VOL. XXVI No. 2 February 2014 Rs. 20.00
Chinese Special Representative and State Councilor Yang Jiechi and Indian Special Representative and National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon were at the 17th Meeting of Special Representatives on Boundary Question held in New Delhi on Feb.10, 2014. The State Councilor of China H.E. Yang Jiechi and the The State Councilor of China H.E. Yang Jiechi and the Vice President of India H.E. Mohammad Hamid Ansari Vice President of India H.E. Mohammad Hamid Ansari were on the launching ceremony of the Year of China- were with the performers of Chinese Guangxi Acrobatic India Friendly Exchanges in New Delhi, on Feb. 11, 2014. Troupe during the launching ceremony of the Year of China-India Friendly Exchanges.
On January 23, 2014, Mr.Wei Wei, the Chinese Mr. Wei Wei, the Chinese Ambassador to India met with Ambassador to India addressed at the Centre for East the delegation from Chinese newspaper Global Times in Asian Studies of Jawaharlal Nehru University. He New Delhi on January 30, 2014 and discussed issues illustrated China’s diplomatic policy and discussed the related to deepening mutual understanding and progress of China-India relations during the past year. friendship between China and India.
A total of 22 Chinese teachers posed for a group Mr. Wei Wei, Chinese Ambassador to India watched a photograph in New Delhi on Jan. 19, 2014. They were sent show of The Diary of Anne Frank performed by the to schools in several Indian cities such as New Delhi, students of Chinese Central Academy of Drama on the Kolkata, Mumbai, etc, for teaching Chinese language. 16th International Theatre Festival of India- Bharat Rang Mahotsav in New Delhi on 13 January, 2014. Guangzhou and Canton Fair
GUANGZHOU of China. Being an excellent port on the Guangzhou known Pearl River navigable to the South China historically as Canton or, Sea, and with fast accessibility to Hong l e s s c o m m o n l y ,
Kwangchow, is the capital Guangzhou in a n d l a r g e s t c i t y o f Chinese words Guangdong province, People’s Republic of China. Located on the Pearl River, about 120 km (75 mi) north- northwest of Hong Kong and north- northeast of Macau, Guangzhou is a key national transportation hub and trading port. One of the five National Central C i t i e s , i t h o l d s s u b - p r o v i n c i a l administrative status.
Guangzhou Baiyun Airport
Kong and Macau, the city serves as the political, economic, scientific, educational and cultural center in Guangdong area. Canton Fair The Canton Fair is a trade fair held in the spring and autumn seasons each year since the spring of 1957 in Canton (Guangzhou), China. A CRH3 Train at Guangzhou South Railway Station Its full name since 2007 has been China Import and Export Fair, renamed from Guangzhou is the third largest Chinese Chinese Export Commodities Fair, also city and southern China’s largest city. As known as Canton Fair, which abbreviation of the 2010 census, the city had a is Canton Fair. The Fair is co-hosted by the population of 12.78 million. Guangzhou Ministry of Commerce of China and (Canton) is a prosperous metropolis full of People’s Government of Guangdong vigor, is the capital city of Guangdong Province, and organized by China Foreign Province located along the south coastline Trade Centre. The Fair is the largest trade
February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 3 fair in China. Among China’s largest trade Spring session: April 15–19 (Phase 1); fairs, it has the largest assortment of products, April 23–27 (Phase 2); May 1–5 (Phase 3). the largest attendance, and the largest number (115th Session) Autumn session: October 15–19 (Phase 1); October 23–27 (Phase 2); October 31- November 4 (Phase 3). Venues: China Import and Export Fair (Pazhou) Complex, 380 Yuejiangzhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou 510335 Liuhua Complex: The Complex was first put into use in 1974. It was discontinued as a venue for the Canton Fair, starting from the 115th Session (April 2014). The new Canton Fair Complex Gross exhibition space: 1,125,000 m². of business deals made at the fair. Like many Number of booths: Over 55,800 standard trade fairs it has several traditions and stands (105th Session). functions as a comprehensive event of Varieties: Over 150,000. international importance. Business turnover: 262.3 Million USD Basic Facts: (105th Session). First held: April 1957. Number of trading countries and Interval: Three phases per session; two regions: 203 (103rd Session). sessions per year. Number of visitors: 165,436 (105th Session). Exhibitors: Over 22,000 (with 21,709 Chinese exhibitors, 395 international exhibitors, 105th Session).
Travel Advice and other useful information
Flight No.: CZ3028 Date of Flight: Daily Type of Aircraft: B757 Time of Departure: 12:45 (Delhi IGI International Airport) Time of Arrival: 19:50 (Guangzhou Baiyun Airport) Flight No.: CZ360 Date of Flight: Daily Type of Aircraft: B757 Time of Departure: 23:40 (Delhi IGI International Airport) Time of Arrival: 06:45 (Guangzhou Baiyun Airport) For more useful information on Canton Fair, please visit the official website of China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair): http://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en Scenery in Guangzhou
4 February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA CONTENTS
INFORMATION
1. Guangzhou and Canton Fair 3
CHINA-INDIA RELATIONS
1. China, India Open “Year of Friendly Exchanges” 6 2. Indian PM Meets with Chinese Special Representative on Boundary Question 7 3. India-China Year of Friendly Exchanges Launched in Indian Capital 8 4. China, India Special Representatives Meet on Boundary Question in New Delhi 10 5. Joining Hands, and Dreams 11 6. China’s New Neighborhood Diplomacy will have Positive Impact on its Relations with India 13
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
1. Chinese, Russian Presidents hold Talks on Bilateral Ties 17 2. Chinese President Attends Opening Ceremony of Sochi Winter Olympics 20 3. President Xi’s Interview in Sochi Draws High Comments 21 4. Chinese President Meets U.S. State Secretary 23 5. Chinese Premier Meets Kerry on Trade, Energy 25 6. Chinese State Councilor Meets Kerry 26 7. China FM Reassures Kerry on Korean Tensions 27 8. Chinese Premier Congratulates Koirala on Election as Nepal PM 28 9. China Backs Sri Lanka as U.S. Mulls Resolution 29 10. China Dismisses ADIZ Reports, Optimistic about South China Sea Situation 30 11. Japan’s History Education Tricks “False and Dangerous” 31 12. Sorry, Japan: Yasukuni is Not Arlington 33
DOMESTIC AFFAIRS
1. Chinese President Extends Lunar New Year Greetings 36 2. Why is the World so Interested in Silk Road Economic Belt? 37 3. Xinjiang to Promote Silk Road Economic Belt 38 4. Fostering Innovation 39 5. No Heavy Blow 42 6. Dealing with Diabetes 44
CULTURE & LIFE
1. Crazy about Hotpot 47 2. The History of Beijing Opera 49 3. Chinese Myth of the Creation of the World and Mankind 51 4. World Cultural and Natural Heritage in China 52 5. Chinese Cheng Yu—Practice Makes Perfect 55 6. Stories about Horse 56
TIBET TODAY
1. Zhu Weiqun Talks about Dalai Clique and “East Turkistan” Issues with European Reporters 58 2. Tibetans’ Religious Rights Duly Protected 63 3. Chinese Tibetan Exchange Delegation Visit North America 65 4. Traditional Tibetan Medicine Offered in Most Counties in Tibet 65 5. Tibetans Join New Year Celebrations 66
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHINESE VISA APPLICATION 67 FLIGHTS BETWEEN CHINA AND INDIA 76 BOOK REVIEW 78
February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 5 China-India Relations
CHINA-INDIA RELATIONS
China, India Open "Year of Friendly Exchanges”
Beijing, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) — China and India on Friday launched their “Year of Friendly Exchanges in 2014,” which they hope will increase understanding and co- operation between the two big countries. Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao attended the opening ceremony in Beijing, a l o n g w i t h d o z e n s o f diplomats, cultural figures, Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao attends the launching ceremony for the "Year of China-India Friendly Exchanges” hosted by the Embassy of businesspeople and officials. India in Beijing on January 24, 2014. Li said China-India ties are facing new opportunities and mutual friendship and cooperation will benefit the two peoples as well as contributing to world peace, stability and prosperity. He pledged to further bilateral relations as this year also marks the 60th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co- existence, which were agreed upon by China and India as a guideline for bilateral and international Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao shakes hands with Mr. Ashok K Kantha, the Indian Ambassador to China on the ceremony. relations.
6 February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA China-India Relations
Indian PM Meets with Chinese Special Representative on Boundary Question
New Delhi, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) — Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday met with visiting Chinese Special Representative for Boundary Question between China and India and State Councilor Yang Jiechi. Singh said that with great efforts made by leaders of the two countries over the past several years, India and China have achieved tremendous results in developing their relations. The prime minister said that a long-term, stable and developing relationship between the two countries is the continuous choice of India and that the two sides should maintain the momentum for high level exchanges to promote strategic coordination. Singh expressed his hope that India and He adding that he looked forward to the China would strengthen cooperation in G-20, organization of India China Year of Friendly BRICS countries and other multilateral Exchanges this year and commemorative frameworks to help encourage the global activities for the 60th anniversary of the birth political and economic order to move towards of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co- a fairer and more reasonable direction. existence. Yang said that last year is the year of Singh said the two sides should continue pioneering and harvest for China-India to promote economic and trade cooperation, relations, as the leaders of the two countries actively participate in the construction of the have built new structures for carrying out Bangladesh-India-China-Myanmar economic strategic cooperation and brought bilateral corridor and the “Silk Road” economic belt. relations to a new phase of fast development. He expressed appreciation for the active He said this year is again offering new role being played by the meetings of the opportunities for the two sides to develop special representatives for boundary question relations on the basis of the achievements of the countries while expressing his hope that made last year. the two sides would seek the framework for Yang said China is willing to increase solving the boundary question through talks further strategic mutual trust with India and and in the meantime maintain stable make it a success the “China India Year of development of bilateral relations. Friendly Exchanges”.
