had registered online and pedaled out onto Shanghai’s byways, her efforts were rewarded. “I cycled along the banks of the A police officer well-known in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, Huangpu River,” she said. “Becoming unlocks the shared bike, that took the city’s MoBike fleet to 100,000. familiar with a city at your own pace

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in a ‘light-footed’ way is a wonderful experience.” A couple of months later, Wei was happy to see Beijing join the shared bike network. “My home is only one bus stop from my company. But getting there takes half an hour on foot and even longer by bus during rush hour,” Wei said. Cycling seemed the best option, but complex registration requirements had always put her off renting a public bike. “Using a shared bike ensures that I get to the office at 9 am on the dot,” she said. The launch of the first fleet of 500 shared electric bikes in Tianjin The MoBike design concept on March 16, 2017. removes any worries cyclists may have about flat tires or malfunctioning including ofo, U-Bicycle and Xiaoming, the capital. By the end of 2020, Beijing chains, and a sensor in the rear-wheel are expanding as they compete. The will boast a 3,200-kilometer network of lock keeps thieves at bay. rivalry is beneficial because it motivates bike paths. The company upgrades its companies to constantly improve their Meanwhile, local authorities are products according to user feedback, products and services. also offering shared bike services. and its bike-sharing system has now The collective memory of Zision, a project to reuse abandoned reached the third generation. It reduced bicycles cherished by generations bikes, has been jointly developed by the the weight of the bicycle and placed a of Chinese people was displaced by Haidian district government and Edaibu basket at the front. The solar panels it the blind contemporary stress on Technology Co. Since November, the has installed also save energy. MoBike speed. But environmental protection company has recycled the unwanted seeks, through constant innovation and awareness and the priority given to bikes of Haidian residents in 29 exploration, the perfect user experience quality of life is reviving it. What’s pilot communities. Those and others that will restore the popularity of urban more, the historical affection for bikes abandoned on streets are repaired using cycling. and cycling is a good foundation on new technologies. The first batch of At the end of 2016, MoBike which to refresh and upgrade this non- 20,000 bicycles is now in use in the improved its first-generation product motorized transportation. district. with the launch of the MoBike Lite, The government is expected to The project has contributed to the which, because it is lighter, saves on set up the facilities and infrastructure city’s shared-bike service resources and manufacturing costs. The fee was to encourage more people to commute has also eradicated the longstanding reduced from 1 yuan ($0.15) for 30 on two wheels rather than four. For eyesores of abandoned bikes. The minutes to 0.5 yuan. instance, bike lanes are essential for Beijing municipal government intends cyclist safety, and many cities have to encourage bike riding until rises to Go Green on Two Wheels plans to improve access in this respect. for 16 percent of local transportation As most people are keen to “go Various projects with this in mind, such modes by 2020 and more than 20 green”, the bike-sharing business is as the redesign of bike lanes to avoid percent by 2030. flourishing. MoBike and its peers automobile incursions, are expected in From China Today

27 Cultural Exchanges

Splashing, Dancing and Making Merry at the Dai Water-Sprinkling Festival

China Today staff reporter

he Water-Sprinkling Festival of Buddha’s Birthday new year. T the Dai ethnic group is the most Also known as the Buddha’s Water, perceived as nourishing widely celebrated rite among the ethnic Birthday Festival, the history of the everything yet striving for nothing, is minorities living in Yunnan province. celebration goes back centuries. It the focal point of the festival activities. This weeklong celebration, marking originated in India as a religious rite According to Dai culture, water, the the Dai Lunar New Year, usually falls of the Brahman, or priestly, caste, and god of life, symbolizes holiness, around mid-April. People of all ages, later was absorbed into Buddhism. The happiness and light. People fetch clean dressed in their festival best, take part festival was introduced to southwestern water from wells early in the morning, in the solemn ritual of washing statues Yunnan province via Myanmar at add flowers and take it to their local of Buddha. They later take great delight the end of the 12th century. Since Buddhist temple. After performing a in generously blessing all and sundry then, Buddhism has been the region’s worshipful ritual, they clean the statue with splashes of water — as well as predominant belief system. of Buddha with the water and pray getting together to talk and compare The first day of the festival is for the Buddha’s blessing. Everyone notes about the past year. Evening celebrated in a fashion similar to that then splashes the blessed water on merrymaking activities include of Lunar New Year. In addition to one another to wash away illness and watching Dai dramas, performing local cleaning the house from top to bottom disaster and pray for a happy life. dances and flying kongming lanterns. and preparing the family reunion People traditionally fill wooden basins The festival comprehensively dinner, dragon boat races, setting with water and use leafy twigs to showcases Dai traditional culture and off Dai-style fireworks and taking in sprinkle it gently, first on elders and the significance it attaches to water dramas, songs and dance performances then others, while uttering sincere and folklore. The event also highlights are also customary. The second day is wishes for health and harmony. the joy the people take in music and reserved for water sprinkling, which Younger people use a broader dance, feasting and wearing traditional ritually cleanses people of any residual range of containers for the water, which costumes. Other Southeast Asian ill fortune lingering from the old year they will soon splash over one another countries, including Thailand, Laos, and is believed to bring good health while chasing along streets and through Myanmar and Cambodia also share and happiness. The third day is the Dai back lanes. this folk tradition. In 2006 the Water- New Year’s Day, the most important Dai people believe that spraying Sprinkling Festival was among the first of any other festival on the Dai lunar water through the air brings good luck, items from China to be added to the calendar. Sprinkling people with water felicity and health, and also that the UNESCO national intangible cultural on this day is believed to purify their wetter one gets, the more benedictions heritage list. hearts in preparation for the coming one may expect. The festival is thus a

28 Voice of Friendship No. 188 June 2017

veritable ocean of joy. Carrying colorful parasols, the young festivals. People from all the nearby Later on, the people join in the women form one line and the young Dai villages perform dances and festival’s song and dance activities. men another, about 15 meters apart. pay New Year’s Day calls on their Dressed in their finest attire, members The females throw bags to the males, neighbors to wish them the best. Other of the community as a whole dance for and the males throw them back. If a cultural activities include dragon boat joy to the accompaniment of gongs and young man fails to catch a bag from racing, peacock dances and the white elephant-foot drums. The air is vibrant a girl, he must place a flower in her elephant dance. with singing and cheering as people hair. If a young woman fails to catch The festival highlight is the make merry through the night. a bag, she must insert a flower in the dragon boat race, which usually falls buttonhole of a young man’s shirt. The on the third day. Splendidly attired bags fly back and forth, time and again. villagers gather along the banks of Game of Love When a young man and young woman the Lancang River and Ruili River as The Water-Sprinkling Festival is finally take a fancy to each other, they dragon boats, festooned in colorful also a venue for seeking out marriage leave and make their way to a quiet silk and manned by teams of strong partners. One of the matchmaking place to begin their romance. rowers, await the starter’s gun. They games the Dai people play is that of then shoot forth like arrows from a Colorful Folk Activities throwing small bags. bow while the riverbanks resound to Dai girls carry love tokens with Local people prepare special the throb of drumming, the clash of them in the form of small cotton bags dishes and various kinds of sticky gongs and rousing cheers as the festive they have sewn, decorated with bright rice cakes to present to guests and atmosphere reaches its climax. fringes and filled with cottonseed. close friends at this grandest of Dai Setting off gaosheng — the Dai’s homemade rockets — is another tradition. The fireworks are made by filling the bottom end of a bamboo tube with gunpowder and other materials and attaching them with lead wire to a bamboo ladder frame. When ignited, the rockets soar to the sky and explode in dazzling brilliance. The person whose gaosheng goes highest wins a prize and much acclaim. Flying kongming lanterns is another time-honored Dai custom. People gather in the evening in an open space and light the candles inside the lanterns. Aerostatic buoyancy sends them to the sky, where they float like countless stars, paying tribute to deities, sages and men of virtue. The wetter one gets, the more benedictions one may expect. From China Today

29 Cultural Exchanges

清 明 Clear and Bright

ingming — China’s fifth solar China has long held to the Spring is almost over, and it’s Q term in the traditional calendar tradition of planting trees on Qingming, traditional for Chinese poets to use — falls between April 4 and 6. This as saplings find this an optimum time the image of withering tung flowers to year it fell on April 4 by the Gregorian to establish themselves. The spring lament its passing. At this time of year calendar. Its literal meaning, “clear and sunshine blesses the earth and there is willow trees are in leaf, and rapeseed bright” describes a transition in the ample rain. flowers blossom bright yellow. weather. After the “clear and bright” In 1979, the Chinese government Creatures that have been hiding day, birds chirp cheerfully in the trees officially designated March 12 as Tree underground all winter cannot resist the and the land is flooded with sunshine. Planting Day. People across the country pull of the warmth above ground at this As it rains more often after this, — especially schoolchildren — take time of year. Field mice emerge from rainbows become a frequent sight. The part in communal events to plant trees their holes to forage for food, but the sun is filtered through the rain, each and make their environment greener. glare of the spring sunshine is too much raindrop refracting light like a prism, When tung trees bloom, it’s a for their sensitive eyes, forcing them to releasing multiple colors. sign heralding the arrival of Qingming. return to earth. Burrowing birds emerge at around the same time to enjoy the sun, giving rise to the ancient belief that field mice actually transform into birds. Qingming, also known as Tomb- Sweeping Day, is one of the most important festivals in China — a tradition that stretches back more than 2,500 years. No matter how busy they are, people always take the time to tidy up the graves of deceased family members. When the grave is cleaned, people burn incense, and leave offerings of fruit, flowers and distilled spirits before the headstone as a sign of respect, honoring family members who have passed from this world to the next. From China Today

30 Voice of Friendship No. 188 June 2017

Volunteers breaking cultural barriers

Hou Liqiang/Guo Xiaojun

growing number of young Chinese are Despite his early enthusiasm, Yin brand-new school. A visiting Africa as unpaid workers and was shocked by the terrible conditions The new facility won acclaim engaging more with people from countries at the Light Center Primary School from the local community, and when across the continent. in Mathare. About 300 students were someone asked Yin why he hadn’t crowded into a “stuffy” and “somber” made school renovation a long-term In 2014, a friend told Yin Binbin shed of no more than 180 square project, he decided to launch the Dream about the bleak lives of the residents meters. There was no electric light, Building Service Association. of Mathare, a slum area in Nairobi, so Yin tried to reflect sunshine into The association raised a further the capital of Kenya. As he listened, the “classroom” by filling transparent 270,000 yuan and rebuilt a second an idea occurred to Yin － then a bottles with water and placing them school in 2015. Last month, it partnered sophomore at Shandong University in in a hole in the roof. The experiment with Deng Fei, who started the Free East China － he would volunteer to failed, so the volunteers used the Lunches for Children in Rural China work in a school in the ghetto. flashlights on their smartphones to help program, to provide meals for 1,103 He never expected that his idea students see what had been written on students in five schools in the slum. would bind him and children of the the blackboard. They plan to expand the project to slums together for a prolonged period. The worst time every day was other schools in Mathare. However, in the past three years, Yin when the teachers cooked, because In addition to building schools, and his peers, mostly college students, the shed, which was made from rusty the association has organized talent have raised more than 300,000 yuan sheets of iron, would be engulfed in shows, art exhibitions and soccer ($43,450) to rebuild two primary smoke, making the children's eyes tournaments to enrich the children’s schools in Mathare. In addition, a“free sting. lives. Last year, a soccer tournament lunch”program they launched with attracted 600 students from 20 schools, Transformation a Chinese NGO has helped more than and more than 1,000 children displayed 1,100 children in the poverty-stricken Depressed by the conditions, their works of art at an exhibition area, which has a population of about Yin, who was majoring in architecture, organized by the association, which is 500,000. decided to transform the ramshackle attracting a growing number of Chinese Despite China’s growing school. With the help of social media, volunteers. economic presence in Africa, there has he and three other Chinese students The association now has five full- been a lack of engagement between the raised 70,000 yuan in a week. They time employees in Kenya, and about general public and their counterparts used the money to redesign the 70 volunteers arrive from China to help in the continent, according to experts. building. They purchased construction every year. A further 69 contribute via Now, young Chinese such as Yin are materials, guided workers with limited the internet, Yin said. endeavoring to change the situation. construction experience and built a Other young Chinese have