February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 7 China-India Relations
China is also working for strengthening countries. and consolidating pragmatic cooperation, He said China and India have already promoting regional economic integration and made some achievements in the talks on better connectivities and making joint efforts border problem and the two sides should with India for building the “Silk Road” continue making efforts to seek a fair, economic belt to contribute to the stability and reasonable and mutually acceptable solution development of Asia and the world, he said. to the border problem and to maintain peace Yang said that to inherit and spread the and tranquillity in the border areas between spirit of the five principles of peaceful co- the two countries. existence has great significance for both
India-China Year of Friendly Exchanges Launched in Indian Capital
New Delhi, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) — Indian Friendly Exchanges. Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari Yang said that China-India friendship and visiting Chinese State Councilor Yang dates back to ancient times and over the Jiechi Tuesday launched here in the presence course of millennia, the two ancient of some 500 people the India China Year of civilizations have benefited each other and added to their respective luster, thus jointly creating a fascinating history of glory and proudness. He quoted Ji Xianlin, an Indology master of China, as once described China and India as destiny to be together, while saying that Indian poet Tagore also called China and India two t i m e - h o n o r e d a n d intimate brothers. Yang recalled that some sixty years ago, C h i n a , I n d i a a n d Myanmar, observing the trend of the times, jointly Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi addresses the launching ceremony of put forward the Five the Year of China-India Friendly Exchanges in New Delhi, India, Feb. 11, 2014. Principles of Peaceful
8 February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA China-India Relations
Coexistence which he said remains the basic norms g o v e r n i n g i n t e r n a t i o n a l relations to this day. “Since the beginning of the 21st century, China and India have both embarked on the modernization drive and become the world’s most dynamic emerging markets. Thanks to the joint efforts of leaders and people of all sectors in the two countries, China and India have established a strategic and cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity, broadened and deepened their exchanges and cooperation in all areas, and Indian Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari (L) and Chinese State brought tangible benefits to Councilor Yang Jiechi light a traditional lamp during the launching ceremony of the Year of China-India Friendly Exchanges in New Delhi, their peoples,” Yang said. India, Feb. 11, 2014. Yang said the dreams of both China and India to realize their national renewal are interlinked and can support each other. “Just as Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh pointed out unanimously, the Chinese dream is closely linked with the Indian dream and they fit in to each other very nicely. As long as we work together for common development, we will surely make our respective dreams of national renewal a reality,” said Yang. Ansari said that India and China have been developing very good relations in political, economic fields Indian Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari (C) and and people-to-people exchanges and Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (R) look at a photo of late India expects to consolidate its Chinese leader Chairman Mao Zedong and India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru during the launching ceremony of relations with China in the future. the Year of China-India Friendly Exchanges in New Delhi, India, The Indian leader also expected the Feb. 11, 2014. two countries to carry out more
February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 9 China-India Relations
fruitful cooperation in infrustructure projects Indian capital. He met Indian National and industrial park construction to push the Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon during economic and trade ties to a new high. the talks, besides paying a visit to Indian Yang was here since Monday to attendthe Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the 17th round of boundary talks between special latter’s official residence here. representatives of the two countries in the
China, India Special Representatives Meet on Boundary Question in New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) — China and implement the relevant agreement for India have agreed to make common efforts to maintaining peace and tranquillity. seek an early achievement of a fair, reasonable The two sides said that China and India and mutually acceptable framework for are strategic cooperative partners and the solving the boundary question. strengthening of bilateral relations to promote At the 17th meeting of special common development conforms to the representatives for boundary question held common interests of the two countries and here from Monday through Tuesday, Chinese their people. Special Representative and State Councilor They also agreed that as the world’s two Yang Jiechi and Indian Special Representative biggest developing countries and emerging and National Security Advisor Shivshankar market economies, China and India hold Menon had in-depth exchanges of views on the China-India boundary question, bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest. The two sides agreed that China and India have maintained a good momentum in their border talks, effectively controlled and m a n a g e d d i s p u t e s a n d differences and therefore have laid advantageous conditions for the healthy, smooth development of bilateral relations. They agreed that before the border issue is solved, the two sides are willing to let the existing mechanisms concerning the border issue to play their full role,
10 February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA China-India Relations
special and common responsibility for “Silk Road” economic belt. promoting regional and even global peace The two countries will join hand to ensure and development. a successful “China India Year of Friendly They agreed that the two sides should Exchanges” this year to promote friendship maintain high-level exchanges, and between the people of the two countries, as continuously increase strategic trust and well as inherit and spread the spirit of the five coordination. principles of peaceful co-existence. The two sides also expressed willingness They two countries will also strengthen to push forward the convergence of the consultations and coordination in the United markets of the two countries and smoothly Nations, G-20, BRICS countries and other encourage railway, industrial park multilateral frameworks to safeguard the cooperation as well as Bangladesh-India- common interests of them and other China-Myanmar economic corridor developing countries. construction, and to tie up in the building of a
Joining Hands, and Dreams
Yang Jiechi Chinese State Councilor
I am glad to once again come to the Seizing the historic opportunity presented beautiful city of New Delhi to co-host the 17th by accelerating economic globalization, China Special Representatives’ Meeting for the and India have achieved sustained economic Boundary Question and inaugurate the Year growth and become the most dynamic of China-India Friendly Exchanges in emerging markets and new powerhouses of commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Asian economy. We have not only made the announcement of the Five Principles of life better for our two peoples, but are making Peaceful Coexistence. new contribution to global peace and Sixty years ago, the Chinese and Indian development. The ancient Chinese and Indian leaders, embracing the trend of the times, civilizations are full of new vigor. jointly championed the Five Principles of Early in the new century, China and India Peaceful Coexistence, thus opening a new established a strategic and cooperative chapter in international relations. Since then, partnership for peace and prosperity and these principles have served as the basic have gained much new ground in promoting norms governing international relations and friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial contributed greatly to world peace and cooperation. The two-way trade, which was stability and human progress. While much just US$2.9 billion in 2000, surged to US$65.4 has changed in the world, these principles billion in 2013, increasing over 20 times. Our have remained as relevant as ever. two countries have established the Strategic
February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 11 China-India Relations
Economic Dialogue and other cooperation only serves the fundamental interests of our mechanisms, and we have put forward two countries and peoples, but will also boost important cooperation initiatives such as the peace and prosperity of the world. building of the Bangladesh-China-India- In his meeting with Prime Minister Singh Myanmar Economic Corridor. People-to- last October, Chinese President Xi Jinping said people and cultural exchanges are expanding that the Chinese and Indian dreams are and the friendship between our peoples is interconnected and mutually compatible. flourishing. China and India have worked Both the Chinese and Indian dreams are about together to tackle climate change, food enhancing national strength, achieving security, energy security and other global national prosperity and pursuing national challenges and have maintained close renewal, and they represent the shared cooperation in BRICS and G20 and on other aspiration of the 2.5 billion people of our two multilateral occasions. The launching of the countries and that of the developing world. “Year of China-India Friendly Exchanges” in China and India are both major ancient 2014 will surely take our relations to a new civilizations and the two largest developing height. countries and emerging markets in the world. The significant growth of China-India As such, every step forward in both our relations is the result of our shared pursuit of respective development and our bilateral the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. relations will bring greater benefits and hope We have always respected each other and for the people of both countries, contribute worked to increase strategic mutual trust. As more to world peace and security, create more a result, our bilateral relations have become opportunity for cooperation and promote more mature. We have worked for mutual progress of human civilization. benefit and greater exchanges and The Third Plenum of the 18th Central cooperation, benefiting the 2.5 billion people Committee of the Communist Party of China of our two countries. We have developed a held last November made an important new model of relations that enables us to decision on comprehensively deepening advance bilateral ties by accommodating each reform in China. India is also committed to other’s concerns and properly handling advancing reform and achieving inclusive differences. More importantly, following the growth. There is therefore enormous potential trend of history and the changing world, we for growing bilateral ties and tremendous have always approached our relations as ones room for boosting our cooperation. Looking of global and strategic importance. We both ahead, the Chinese and Indian dreams are share the belief that the world is big enough well within our reach. When China and India for China and India to grow together and that join hands and pursue peaceful, cooperative the world needs the development of both and common development, we can certainly China and India. realize our respective dream of national China and India are partners of cooperation. The growth of China-India renewal. This will also be a true blessing to strategic and cooperative partnership not both Asia and the world.
12 February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA China-India Relations
China's New Neighborhood Diplomacy will have Positive Impact on its Relations with India
Wei Wei Chinese Ambassador to India
Implementing the new principle of institutions to protect our common interests neighborhood diplomacy in China-India as well as those of developing countries. With relations. the concerted efforts, we achieved another As a Chinese saying goes, a good neighbor “bumper year” for our bilateral relations in is an invaluable asset. China’s new leadership 2013. gives greater importance to its neighborhood China and India are cooperative partners, diplomacy on all diplomatic agendas and not rivals. reiterates China’s commitment to forging With tremendous sentiment of friendship friendship and partnership with its neighbors toward India, China is fully committed to and fostering an amicable, secure and developing long-term friendship with India. prosperous neighborhood. The new Chinese Mahatma Gandhi once observed that “China government implements the principle of and India are fellow travelers sharing weal amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and and woe in a common journey”. China and inclusiveness that guides China’s efforts to India should forge lasting and sincere create a regional environment featuring friendship and I believe that as long as we greater peace, stability, equality, mutual trust draw on wisdom and strength on our way and win-win cooperation. China’s efforts aim forward, there will be no obstacle that we to enhance bilateral relations with its cannot overcome. neighbors in order to realize the goal of China and India have good relations now. common development. To us, the major line of bilateral relationship is Since I assumed the post of Ambassador to pragmatic cooperation. Last October, Chinese India last January, I’m glad to see that in the President Xi Jinping said to Indian Prime past year, the China-India relationship has Minister Manmohan Singh that “China-India made great progress and bilateral cooperation relations have maintained a momentum of all- has been unfolding in an all-round manner. dimensional and rapid development and Politically, we have conducted frequent high- have entered a new upward track”. We are level exchanges and reinforced strategic trust. standing at a new starting point, facing with Economically, our cooperation has u n p r e c e d e n t e d o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r increasingly expanded and common interests development. Both of us are still under huge further integrated. Culturally, people-to- pressure of huge population, inadequate people exchanges have increased, and mutual resources and environmental pollution. We understanding and friendship between our both have a long way to go before we realize peoples strengthened. In international arena, modernization. It is our most ardent China and India have coordinated and a s p i r a t i o n t o a c c e l e r a t e e c o n o m i c cooperated closely within multilateral
February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 13 China-India Relations development and improve people’s China’s science and technology may lag livelihood. China’s stability and development behind in some aspects, but are designed and cannot be realized without India, while much more suitable for developing countries. India’s development cannot be achieved China’s technology is in a better position to without China. Only cooperation and help India to accelerate its upgradation and development could bring tangible benefits to application of technology. our two peoples. Last October, Prime Minister 3. Advantage of finance. India is looking Manmohan Singh delivered a speech in the forward to more foreign investment. Last Party School of the Central Committee of year, the foreign exchange reserves in China CPC. He mentioned that “we are not destined reached a record high to US$ 3.82 trillion. to be rivals, and we should show Chinese companies’ overseas investment is determination to become partners. Our future expected to total US$ 500 billion in next five should be defined by cooperation and not by years. The Chinese government encourages confrontation. It will not be easy, but we must more Chinese companies to implement spare no effort. What is at stake is the future of “going abroad” policy. We are encouraging India and China; indeed, what may be at stake and expecting more Chinese investment in is the future of our region and our world.” India. 4. Advantage of industry. What China brings to India’s development? Manufacturing China has now entered the middle- sector and infrastructure construction are key income stage, with its GDP and national areas to attract foreign investment and income per capita increased rapidly. We have enhance national economic development. accumulated some experience in achieving China is not only a big manufacturing rapid and steady economic growth. China country, but also enjoys advanced would like to enhance cooperation and work technologies and rich experience in the fields together with India to expand our converging of high-speed railways, highways, and power interests and inject positive energy into our generators. China is ready to actively invest in bilateral relationship. manufacturing and infrastructure factory in 1. Advantage of experience. China and India. We would be happy to see that India India are the only two countries in the world becomes another “world factory”. 5. Advantage of agriculture. that have a population over 1 billion, The key to therefore other countries’ experience may not poverty reduction is to increase farmers’ be much suitable for India. With similar basic income. China’s grain output rose to 600 national conditions, similar level of million tons last year, marking its 10th development and highly complementary consecutive year of increase. The agricultural economies, China would like to share its technology such as better irrigation experience in development with India, to deal conditions, higher level of agricultural with similar challenges and difficulties on the mechanization, advanced fertilizer and seed way to prosperity. technologies, plays an important role in 2. Advantage of technology. China’s ensuring sustained growth of agricultural economy is transforming from a labor- products in China. With better natural intensified one to a technology-led one. As condition, larger area of cultivated land and compared with developed economies, less population than China, India has the full
14 February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA China-India Relations
potential to emerge as a major agricultural we should continue, based on the principle of country in the world. constructive cooperation, to work together to How can we handle with certain sensitive safeguard peace and tranquility in the border issues? areas. Looking back on the 64-year history of Sound foundation has been laid for China bilateral relations, China and India, as two and India to properly handle the border- neighboring countries linked by common related differences. First, we have broad mountains and rivers, still have some consensus on the settlement of the border sensitive issues left over from history, such as issue. The two governments have agreed that the boundary question, the issue of trans- we should maintain peace and tranquility in border rivers and the China-Pakistan the border areas before we find out its final relations due to various reasons. While solution, so as not to let the border issue affect divergences and differences are unavoidable, our overall bilateral relationship. Second, the most important is how we perceive and both sides have the willingness for settlement handle them. 60 years ago, China and India, in of the issue. Leaders of both countries have response to the call of the time, jointly expressed strong political desire for an early initiated the Five Principles of Peaceful settlement of the boundary question. The two Coexistence, or the Panchsheel. In his speech governments signed the Border Defence delivered in the Party School of the Central Cooperation Agreement last year. The Special Committee of CPC, Prime Minister Representatives of China and India on the Manmohan Singh also mentioned that “the boundary question have made positive Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence progress and reached important consensus. highlights, in a modern context, the need for Third, both sides have the experience in creating inter-state relations among major handling the issue. There has been no firing in powers, based on mutual trust, sensitivity to the border areas. Thus, both sides have each other’s core concerns and a commitment accumulated enough experience to properly to resolve all outstanding issues through handle border-related issues. Fourth, both peaceful dialogue.” As for the sensitive issues, sides have means at hand. As of now, China we have confidence to effectively manage the and India have set up border-related divergences, not to escalate them and not to mechanisms including the Special let them affect our overall bilateral Representatives Talks, working mechanism relationship. We believe that China and India for consultation and coordination over the could find a proper way to settle these issues border affairs, defense and security on the basis of mutual respect, mutual trust consultation, border flag meetings, which and accommodating each others’ concerns prove to be effective platforms established and interests. with joint efforts by two countries. Fifth, both 1. The boundary question. Although sides have the determination to settle the there have been accidental standoffs in border issue. Both countries hope to maintain the areas, under the effective management of the hard-won momentum of sound and stable two governments, we have maintained peace development of China-India relations, and are and tranquility in the border areas, and had determined to settle border-related issues at no single firing accident for long. In the future, an early date.
February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 15 China-India Relations
The China-India boundary question is a developed a very small percentage of the problem left over from history. It is complex water and hydro resources. The degree of and sensitive, with a bearing on the feelings of development is less than 1%. As a result, the two peoples. Both countries have made China-India trans-border rivers are among tremendous efforts and paid out heavy costs the best protected rivers in the world. China for an early solution to this issue. The has never done anything on trans-border unhappy past has brought negative impact on rivers that may damage the interests of India. several generations of our two peoples, on Over the years, in order to help the how the two countries perceived each other downstream areas with disaster prevention and on whether the two should carry out and mitigation, the Chinese technical pragmatic cooperation. But 52 years have personnel have defied the hostile natural passed since then. As a Chinese leader said, conditions in the upper reaches, overcome “China and India have enjoyed friendly tremendous difficulties and even risked their relations for 2,000 years, which accounts for lives to handle emergencies and to collect 99.9% of total time of our interactions. In flood season hydrological data, and shared terms of conflicts, it has lasted less than 0.1% the information with India. Last October, of total time of our interactions.” We cannot when Indian Prime Minister Manmohan continue to live in the shadow of the conflict. Singh visited China, our two countries signed We should instead work together to achieve a new Memorandum of Understanding on the peace and stability in next 52 years, or 100 Reinforcement of Cooperation on Trans- years. As two ancient civilizations with rich border Rivers. According to the new MoU, history and broad vision, I believe that as long China will extend the duration of flood season as the two sides bear in mind mutual trust and hydrological date provision by half a month. sincerity, we will be able to find a fair, This is the longest arrangement made by reasonable and mutually acceptable solution China to all its neighboring countries. to the boundary question at an early date to In the meantime, China is also a enhance overall development of our bilateral downstream country, so we fully understand relations. the need and concerns of downstream 2. The issue of trans-border rivers. Trans- countries. We hope downstream countries border rivers are source of life for people could understand our responsible policy and living along them. We can’t change the efforts in this regard. We have confidence and geographical trend of trans-border rivers, but determination that through joint efforts of our it is our shared responsibility to properly two countries, we can make China-India preserve, utilize and manage the trans-border trans-border rivers become the rivers of rivers. As an upstream country, China has the friendship, cooperation and peace, and bring legitimate rights to develop both water and benefits to our two peoples. hydro resources. But as a responsible country, 3. China-Pakistan relations. China and China has given a lot of consideration to the Pakistan friendship is forged through history. downstream country—Indian people’s need Similar to China-India relations, we need to for production and living. We have adopted a continuously develop and push forward very prudent approach in developing trans- China-Pakistan relations. The top priority border rivers. In fact, China has only between India and Pakistan is to reduce
16 February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA External Affairs
tension and improve bilateral relations. China ready to realize the dreams together with attaches great importance to both India and India. China and India, as two ancient Pakistan, two important neighboring civilizations, two biggest developing countries to our west, in term of “Opening to countries and emerging markets, are natural West” strategy and “Silk Road Economic strategic partners. As Premier Li Keqiang Belt”. We believe that China-India relations mentioned in his speech at the Indian Council and China-Pakistan relations could run in of World Affairs last May, “if we can achieve parallel. We hope that India and Pakistan common development, it will be a true could maintain a friendly and improved blessing for Asia and the world.” I am relationship, and at the same time, we are confident that all our dreams will come true, expecting to see more positive interactions as long as China and India continue to go among China, India and Pakistan. down the road for development suited to our national conditions, and focus on mutual Realizing our dreams together cooperation. China is striving for a “Chinese Dream” of According to the Chinese lunar calendar, great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The we will celebrate the “Year of the Horse” this Chinese Dream benefits not only the Chinese week. In traditional Chinese culture, the horse People, but also people around the world. It is symbolizes hard work, prosperity and a dream for peace, development and win-win success. On this happy occasion, it gives me cooperation. India also has its own dream of great pleasure to wish China-India relations growing stronger. The Chinese Dream is moving forward as a leading and leaping closely linked with the Indian Dream, in that horse. I believe, as long as China and India we all wish to work hard so that our people make joint efforts, we will promote China- can live in a better life. China is looking India relations to a new height and embrace a forward to a friendly, peaceful, stable, brighter future together. prosperous and powerful India. China is
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Chinese, Russian Presidents Hold Talks on Bilateral Ties
Sochi, Russia, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) — Visiting reached important consensuses on the Chinese President Xi Jinping met his Russian strategic coordination on major international counterpart, Vladimir Putin, here Thursday and regional issues. for talks on bilateral ties. While expressing his delight to be invited The two leaders reviewed the important to the opening ceremony of the 22nd Winter achievements in the China-Russia ties in the Olympic Games, Xi referred to the pleasant past year, made strategic plans for the concurrence of the Sochi Olympics and the bilateral cooperation in the new year and Chinese Spring Festival.
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Sochi’s hosting of the major international sports event serves as a symbol that Russia is on its way to prosperity under the leadership of Putin, added the Chinese president. Calling China and Russia good neighbors, good partners and good friends, Xi said he came t o R u s s i a t o o f f e r h i s congratulations in person as is customary for the Chinese people to do upon their neighbors’ joyous occasions. He also voiced his confidence that, with Russia’s careful preparations, the Sochi Winter Olympics will be a splendid and unforgettable sports event and make fresh contributions to the Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi, Russia, Feb. 6, 2014. (Xinhua/Huang Olympic cause. Jingwen) Additionally, Xi extended his wishes that the Sochi Winter achievements were made in various fields. Olympic Games be a complete success and Noting that he valued the sound that Chinese and Russian athletes score good development of China-Russia ties, Xi said he results. is ready to make joint efforts with Putin to For his part, Putin conveyed his hearty advance the bilateral relations. welcome to Xi and thanked the Chinese Xi called on the two countries to continue president for traveling to Sochi to share the to tap their huge potentials, nurture new magnificent occasion with the Russian growth points in cooperation and smoothly people. push forward the cooperation in large Noting that the Chinese Spring Festival is strategic projects, adding such projects as a time for the Chinese people to visit relatives increasing oil and natural gas supplies to and friends, Putin said Xi’s trip to Russia is China, expanding oil pipeline and jointly exactly a reunion with a good friend. building oil refinery, should be implemented The Russian president also wished Xi and as scheduled. the Chinese people a happy Lunar New Year China welcomes Russia to participate in and the Chinese athletes excellent results in the construction of the Silk Road economic the Sochi Olympic Games. belt and a maritime silk road, so as to make On China-Russia ties, Xi said the them new platforms for the development of important cooperation consensus he reached the China-Russia comprehensive strategic with Putin had been well implemented with partnership of coordination, he said. the efforts of both sides, and that new He also called on the two countries to
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guarantee the successful holding of the have been developing rapidly and made China-Russia Youth Year of Friendship outstanding achievements. Exchanges in 2014 and 2015. The Russian leader said he is confident Xi pointed out that China and Russia have that bilateral trade will hit 100 billion U.S. kept close cooperation on major international dollars in 2015. and regional issues, listing the joint mission of The Russian side is delighted to see the escorting the shipments of Syria’s chemical significant increase of Chinese investment, weapons. Putin said, adding the two countries have carried out smooth cooperation in the fields of energy, military and security. The joint mission of escorting the shipments of Syrian chemical weapons showed that Russia and China made great contributions to safeguarding world peace and regional security, he said. The Russian president said he is ready to keep close contact with Xi in the new year and jointly advance cooperation in oil and natural gas exploitation, nuclear energy, aviation, telecommunications and people-to- people exchanges. Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) and Russian President Russia responds actively to China’s Vladimir Putin take part in a video conference with commanders of Russian and Chinese navy ships escorting the proposals of building the Silk Road transportation of Syria’s chemical weapons in Sochi, Russia, economic belt and a maritime silk road, Feb. 6, 2014. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang) Putin said. Putin said the Nazi forces’ China and Russia should continue to aggression toward European countries deepen consultation and cooperation on including the Soviet Union, and the serious major international issues and jointly crimes committed by the Japanese imperialist safeguard peace, security and stability of the military in China and other Asian countries region and the world at large, the Chinese can not be forgotten, adding that Russia is president added. willing to make joint efforts with China to The two leaders also agreed to hold hold commemorative activities. activities to commemorate the 70th The two leaders also exchange views on anniversary of the victory of the World Anti- situations in Ukraine and on the Korean Fascist War and the 70th anniversary of the Peninsula. victory of Anti-Japanese War in 2015, so as to Xi arrived in this Russian resort city earlier remember the history and educate future Thursday to attend the opening ceremony of generations. the 22nd Winter Olympic Games. The three- Putin, for his part, said the bilateral ties day visit is his first foreign trip this year.
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Chinese President Attends Opening Ceremony of Sochi Winter Olympics
Sochi, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) — T h e 2 2 n d W i n t e r Olympic Games opened on F r i d a y n i g h t i n a spectacular ceremony which was attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the invitation of his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. Putin declared the Games open at the Fisht O l y m p i c S t a d i u m following a speech by Olympic chief Thomas Bach, who stressed “the O l y m p i c s a r e a b o u t building bridges to bring Chinese President Xi Jinping (C) waves to the Chinese Winter Olympics delegation during the opening ceremony of the 22nd Winter Olympic Games people together.” in Sochi, Russia, Feb. 7, 2014. The 22nd Winter Olympic Games opened on President Xi rose from Friday night in a spectacular ceremony. Chinese President Xi Jinping his seat and waved to the attended the ceremony at the invitation of his Russian counterpart Chinese delegation which Vladimir Putin. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang) was led into the stadium by star figure skater and flagbearer Tong Jian in the achievements in the China-Russia ties in the athletes parade. the past year, made strategic plans for the Russia, for the second time, was President bilateral cooperation in the new year and Xi’s first foreign destination of a year. In reached important consensuses on the March 2013, Xi took a state visit to Russia a strategic coordination on major international few days after he took office as Chinese and regional issues. President. China sent a 138-member delegation Xi’s appearance at the Sochi Olympic including 65 athletes to the first ever winter opening ceremony was the first attendance by Olympics held in Russia. The Chinese athletes a Chinese president at a major overseas sports will compete in alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, event, signaling China’s strong support for cross-country skiing, biathlon, speed skating, the Olympics and Russia’s efforts to host the short track speed skating, figure skating, Games. snowboard and curling. On Thursday, Xi met Putin for talks on The Chinese president met Chinese bilateral relations as the two leaders reviewed athletes and coaches earlier in the day, giving
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a boost to their morale. the IOC appreciates China’s support for the “The Chinese people are paying great Olympic movement, Bach said in a press attention to you,” he told the delegates, noting conference early Friday. that they traveled a long journey to this Beijing is bidding for the 2022 Winter Russian resort city for the event during the Games with the northern city of Zhangjiakou Spring Festival. as a co-host. The other bidders are Almaty, China, Xi said, has made significant Kazakhstan; Krakow, Poland; Lviv, Ukraine; progress in sports over the past years and Oslo, Norway. made breakthroughs in some winter sports, “We also appreciate very much quite a few but still lags behind in some others. initiatives being taken by the Chinese By delivering a successful Beijing government, with regard to the role of sport in Olympics, the Chinese people have realized education, with regard to sport to promote their Olympic dream, the president said, social values, and their initiatives, particularly while calling for continued efforts to make in the new cities in China, to think also from China a strong sports power. the very beginning of planning sports Xi wished the athletes success at the infrastructure, to give not only the kids but Games, but added that good results are not everybody the opportunity to practise sport in reflected merely in the number of medals, but their neighborhood,” said Bach. more in the Olympic spirit they demonstrate In the highlight of the opening ceremony, by constantly improving and excelling three-time Olympic figure skating champion themselves. Irina Rodnina and legendary ice hockey China has won nine gold, 18 silver and 17 player Vladislav Tretyak lit the Olympic bronze medals since its winter Olympic debut cauldron, culminating the Olympic flame’s in 1980, which included a 5-2-4 record in the 65,000 kilometers journey, the longest torch 2010 Vancouver Olympics that placed the relay in the winter Olympic history. country at 7th on the final medal table. The 123-day relay has witnessed the IOC President Bach has hailed China’s Olympic flame reach the peak of Europe’s contributions to sports and the Olympics. highest mountain, travel to the North Pole, Beijing’s bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics plunge into the world’s deepest lake and will help promote sports development and carried into space by Russian cosmonauts.