31 Cultural Exchanges

also rolled up their sleeves to help crisis, and training programs for local more than poverty, disease and the people of Kenya. Yuan Xiaoyi, workers are emerging via Chinese wildlife”. a 21-year-old student at New York agricultural and manufacturing projects “When young people come only University, and three other female across Africa. for ‘poverty tourism’, they will never Chinese students founded an NGO ”I think that in contrast to fully understand the dynamics and called Care for All Kids after Yuan Chinese companies and investors, the potential of the development of Africa volunteered to work in the country general public in China is less aware of and China-Africa ties,” Kuaku said. in 2013. The organization provides opportunities in Africa,” Eom said. Some Chinese NGOs have tried low-cost training for teachers from Isaac Kwaku, chairman of the their hand at programs in Africa as “informal”, or unofficial, schools. Last Sino-Africa Centre of Excellence well. year, the NGO organized training for Foundation in Kenya, said: “To our In June, when Zction, an NGO teachers at more than 120 schools in knowledge, there is not yet a significant that mainly involves college students Kenya. presence of regular Chinese citizens on in China, began to organize its first Meanwhile, Zhang Chi, 22, an the ground in Africa. However, some African volunteer program, the move architecture student at Yale University, organizations are doing an excellent attracted great attention. “Quite a lot collaborated with refugees to set up a job of expanding exchanges.” of people signed up for it,” said Lin school when she volunteered to work He said the center has worked Qianru, head of the organization’s in Kakuma, the largest refugee camp in with AIESEC, one of the world’s Shanghai branch. Kenya. leading nonprofit, student-run The NGO arranged interviews and ”We want to inspire more people organizations, and with student chose the 32 best-qualified candidates, through the work we do. Many young associations at Peking University and but only six made the trip to Uganda, people in China are eager to engage in the University of Hong Kong to bring where they had volunteered to teach in international development － they just students to Africa as interns. a school. need a channel to begin,” she said. “Based on the number of “Most quit because of parental internship applications we receive opposition prompted by safety Lack of engagement every year, the number of Chinese concerns,” said Lin, a student at Despite the efforts of young students going to Africa as interns Shanghai International Studies Chinese to connect with people in or volunteers is definitely rising,” he University, who also met opposition to Africa, there is still not enough contact said. “There has been a change in the her trip. between the groups, according to interests of Chinese youths. Originally, “Although my parents, uncles and experts. the projects that brought young people aunts were concerned for my safety, Janet Eom, research manager of to Africa were wildlife conservation they showed support. I experienced the China Africa Research Initiative at or volunteer programs in informal more opposition from people of my Johns Hopkins University in the United settlements. Then, an increasing grandfather’s generation,” she said, States, said the Chinese public has number of students became interested adding that seniors have an entirely not yet caught up with the country’s in researching different topics in Africa, different impression of Africa than growing economic engagement and then in internships,” he said. younger people do. in Africa, even though Confucius According to Kwaku, there are “The village we stayed in is safe Institutes teach Mandarin and Chinese still some obstacles to the promotion and the villagers are honest. We will culture, and volunteers help with of mutual exchanges between Africa have more programs in Africa soon,” health programs. For example, Chinese and China. One of them is “the lack of she said. medical teams worked on the Ebola understanding of Africa as a continent, From China Daily

32 Voice of Friendship No. 188 June 2017

When Crime Pays

Xu Fan

lec Su’s latest film, The Devotion based studio Enlight Pictures, one of and South Korea (2012) had already A of Suspect X, knocked Hollywood the key investors. adapted the Higashino novel － seen as behemoth Kong: Skull Island off the top slot But for Su, the film means more one of his best works － into acclaimed in China’s box-office charts on its first day. than just box-office returns. movies, fans were wondering if Su was Su, who made his debut with the right choice to make a Chinese film During the recent Tomb Sweeping the Taiwan band Xiao Hu Dui (Little version of the book. Festival holiday break, a profitable Tigers) in the 1980s, earned nationwide “I didn’t think much about this time for China’s movie market, Alec Su popularity thanks to a series of hit TV at the beginning. ...But when more worked nonstop. The actor, singer and dramas penned by Chiung Yao, then an comments emerged online, I was now director traveled more than 21,700 influential romance novelist. scared,” he says. kilometers from March 22 to April 3, But the 43-year-old star knows In the movie － unlike most crime touring 15 cities to promote his second times have changed. “I was once a thrillers where the audience does not directorial feature, The Devotion of favorite of the showbiz industry. But know who the criminal is until the end Suspect X. it is unavoidable that an idol will be － the killer is known, and the story is Su, once a heartthrob on the overtaken by someone else. Fame is not about a cat-and-mouse game between Chinese screen, says he was “anxious” everlasting,” Su said at a recent Beijing the police and the highly intelligent about his career shift. event. quarry. But his latest film, based on Since taking the producer’s job in The Chinese translation of the Japanese author Keigo Higashino’s the 2013 TV series Destiny by Love, Su novel was a best-seller on Amazon’s award-winning novel of the same title, has shifted his attention to the camera. China subsidiary in 2016. knocked Hollywood behemoth Kong: He won recognition for the 2015 “As fans know what will happen, Skull Island off the top slot in China’s coming-of-age drama The Left Ear, his it makes the adaptation more difficult. box-office charts on its first day on directorial debut. It raked in nearly 500 You need to be faithful to the original March 31, according to live tracker million yuan ($7.26 million) at the box story as well as go for innovation,” Su Cbooo.cn. office, and was nominated for the best says. The 112-minute movie, which is new director award at Taiwan’s 52nd Su attempted to maximize seen by some industry watchers as a bid Golden Horse Film Festival. localization, revise the emotional by Chinese-language movies to enter But this success was not enough aspects, restructure the timeline and overseas markets, opened in North for Su, who was looking for more focus on details. America, Australia, New Zealand and challenges. The movie, while still centered on the United Kingdom simultaneously When domestic media outlets a desperate single mother’s accidental on Friday, and will be released in reported in 2016 that Su would direct killing of her abusive ex-husband, Singapore on April 13. The Devotion of Suspect X, the news makes the plot an intellectual duel Meanwhile, negotiations are on sparked interest online. between two male protagonists － in other markets, according to Beijing- As filmmakers in Japan (2008) the woman’s next-door neighbor, a

33 Cultural Exchanges

mathematics genius who helps her devise a cover-up, and a physics scholar, who assists the police. Chinese Urban Dictionary: Most of the scenes are shot in Harbin, in Northeast China’s Heilongjiang province, to ensure that Yanzhi the details － from the advertisements on shabby buildings and the snack Mia Li vendors underneath a bridge to women’s street dances － give the film an authentic local feel. hen you’re good at math, things yanzhi can be squared if you lose a lot The cast says that Su is pretty W are much easier measured when of weight. The most attractive person demanding. To create a depressing expressed in numbers. Why waste within a group is called the “yanzhi atmosphere, he told the crew to be as minutes describing the taste of a really pillar” because the average yanzhi of quiet as possible at work and suggested good bottle of wine, for instance? the group would collapse like a tent in that the cast read Buddhist volumes to In China, we simply say: “It was a a storm if this person left. calm their minds, recalls actor Zhang $20,000 bottle of wine” and the job When appearances can be Luyi, who plays the mathematics is done, so everyone can get on with genius. expressed as numbers, they join all the Wang Kai, the actor who plays generating GDP. other statistics that can be referred to the physics professor, says: “I initially The same can apply to beauty. in modern China: income, IQ, age, net felt weird that people on the set always Shakespeare might compare a pretty worth, BMI, tier of home city, number spoke in low voices and chatted little. face to a summer’s day or Romeo to a of houses owned, gaokao and TOEFL But after I got used to the atmosphere, sweet rose, but some in China prefer scores and countless others. When I got immersed in my character.” a quantitative approach. Literally populations become rows of data on meaning “face number”, yanzhi is a Su also hired university professors a spreadsheet, it becomes easier to mark on the scale of how pleasing a to write mathematical formulas for the look for good employees or potential face looks. When someone is good scenes. spouses. looking, it’s said that his or her yanzhi “If there is a math buff in the But as with any index, yanzhi theater, I do not want him to say that is high. If someone has the kind of face can rise or drop like stock prices. It the set looks foolish,” he says. that stops traffic, it’s said that his or her drops as you age, but can be boosted Su, who says that Ang Lee － yanzhi is “off the chart”. by makeup or plastic surgery. There the first Chinese director to win the Another advantage of a quan- is also, often, a direct correlation landmark best foreign language film titative approach is that it has math- award at the Oscars in 2000 － is his ematical continuity and can be added, between your score and the balance idol, admits that he wants to emulate multiplied or squared. Boy bands can of your bank account. And remember: him. be evaluated as the sum total of their things like taste in music, compassion, “It doesn’t mean that I expect to individual members’ yanzhi. A uni- empathy and sense of humor cannot get to his level. But I am trying my best versity or a company can be described be qualified and therefore have no to balance art and commerce.” using the average yanzhi of all the place in the spreadsheet. From China Daily students or employees there. Your From That's Beijing