President Xi's Interview in Sochi Draws High Comments
Beijing, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) — Chinese Xi received an exclusive interview with President Xi Jinping’s latest interview with Rossiya TV in the southern Russian city of Rossiya TV on the sideline of attending the Sochi on Saturday, saying he is “very opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in satisfied” with the fruitful development of Russia has drawn high comments from the China-Russia ties. international community. Xi, in the interview, extended the message
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of friendship and cooperation between China A Russian journalist named Nicolai Pasca a n d R u s s i a , a n d e v i n c e d C h i n a ’ s said despite the tight schedule of the visit, determination to further deepen its reform, President Xi spared time to receive the foreign scholars and experts told Xinhua in interview with Rossiya TV, which highlighted response to Xi’s interview with the Russian his special and serious attention to China’s media organization. relations with Russia. Pasca told Xinhua that in the interview, Xi highly praised the development of the China-Russia t i e s , n o t i n g t h e b i l a t e r a l relationship has entered a phase where it boasts the most solid foundation, the highest level of mutual trust, and the greatest regional and global influence ever. “Xi made Russia the first stop of his maiden foreign trip after he took office last year, and now he came to Sochi to attend the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics. This reflects the high level and Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) gives an interview to a special nature of the China-Russia Russian TV channel in Sochi, Russia, Feb. 7, 2014. (Xinhua/Lan relations,” Pasca said. Hongguang) “I am sure the strategic partnership between the two Yakov Berger, a senior analyst with the countries will enjoy more significant Institute of Far Eastern Studies of the Russian development in future,” he added. Academy of Sciences, said Xi talked about the Xi’s attendance at the opening ceremony prospects of China’s comprehensive and of the on-going Sochi Winter Olympics in deepening reforms. Russia also underscores China’s emphasis on “In general, Xi’s interview focuses on the the soft power aspect of sports and its growing strengthened role of the market in the Chinese involvement in high-level diplomacy, British economy,” he said, “A special and experts have said. authoritative body has been established for “China’s high-level diplomacy was an these reforms — China’s leading group for occasional concern to China’s leaders, but overall reform, which is led by the Chinese now it shares top priority with domestic president himself.” issues,” said Stephen Perry, chairman of the 48 “China will do its utmost to overcome Group Club, an independent business difficulties, further push forward the reform network committed to promoting relations program, in order to realize ‘the Chinese between Britain and China. Dream’, the revival of the Chinese nation,” he Perry, a seasoned British entrepreneur and said. China watcher, said Xi’s Sochi trip shows that
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China’s foreign policy is more “proactive,” actor at the international level, both at present adding that the country sees sports as a part of and in the future. Every country in the world, “soft power.” especially Russia, wish that China’s leaders “In this period, China’s domestic reforms will continue to rule the country with the same are being challenged by some international carefulness and acuity adopted so far,” Ferrari adventurism. China will act more proactively said.` In the interview with Rossiya TV, Xi to ensure global stability and peace,” he said. showed the Chinese government’s Shada Islam, a director at the Friends of determination to tackle tough issues, said Europe policy group, said the meeting is an Japanese political commentator Jiro indication of the importance that China and Honzawa. Russia accorded each other and their efforts to If corruption could be eliminated, he maintain good relations at a time of increasing believed, China’s reform would create a new global tensions. situation. “It is good to develop amicable relations Xi noted in the interview that China and with important neighbors and partners in Russia will boost mutual support to those BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation important issues concerning each other’s core Organization,” he said. interests and turned the political advantages Aldo Ferrari, director of the Caucasus and of their bilateral ties into cooperation Central Asia Program of Milan-based ISPI advantages, said Han Jae-Jin, director of the institute of International Politics, said, “Xi’s China Studies Division of South Korea’s presence in Sochi should be especially Hyundai Economic Research Institute. significant considering some evident This indicated that the Chinese absences,” meaning that “several heads of government will further strengthen its Western states did not show up at the event political cooperation with Russia as well as while the Chinese president was there in their cooperation in other fields, which will person.” play an important role in enhancing the two Ferrari noted the two countries shared countries’ economic developments, Han said. some “common views” in their foreign The South Korean expert also noted that policies, such as “the principle of non- Xi’s trip to Sochi showed to the world the interference in the internal affairs, which they Chinese leader’s image of an amicable person, both respect.” as well as the new Chinese leadership’s “China and Russia are two global powers determination to strengthen communications and their collaboration will continue in the and establish friendly relations with various next decades,” he told Xinhua. countries in the world. “China has positioned itself as the main
Chinese President Meets U.S. State Secretary
Beijing, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) — Chinese Beijing, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping met with visiting U.S. President Xi Jinping met with visiting U.S.
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Secretary of State John Kerry on Friday morning, pledging China’s commitment to a new m o d e l o f C h i n a - U . S . relationship. In the meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Xi said he was very glad to see Kerry again as this is the second meeting between them since they came together in Bali, Indonesia, last October. “ C h i n a i s f i r m l y committed to building a new m o d e l o f C h i n a - U . S . relationship together with the U.S. side, and will continue to enhance dialogue, boost Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with visiting U.S. Secretary of mutual trust and cooperation State John Kerry in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 14, 2014. a n d p r o p e r l y h a n d l e (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) differences in the new year so as to forge ahead with the strengthen concrete cooperation, control lasting and healthy development of the ties,” disputes and give more impetus for the Xi told Kerry. development of ties. As Friday coincided with China’s Lantern With regard to climate change, Xi stressed Festival, an important festival within the that China is attaching great importance to lunar New Year, Xi also sent his best wishes environment protection. for the Year of the Horse to Kerry and through “It is not at others’ demand but our own him to U.S. President Barack Obama. will. We have already taken many measures For his part, Kerry told Xi that President and will do more in the future,” Xi said. Obama “is very much looking forward to He called on the two countries, despite seeing you again shortly,” and that the their different development stages, to make president will keep their close engagement. more cooperative achievements concerning Calling the Year of the Horse “a joyful and the environment, especially in areas including hopefully auspicious time for all of us,” the green and low-carbon economy, energy U.S. secretary of state noted that the two saving and emission reduction. countries are celebrating the 35th anniversary Kerry echoed Xi, saying the United States of the establishment of bilateral ties. will strengthen communication and He said taking an updated approach to the cooperation with China and make joint efforts relationship between great powers is “very to advance the global agenda on climate important” for the United States as well. change. He also called on the two sides to The two sides also discussed the situation
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on the Korean Peninsular, with Xi setting prosperity. forth China’s stance. Kerry arrived in Beijing from Seoul earlier Xi met with Obama twice last year. Apart on Friday morning, starting his two-day visit from their meeting on the sidelines of the G20 to China. summit in Russia in September, they held This is his second visit to China and his two-day talks in California in June and fifth to Asia since he took office in February reached a consensus on building relations last year. Besides China and the Republic of which feature no conflict, no confrontation, Korea, Kerry’s four-leg tour will also take him mutual respect, cooperation and common to Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates.
Chinese Premier Meets Kerry on Trade, Energy
Beijing, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) — Chinese forward in direct exports of liquefied natural Premier Li Keqiang urged progress on gas to China and joint exploration of shale gas. investment treaty negotiations and closer The premier also called for closer China- cooperation on energy and environment U.S.technological cooperation in countering while meeting with U.S. Secretary of State climate change. John Kerry on Friday. Kerry, on his second China visit since Calling China and the United States the taking office last February, told Li that largest developing and developed countries constructive dialogue and cooperation is of in the world, Li said strategic coordination vital importance. and cooperation between the two sides helps to build a new type of major-country r e l a t i o n s h i p , w h i l e promoting regional and world peace, development and prosperity. “We should respect each other as equals, accommodate each other’s core interests and major concerns, develop our relations and achieve win- win situations in a more p r a g m a t i c a n d o p e n manner,” said the premier. R e g a r d i n g e n e r g y cooperation, Li urged the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with visiting U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 14, 2014. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) United States to step
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He said the United States would like to tragedies of the war. expand trade cooperation with China, push “The Chinese hope to join with all peace- forward bilateral investment treaty loving people around the world, to maintain negotiations, strengthen coordination on the peace and tranquility of the Asia-Pacific global issues such as climate change, cement region and the world,” said the premier. U.S.-China ties, and jointly safeguard regional Kerry opened his 24-hour China visit peace and stability. Friday morning by meeting President Xi Li hailed the progress of bilateral relations Jinping at the Great Hall of the People. He also since last year, citing the two successful met Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and meetings between Chinese President Xi held talks with Foreign Minister Wang Yi later Jinping and U.S. President Barack Obama, in the day. and bilateral trade volume that exceeded 500 Before coming to Beijing, Kerry visited billion U.S. dollars. Seoul where he met President Park Geun-hye As next year marks the 70th anniversary of and his counterpart Yun Byung-se. After victories in the World Anti-Fascist War, Li China, he is scheduled to travel to Indonesia said only by facing up to and drawing lessons and the United Arab Emirates as part of his from history, can we avoid the repeated four-nation tour.
Chinese State Councilor Meets Kerry
B e i j i n g , F e b . 1 4 (Xinhua) — State Councilor Yang Jiechi on Friday told U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry that China and the United States should deal with their differences and disputes properly. China-U.S. cooperation i s n o t o n l y i n t h e fundamental interests of the two countries but crucial to world peace, stability and prosperity, Yang said, according to an official press release. He called on the two sides to implement the Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (R) meets with visiting U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 14, 2014. (Xinhua/Pang c o n s e n s u s b e t w e e n Xinglei) President Xi Jinping and
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President Barack Obama on a new model of necessary assistance. relationship between major countries. Yang hailed the interim nuclear deal The two countries should maintain high- between Iran and six world powers which level contact and strategic communication, took effect last month, calling it important promote bilateral strategic and economic progress in settling decades of standoff. dialogue, enhance cooperation in bilateral, Iran and the five permanent members of regional and international fields, Yang said. the UN Security Council plus Germany, He urged respect and taking care of each reached the interim nuclear deal in November other’s core interests and major concerns as last year. Iran will halt part of its nuclear well as properly handling differences and program for six months in exchange for disputes. limited sanctions relief. Kerry said that the United States and On Jan. 20, Iran suspended 20 percent China shares many common interests and uranium enrichment in Natanz and Fordow in called on both sides to find a way to implementation of its obligations to the deal. strengthen practical cooperation and handle The United States then eased some economic differences to build a new U.S.-China sanctions. relationship. Yang hoped all parties would consolidate On Syria issue, Yang stressed the only way progress and work for a comprehensive, long- to defuse the crisis is a political settlement. He term settlement. said the international community should Kerry, in return, said the United States persuade the Syrian government and appreciates China’s constructive role in issues opposition to keep negotiating and seek a regarding Syria and Iran, and hopes to consensus. maintain communication and cooperation. China pays high attention to the They also conferred on the Korean humanitarian situation in Syria, Yang said, Peninsula, Afghanistan and other matters of noting the country will continue to provide common concern.