34 Interview

Malta-China relations, 45 years later

Reno Calleja President of the Malta China Friendship Society

he article I wrote in the Times “What is this I hear that you are It was therefore natural for me T on Dec 20, in which I recalled dating Russians?” and other young and inexperienced the time when I was chairman of the Those were the times when the members of the Labor League of Committee of Ministers of the Council young breed of the Labor Party were Youth, to look with sympathy toward of Europe, aroused great interest. gripped by a missionary zeal. We were the Soviet Union. After all, it was an Friends and “foes” alike— determined that Malta should get its influential force in the Non-Aligned admirers and those who may view true freedom, since we considered that Movement, which supported the Labor me less favorably—urged me to write the 1964 Independence, though a very Party in Malta. more about my past. One diplomat told important constitutional step, still left In this scenario I answered me, “I look forward to your memoirs.” our hearts, lungs and throats in the back “Ma min tridni ninnamra mal- These may never see the light but the hands of the British. Amerikani?”—“Whom do you expect encouragement I received did spur me Western Europe looked with me to date, the Americans?” to start writing again. suspicion on Dom Mintoff and the Mintoff, as usual did not mince It is for this reason that I write Labor Party. Many of us believed there words. “Don’t be stupid. Look toward now on another historical event—the was a right-wing conspiracy of local China,” he told me. 45th anniversary of the establishment conservatives backed by American, These words astonished me, but of relations between China and Malta. Western European and Israeli elements I did not lose any sleep over them. During all these years China to keep Mintoff and the Labor Party However, times were changing. Amid never stopped helping Malta. This out of power. the Sino-Soviet split and the Vietnam friendship has always been translated into concrete results for the benefit of Malta. How did my love affair with China get started? I am often asked. In 1969, as a parliamentary reporter for the G.W.U. newspapers, I was sitting in the press box when Dom Mintoff, leader of the Opposition, called me to his office in Parliament. In a somewhat stern voice that reminded me of my father, he asked me:

35 Interview

War, American President Nixon entered Rome, Carmel Mallia, presented his from Shanghai Construction Co into negotiations with Chairman Mao, credentials to the Chinese ambassador working alongside thousands of initially through a secret 1971 trip by in Rome, Mintoff ruffled a lot of Maltese workers. I knew very little Henry Kissinger to visit Zhou Enlai. feathers in the West. Malta had to break about construction but when Mintoff On Oct 25, 1971, Albania’s its relations with Taiwan, gave you a task it meant he had faith in motion to recognize the People's On March 31 that year, one month you. I could not let him down. It was a Republic of China as the sole legal after Nixon’s visit to China, Mintoff gigantic task. I often worked l8 hours a China was adopted as a UN General landed in the country. The Chinese day. Day and night I was there. Assembly resolution. gave Mintoff a bigger welcome than I am indebted to Victor Galea, a This event reminded me of what they gave the US president. They brilliant civil servant from Mosta who Mintoff had told me two years before. wanted to convey a message that they was the chairman of the Kalaxlokk Co, A few weeks after he was elected to supported little Malta in its quest to one of three Maltese companies that power, in June 1971, the well-known become an instrument of peace. worked on this massive project. Mintoff progressive journalist and author That is why I never lost my trusted him completely and whenever Richard Gibson came to Malta to affection for China, because it I got stuck with a problem, he was write an article for a progressive left- fulfilled my dream as a young aspiring always there to guide and advise me. wing magazine called Tuesday. When politician who believed that Malta must I am still proud that under my he asked Joseph Zerafa, the secretary be neutral and nonaligned. Indeed a chairmanship, in early 1987, the late of the Labor Party at that time, to put top politician in China once asked me: President Emeritus Agatha Barbara him in touch with a young member “Why do you love China so much?’’ opened the first phase of this project of the party who was active in the “Because I love Malta more,’’ I before the Nationalist Party gained international arena, he referred him to answered power. The Chinese workers who me. The meeting I had with Richard The Chinese may date you many worked on the project inspired me with was crucial. times, but they do not marry you easily. their loyalty, honesty, integrity and hard “I just came back to Malta from Malta was an exception. work. Tanzania and Zambia,” he told me. True, and I may be wrong, However the event I consider to “Thousands of Chinese workers are that under Labor the Chinese had be the highlight of my political career building the Tanzam Railway to enable a marriage of love while under the was in May 1979, when Mintoff sent these two countries to bypass White Nationalist governments they had a me to Shanghai to present the Medal South Africa, which is strangling them marriage of convenience. However the of the Republic to the wife of Xu by blocking their exports of coffee and love between our two countries is still Huizhong, a 42-year-old lathe engineer other products.” warm and producing results. from Shanghai Port Machinery Factory. I said to myself: That is why Witness the win-win agreement In 1974, Xu was accidentally killed Mintoff told me two years ago to look entered into by China and Malta that when he was hit by a large crane nut toward China. saved Enemalta from bankruptcy and while working on the construction of I set up the Malta China Friendship enabled Shanghai Electric to penetrate the 300,000-ton Red China dock. Society, finding a supporter in Charles the European market. On April 23, 1979, the president Mizzi, who was the news editor of the In 1982, when I was no longer of the Republic of Malta, Anton But- Unions newspapers. He was elected as part of the Cabinet, Mintoff offered me tigieg, awarded this medal to the Chi- the first president of the society. the post of chairman of the monitoring nese ambassador to Malta. A month lat- When 45 years ago—on Jan 31, board of the Free Port Project. There er, Prime Minister Mintoff sent me to 1972—the Maltese ambassador to were hundreds of Chinese workers Shanghai to present the medal to Xu’s

36 Global Vision

wife. It was the first time the medal had been awarded posthumously. Such was Cooperation Brings Benefits, the respect Mintoff had for the Chinese. I will never forget the sadness I saw on the woman’s face when I pinned while Confrontations Wound the medal on her chest in an impressive ceremony attended by 3,000 people. Chinese Ambassador to the US Cui The young Clifford Borg Marks, Malta’s chargé d’affaires in China, Tiankai on China-US Relations spoke perfect Chinese. He translated the speech I made in Maltese. Editor’s note: The following article appeared in China Today ahead of President Clifford was and remains a dear Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States in April. The original language has been friend, and I was delighted when he retained. was appointed Malta’s ambassador Zhou Lin to China by the present Labor administration. I still visit the tomb of Mr Xu hina and the United States — the Sound and Stable Relations every year at the Adolorata Cemetery. C largest developing country and the — a Mutual Responsibility Twenty-seven years later, in May 2006, biggest developed country, respectively I visited his family again. His wife — are both permanent members of President Xi Jinping and US had died, but his son Xu Tongquin, 50 the United Nations Security Council. PresidentDonald Trump have so far years old, hugged me warmly and cried Hence they wield considerable global had two telephone conversations. In when he remembered the presentation influence. The appropriate handling of the latest one, Xi commended Trump ceremony of l979. I blushed when he bilateral relations between the world’s for agreeing to expand China-US told me: “Your hair is now white but top two economies, therefore, could cooperation, thus fostering constructive you are still handsome.” bring benefits to both of them and to bilateral relations that are beneficial Shanghai Daily reported my visit the world as a whole. to them and to the international to the Xu family under the headline: “A Cui Tiankai is a member of the community as a whole. Trump, tragedy brings two countries together”. National Committee of the Chinese meanwhile, confirmed that the US The Oriental Morning Post printed a People’s Political Consultative government adheres to the one-China front page article. Twenty years ago, at Conference (CPPCC) and is the policy. The two heads of state promised my suggestion, the Paola Local Council Chinese ambassador to the United to maintain close ties, and both convinced the street-naming committee States. He was interviewed by China anticipate an official meeting before to name one of the streets of Paola, Today on March 4 in Beijing on the long. Triq Xu —Xu Street. sidelines of China’s annual legislative “The two leaders reached a On Feb 31, the Malta China meetings, known as the two sessions. consensus on establishing powerful Friendship Society organized a Cui reiterated the fundamental bilateral relations that benefits the discussion on the 45 years of friendship consensus reached by the leaders of the peoples of both nations and contributes between Malta and China at the Malta two nations that China-US cooperation to world peace and stability. It is a University Building on St Paul’s Street, would be beneficial to both countries positive signal from the governments Valleta. and to the world, while confrontation of China and the US to the whole would be disastrous.

37 Global Vision

world,” Ambassador Cui said. “I relations. China’s pioneering leaders challenges. How may the new model am very glad to see the two leaders — Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier of major country relations between achieve such a consensus at this early Zhou Enlai — through to the current China and the United States be best stage of President Trump’s term in president, Xi Jinping, and successive defined? The principles of nonconflict, office.” US presidents since the establishment nonconfrontation, mutual respect and Agreement for nonconflict, of diplomatic relations, both Democrat win-win cooperation have evolved into nonconfrontation, mutual respect and and Republican, have indeed upheld a consensus. Years of practice testify to win-win cooperation — the principles sound and stable China-US relations. its importance to them both. of a new model of a major-country “This primarily accords with our “If we could insist on these relationship between China and the respective interests, because sound principles, China-US relations could United States — constitute the fruits and stable relations are of benefit to us not fail to maintain a sound and stable of three long conversations between both; and it is the global responsibility direction,” Cui said. President Xi and the then-US President of these two major countries,” Cui said. When talking about how to heal Barack Obama. The first was in 2013 “It would be disastrous for the two the rift over the South China Sea, Cui at Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage, countries and for the world as a whole observed that there are misperceptions California, the second in 2014 at if bilateral relations were to fail or be in the US and elsewhere about China’s Zhongnanhai in Beijing and the third challenged by conflict or confrontation. policy and intentions in this area. What was in 2015 at the White House in This is something all concerned seek to should be clarified is that the issues in Washington. avoid.” the South China Sea revolve around The ambassador reflected on territorial and maritime jurisdiction Differences Under Control the historical events since former between China and nearby countries. US President Nixon’s first visit to Cui recalled how over the past Although these disputes are relatively China more than 40 years ago. The 40 years bilateral relations have recent and the reasons for today’s two countries have since gone to encountered multiple difficulties and situations somewhat complicated, great lengths to discuss and define bilateral relations. The international environment and national conditions of China and the US have undergone profound changes — most notably marked by the end of the Cold War, the global financial crisis and the onset of terrorism, climate change and communicable disease epidemics. Yet relations have absorbed and overcome all difficulties and continued to advance. Cui believes that this is attributable to the great importance that several generations of leaders of both countries have attached to bilateral ties, and to their consistent consensus Chinese Ambassador to the US Cui Tiankai on maintaining sound and stable