China FM Reassures Kerry on Korean Tensions
Beijing Feb. 14 (Xinhua) — Chinese he noted. Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday that The country has a consistent and clear China will never allow chaos or war on the stance to promote the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, as tensions in the area Peninsula, to maintain its peace and stability, featured high up the agenda of his Beijing and to solve the nuclear deadlock through talks with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. peaceful dialogue and negotiation, according “China is serious on this, as shown not the the foreign minister. only in our words but in our actions,” Wang The top priority at the moment is to grasp said. the opportunity and resume talks as soon as Situated so close to the Korean Peninsula, possible, Wang said. China has major interests and concerns there, He urged all parties involved to bear in
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mind the overall interests, be cautious with their words and deeds, show flexibility, do more to help ease the situation, and take concrete steps to create favorable conditions for the resumption of six-party talks. These talks, which involve China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Republic of Korea, the United States, Russia and Japan, were launched in 2003 but stalled in Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (1st R) meets with visiting U.S. December 2008. Secretary of State John Kerry (1st L) in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. Wang said the Korean 14, 2014. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) nuclear issue should be brought into a sustainable, irreversible and effective dialogue track. China will work with all parties concerned constructive role for the region’s peace and including the United States to play a stability, he said.
Chinese Premier Congratulates Koirala on Election as Nepal PM
Beijing, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) — Chinese efforts to safeguard national independence, P r e m i e r L i K e q i a n g o n T u e s d a y sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will congratulated Sushil Koirala on his election as continue its sincere assistance to Nepal’s Nepal’s new prime minister. socioeconomic development, said the China and Nepal are friendly neighbors of premier. similar cultural backgrounds, said Li in a Li pledged to work with his Nepalese congratulatory message. Exchanges and counterpart to advance the two countries’ cooperation between the two countries have comprehensive partnership of cooperation to achieved gratifying progress in recent years new levels. thanks to concerted efforts, he added. Koirala, president of the Nepali Congress, China appreciates Nepal’s firm adherence the largest party in the country, was elected to the one-China policy and its support for prime minister by Nepal’s parliament on China’s positions on issues concerning its core Monday, nearly three months after the interests, such as Tibet and Taiwan, Li said. national elections in November. He was China will, as always, support Nepal’s sworn in on Tuesday.
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China Backs Sri Lanka as U.S. Mulls Resolution
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (1st R) meets with Gamini Lakshman Peiris (1st L), presidential envoy and Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka in Beijing, capital of China, on Feb. 11, 2014.(Xinhua/Ding Lin)
Beijing, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) — China on wisdom and capacity to handle their own Tuesday voiced support for Sri Lanka as the affairs.” United States spearheaded a third resolution Sri Lanka has come under heavy pressure on the country’s human rights record to be from the West and human rights groups for presented before the United Nations Human alleged war crimes during the final months of Rights Council in March. the war against the Tamil Tiger rebels, which “China opposes some countries’ began 30 years ago. interference in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka The rebels were defeated in May 2009, but under the pretext of human rights issues,” human rights groups have alleged that Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday thousands of civilians were also killed in the during talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart, process, an allegation the government denies. Gamini Lakshman Peiris, in Beijing. On bilateral ties, Wang hailed the stable China backs the Sri Lankan government in growth of China-Sri Lanka ties as a model for safeguarding national independence, friendly co-existence and win-win relations sovereignty and territorial integrity, Wang between states, saying the relationship has said. “We believe in the Sri Lankan people’s entered its best period in history.
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He called on the two countries to expand provided a lot of assistance to its economic maritime cooperation and build together a and social development, and expressed 21st-century Maritime Silk Road that connects gratitude to China. the Pacific, the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic, Sri Lanka supports the building of the an initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping 21st-century Maritime Silk Road and is during his Southeast Asia visit in October. willing to strengthen cooperation with China As presidential envoy, Peiris said China is in all fields, Peiris said. an important partner to Sri Lanka and has
China Dismisses ADIZ Reports, Optimistic About South China Sea Situation
Beijing, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) — China on mislead public opinions with rumors and play Saturday dismissed allegations by some up tensions for their own selfish benefit,” Japanese reports that it is to set up an Air Hong said. Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) over the Hong stressed that China and the South China Sea and expressed optimism Association of Southeast Asia Nations over regional situation. (ASEAN) share a bright future for their “In a general view, the Chinese side has relations. He said China and the ASEAN yet to feel any air security threat from the countries are working together to implement ASEAN countries and is optimistic about its the declaration on the conduct of parties in the relations with the neighboring countries and South China Sea in a comprehensive and the general situation in the South China Sea effective way to safeguard peace and stability region,” Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong in the region. Lei said in a press release Saturday. In response to reports about U.S. officials’ Earlier this week, the Asahi Shimbun daily comments on the issue, Hong said China of Japan reported that China has drafted hopes the relevant parties remain cautious proposals for the Air Defense Identification about their words and deeds, maintain a calm Zone over the South China Sea. and objective stance, make joint efforts with Hong said the right-wing forces of Japan China and make concrete contribution to have repeatedly clamored about the alleged peace, stability and security in the air and on plan of China to set up ADIZ over the South sea of the region. China Sea. He said this move is of ulterior Hong said China, as a sovereign country, motive and simply aimed to shift has all the legitimate rights to adopt all international attention from and cover up the measures, including setting up ADIZ, to plot to change Japan’s pacifist constitution safeguard national security in response to the and expand its military power. situation of air security. No one should make “We sternly warned these forces not to irresponsible comments on this, Hong said.
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Japan's History Education Tricks "False and Dangerous”
Beijing, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) - Japan’s revision Japan’s Yokohama National University, has of teaching manuals was a false and said that the disputed islands between Japan dangerous move that not only risks and China are not Japanese inherent generations of confrontation but also territories. threatens regional development and will Banri Kaieda, head of Japan’s main eventually harm Japan itself, experts said on opposition party, the Democratic Party of Thursday. Japan (DPJ), also blasted Abe’s foreign Japanese Education Minister Hakubun policies in a Diet session on Tuesday, saying Shimomura on Tuesday announced that the the current government has taken provocative ministry has revised the country’s teaching actions that have further escalated tensions manuals for junior and senior high schools to between Japan and neighboring countries. claim areas disputed between Japan and W a n g T a i p i n g , f o r m e r C h i n e s e China and between Japan and South Korea. ambassador to Japan and now researcher at The new manuals describe the disputed the China Institute of International Studies, territories as “Japan’s integral parts,” said the status quo is “serious.” Wang including the Diaoyu Islands, which are rebuked Japan for teaching the next inherent territories of China. generation false claims to the island. Tokyo and Seoul are also at odds over a Diaoyu Island and surrounding islands pair of islets in the Sea of Japan. They are have been Chinese territory since ancient known as “Dokdo” in South Korea and times, a fact that should be properly dealt with “Takeshima” in Japan. by Japan, according to Wang. Zhu Yan, a professor of political science “What’s more, beneath the Diaoyu Island and economics at Takushoku University in textbook dispute is Abe’s deeper-rooted Tokyo, said that the revision of Japan’s dream of achieving his ultimate goal through teaching manuals this time was to show rewriting history,” he said. current Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo’s Abe has been walking a path that aims to right-leaning, tough attitude toward challenge post-war order, rewrite Japan’s territorial issues. peaceful constitution, re-militarize Japan and “Japan now has many textbooks and regain the so-called “greatness” of the island schools may choose by themselves. But once nation, without the burden of history, Wang the guidelines for writing textbooks are said. revised and Abe’s provocative act becomes But those attempts to manipulate public social consensus, it will be dangerous for the opinion are doomed to fail, as “lies can’t cover situation,” said Zhu. up the facts, and there will be no future for So far, there are still a number of scholars those who do not face up to history,” said and politicians in Japan who believe that Wang. Japan should admit the existence of territorial Just three days ago, during the 70th disputes and reflect on past aggression. anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz Murata Tadayoshi, honorary professor at and the end of the siege of Leningrad, German
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President Joachim Gauck wrote a letter to his the fact that he is an isolated troublemaker to Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to the international order. apologize for the suffering inflicted by Last month, Abe made the first visit by a German troops. sitting Japanese prime minister in seven years “Whereas Japan’s behavior was just the to the Yasukuni Shrine, a temple where 14 contrary. It reflects the militarism of the Class A war criminals of World War II are country. A nation that cannot face up to enshrined. history is hopeless,” said Fu Qiang, a lawyer Despite arguments Japanese officials have and president of a group providing legal made for the provocative action, the visit support for those who were captured or honoring 14 notorious figures who ran the enslaved by the Japanese during World War II brutal war in China and Southeast Asia, in in east China’s Shandong Province. which millions were killed, is an insult to the Business leaders also expressed concerns millions whose deaths they caused. over Abe’s move to revise the teaching By visiting the shrine, Abe has left no manuals. doubt about his dive into militarism and his Bao Shuping, CEO of Shanghai Hyron belief that Japan’s aggression in World War II Software Co., Ltd., whose major shareholders was “just,” the Pacific War Japan launched are Japan’s Omron Corporation and Shanghai was “self-defense,” and the trial at the Far East Jiaotong University, said that the most International Military Tribunal was desirable thing for enterprises is stability in “illegitimate.” Sino-Japanese trade and business exchanges. Besides the visit, Abe has made one “We disagree with Mr. Abe’s wayward act controversial action or offensive comment in turning ‘right,’ which has added fuel to the after another by worsening territorial already tense relations,” Bao said. disputes, calling for revision of Japan’s post- “Peaceful relations and sustainable non- war “peace constitution,” and even governmental exchange should be cherished comparing current China-Japan relations to and sustained,” said Bao. those between Britain and Germany before Another Japan-related businessman in World War I. China who preferred not to disclose his name Of course, Abe’s awkward displays were or company said strained political ties not successful and have only served to isolate between the two countries will have varying Japan on the international stage. effects on different industries. While Abe hypocritically claimed to be “Japan’s electronic devices and cars have seeking dialogue with China and the Republic certain advantages, but if their sales fall in of Korea (ROK), it is he who is closing the door China, their loss will be huge,” he said. to dialogue with leaders of other countries, as the words of this irresponsible politician Abe’s awkward displays risk Japan’s cannot be believed. int’l isolation Abe may have wanted to offer a Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s conciliatory gesture to ROK President Park diplomatic stunts in recent months, from the Geun-hye at the World Economic Forum in visit to Yasukuni Shrine to inflammatory Davos, Switzerland, when he applauded her comments at Davos, have proved nothing but presentation from a front row seat, but the two
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leaders did not make any contact. embarrassed by the provocation and has Abe’s proposal of a “summit” with China expressed “disappointment,” one of the was also ignored, as Chinese President Xi strongest diplomatic signals to Japan not to Jinping will not meet or talk with him during provoke regional tensions. the upcoming Sochi Winter Olympic Games Military alliance will not bring security to in Russia. Japan, if Abe chooses to maintain intense Although Abe has won some support relations with Japan’s neighbors. from a few countries, the backing is unlikely Unless Abe immediately reflects on to be sustained as it is increasingly obvious Japan’s war history and respects human that Abe is deliberately ignoring historical conscience, his government will continue to justice and acting provocatively. face an uncertain future amid the chill of Even the United States, Japan’s ally, was international isolation.