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we now acknowledge the existence and stable environment and freedom Cui believes that the primary and of disputes about the territorial and of navigation, therefore, accord with fundamental challenges to all nations maritime jurisdiction of this region, he China’s interests, and remain our stance of the world — namely, ensuring the said. on the matter.” quality of the country’s governance, the However, China and ASEAN healthy development of its economy, countries have agreed on the Code of the stability of its society and the “Make America Great Again” Conduct in the South China Sea, which happiness of its people — are rooted Compatible with the “Chinese clearly states that disputes must be in their civil society. “The Chinese Dream” resolved directly between the relevant government and its ruling party claimant states, and through peaceful This year brings new opportunities have always regarded the people’s and friendly negotiations, rather than for China-US relations but also some well-being as a core value and main conflict or confrontation. This has uncertainties. The new United States interest,” Cui said. been the desired direction and purpose administration has only recently taken He observed that the American of great efforts on China’s part for office, and the 19th National Congress people have also made demands for a decades, he said, adding: “In that sense, of the Communist Party of China better life and are desperately appealing since the US has no territorial claim in will convene this fall. Both countries to their government for a response. this region, the South China Sea was thus bear the great burden of national The primary task of the Chinese and not originally an issue between China development, and also face certain American governments, as well as and the United States.” challenges. those of other nations of the world, Cui concluded, therefore, that “The people’s wish for a good therefore, is without doubt to fulfill the the South China Sea should not be a life shows us the direction of our demands of the people and make their problem between the two countries. endeavors”. It was this statement at the lives better. As to the malicious speculations news conference after the first plenary If the two countries could of a handful of people, Cui’s advice to session of the18th CPC National cooperate, it would surely contribute them is not to allow a territorial dispute Congress in 2012 by General Secretary to the realization of their respective in a specific region to snowball into a of the CPC Central Committee domestic goals, he said. If not, chaos completely different ambit of global Xi Jinping that most impressed could ensue in the world, which would strategic competition between China Ambassador Cui. exert a negative impact on both nations’ and the US. At the congress, the CPC issued a development goals. “As long as there are no call for achieving the Two Centennial Against the backdrop of misinterpretations or miscalculations, Goals: building a moderately well- globalization, every nation is our differences remain under control,” off society, and accelerating socialist connected. No one can singly seek he said. modernization. development while others wallow “The concept of freedom of “China has arrived at the decisive in depression and chaos. Achieving navigation is frequently used to justify stage of realizing its first Centennial rejuvenation is the dream of the US actions in the South China Sea. Goal,” Cui said. “Our current efforts Chinese people, while making China is greatly concerned about will determine whether that goal can be America great again is the dream of freedom and safety of navigation, achieved on time, and to a large extent the American people. They should join because its outbound economy is its the process of the second Centennial hands in seeking win-win cooperation lifeblood. China is now a major trading Goal. There is no doubt that China and so help each other realize their nation, and most of its cargoes sail faces a major opportunity but also dreams. on the South China Sea. A peaceful various challenges.” From China Today

39 Global Vision

Chinese Ambassador to Japan: Bilateral Relationships Improve and Progress

Chen Jing

apan, an important neighbor Minister Shinzo Abe agreed to improve Japanese Joint Statement was issued, J of China, remains a key focus bilateral relations during their meet- the two countries have signed four for China’s diplomatic strategy. The ing at the Hangzhou G20 Summit in political documents. Regarding recent bilateral relationship became strained September,” Cheng said. At that time, divisive issues, both sides reached a because of historical issues and the Xi stressed that the Sino-Japanese re- further four-point consensus in 2014. territorial dispute over the Diaoyu lationship will roll back unless it is All the documents underline the basic Islands. But, recently, diplomatic augmented, so efforts should be made rules for developing bilateral relations, relations have been improving, with a to constantly advance the relationship. which in themselves became a positive series of encouraging people-to-people The 45th anniversary of the normaliza- element. exchanges. tion of diplomatic relations presents an “Should any problems appear, During the annual two sessions ideal opportunity. we have the rules to follow and we can held in Beijing in early March, Chinese The ambassador said Xi had discuss them,” Cheng said. “But we Ambassador to Japan Cheng Yonghua, noted that “China and Japan are neigh- should prevent any Japanese politicians, who attended the meetings as a CPPCC bors who cannot move”, so both sides in the course of pursuing their own member, gave an exclusive interview should boost positive elements while personal interests, from making trouble to China Today. He shared his views on reducing negative ones. Prime Minister or scaling up the confrontation — all Sino-Japanese relations, China’s meth- Abe agreed with Xi’s remarks during this undermines the rules.” od of handling disputes and people-to- their meeting. “Improving the bilateral After reviewing Sino-Japanese people exchanges, and he expressed his relationship is the common desire of relations in recent years, Cheng hopes for healthy and steady develop- both governments,” Ambassador Cheng concluded: “Bilateral relations stalled ment of the relationship. commented. “So both countries — gov- or have been very complex over the ernment and society — should move last few years, with problems emerging in this direction.” On the occasion of from time to time.” Willingness to Improve Relations the 45th anniversary of the normaliza- He is concerned, in particular, This year marks the 45th anniver- tion of Sino-Japanese relations, the about the cooling down of people- sary of normalized relations between ambassador stressed that both countries to-people exchanges and impaired China and Japan. It’s a key time for the should reflect on the significance of the impressions between the two peoples improvement of diplomacy, Ambas- decision made 45 years ago. It had not about each other. sador Cheng said, as the two countries been an easy one, he added, but the two “We should spare no effort in could carry out a series of commemo- sides eventually reached a consensus promoting face-to-face communication rative activities as a way of promoting on principles and rules to govern future between our peoples, as well as ties. relations. between all areas of society,” Cheng “President Xi Jinping and Prime Since 1972, when the Sino- said. “Mutual understanding will lay

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foundations for improved diplomacy.” Cheng quoted China’s former Japanese people understand China,” leader Deng Xiaoping: “Put disputes the ambassador said. The embassy also Say No to Troublemakers aside if they cannot be solved now.” facilitates exchanges with local gov- The territorial issue remains the The ambassador went on to say ernment officials. Twinned cities have most sensitive and concerning aspect of that China needs to strengthen its moved from being merely a symbolic current Sino-Japanese relations. Cheng management and control over these bond toward bringing mutual benefits explained that issues involving the East issues, and thwart intentional hype and in the form of cooperation in key areas. China Sea, including the dispute over the “China threat” rhetoric. Cheng also expressed his wish the Diaoyu Islands, were discussed to step up youth exchanges. In recent when drafting the 1972 Sino-Japanese years the Chinese embassy in Japan has Enhance Face-to-Face Exchanges Joint Statement. Both sides reached encouraged young Japanese, especially a tacit understanding, suggesting a The Chinese government has college students, to visit China, just method of dealing with the problem. made great efforts to enhance civil as the Japanese government annually The issue was further discussed exchanges, despite disputes over invites young Chinese to visit that during the negotiations that led to the historical and territorial issues. Cheng country. These personal visits will signing of the China-Japan Peace and pointed out that Chinese people made introduce Japanese youngsters to our Friendship Treaty in 1978. 6.37 million visits to Japan in 2016, natural scenery, historical sites and However, the ambassador and the travel flow has surged for social development in China. stressed, some Japanese politicians several years in a row. The figure in “I think people-to-people, face-to- intentionally hyped the territory issues, January 2017 was an increase of 30 face exchanges are of great benefit to or created problems around them. percent, year-on-year. bilateral relations,” Cheng said. “We hold a resolute stance over To enhance civil exchanges, the issue of territory if someone causes Cheng and other high-level diplomats Control Disputes for Steady problems,” Cheng said. “We will often give public lectures, speaking Development safeguard our sovereignty. The Diaoyu to hundreds of college students and Islands have been part of China’s answering their questions. Since the normalization of bi- territory since ancient times, and our “Face-to-face exchanges can help lateral relations in 1972, 11 Chinese claim is well-founded.” Cheng briefly explained how the problem started: Japan stole the Diaoyu Islands after it defeated China in the Sino-Japan War (1894-95). China, however, has never recognized Japan’s “management and control” of the islands. To resolve the dispute, both countries reached a four-point agreement in 2014, with the third point explicitly addressing and formulating new rules on the issue of sovereignty over the islands and the East China Sea. Chinese Ambassador to Japan Cheng Yonghua

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ambassadors have served in the em- bassy. Ambassador Cheng Yonghua is the longest-serving ambassador. He Mexico and China: 45 Years said that Sino-Japanese relations faced their most difficult challenge several years ago, but the four-point agreement of Diplomatic Relations reached in 2014 has propelled the re- Julián Ventura lationship toward improvement. How- ever, the ambassador said candidly, he first Mexican ambassador minister of Foreign Affairs, and Li many complicated and sensitive issues T to the People’s Republic of Xiaolin, head of the Chinese People’s remain. China, Eugenio Anguiano, was Association for Friendship with Foreign “I am looking forward to both sides officially received by Chinese Vice- Countries. In the decade that followed properly handling disputes and conflicts President Dong Biwu in October I have witnessed very significant joint to promote the steady development of 1972. Since then, both countries have achievements: the institutionalization the bilateral relationship,” he said. experienced profound transformations of the bilateral agenda, with a strategic This year marks the 45th in their domestic situations and have and long-term vision; increased trade anniversary of the normalization of assumed greater international roles. and investment; and stronger cultural, relations between China and Japan. It is They have also established a closer educational and cooperative exchanges. an opportunity to promote exchanges in bilateral dialogue and deepened their This recent progress flows all areas and improve the relationship. cooperation. from the decision made by President In the economic sector, Cheng In 2007, I had the privilege Enrique Peña Nieto and President pointed out, China and Japan can of heading the 35th anniversary Xi Jinping to enhance bilateral ties instill mutually beneficial cooperation celebrations of diplomatic relations through a pragmatic and results- as China’s industry works toward along with Yang Jiechi, the deputy oriented approach. They have met six Japanese levels of achievement. Japan’s experience will be helpful in solving certain problems China is facing, while China’s economic development will bring opportunities to Japan. In addition, the two countries share common cultural ground. For example, Cheng said, Japanese people still use Chinese characters, and show a deep sense of identification with Chinese traditional culture. Scaling up cultural and people-to-people exchanges will expand common ground for mutual understanding, which, Ambassador Cheng noted, is the basis for improving bilateral relations. The first Mexican ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, From China Today Eugenio Anguiano, presents his credentials to Chinese Vice-President Dong Biwu in 1972.

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times in the last four years, ensuring that both governments maintain a clear focus on the established priorities. Our economic agenda has experienced an unprecedented level of growth. Total trade now amounts to approximately $75 billion per year. China has become Mexico’s second- largest trading partner and the third- largest destination for its exports, as more Mexican goods have made inroads into local markets, from food to manufactured goods such as vehicles and auto parts. Mexico is now China’s top trading partner in Latin America. Mexican Ambassador to China Julián Ventura (third from right) visits We have also seen our economies the exhibition Diego Rivera: Pride of Mexico, which opened in Beijing in become more complementary, and thus October 2014. our links contribute to our international competitiveness. These have laid a solid The tourism sector has likewise Enrique Peña Nieto, received more than basis for the continued development of delivered positive results. China is the 150,000 visitors in three months. In mutually beneficial bilateral exchanges. second tourist destination for Mexico 2016, Mexico participated in the Meet A growing number of Mexican in the Asia-Pacific region, while in Beijing Arts Festival, the Art Beijing and Chinese companies are also Mexico is the first Latin American Fair and the Visual Arts Festival. seizing the investment opportunities destination for Chinese visitors. New Exchanges will continue this year in the that this bilateral cooperation has air routes have been established, but context of the 45th anniversary of the brought. To enhance the positive it is necessary to further develop establishment of diplomatic relations. trend and help bilateral investment connectivity and to continue promoting Sustaining high-quality flows reach their full potential, the the many attractions that both countries educational systems is a priority for High Level Group was established. In have to offer. both nations. Language teaching has 2016, the Binational Investment Fund, Mexico and China are both long been a valuable component of the with capital from Mexico and China cultural powerhouses with millenary relationship, and its importance will worth $1.2 billion, announced its first traditions. Cultural activities are an only grow in an interconnected world. investments in Mexico’s energy and important bridge to bring our people In 1974 the first Chinese language telecommunications sectors, where closer together. In 2013 and 2014 the students went to Mexico — the country structural reforms were recently most prominent museums in Beijing, with the largest Spanish speaking adopted. It is managed by the World Guangzhou and Shanghai hosted high- population — to learn at El Colegio Bank’s International Finance Corp and profile Mexican exhibitions such as de Mexico. Today, Mexico has more has high standards of transparency. Diego Rivera: Mexico’s Pride, Mayas: Confucius Institutes than any other Better financial platforms and strategic The Language of Beauty, and Mexico in country in Latin America. Every year alliances between Mexican and Chinese Silver: History and Future. The Mayas 80 students from both countries receive companies will further deepen our exhibition, inaugurated in November scholarships to pursue undergraduate investment agenda in the coming years. 2014 by Presidents Xi Jinping and and postgraduate programs, as well

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as specialized courses. Two top Mexican universities, the National Mutual benefits important Autonomous University of Mexico and the Technological Institute of to Sino-US ties Superior Studies of Monterrey have a Editor’s note: The following article appeared in China Daily ahead of President Xi well-established presence in China. In March, the second Forum of Chinese- Jinping’s visit to the United States in April. The original language has been retained. Mexican Heads of Universities Martin Sieff was held in Beijing, allowing the intensification of contacts between he first set of meetings between recognize the success of their economic institutions of higher learning. T Chinese President Xi Jinping and and social policies. Trump’s argument In the field of science and US President Donald Trump looks throughout his campaign was that US technology the countries have sought likely to prove a great disappointment economic policy could learn from China. to update their cooperation in line with to the crisis mongers in the media, Trump’s own professional their respective economic and social since both leaders recognize the value background is crucial to understanding changes. In 2015, for the first time, of economic cooperation over rivalry, this shrewd pragmatist. Trump defines China and Mexico issued a call for joint the importance of a balanced and himself above all as a hard negotiator research projects in areas such as clean thriving global trade system and the and dealmaker. He understands the energy, biotechnology, agriculture, interdependence and shared interests of necessity of compromise. His aim aerospace engineering, water resources, their nations. as a businessman has always been to environment and health. This is an The first face-to-face meeting achieve the goals he has set for his unprecedented step that illustrates the between the heads of the world’s two companies and improve their prospects. depth of the relationship. most powerful nations will be of great That is now the aim for the trade and Mexico and China also work significance for the healthy and stable security goals of the United States. together within international forums, development of ties as well as the The 45th US president does not see such as the United Nations, G20 and peace, stability and prosperity of the international relations as a Darwinian Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. Asia-Pacific region and the world. Xi struggle to survive where one nation Our strong political dialogue and Trump both know this. They have can only prosper and gain at another’s allows us to actively participate in more in common that meets the eye. expense. His approach is to offer creating solutions to address global Trump wants to emulate Xi’s concessions to negotiating partners as challenges, such as climate change, success in spreading economic growth, the understandable price in order to get and to promote common objectives, opportunity and prosperity throughout the key concessions he seeks for his own such as international cooperation for the country, not just the eastern coastal country. This conception of international development. areas. The revival of US industry in its pragmatism, if maintained, will be a To consolidate achievements and heartland is the emphasized priority of welcome relief from the moralism, constantly deepen cooperation requires Trump and his strategists as well. double standards and ideological hard work and a clear vision. Mexico Careful listeners to Trump’s fantasies pursued by previous US and China have laid out a common speeches through the long 2016 US administrations in the recent past. road map, which will continue to yield presidential campaign will have heard Above all, Trump came to the fruit for the benefit of our peoples. him repeatedly express his sincere White House with the strongest From China Today admiration for the achievements of economic and business background of China’s leaders in the modern era and any US president in the modern era. He

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therefore well understands the complex web of interdependence, investment and trade that have benefited the US and China so profoundly over the past four decades. Expats in Jiangsu Focus on Trump’s message during President Xi’s visit was expected to be clear: While seeking cooperation on Their Second Hometown dealing with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea nuclear issue and a reduction of tensions in such regions Zhou Weidong, Jiang Lu (JSPAFFC) as the South China Sea, his focus was to be primarily on mutual respect, cooperation (especially on economic affairs and trade) and win-win results s Jiangsu is making progress in understanding of Jiangsu and further instead of conflict and confrontation. A economic and social development arouse their love of China, the Jiangsu This does not mean that Trump and opening up wider to the outside Provincial People’s Association for and Xi will avoid difficulties and world, more than 100,000 foreigners Friendship with Foreign Countries challenges going forward. They work and study here. They not only (JSPAFFC), Jiangsu Provincial certainly will, precisely because such have become accustomed to our Information Office, Jiangsu Federation inevitable issues need to be recognized lifestyle but also take Jiangsu as their of Literary and Arts Circles and the and managed. But that is precisely second hometown. Xinhua Daily Press sponsored a photo because the mutual benefits enjoyed by In order to help them get a better contest for foreign friends in Jiangsu in China and the US are so important to both nations. The world has benefitted immeasurably over the past two generations from the flourishing Sino- US interaction. Trump recognizes this. Above all, his strong sense of financial probity will be welcomed by Beijing policymakers and money managers in Shanghai. For decades Chinese leaders have expressed concern about the feckless domestic economic policies of previous US presidents. China continues to recognize that a stable, solvent United States is in its own best interests too. The author is a senior fellow at the Global Policy Institute in Washington. From China Daily USA Retired leading officials cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony.

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2016—“Focus on Wonderful Jiangsu”. in the contest. The Information Office get inspiration and holding local photo The contest was launched in August and Xinhua Daily Media Group contests and exhibitions. and collected around 3,000 photos by invited more than 20 media outlets, It successfully mobilized nearly 300 foreign friends from 42 including State-run and foreign media foreigners who work or study in countries and regions, of which 145 stationed in Jiangsu, as well as local different cities and counties in Jiangsu were awarded prizes, including one media, to provide live coverage of the to participate in the contest. The Outstanding award, three First Prizes, event. Nearly 50 domestic and foreign JSPAFFC has formed a network of eight Second Prizes, 15 Third Prizes, media, including People’s Daily, people-to-people diplomacy that 38 Excellent Works awards and 80 Oushinet.com, USCHINAPRESS.com, connects municipal associations Finalist awards. The winning photos Xinhuanet.com, People’s Daily Online and other organizations in Jiangsu were published in an album, Focus and cnr.cn reported on it. province. With a prominent theme, on Wonderful Jiangsu: A Collection The Jiangsu Provincial Federation a novel form and rich content, this of Photos from the 2016 International of Literary and Art Circles organized activity has set an example for the Photo Contest for Foreign Friends experts to select 145 photos for future work of municipal associations in Jiangsu. The awards ceremony different prizes and gave professional in organizing activities for foreign and opening ceremony of the photo suggestions on making the album and friends in Jiangsu. exhibition were held at the Jiangsu exhibition arrangements. Apart from Modern Art Museum on Feb 13. More that, the Jiangsu Provincial Department Foreign friends capture Jiangsu’s than 300 visitors went to the exhibition. of Education, Jiangsu Provincial scenery with affection Department of Culture, guest council members, the municipal people’s The foreign students, teachers, Council members contribute to associations for friendship with foreign experts and business and trade success of photo contest countries within Jiangsu, relevant personnel recorded with their lenses Since the founding of the Sixth institutions of higher learning and other what they saw, heard and felt from Council of JSPAFFC in June 2016, council members were invited by the various perspectives. Nearly 300 it has fully brought into play its JSPAFFC to take part in the awards foreign friends from 42 countries and functions and strengths in promoting ceremony and the opening ceremony of regions participated in the contest and nongovernmental foreign exchanges. the photo exhibition. submitted about 3,000 photos. The JSPAFFC, joined by three other The Outstanding award winner, Council members—the Information Amr Mohamed Bakry Ibrahim of Provincial and municipal associations Office of Jiangsu Provincial People’s Egypt, made a photo called Ancient make joint contribution Government, Jiangsu Provincial Town Dangkou in Winter, which shows Federation of Literary and Art Circles While playing the leading role the beauty of ancient water towns in and Xinhua Daily Media Group— in the photo contest, the JSPAFFC Jiangsu. sponsored the contest, with each urged municipal associations across According to First Prize performing its own function and the province to encourage foreign winner Dosmakhanbet Zhansaya of collaborating with one another. friends in their cities to participate. Kazakhstan, his photo shows that he With great influence on foreigners, It made great efforts in organizing has integrated himself into this city and the JSPAFFC used its own channels to various activities, such as arranging wants to embrace it. organize expats in Jiangsu to participate tours for foreign friends in Jiangsu to Many of the photos presented

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in the contest were artistically and technically laudable for their excellent composition, color use and details, as The Cloud Silver Line well as their aesthetic effect. Yet more Zhang Heqiang soul-stirring are the strong feelings— the love, the smiling faces and the real stories—one finds in these photos. The earning that CPAFFC President city, and with Deputy Secretary of the photographers’ love of Jiangsu and the L Li Xiaolin would go to Xingxian Xingxian county Party Committee local people is fully demonstrated in county to investigate poverty reduction Gao Peng, we spent two days looking the way they used their lenses to tell there, we immediately contacted into the local agriculture and animal stories of work, study, life and self- US-based OSI Group, inviting husbandry and helped OSI Group find fulfillment. The profound beauty of Deputy CEO Lyu Yong to join the the most suitable place for joining the these pictures all spring from the true inspection group, which comprised poverty alleviation campaign in the sentiments of the photographers, who staffs of the association’s general county. observed and shot with sincerity of office and department of European During our visits to the local heart. Sincerity is the highlight and and Asian Affairs, along with a leading businesses arranged by soul of this contest. few representatives of two French the county Party Committee and This contest offered foreigners in companies. county government, we found that Jiangsu a good opportunity to look into Xingxian, Shanxi province, was their management was inefficient. the local communities and their lives, chosen by the CPAFFC as the object For example, Sanxing Oil Co, a a significant step to better understand of its aid in the local poverty reduction large mustard oil producer, needed and familiarize themselves with the efforts. Lyu was also interested in improvement in food safety, quality province. The beauty of Jiangsu’s land- China’s poverty relief project. control and brand building. Linquan scape, culture, life and development OSI Group, headquartered in Vinegar Co boasts mature management, is vividly shown to a world audience Chicago, was established in 1909. It a wide variety of products and through these foreign eyes, opening a is one of the largest food processing attractive packaging, but lacks brand bigger window for outsiders to learn companies in the world and is awareness. Xindaxiang Farming Co about Jiangsu. Providing good service especially influential in intensive and Sanhe Farming Co has advanced to foreigners in Jiangsu will remain processing of meat products. Its global pig-raising techniques, with automatic the focus of the JSPAFFC’s work. The turnover was more than $6 billion feeding and 24-hour closed-circuit TV organization will renew its efforts to in 2013. The group has been doing supervision, but its sales revenue was build more participation platforms for business in China for 26 years. Its vulnerable to market price fluctuations. foreign friends in Jiangsu and make operating philosophy—“In China, When meeting with local their lives more enjoyable and colorful. For China”—and sense of corporate leaders, including Xingxian county This will help our foreign friends con- social responsibility coincide with the Party Committee Secretary Liang tribute to Jiangsu’s goal of becoming a CPAFFC’s determination to contribute Zhifeng, CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin place with a strong economy, affluent to the country’s poverty reduction expressed her thanks for their care and people, beautiful environment and high campaign. support for CPAFFC cadres who were social civility. In company with our colleagues transferred to work there. For years, at the foreign affairs office of Lyuliang a large number of cadres of China’s