Sorry, Japan: Yasukuni is Not Arlington
Mindy Kotler
Japan’s prime minister Shinzo Abe made a records the continuing sorrow of a nation. well-planned and well-publicized visit to the Arlington National Cemetery was created Yasukuni Shrine on Christmas Day in the from the estate of General Robert E. Lee, United States. The Shrine gives special commander of the Confederacy’s armies. recognition to war criminals tried after Occupying Union Brig. Gen. Montgomery C. Japan’s surrender in 1945 and has long been Meigs appropriated the grounds around the an unhappy reminder of the vast damage mansion in 1864 to use as a military cemetery. Japan inflicted upon Asians and Westerners Meigs wanted to ensure that if the Lee family during World War II. Nevertheless, Abe returned, tombstones and widows in brushed aside criticism by saying that going mourning would surround their home. The to Yasukuni is no different than an American intent was for Lee’s estate to symbolize the president’s visit to Arlington National pain and suffering caused by the South’s Cemetery. engaging in the Civil War. This analogy is mistaken, and Unlike Yasukuni, Arlington the differences between the two Unlike Yasukuni, is a cemetery. The bodies or ashes places explain why the Prime Arlington is a of those who served and their Minister’s visit is so provocative. cemetery. The bodies family members are interred on The two memorials share neither or ashes of those the grounds. The fallen will the same history nor spirit. who served and their continue to rest there as long as Although both were the result of family members are the United States exists. civil wars, Yasukuni now focuses interred on the None of this is true at on the idealization of the Pacific grounds. Yasukuni. It is a religious shrine Theater of WWII, while Arlington established in 1869 to embed the
February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 33 External Affairs
supremacy of the Shinto faith, the divinity of Asia from the Western colonialists after the the Emperor, and the centrality of the United States “tricked” Japan into the war. Imperial institution into the national polity. Little is said of the atomic bomb or defeat. The At Yasukuni, those fighting for the Emperor Shrine’s website states “the truth of Japanese from the civil wars of mid-nineteenth century history is now restored.” Japan through the end of the Pacific War were In contrast, Arlington does not dwell on transformed into divine spirits to join as one the glory of any war or push one with the Emperor. Here the common foot interpretation, providing instead a neutral soldier was rewarded in death by becoming ground upon which people can mourn and equal to the Emperor. reflect. Arlington’s website is subdued and At Arlington, men and women of all factual. It reviews the rules for interment, religions and races are buried. At Yasukuni outlines the property, and notes the famous only Shinto is practiced and only the souls of people buried there. The grounds of Arlington identified and approved members of Imperial National Cemetery, says the website, are to Japan’s military who died on the battlefield “provide a sense of beauty and peace.” can be apotheosized with the The spiritual center of Emperor. There are many The spiritual center Arlington is the Tomb of the exceptions, such as the fourteen of Arlington is the Unknown, which consists of four Class A war criminals who were Tomb of the crypts containing remains of an hanged or died in Sugamo Prison Unknown, which American from each of WWI, after the Pacific War. Further, consists of four WWII, the Korean War and the some Japanese social classes are crypts containing Vietnam War. These represent not allowed; and the unknown remains of an both the collective sacrifice and are not represented. American from each grief of the country. Yasukuni is now a private of WWI, WWII, the At Yasukuni, the unknown park that hosts religious rites as Korean War and the cannot be deified. Thus, in 1959, well as festivals. To the left Vietnam War. the Japanese government created (south) of the main sanctuary, near Yasukuni Chidorigafuchi a behind often-locked gates, is the public park that contains a crypt Chinreisha, a small shrine which pacifies the for the ashes of thousands of unknown souls of Imperial Japan’s enemies so that they soldiers, sailors, and likely civilians who died will not cause trouble to the living. Encircling in the Pacific War. Every year, coinciding with the property are a series of small memorial Memorial Day in the United States, there is an shrines created by various Japanese WWII official ceremony attended by the Prime military units including the notorious Minister, a member of the Imperial Family, Kempeitai (Military Police). and foreign ambassadors to add new ashes to There is also a modern museum, the ossuary. Yushukan, glorifying wartime deeds. The Most important, one of the criteria for Yushukan displays memorabilia and those buried at Arlington is an honorable technology of past conflicts, especially the discharge. Those court-martialed, tried for “Greater Asian War” and related “incidents.” war crimes, or convicted of a felony cannot be The narrative boasts of how Japan liberated interred. This is not the case for Yasukuni. In
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addition to the fourteen convicted war institution. Originally, the Emperor used it to criminals who were found responsible for unite his nation with his divinity. Today, carrying forward the Pacific War, there are Yasukuni allows a Prime Minister to assert thousands who violated both Japanese and Japan’s independence and recast its past. international laws. Notable is Washio Awochi The rites, the grounds, and museum all (sometimes spelled Awachi) a civilian focus on Japan’s Pacific War. The Shrine is for manager of a comfort station in Batavia Imperial Japan. No postwar soldier is allowed (Jarkarta) who was convicted by a 1946 Dutch deification. The story Yasukuni wants to tell is wars crimes tribunal (Case No. 76) of forcing that an industrially sophisticated Japan Dutch women to be Comfort Women (sex liberated a backward Asia and that their slaves). He died in a Batavia jail. fellow Asians should be grateful. Yasukuni is about rejecting Today, the Shrine serves the judgments of the Tokyo War A visit to Yasukuni mostly as a protest against those Crimes Tribunal. Many Japanese has always been a who do not accept this narrative. still believe that Imperial Japan political act. War is The Shrine tacitly rejects the should not be subject to the rules presented as a international and national legal or values created by the West. underpinnings of postwar The Tribunal is deemed “victor’s noble and glorious Japan—the Peace Treaty and the justice.” To emphasize this point, sacrifice preserving Constitution. Abe making an a large monument to the Japan’s Imperial official visit as prime minister to Tribunal’s Indian Judge Radha institution. honor the selected souls at Binod Pal, who questioned the Yasukuni blurs the separation legitimacy its judgments, stands between Japan’s religious and on a plaza at the Shrine. political institutions and suggests that the Arlington, by contrast, makes no moral or Emperor has regained his divinity. Both are political judgments about either American central to the legitimacy of modern Japan. military policy or about the individual The Yasukuni Shrine is about declaring soldiers buried there. Americans do not visit victory. The Emperor God was right, the the cemetery to worship them. And unlike victorious foreigners were wrong. Yasukuni is their Japanese counterparts, American not about contrition or reflection, but about politicians do not come to Arlington to make certainty. There, Japan did not lose the war. statements about current foreign policy. Imperial Japan, when Japanese were said to Indeed, any effort to go beyond recognition of noble, selfless and brave, is longed for as a the sacrifices made by American would better time. Yasukuni is a place of defiance, backfire internally as well as externally. But and this is what separates it most from places for Japan’s conservative leaders, Yasukuni of memory like Arlington National Cemetery. has become a tacit political expression of Japanese defiance and autonomy. (The author is the director of Asia Policy Point. The A visit to Yasukuni has always been a article is published on The National Interest on January political act. War is presented as a noble and 16, 2014. ) glorious sacrifice preserving Japan’s Imperial
February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 35 Domestic Affairs
DOMESTIC AFFAIRS
Chinese President Extends Lunar New Year Greetings
Beijing, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) — President Xi Jinping has extended Lunar New Year greetings to Chinese people at home and abroad ahead of the traditional Spring Festival, which falls on Friday. Xi sent greetings to Chinese of all ethnic groups, both in China and overseas, and compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan while extending his wishes to local herdsmen in Xilingol League in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. “I wish good health, happiness for you and your Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks at a winter Nadam Fair in Xilin Gol families and may all go well grassland, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, ahead of the upcoming Chinese lunar new year. Xi paid a visit to Inner Mongolia with you,” Xi said. recently and extended lunar new year greetings to people of all ethnic Xi said that he hopes the groups, compatriots from Hongkong, Macao and Taiwan, and all Chinese will continue to work overseas Chinese. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) hard and strive for prosperity and a better life. President Xi Jinping also visited soldiers Celsius. stationed along the Chinese-Mongolian On his way to the border, the president border ahead of the upcoming traditional exited his car to chat with a team of soldiers on Chinese New Year. a patrol mission, expressing his appreciation Xi left Beijing on 26 December for the city to them for struggling in the harsh weather to of Arxan in Inner Mongolia by plane, which is safeguard the country. about 1,000 km away from the Chinese He then stopped at a hilltop border post capital. and inspected the garrison of a border troop From Arxan, Xi traveled to the Chinese- company. At the garrison, he joined officers Mongolian border. His convoy drove through and soldiers for lunch at their canteen. a vast and remote snowfield with outdoor “I am very proud of our border troops. temperatures of about minus 30 degrees With you guarding the country’s border,
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people feel safe and can concentrate on economic development, reform and opening-up,” Xi said. He stressed the great responsibility on border troops and urged them to exercise their duty through hard training and good operations. As the border troops are stationed in an area inhabited by ethnic minorities, they should follow the country’s ethnic policies, promote ethnic Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with a soldier on patrol at harmony and contribute to the border line in Arxan of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous economic development and Region, Jan. 26, 2014. Xi visited soldiers stationed along the Chinese- social stability of the local Mongolian border ahead of the upcoming traditional Chinese New Year. (Xinhua/Li Gang) community, he said.
Why is the World so Interested in Silk Road Economic Belt?
During his visit to Kazakhstan in benefiting people along its route. September 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping Second, the geographic advantages of put forward a proposal for a Silk Road Central Asia. With the development of economic belt to strengthen cooperation and technology the Central Asian nations, located make economic ties closer among European inland and far from the sea, have become the and Asian nations. The proposal has attracted bridge linking the developed European widespread interest and discussion. countries and the active Asia-Pacific economic Why is the world so interested in and circle. Thanks to the proposal of the Silk Road enthusiastic about the Silk Road economic belt? economic belt, the advantages of this region First, such a development would mean the can be brought into full play. revival of the ancient Silk Road. As a trade Third, Central Asia boasts abundant artery, the ancient Silk Road made an natural resources; it is known as “the energy enormous contribution to economic and resource base of the 21st century”. Generating cultural exchange between the East and the development and good use of resources in this West. Propelled by the rapid development of region will benefit the people of the area and economic globalization, people can look be conducive to economic development in the forward to the ancient Silk Road once more wider region and the rest of the world.