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State organs, with their posts retained, talked enthusiastically all the way myths and legends to them. Well, our have been transferred to work for short to Shanhualanman Grain Co and Huangtu Plateau also has vivid stories terms in rural areas in order to learn Shansi-Suiyuan Date Co in the town and a long history.” about local realities, promote the work of Caijiahui. New ideas kept striking Everyone seemed to brighten up, there and become more competent us on how to tap the potential of the and discussion began. themselves. county and develop the local economy. I asked Lyu Yong, “What do Liu Jifeng and Cao Xiaowei, both I asked Gao: “Are there any we call Huangtu gaoyuan (Huangtu CPAFFC staff members, were serving, unique tourist resources in the county?” Plateau) in English?” “Loess Plateau,” respectively, as deputy county mayor “Yes. We have many, such as he answered. I responded quickly: “The and Party branch secretary of Shahao the Shanxi-Suiyuan Border Region Loess Plateau is unique in the world, village. Revolutionary Memorial and the Wang just like the Danxia landform and Talking about the job to help lift Ruofei Memorial. Both of them are on karst landform. Why not call Huangtu 50,000 residents out of poverty, Li the list of China’s top 100 Red Tourism Plateau ‘Loess landform’? Wouldn’t noted that poverty alleviation depends scenic spots. In addition, there’s Heicha that add to its attraction?” on more than the development of local Mountain Forest Park and the symbolic Hao Wenjie cut in: “Loess industries. Huangtu Loess Plateau.” landform, what terminology! I’ll testify “Shahao village is not poor at Someone challenged the idea that you invented it!” She continued: all,” she said. “Look at the blue sky, that the Loess Plateau is a tourist “These remote villages on the virgin the fresh air and the beautiful natural resource. Hao Wenjie, vice-president plateau must be attractive to tourists scenery. They are much better than of the Shanxi People’s Association for from big cities. There is huge potential in cities. Poverty reduction mainly Friendship with Foreign Countries, for developing original rural eco- depends on boosting education, seemed to support the resource tourism.” improving the population quality and argument. She said: “The Acropolis Her remarks triggered a lively changing ideas.” of Athens has nothing more than a discussion around the new concept Inspired by Li’s remarks, we few pillars, but Greeks assigned many of Loess landform and the idea of developing tourism to help with poverty alleviation. Everybody made suggestions.

A brief introduction of the Loess landform in Xingxian county Exterior features: Ravines go in all directions as Nature likes. Geological evolution: The soil has been eroded by wind and rain to form faults with different sediment strata, making it an ideal outdoor geology classroom. Located in northern Shanxi province, it is a transitional region between nomadism and agriculture, Group photo on the Loess Plateau where nomadic people maintain

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ancestral customs. idea. Just do it. Look at this. How an untainted environment, huge Revolutionary history: Known as beautiful it is!” After several turns, she development potential, policy support “the second Yan’an”, Caijiaya village cheered again: “Wow! Fantastic! Please from the central government and help in Xingxian county was once home stop here, it’s amazing!” from all circles of society, Xingxian is to the Shanxi-Suiyuan Military Area When the bus came to a stop, all definitely a shining pearl hidden in the Command and a place important to the of us got off and took out our mobile Loess. Chinese revolution. Division 120 of the phones for pictures. A magnificent view We got back on the bus. Out the National Revolutionary Army, led by of the Loess greeted us. window, the sun was setting in the He Long, lived and fought here for 11 Turning his eyes away from the blue sky. Rays of sunlight slanted years. mountains, Lyu Yong said to me: “This across the plateau’s top, making a Humanity: The place embodies the remote county has more resources sharp contrast to the shadowed lower indomitable spirit that has encouraged than the wonderful scenery before us. part. Apart from the eroded gully generations of Chinese people to fight The oil, meat and eggs it produces are surface, greeting our eyes from near to against the adverse environment as well exceptional, thanks to its geographical far were the flat top formations of the as their attachment to this land of Loess location, which insulates it from outside plateau, the continuity of which was as the cradle of the Chinese nation. The contamination. Crops grown here can regularly broken by gullies and crop Loess shows how human beings can be processed into pollution-free food. terraces. coexist with nature in harmony. Away from epidemics, antibiotics and The plateau tops and terraces in Tourism potential: Unique pollution, the pigs, chickens, cattle different shapes — some round, others ecological environment, with fresh air and sheep also have a good mood. triangle; some big, some small — and no smog. Tier upon tier of gullies, Naturally the food products are of good formed a mystical pattern like alien carved by rain and wind, present a quality.” crop circles. In the dark shade were the wonderful pattern of various shapes. “Certainly, there is still much to rugged gully cliffs rising from the thick The breathtaking natural beauty of be done,” Lyu went on. “Long-term groves of mysterious bushes and weeds the Loess Plateau prompts people to planning and situation assessment are at the bottom of the gully. The waxing reflect on life and nature and purify needed for investing in factory setup or and waning of light and shadow, the mind. going into joint development. tranquil and dynamic, was awakened Aesthetic value： The vast “Based on its own advantages, and invigorated by the silver cloud line Loess Plateau, barren but vigorous, OSI Group is considering ways to help delineated by the setting sun. symbolizes local people’s good the locals train managers, build a food Nature cultivated the magnificent qualities, including bravery, inner safety system and improve product Loess Plateau. Loess nourishes peace, fortitude and love. It also carries quality, as well as procure farm and numerous beautiful lives. the profundity of the philosophy of life, sideline products locally and provide The bus started moving. While bringing people aesthetic pleasure and local poor students with animal protein enjoying the views outside the window, spiritual enlightenment. of fine quality at a low price.” I sank deep into thought. If the On our way back, our van was Hearing Lyu Yong’s remarks and CPAFFC and OSI Group can work out winding its way around the top of seeing his anti-poverty determination, an effective plan to help lift the county the plateau when someone suggested I suddenly understood why CPAFFC out of poverty, and if local tourism that we stop and take some photos. Li President Li said that “Shahao village can prosper, nothing will be a better Sanghua, director of the CPAFFC’s US is not poor at all.” witness than the vast Loess Plateau and division, responded cheerfully: “Good With rich natural resources, the beautiful silver cloud line.

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Treasures of Folk Art with Bayu Features and Charm

Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal Government

hongqing, located in Southwest techniques with various folk art skills, prints are vivid and lively. They have C China, has a long history and such as wood carving, stone inscrip- become fabulous works for interior unique culture. Thanks to the local tion, cloth-pasting, cross-stitch work, decoration and gifts because of their artisans’ wisdom and inheritance, plank painting, paper-cutting and blue- unique artistic charm and aesthetic val- there are many amazing folk cultural print cloth, achieving a pristine and ro- ue. In 2011, Qijiang farmer engraved heritages. Now, the exquisite artistry mantic effect. prints have been listed in the third and art miracles have become the The plank print starts with the group of intangible cultural heritage in calling card of Chongqing for the same artistic concept that is followed Chongqing. outside world. in traditional Chinese painting, namely the creation of a mood, the fluency of Yanxing Paper-Cutting: One of the expression and the subjective applica- Treasure of Folk Art: Qijiang Three Folk Treasures tion of colors. It rejects rigid realism Farmer’s Engraving Prints and advocates free expression, but not Assimilating various presenta- Qijiang county, located in South without constraint. Although it involves tion techniques like traditional Chinese Chongqing, has a long history and rich no stereotyped techniques, it is never painting, print, pyrography, and cloth- culture, with beautiful mountains and pretentious. Imbued with the artisans’ pasting, Yanxing paper-cutting exhib- rivers. There are 16 ethnic groups, in- understanding and love of life, the its strong Bayu cultural features. It is cluding Han, Miao, Yi and Tujia, which endow Qijiang with strong ethnic char- acteristics. It is this wonderful land that has nurtured the Qijiang farmer en- graved prints. Qijiang farmer engravings origi- nate from wood-plank New Year paint- ings in the Ming and Qing dynasties. First, the patterns are engraved on the plank with a knife. Paper is then placed over the wooden pattern to print the picture by rubbing. Its lively composi- tions and brilliant colors derive mostly from the lives of the masses, featuring strong folk customs and rural flavor. The prints combine regular painting

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known as one of Chongqing’s “three Yanxing paper-cutting was included and flourished in the Qing Dynasty folk treasures” together with Qijiang in Chongqing’s intangible cultural with a long history. As early as the engraved printing and painting of wom- heritage list. Ming Dynasty, Jialing Ravine ink-slab en from the Tang Dynasty in Zhongx- enjoyed a high reputation. Li Shiyong, ian county. a Hezhou native and minister of Hechuan Ravine Ink-Slab: The Top Chinese paper-cutting can be personnel affairs at that time, extolled of Bayu Three Ink-slabs roughly divided into two schools — it with the poem: northern and southern. The former The Hechuan Ravine ink-slab “The hut is remote near the features bold outlines; the latter is — also called dark jade ink-slab and ravine, and the ingenious artisan carves delicate. Yanxing paper-cutting, famous Jialing Caojie ink-slab — is a unique the stone; I write with the ink like a for its exquisite fineness, exemplifies creation of the ancient Han people. It is flying dragon, and words are pouring the southern school. Absorbing the made from natural stone found in Libi from my hand; the stone is delicate essence of Chinese paper-cutting, it Canyon of the Jialing River in Hechuan like a jade, and the slab-making skill features delicate craftsmanship that district. In 2009, Hechuan Ravine ink- passes down to the next generation; the involves both cutting and carving. With slab was included in the first intangible ink-slab is a treasure for calligraphers, a clever combination of thick and thin cultural heritage list of Chongqing. and it is one of the Four Treasures in lines, it skillfully uses spots, lines and The Ravine ink-slab is writing materials.” blocks to form intricate patterns that characterized by its fine stone texture Contemporary calligraphers and change from density to sparseness. All and pale color. The ink stick grinds painters such as Feng Yuxiang, Yu of these techniques give Yanxing paper- easily to produce ink, causing no Youren, and Xie Wuliang also wrote cutting a distinctive oriental charm and damage to the tip of the writing brush. poems to praise the Ravine ink-slab. lyrical flavor, helping the artist to cut The ink in the slab can be kept for days As one of the 12 best products in Bayu, many patterns in a small piece of paper. without drying or becoming smelly, the Ravine ink-slab was displayed as Moreover, the themes of Yanxing and the stone slab itself is hard to be one of the finest products in Chinese paper-cutting are broad and possesses effloresced. As it contains alumina, the traditional stationers at such places strong life flavor. Whether it represents ink-slab also provides a hard surface for as the Sibaozhai Shop in Shanghai, a wish for good luck, tells a popular peeling gold and jade and sharpening the Old Hu Kaiwen Shop in Huizhou, historical story or lauds a legendary knives. The artisans carve the ink- Guangdong province, and the Zou figure, it is the brainchild of the slab with a knife, drill, hammer and Ziguang Shop in Hankou, Hubei artisan’s wisdom and rich imagination. other grinding tools — going through province. This art not only carries the more than 10-steps in a procedure of deep cultural significance of Chinese flat carving, relief, hollow carving and The Folding Fan from Rongchang paper-cutting but is characteristic of intaglio, until the stone becomes an County: A Good Rival of Fans from unique Bayu folk customs. With the ink-slab in graceful and lively patterns. Suzhou and Hangzhou connotations of extensive Bayu culture, Men of letters cherished it for hundreds it reflects both the local customs and of years and praised it as the top of the Generally speaking, people tend the characteristics of the times. So three Bayu ink-slabs — Three Gorges to think of Suzhou of Jiangsu province far, 12 exquisite paper-cuttings have Ravine ink-slab, Jinyin ink-slab and and Hangzhou of Zhejiang province been collected by the China Paper- Kui ink-slab. when talking about folding fans. As cut Museum and Chongqing’s Three The techniques of Ravine ink- a matter of fact, the folding fan from Gorges Museum. In April 2011, slab originated with the Song Dynasty Rongchang county, which is located in

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the economic corridor of Chengdu and Chongqing, enjoys a reputation similar to those. Chongqing Boosts its Rongchang county is characterized by hilly topography, International Friendship high quality of soil and a subtropical monsoon climate. Thanks to its mild weather and plentiful rainfall, Cities Program especially its stuffy and wet summer, bamboo plants and tung trees grow everywhere. With the natural Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of Chongqing advantage, local people make fans to Municipal Government dispel summer’s heat by using bamboo to make both the framework and paper for the fan. Sometimes they also use International Sister Cities: 5 Times In the past 10 years, the commission silk or linen fabric with tung oil as an More Than 20 Years Ago has formulated plans and carried out 748 projects to boost the friendly adhesive and coloring agent. The use of Chongqing paired with its exchange and communication between these techniques resulted in the unique first international friendship city Chongqing and its foreign friendship fan-making art. in 1982. By 1997, when the city cities. The Rongchang folding fan became a municipality under the originated in the Song Dynasty. The direct administration of the central fans, which were created as a tribute to government, the number grew to seven. A Good Job in Telling Stories to the imperial court, have enjoyed a high As of 2016, it had paired with 37 cities Enhance Cooperation reputation in history. in 31 countries, including Seattle, Friendly exchanges of science, Making a folding fan is simple: A Washington, in the United States and technology, culture, education, health stack of thin bamboo slats is fastened Hiroshima, Japan. Sixteen of these and sports between Chongqing and its with a bamboo nail at one end. Paper friendship cities were added between foreign sister cities have facilitated the glued to the slats is creased back and 2011 and 2016. Of the 37, nine are diplomatic exchange between China forth between them. Though simple, in Asia, 14 in Europe, six in North and other countries and infused fresh it needs 16 procedures and 145 America, five in South America, one momentum into the city’s economic operating steps. Each step is strictly in Oceania and two in Africa. Twenty- and social development. Three times required and results in fine pieces. four are cities, while the other 13 are in a row, the municipality has received Rongchang folding fans rival Suzhou’s prefectures or counties. the annual International Friendship silk ones and Hangzhou’s painted Chongqing has also signed City Exchange and Cooperation Award. and calligraphic ones with its precise friendly cooperation and exchange In 2016, it was given the International manufacturing techniques. agreements with 65 foreign cities. Friendship City Outstanding Con- In 2008, the Rongchang folding To better operate the international tribution Award. fan was included in the national friendship cities program, the Several principles are behind protection catalog of Chinese intangible municipal government set up the the prominent development of cultural heritage. Chongqing Municipal Commission Chongqing’s friendly cooperation and for International Friendship Cities.

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exchange with foreign cities: Provincial Governors Forum, ASEAN- city is strategically positioned on the We should stick to the principle of China Governors/Mayors Dialogue map of China’s development, as it serving the country’s overall diplomatic and the first China-India Cooperation is a connecting point of the Belt and strategy. The international friendship Forum. These communication channels Road region and the Yangtze River cities program of Chongqing is an enabled Chongqing to embark on a Economic Zone, the only municipality integral part of China’s diplomatic platform of smoother multilateral or under the direct administration of the effort. Sun Zhengcai, a member bilateral cooperation with foreign central government in western China of the Political Bureau of the CPC cities. and a stronghold of China’s western Central Committee and chief of the We should stick to the principle development campaign. Chongqing Municipal Committee, of serving the economic development The development of the city must said the city should carry out the of the partners. The international be guided by this positioning. In 2014 program “in accordance with the friendship cities program of Chongqing and 2015, Sun Zhengcai, secretary policies and requirements of the central has been integrated with the Belt of the CPC Chongqing Committee, government” and must be politically and Road Initiative. In March 2014, headed a delegation to some Central correct. President Xi Jinping visited North and Eastern European countries Guided by this principle, the Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, a sister that produced fruitful cooperation. municipality actively pursued friendly city of Chongqing, and attended the Efforts were made to secure the exchanges with many foreign cities. arrival ceremony of the Chongqing- investments of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., For instance, under the instruction of Xinjiang-Europe regular cargo train. AT&S. In the meantime, to promote the central government, it established In January 2016, when Xi inspected the internationalization of Chongqing, friendly ties with the city of Welsh in Chongqing, he pointed out that the the municipality helped some local the United Kingdom, and Chennai in India. We should facilitate the non- diplomatic needs of the country. Examples include launching an anti- cult campaign in foreign friendship cities, promoting closer connections with friendly foreign dignitaries, organizing or participating in international conferences and events and establishing a stronger presence in international organizations. We should also use the right platforms in promoting cooperation. Municipal leaders have actively participated in meetings or forums of mayors and provincial governors. The mayor of Chongqing himself had headed delegations to the China-USA In January 2015, the Duesseldorf Symphony Orchestra performed a chamber concert of German classical wind music for local people in Chongqing. Mayor Forum, the first China-Australia

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companies, such as Chongqing Microsoft successfully grounded their friendship cities program also focuses Chemical & Pharmaceutical Holding projects in Chongqing. Mexico’s on promoting people-to-people Group, and Chongqing Foreign Trade Nimak, an auto parts manufacturer, exchanges. Strengthening friendship and Economic Cooperation Group, came and settled in Liangjiang New with citizens of sister cities around the invest in foreign countries. The total District with a total investment of world has been carried out in many investments of these companies 949 million yuan. In 2014, when walks of life and on multiple levels. amount to 300 million yuan ($44 Howard Merde, chairman of US- People-to-people exchanges with million). based Ambrose Group, came to China Asian countries are actively pursued. More events have been organized to attend the second round of the For instance, to promote exchanges to promote economic and trade Global CEO Roundtable Summit, the with Japanese people, the city hosted a cooperation. Chongqing Welsh Week, Chongqing International Friendship China-Japan baseball game six times. the Chongqing-Zurich Smart City City Commission invited him to Chongqing Nankai High School and Forum and the Chongqing Swiss visit the city. As a result of that trip, Busan Luodong High School from Industrial Park Investment Conference the group invested $110 million in South Korea, were paired as sister are just a few cases in point. Measures a comprehensive logistics park in schools thanks to the program. were taken to ensure that heavyweight Chongqing’s Yufu Industrial Park. As part of the people-to-people foreign projects are smoothly carried exchange effort, Chongqing Jihua out and foreign companies are Middle School hosted the Chinese Measures to Promote Friendship and adequately served. College Students Korean Speech Cooperation As a result, The Robinson Contest. The city government Company (based in Seattle) and The Chongqing international also signed friendly cooperation agreements with India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and other neighboring countries to promote people to people exchanges. The municipality promoted people-to-people exchanges with friendship cities of the big powers: the United States, European Union and Russia. The city has hosted Welsh Week for 10 years in a row, and helped 18 universities of both regions in starting cooperative programs. Plus, more than 80 trips were made by the staff of the universities to promote bilateral exchanges and cooperation. Chongqing and Toulouse, France, co- In May 2016, Huang Qifan(back row second from right), mayor of Chongqing founded the Chongqing Sino-French municipality, and Liu Zhengfu (back row second from left), mayor of Incheon, Emergency and Disaster Medical signed a memorandum of understanding on boosting friendly cooperation and Cooperation Center. witnessed the signing of economic and trade agreements between the two sides. The city also pursued friendly

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exchanges with about 20 cities, Macedonian Prime Minister Nicola with Foreign Countries, the Russian including Moscow, the Russian capital, Gruevski and mayors or representatives Foreign Ministry, the Plenipotentiary and Sheffield and Oxford in the UK. of 56 states (provinces). At the Office of the Russia President in the Chongqing has cooperated with summit, the participants endorsed the Volga River Region, the Russian Seattle in elderly medical care and the Chongqing Initiative, and signed 25 embassy in China and the 14 Russian retirement industry. friendly exchange agreements. federal states along the Volga, attended In 2016, Chongqing and The summit laid a solid the meeting. The gathering has played Toronto, Canada, celebrated the 30th foundation for further cooperation an important role in speeding up Sino- anniversary of their friendly relations. between Chongqing and cities in Russian cooperation in developing The two cities organized a series of Central and Eastern Europe. In the non-coastal regions of the two celebrations, refreshing and furthering February 2014, The First Work Session countries. their friendship. The municipality of the Two-Rivers-Zone Economic In May 2015, Chongqing hosted has also sought closer ties with South Cooperation Group (China’s Yangtze the Asia-Europe Industry Connectivity American countries. It signed a number River Economic Zone and Russia’s Dialogue. Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli, of friendly exchange memorandums Volga River Economic Zone) was a member of the Political Bureau of with the provinces of Buenos Aires and held in Chongqing. More than 200 the CPC Central Committee, attended Santa Fe in Argentina, and with the city participants from the Chongqing the opening ceremony and made the of San Jose, Uruguay. Municipal Government, the Ministry keynote speech. Cambodia’s Deputy Another important measure of Foreign Affairs, the Chinese Prime Minister Yin, Slovakia’s Deputy is to host international conferences People’s Association for Friendship Prime Minister Cage Mir and 10 other and events. In the past five years, Chongqing has held eight influential international conferences. From November 2011 to April 2012, the municipal government and the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of the People’s Republic of China jointly hosted the eighth session of the China (Chongqing) International Garden Expo, which attracted 30 cities from around the world and 156 foreign guests (mayors and their delegations). In July 2013, the municipality and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs jointly organized the Summit of China and Central and Eastern European Countries. The meeting drew more than 1,000 participants, among them The city of Welsh in the United Kingdom, a friendship city, held a prominent figures such as then- contemporary art exhibition in Chongqing in October 2015. Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta,