February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 37 Domestic Affairs
The Silk Road economic belt was planned To establish the Silk Road economic belt, in 2013 and will be implemented in 2014. the key is to form a channel of cooperation, To establish the Silk Road economic belt, development and prosperity. network construction is foremost. Highways, Kazakhstan’s location, strength and growth railways, flight routes, oil pipe lines, potential determine that it will play a communication networks and satellite significant role in the construction of the Silk communication will all play a role. Road economic belt. In recent years, China- To establish the Silk Road economic belt, Kazakhstan relations have undergone rapid economic development is another core development, which has laid a solid requirement. In the process of linking the foundation and created favorable conditions European economic circle with the Asia- for the construction of the Silk Road economic Pacific economic circle, development will be belt. Both sides should seize the opportunity promoted along the route. Central Asia will to push the comprehensive strategic be injected with new vigor and vitality partnership to a new level, achieve the through increased investment and development strategy together, and fulfill the cooperation in transportation, energy, dream of national revival. manufacturing, services, agriculture and other areas. (People’s Daily Online. January 07, 2014)
Xinjiang to Promote Silk Road Economic Belt
Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur on agriculture, energy, tourism and culture. Autonomous Region will build itself as the At the same time, Xinjiang will keep opening transport, financial and logistics center of the up to the domestic market, and prepare for the Silk Road economic belt in 2014, local transfer of industries from the east region to authorities said on January 16, 2014. the west, according to Nur Bekri. Nur Bekri, the regional governor, said that Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Xinjiang will keep opening up to Central Asia idea of the economic belt during his visit to and Europe, and grasp the opportunity to Central Asia in September, eyeing the cultural boost the Silk Road economic belt, during his revival of the Silk Road, which historically speech at the annual session of the local links China with Central Asia and Europe, as a legislature which started on Thursday. way of developing political and economic ties. A “Silk Road Economic Belt” agreement Land defined as the new Silk Road covers 18 was signed by 24 cities from eight countries Asian and European countries with a total area along the Silk Road in November, to promote of 50 million square km and a population of 3 greater cooperation, development and billion people. It also boasts rich energy, mining, prosperity among the countries. tourism, cultural and agricultural resources. Xinjiang will promote the establishment of a free trade zone with countries along the (Source: china.org.cn. January 17, 2014 ) route and strengthen multilateral cooperation
38 February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA Domestic Affairs
Fostering Innovation
By Gao Xudong
In the past 35 years, China has made tremendous achievements in innovation. N o w t h e c o u n t r y ’ s i n n o v a t i o n - o r i e n t e d development is heading for a “deep-water” phase, with both opportunities and challenges ahead. China must make innovations more scientific and effective in the future. The establishment of market economy in China has laid the foundation for A worker operates the production line of an LED company in Nanchang promoting innovation. National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone of Jiangxi Province. Competition based on market rules has forced state- owned enterprises (SOEs) to gain vigor, and a 2001, many multinational corporations have large number of privately owned enterprises displayed strong competitiveness in the (POEs) have come into prominence. Chinese market, expanding their presence in Making full use of all domestic and the mid- to low-end market while firmly international resources can lead to more controlling the high-end market. Chinese productive innovation. In the 1980s and companies, which were previously proud of 1990s, the market demand maintained speedy their market share, soon started to lose growth for a long time and there was not ground. Under these circumstances, Chinese much competition from other countries. By companies recognized that developing their introducing foreign capital and technologies, own core competitiveness was key to survival China greatly accelerated the process of and development, and independent technology advancement and economic innovation was essential for success. Hence development. This was a very successful the strategy of independent innovation is experience. formulated and gradually recognized by The policy of independent innovation in more and more companies. technology is a milestone for China’s Daunting Challenges innovation process. In the 21st century, especially after China entered the WTO in In the face of major opportunities, the
February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 39 Domestic Affairs
Chinese must be fully aware of the complexity protection of the domestic market. involved in innovation under the new Meanwhile, China needs to establish a conditions. basic system to promote innovation. First, some outmoded concepts that Companies should be the major force behind restrain innovation must be changed. For innovation. But the reality is that many example, people used to have a flawed companies lack the ability to innovate, rather understanding of the mechanisms and than the will to do so. In an environment systems for innovation. They thought there where the whole industry is controlled by should be perfect mechanisms and systems multinational corporations, domestic that could be used, but in fact, there are none. companies in industries such as automobile Take market mechanism as an example. The one in Germany is quite different from that of the United States. Another example is that many Chinese emphasize that the economy should be highly open to the outside world, but historically all e c o n o m i e s , i n c l u d i n g Germany, the United States, Japan and even South Korea, have protected, or even highly protected their domestic markets during the Two students test a drone model at Tianjin University's innovation and process of development. business startup education center. According to research by Michael Cusumano, a and pharmacy almost have no way to be professor of management at Massachusetts industry leaders. This also tells us that the Institute of Technology, in the two decades reform of government organizations should since the 1960s, Japan’s imported cars only n o t o n l y f o c u s o n “ s t r e a m l i n i n g accounted for 20 percent of the total auto sales administration and delegating power to lower in the country. Cusumano also pointed out levels.” It is more important to create basic that by restricting car imports to protect systems, including organizational structure, domestic automakers, Japan changed an working process and detailed measures to industry that was doomed to fail into one that support independent innovation by domestic is very profitable. This tells us a very simple companies. In a situation where the Chinese but crucial fact: A major reason for the success economy is already highly opened, it will be of Japan’s auto industry comes from the very difficult for domestic companies to make
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innovations if basic systems for boosting The late-comer disadvantage also innovation are not in place. makes it much more difficult to establish China should also urgently make clear the industrial chains led by domestic positioning and goals of SOEs. Despite companies. In the primary stage of China’s differences in opinions, many people agree independent technology innovation, that the future of SOEs lies in privatization, or Chinese companies mainly develop holding a minority share in a mixed- isolated technologies or single products. ownership structure. In fact these are only During this stage, independent innovation discussions in theory without any evidence activities are still fragile and not from practice. Arguments and discussions sustainable. In the advanced stage of should continue, but if the country adopts independent technology innovation, some policies in haste, it won’t help China complete industrial support and industrial build a solid organizational foundation to chains based on domestic resources are make significant innovations in the medium established. During this stage, various and long term. companies, multiple products and Late-comer Disadvantage technologies can support and rely on each other, and innovation activities are much Facing a complicated situation, China more stable with clear targets. needs to make innovation more effective. The What SOEs should do is to nurture most important and most challenging thing competent professional managers. According for the government is to create conditions to to Ning Gaoning, Chairman of the China Oil overcome the “late-comer disadvantage,” and Foodstuffs Corp., a precondition for SOEs besides minimizing factors restricting to succeed is that the senior managers must be individuals’ enthusiasm of innovation. willing to look after state-owned assets. “The Domestic companies have made boss of our enterprises is the country, and we breakthroughs in independently developing need to look after the assets for our boss and core technologies, but compared with hope the assets can increase in value,” Ning multinational corporations, they are still less said. favored by the market. That is a “late-comer For POEs, the core issue is to improve their disadvantage.” Late-comer disadvantages mode of operation and capacity. Some think it will inevitably impede independent is inevitable for most Chinese POEs to have innovation and competitiveness of these disadvantages of family businesses. If these companies. Even though domestic companies are not properly handled, POEs will find it have developed new technologies, it is still hard to attract high-quality professionals. hard for them to fully realize their potential. Therefore they must strive to succeed through This serves as a barrier to the confidence and continued innovations. motivation of Chinese companies to develop their own core technologies. In fact, a lack of (The author is a researcher with the Research Center confidence and motivation is the biggest for Technological Innovation at Tsinghua factor constraining independent innovation University.) by Chinese companies.
February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 41 Domestic Affairs
No Heavy Blow
by Lan Xinzhen
Starting from January 2014, the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) cut its monthly asset buying from $85 billion to $75 billion. To elaborate, the purchase of long-term government bonds has been scaled back from $45 billion to $40 billion and purchasing of mortgage-backed securities has been cut back from $40 billion to $35 billion. The Fed’s new move signaled a gradual withdrawal from t h e u n c o n v e n t i o n a l Residents buy vegetables at a supermarket in Hefei, capital of Anhui . quantitative easing (QE) Province p r o g r a m , w h i c h w a s launched to support U.S. growth after the suggested that preventing the U.S. QE exit global crisis in 2008. The QE program aimed to strategy from destabilizing China’s financial bring down interest rates and encourage markets or macro-economy should be a key investment by buying billions in bonds and goal of China’s monetary policies in 2014. other securities. Monetary policy in the Limited Impact world’s largest economy will now be tuned back to conventional policies. Since December 2013, China’s stock China received large capital inflows market has witnessed a continuous drop. because of the QE program, resulting in a Analysts suggested this is related to the Fed’s higher inflation rate. The country’s central decision to trim its bond-buying program, as a bank had to raise interest rates and increase great amount of “hot money”—speculative the reserve requirement ratio to curb capital flows between countries in order to inflationary pressure. Now, experts are highly earn a short-term profit—fled from China’s concerned whether or not the end of QE will stock market, leaving behind a pessimistic worsen China’s liquidity conditions and atmosphere in the market. destabilize the country’s economic growth. He said the pessimism is completely He Liping, a professor of finance at Beijing unnecessary. “The U.S. exit strategy will exert Normal University, said China upholds a a certain impact on China, but won’t deal a prudent monetary policy in general. He heavy blow to the Chinese economy, because
42 February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA Domestic Affairs
the United States has a clear logic and timeline Cooling Inflation in tapering QE.” Lian Ping, chief economist with the Bank He gives two reasons why China need not of Communications, said the QE exit signals a fear the tapering of the QE program. Firstly, gradual recovery of the world’s largest it’s a mild and gradual exit. Right now, asset economy, which is bound to reinvigorate purchasing has been cut by only $10 billion a economies worldwide, including the Chinese month. This is a decision made after factoring economy. in uncertainties in the U.S. and global “Hot money outflow from China economies and fully weighing the impact. triggered by the QE exit may be a blessing in Even if the U.S. economy takes an upward disguise when it comes to the long-term swing and economic data meet the required health of the Chinese economy,” Lian said. targets, the QE exit will still be mild, He Hot money outflow can soothe the claims. appreciation pressure on the yuan, thus Secondly, there will be intervals improving the competitiveness of Chinese between each cut. Even with rosy economic exports and offering new growth momentum conditions, the Fed will end QE by the end of to the country, Lian said. “Also, the QE exit 2014 at the current pace of cutting $10 billion will ease pressure on the central bank’s each month. Considering downward trends foreign exchange reserves, mitigate and other uncertainties in the U.S. and inflationary pressure caused by excessive global economies, it’s likely that the Fed monetary supply and therefore leave room for won’t entirely exit from QE in 2014, He the central authorities to carry out macro- predicted. control measures.” China’s economic growth rate bottomed Professor He claimed the Fed’s monetary out in the second half of 2013 and has stayed policy has always prioritized maintaining a between 7 to 8 percent, which represents a stable economic growth trend, and the Fed positive growth trend. China doesn’t need will continue to do so in the future. massive capital inflow to shore up economic In the past, He elaborated, U.S. monetary growth, as that kind of growth pattern will policy was extremely loose because the bring with it a host of uncertainties, He said. economy was hit hard by the financial crisis Wang Yong, a research fellow with CITIC and prevailing pessimism. Therefore, Securities, claims the QE exit will result in an unconventional loose monetary policy was outflow of hot money from the Chinese implemented to put the economy back on market. course, lower the unemployment rate and “If the capital flow reversal happens too create inflationary expectations in the market. fast, it may cause a cash crunch in China’s Without this unconventional loose monetary capital markets. This will be the biggest policy, the U.S. economy could have slipped impact on the Chinese economy,” Wang said. even further, dragging the global economy “Even in that case, the stability of China’s into an even worse condition, He said. economic growth won’t be compromised as Right now, the real economy of the United China has hefty foreign exchange reserves States is on the mend. Under these that can cushion the impact of any market circumstances, if QE isn’t tapered turbulence.” accordingly, inflation will become an
February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 43 Domestic Affairs
increasingly serious issue. For instance, a include the high leverage rate and alarming price surge in the global bulk commodities local government debt levels. Their influence market would be unbearable for emerging on the yuan exchange rate is still uncertain markets. The QE exit is beneficial for curbing right now.” global inflation, He said. “One thing is clear. The complete exit of “If QE is ended after the global recovery, it the United States from QE requires the will be too late because by then, global interest rate to be brought back to a normal inflation will be far too serious,” He claimed. level,” He said. “Even if the monthly asset purchase is scaled back to zero, it doesn’t Yuan Depreciation? mean a complete exit from QE. A reasonable The QE exit will undoubtedly result in a interest rate in banks is still required.” stronger U.S. dollar, but will that bring about An interest rate increase will be postponed the depreciation of the yuan? He said some until 2015. Even if it happens, it will be factors influencing the yuan exchange rate are conducted gradually. The Fed has implied known to analysts, while some are still even if the unemployment rate falls below 6.5 uncertain. percent, the low interest rate policy—from The known factors supporting a stronger zero to 0.25 percent—will be carried out over a yuan against the U.S. dollar include China’s long period, He said. trade surplus, its mounting foreign exchange “Therefore, the QE exit will have limited reserve and a higher interest rate level. Such a impact on the depreciation of the yuan,” He high yield is very attractive for global concluded. investors, said He. “The uncertain factors
Dealing with Diabetes
Han Hongying, 59, remembers the numbing shock when she was diagnosed with diabetes 15 years ago. “I was scared of the pain that the disease would bring to me and my family,” said Han, a retired worker in Beijing. Han’s biggest fear was the thought of battling it for the rest of her life. Danger of complications such as amputation, blindness, kidney failure and cardiovascular disease lingered in her mind. “A life of treatment will cost a large sum of A doctor gives consultations to a resident at a diabetes money and may destroy me awareness event in Hefei, Anhui Province.