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ministerial officials of Asian and highly effective publicity about s China’s economy has evolved European countries were present at the Chongqing and its foreign sister city. A into the so-called new normal 800-attendee meeting. Representatives When city leaders met with stage, the Communist Party of China of seven ministries and 24 provinces of foreign dignitaries, they sometimes Central Committee and the State China also attended the dialogue. make favorable recommendations to Council have made timely moves The 2016 China International the international friendship cities of to promote the development of the Friendship Cities Conference was Chongqing. One case in point is when Yangtze River Economic Belt as part successfully held in November in Zhang Xuan, chair of the Standing of the country’s overall plan for a Chongqing. More than 700 Chinese Committee of the Chongqing Municipal scientific development of the national and foreign representatives from People’s Congress, met with a economy. 56 countries and 51 international delegation from the United States. She In January 2016, a meeting was organizations and 107 Chinese cities briefed them about the economic, social held in Chongqing discussing the attended the meeting. and legal achievements of Chongqing, development of the Yangtze River We have also made efforts to and in response to questions concerning Economic Belt. President Xi Jinping promote friendly exchanges through the development of transport, trade, addressed the meeting, elaborating various publicity channels. Brochures culture and other topics of interest to on the significance, methods and key — for example, describing the current the guests stressed that “it will benefit tasks of its development. Since then, situation of Chongqing’s economic and both China and the United States if the Xi has made several speeches and social development and its key devel- friendship cities can cooperate closely stressed that the belt should developed opment areas and industries — are pro- and learn from each other”. in an ecologically friendly way. He duced to inform the nearly 100 interna- The American guests agreed said no economic activities concerning tional sister cities or quasi-sister cities and said that they would promote the Yangtze River should sacrifice of the latest developments and needs of cooperation between Chongqing and the environment. All areas along Chongqing. US cities in the fields of science, trade the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Wide media coverage of the and technology. he said, should make joint efforts to city’s cooperation with international Official receptions like this protect the environment and refrain friendship cities is also the norm. are good channels to promote from indulging in overdevelopment. People’s Daily, the official website of cooperation between Chongqing and We should try to build the belt into a the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, its international friendship cities. Such golden economic zone with a better Hong Kong Phoenix TV and other channels are concrete and convincing. ecology, a more coordinated economy, media outlets have carried well- Through the measures mentioned a more unified market, a better received coverage of the friendly above Chongqing has opened itself transport system and a more scientific exchanges between Chongqing and and has reached out to the world, mechanism, Xi said. its sister cites. One episode of the which is an indication of self- The Yangtze River Economic Belt documentary The Historical Records confidence in its guiding political is vital for the overall development of Non-governmental Diplomacy in theory, institutions and course of of Chongqing. The city should China, produced by China Central development. This self-confidence combine ecological protection with Television, documented in detail the again contributes to a brighter future the construction of river channels, Belgium-Wuxi (Chongqing) potato for its international friendship cities along with making an industrial shift, cooperation project, which produced program. building ecological corridors, making

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The Yangtze River Economic Belt: A Booster of Chongqing’s Development

Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal Government full use of the shipping capacity of covers an area of nearly 2.1 million and has great overall strength and the golden waterway and creating a square kilometers, accounting for 21 potentials for development. comprehensive three-dimensional percent of the whole country. Within As an important link in the traffic corridor. In this way, it can direct it are two municipalities (Chongqing Yangtze River Economic Belt, the graded industrial shift from east to and Shanghai) and nine provinces Chongqing is a comprehensive west, lead the development of the upper (Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, functional hub that integrates air, land reaches of the Yangtze as a new growth Hubei, Hunan, Sichuan, Yunnan and water transportation. Moreover, area and provide strong support for the and Guizhou). It holds more than 40 the municipality links the Silk Road sustainable development of the Chinese percent of China’s population and Economic Belt and 21st Century economy. generates as much GDP. Therefore, it is Maritime Silk Road, the New Chama The Yangtze River Economic Belt of ecological importance to the country (tea-carrying caravan) Trade Route and the Yangtze River waterway. Based on Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing has further improved its channel for international trade, extended the functions of the platform for opening, upgraded its trading modes and taken a lead in the construction of an opening-up center for China’s inland areas. Now the Outline for the Development and Planning of the Yangtze River Economic Zone has been issued officially. Under it, a developing pattern featuring “one axis, two wings, three poles and multiple spots” has been proposed, where Wuhan and Chongqing would be developed into super big cities. This is another strategy for the development Chongqing Liang Lu/Cun Tan Free Trade Port Area of Chongqing.

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China’s Capital of Food with a Combination of Ba-Yu Flavors

Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal Government

hongqing impresses the world not people. The stewed goose, which C only with its landscapes and hot was originally only received in South springs, but also with its delicacies. China, has become a delicacy here step With rivers in front and by step. After years of adaptation and mountains behind, the Southwest China improvement, the stewed goose has municipality enjoys favorable transport become a signature dish of Rongchang. conditions and a unique wharf culture Location: Rongchang, Chongqing that has been an attraction for tourists from across the world. This has helped develop a unique culinary culture Zhang Duck — Chongqing cuisine — which has Marinated Goose absorbed the essence of other China Invented and handed down by cuisines. There is a jingle everyone in three generations of the Zhang family Generally speaking, the food style the city’s Rongchang district knows, in Liangping county, Zhang duck is of a certain place is inevitably related to regardless of sex or age: “Glance at the processed with an ancestral secret its natural environment. For example, stewed goose, and your purse is about recipe that involves stewing, roasting the hotpot of Chongqing was born of to loose”. Every day at noon and dusk, and a number of other elaborate local people’s effort to clear dampness, all the streets and lanes are filled with procedures. As one of the special local a special feature of the city’s climate. the aroma of stewed goose. As a matter Besides the hotpot, many other well- of fact, stewed goose is a food of the known dishes also reflect the special Chaoshan area, introduced here during geographical and cultural features of the late Yuan Dynasty when some the mountainous city. Hakka people migrated to Rongchang You can wander around the streets and turned it into a Hakka village. and lanes of Chongqing to have a taste More than 390 years have passed since of its uniquely flavored delicacies and then, and the Hakka customs have feel its dietary culture. Here’s some of been penetrating into the living habits what you can find: and dietary structures of Rongchang

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foods of Chongqing, it is known for to control, and the first-class peppery its dry and thin appearance, distinctive chicken must meet the following stewed aroma, bright and lustrous color standards: bright and lustrous color, and delicious taste. In 2010, Zhang perfect complement between pepper duck was granted the title of China’s and chicken, (with crisp chicken Time-Honored Brand. accompanied by the refreshing flavor Location: Liangping, Chongqing of the fried dry pepper) and a perfectly matched sweet and salty taste. Location: Gele Mountain, Sauteed Diced Chicken with Shapingba District, Chongqing delicacy and an extremely influential Chili and Pepper dietary culture. Location: Wuxi, Chongqing The red peppery chicken of Gele Grilled Fish Mountain had its name spread all over China at the beginning of the last It is said that being in Wuxi The Big Steamer century when it was launched by a without having its grilled fish is like being in Chongqing without tasting The Big Steamer enjoys a great its hotpot. The Wuxi grilled fish not reputation in Kaizhou district. It is only tastes fleshy, fresh and delicious cooked in a big bamboo-bundled but also is nutritious and has certain steamer with a diameter of 50 pharmacological effects. First, brush centimeters or so, where the rice some salad oil and sesame oil on both noodles, which are already mixed with sides of the fish, sprinkle some cumin necessary seasonings, are steamed and pepper powder on it, then put it together with segmented pig intestines, on the grill to roast until it’s done and mutton, sliced pork and segmented place it in a specially made iron plate. ribs. After it’s done, it can come to small roadside eatery beside the three- Second, fry the mixture of butter, the dinning table to be sprinkled with hundred-ladder of Gele Mountain. The red oil, white sugar, Chinese red coriander or chopped green onions. raw materials are selected with strict pepper, chili and fermented soy beans Then you will be greeted immediately care, including a local village cock as seasonings and pour them on the by a strong, refreshing aroma. who guarantees a fresh and fleshy taste roasted fish. Location: Kaizhou, Chongqing and some auxiliary ingredients like Third, put some seasonal chili and Chinese red pepper, which vegetables like celery and lettuce on add spicy and savory edge. When top, along with tofu, to remove its fishy it’s finished, the whole place will be smell and enrich the tastes. Wuxi grilled filled with the delicious smell, and you fish was invented by diligent and wise cannot help but take a bite that is both boatmen on the Daning River, drawing spicy and crisp. It melts in your mouth. from their daily labors. After thousands The duration and degree of years of inheritance and improvement, firing could be really hard for a chef it has evolved into a specially flavored

59 Between Friendship Cities

Chongqing Pilot Free Trade Zone: A New Channel for Trade with Europe

Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal Government

The Ministry of Commerce the Chongqing Pilot Free Trade Zone cooperation project. announced in August last year that a should focus on system innovation: We Covering an area of nearly 120 pilot free trade zone was envisioned for should strive to build it into an inland square kilometers, the Chongqing Chongqing and six other provincial- pilot trade zone in which investment Pilot Free Trade Zone consists of level areas. This means that Chongqing and trade are convenient and where three parts: Liangjiang New District, will benefit from favorable policies supervision is easy and effective. Chongqing Western Logistics Park in trade and investment in the near High-quality financial services, a and Chongqing Microelectronic future, and goods can be imported and standardized legal environment and Industrial Park. Of these, Liangjiang exported without tariffs. prosperous high-end industries should New District is the largest, making up In September, Secretary of the CPC be the norm. two-thirds of the total area. Based on Chongqing Municipal Committee Sun Upon completion, the zone will the three bonded areas, it extends to Zhengcai presided over a conference be an inland international logistics the cloud computing base through the of the city’s Standing Committee to hub, an inland center for service airport, to Guoyuan Port and Jiangbei discuss the Overall Plan for China trade, a functional financial center Financial Center, and to the Tuanjiecun (Chongqing) Pilot Free Trade Zone. Sun and a hub that connects Belt and area through the extension of Xiyong said that the new Free Trade Zone was Road areas with the Yangtze River Comprehensive Bonded Area. set up in accordance with the central Economic Belt. Moreover, it will be As the Belt and Road Initiative government’s requirement to make full a pivot point in the country’s Western and the strategy of the Yangtze River use of Chongqing’s role as a supporting Development Strategy and a pilot area Economic Belt are being carried out in and linking point and speed the opening- of the China-Singapore (Chongqing) an in-depth way, the Liangjiang New up of this gateway city in the western Demonstration Initiative on Strategic District-based Inland Free Trade Zone region. The zone is an attempt to move Connectivity. in Chongqing will echo afar with the Chongqing into a leading role in deeply The FTZ brings Chongqing a new Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone. This carrying out the country’s Western round of opportunities for development. will surely help accelerate the opening- Development Strategy. It will bring Chongqing more favorable up of the Yangtze River Economic Belt The Overall Plan makes clear that policies after the China-Singapore and the western regions of China.

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