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psychologically,” she said. society where technology and machines have Han’s experience mirrors that of millions taken over many physical tasks. Eating too of Chinese diabetics. much, but exercising less means more people According to an article published in the are putting on weight, which in turn damages Journal of the American Medical Association insulin production in the body,” Hang said. on September 3, 2013, an estimated 11.6 “Without enough insulin, sugar cannot be percent of Chinese adults have diabetes, transformed into energy and it accumulates in which equates to 100 million people. It also the blood. When sugar in the blood reaches a revealed that about 50.1 percent of adults are certain level, people may get diabetes.” pre-diabetic patients, but only 30.1 percent of The disease, which is more prevalent in sufferers are aware of their seniors, is spreading to younger illness. “The diabetes people as the obesity rate in The study also noted that the Chinese youth rises. A report data suggested that diabetes in epidemic is a released in August 2012 in the Chinese general population byproduct of China’s O b e s i t y R e v i e w s b y t h e has reached an alarming level economic prosperity. International Association for the and a major epidemic of diabetic The lifestyle that Study of Obesity showed that 12 c o m p l i c a t i o n s , s u c h a s many Chinese percent of Chinese children are cardiovascular disease, strokes overweight and 1.9 percent of 12- pursue today is the and chronic kidney disease, will to 18-year-olds, about 1.7 million, erupt in the country in the near greatest threat to have diabetes, four times more future if there is no direct their health,” than their U.S. peers. About 14.9 i n t e r v e n t i o n f r o m t h e percent of Chinese children and government. teenagers exhibit pre-diabetic symptoms, it added. Affluent Lifestyles “The high rates indicate that the public Hang Jianmei is not surprised by the needs to pay more attention to diabetes and its findings. As a medical professional implications for economic development,” specializing in preventing diabetes, she has Hang said. seen an alarming number of patients succumb The nation’s health system is bearing the to the disease because of their affluent brunt of the epidemic as it covers the expense lifestyle. of treating diabetic patients. “Even without “The diabetes epidemic is a byproduct of complications, the daily cost for recuperation China’s economic prosperity. The lifestyle amounts to 800-1,000 yuan ($131-164) at that many Chinese pursue today is the least,” Hang commented. greatest threat to their health,” said Hang, The Chinese Society of Diabetes under the Director of Beijing Jianheng Diabetes Chinese Medical Association jointly Hospital. conducted a survey with the International Hang noted that as Chinese people Diabetes Federation in 2010. The survey become more affluent, they eat more high- examined 1,920 diabetics in order to examine protein and fatty foods. the economic implications of the disease at “People now live in a stressful, fast-paced that time. It estimated that the total national
February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 45 Domestic Affairs
cost for treating diabetes was 173.4 billion gained national policy support on May 8, yuan ($28.5 billion) annually, taking up 13 2012, when the Central Government issued a percent of the country’s total medical five-year plan for the prevention and expenditures. On top of this, the frequency at treatment of chronic diseases (2011-15). The which diabetics use medical services is three plan is set to enable 50 percent of adults above to four times that of non-diabetic patients. It the age of 35 to know their blood sugar levels, also predicted that the figure would rise and to put 40 percent of diabetic patients drastically in the next 10 to 20 years. under regular treatment by 2015. More than “People will lose the ability to work and 80 percent of hospitals and health clinics in become effectively disabled because of rural areas are expected to be able to conduct diabetic complications. This will blood sugar monitoring by that i n t u r n u n d e r m i n e t h e The public is not time. productivity of the whole of aware of the damage Non-governmental organi- society,” Hang said. brought by chronic zations have also joined in the As more farmers become illnesses. There ranks of diabetes prevention by wealthier during the shift should be a advising people to lead a toward urbanization, the comprehensive healthier lifestyle. prevalence of diabetes is also network to “It has been proven that rising in rural areas. This creates intervention in people’s lifestyle effectively prevent a problem as the level of at an early stage is effective in h e a l t h c a r e a n d p e o p l e ’ s and treat such preventing diabetes,” Hang said, awareness of what constitutes a diseases adding that the current urban healthy lifestyle is well below community-based education that of their urban counterparts. programs on preventing diabetes “In China, the rural population makes up should be expanded to children, adolescents, the majority of the workforce. The white-collar professionals as well as the rural consequences of losing large parts of the population. workforce to diabetes and its complications “The public is not aware of the damage would be catastrophic to the Chinese brought by chronic illnesses. There should be economy,” Hang said. a comprehensive network to effectively Prevention Network prevent and treat such diseases,” Hang said. In one way, Han, the retired worker in Hang believes that the revelation that Beijing, is lucky not to have contracted any more than 100 million Chinese adults suffer complications from her diabetes. She from diabetes should put the prevention of attributes this to strict self-control in pursuing chronic diseases at the top of the a healthy lifestyle. “Besides keeping a diet, I government’s agenda. “It is not only a medical have been sticking to an exercise routine since issue but a comprehensive one that is vital to I was diagnosed as a diabetic 15 years ago and the future of the nation’s development,” she I have lost at least 10 kilos [in the process],” said. Han said. The prevention and treatment of diabetes
46 February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA Culture & Life
CULTURE & LIFE
Crazy about Hotpot
Beijing, Feb. 6 (Xinhuanet) — It’s a cuisine popular all over China, but Chongqing businessman Nie Ganru loves hotpot more than most. He tells Luo Wangshu and Tan Yingzi why he wants to tell the world about his favorite meal. When Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Cameron visited China in December, in among the appointments on his busy schedule was one that was in s t a r k c o n t r a s t t o t h e Spicy hotpot in Chongqing, originated in the 19th century, has enjoyed politician’s serious meetings increasing popularity among diners at home and abroad. and briefings: “Eat spicy hotpot”. Cameron is not the only world leader with a taste for the popular The hotpot museum, with more than 600 cuisine. United States politician Henry pots and other items on display, opened in Kissinger wrote about eating hotpot with the December, 2013. former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping in his A 37-meter-tall hotpot graces the exterior memoirs. Kuomintang leader Chiang Kai- of the six-story private museum, located in the shek treated Mao Zedong to spicy hotpot city’s southeast. during his historic visit to Chongqing in 1945. On its first floor, the large hotpot-shaped Now all these hotpot stories have been building features modern hotpots, an collated and displayed in a museum explanation of what a hotpot is, and displays dedicated to hotpot cuisine. Located in examples of pots from all over the world, Chongqing, it is the first hotpot museum in including a paper-pot from Japan and an iron the country. pot from Germany. Hotpot is popular in Chongqing. While The second floor covers the Chongqing the soup is simmering over a flame, meat and hotpot and related art works. It also vegetables are placed into the pot to cook, and documents the origins of spicy hotpot. diners can pick out the items when they are This floor also demonstrates how the spicy ready to eat. Chongqing hotpot is famous for hotpot went from being street food to a its spicy taste.
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nationally celebrated dish during the War of culture. Resistance against Japanese Aggression Now, in the year of his 70th birthday, the (1937-45). museum has finally opened. The third floor exhibits valuable pots and “Enterprises will decay. No business lasts also highlights the history of hotpot, with forever. However, culture is eternal. The particular emphasis on Chinese hotpot museum is what I will leave for my culture. The most prized collections are successors,” he says. located on this floor, including a pot used in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), when Emperor Qianlong hosted a banquet for 1,000 elderly people, and a tri- colored glazed pot of the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907). The fourth and fifth floors are yet to open, but there are plans to open a high-end hotpot restaurant there. Nie Ganru, 70, a hotpot fan and businessman, is the owner of the museum. The energetic man has a Nie runs a hotpot business that includes passion for hotpot and has collected pots for chain restaurants and ingredient factories. He more than 30 years. quit his job at a State-owned enterprise in the “Every pot has a story,” he says. 1990s to start a small hotpot restaurant with One of his most prized items is the tri- six tables. That small restaurant grew into a colored glazed pot of the Tang Dynasty, worth successful business. about 1.8 million yuan ($300,000). He bought “I benefited from hotpot, now it is time to it in Chengdu in 1998 for only 180 yuan. give something back,” Nie says. “I was very lucky on that one,” he recalls. Although there is no hard evidence as to “Some of my collection was easily acquired, I where the birthplace of spicy hotpot is, Nie, as was sometimes lucky to find things on the the director of the Chong-qing Hotpot street. And some were only acquired with Research Center, believes Chongqing hotpot much time and money. I flew all over the originated from the porters’ cuisine in late country for some pots, negotiating with the 19th century. sellers to persuade them to sell the pot to me,” Chongqing is a port city along the Yangtze he says, adding that whenever he travels to a River. In the late 19th century, live animals new city, he will go to the grocery store to from Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan study pots. provinces were shipped by water, killed, sold Nie’s lifelong dream has been to establish or preserved in Chongqing’s port. Good meat a hotpot museum to record hotpot stories, was shipped and sold to the upper and middle display his collection and promote hotpot classes. The internal organs, including
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stomach and kidney, were discarded or sold Expatriates in Chongqing also like hotpot. cheaply. Porters picked up or bought the Tina Redshaw, the British consul general organs and cooked them in a boiling pot with in Chongqing, says she loves spicy hotpot. She spicy sauce and ate it by the water. told a media conference in December that she Two brothers with the last name Ma was impressed that Chongqing had so many happened to taste the street dish and were hotpot restaurants. hooked. They saw a business opportunity and “Although I eat at different hotpot introduced the dish into their restaurants in restaurants every day, I cannot eat at all the the 1930s. hotpot restaurants in only two years,” she Nie believes the first hotpot restaurant is says. Ma Zheng Xing, owned by the Ma brothers. Kossi A. Vanessa from Benin in West A pot from Ma Zheng Xing Restaurant is Africa, has studied in Chongqing for five located on the third floor of the museum. years. She says if she leaves Chongqing after Novelist and scholar Li Jieren (1891-1962), graduation, hotpot is what she will miss the native of Sichuan province, agreed with Nie, most about the city. and stated that the origin of spicy hotpot was “I will definitely miss it, though I cannot Chongqing in his magazine, Feng Tu Shi Zhi, really eat super spicy food, but the hotpot is a an important folklore magazine in the 1940s. delicious memory of the city,” the 26-year-old In the magazine, Li also writes about the says. evolution of spicy hotpot. When Chiang Kai- Chongqing hotpot is very versatile and shek’s Kuomintang government established does not always have to be spicy. The dish can Chong-qing as China’s capital in 1937, the city be adapted to many flavors to suit diner’s attracted many new residents who fell in love tastes. with spicy local dish. Nie believes Chongqing hotpot will go According to Li’s article, many elites were further if the city promotes hotpot culture and hotpot fans. expands the image of the brand. Dai Li, the head of Chiang’s military Chongqing hotpot is a big name across the intelligence service, was a fan of hotpot and country, even the world. However, always hosted hotpot feasts for financial Chongqing businessmen lack awareness of tycoons. how to improve the brand of the cuisine, Nie Although these people left Chongqing says. after the war, they took their love of hotpot “I am obsessed with hotpot culture,” Nie with them and the cuisine’s popularity says. “I want to do something to let people spread. know more about Chongqing hotpot.”
The History of Beijing Opera
Beijing Opera, also called “Eastern formed in Beijing. Opera,” is a principle tradition in Chinese Beijing Opera has a history of 200 years in culture. It is called Beijing Opera because it is which its fountainhead can be dated back to
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old local operas, especially Anhui Opera, stories and depict characters. The roles in which was very popular in northern China in Beijing Opera include the male, female, the 18th century. In 1790, the first Anhui painted-face, and comedic roles. Besides, Opera performance was held in Beijing to there are other supporting roles as well. In addition, the types of facial make-up, especially concerning the color, are the most particular art in Beijing Opera, because t h e y c a n s y m b o l i z e t h e personalities, characteristics, and fates of the roles. It is widely acknowledged that the end of the 18th century was the most flourishing period in the development of Beijing Opera. During this time, there were lots of performances not only in folk places, but also in the palace. The noble class loved Beijing Opera; the superior celebrate the Emperor’s birthday. Later, some elements in the palace played a positive role in other Anhui Opera troupes went on to the performances, make-up, and stage setting. perform in Beijing. Anhui Opera was easy to The mutual influence between palace and move and good at absorbing the acting styles non-government places promoted Beijing of other types of operas. Beijing accumulated Opera’s development. many local operas, which made Anhui Opera From the 1920’s to the 1940’s of last improve quickly. century was the second flourishing period of At the end of the 19th century and the Beijing Opera. The symbol of this period was beginning of the 20th century, after merging for 10 years, Beijing Opera finally formed, and became the biggest of all operas in China. Beijing Opera has a rich list of plays, artists, troupes, audiences, and wide influences, making it the foremost opera in China. B e i j i n g O p e r a i s a comprehensive acting art. It blends singing, reading, acting, fighting, and dancing together by using acting methods to narrate
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the emergence of lots of sects of the opera. The four most famous were “Mei” (Mei Lanfang 1884-1961), “Shang” (Shang Xiaoyun 1900-1976), “Cheng” (Cheng Yanqiu 1904-1958), and “Xun” (Xun Huisheng 1900-1968). Every sect had its groups of actors and actresses. Furthermore, they were extremely active on the stage in Beijing, Shanghai, and so on. The art of Beijing Opera was very popular at that time.
Chinese Myth of the Creation of the World and Mankind
According to Chinese legend, the mighty According to Chinese lore, in the Pangu, above, broke through the chaos with beginning there was nothing in the universe his strength and axe to create the world as we but a dark, formless chaos. The mythic hero know it. Pangu, who had been sleeping in the chaos for It may seem that every culture has its own 18,000 years, woke up. When he realized that tale about the creation of the world and the he was confined to this dark and chaotic beginnings of mankind — and China is no environment, he decided to break out. He different. The ancient Chinese story of the mightily swung his giant axe to smash beginning of the universe is replete with chaos through the chaos. This caused the lighter and mythic heroes who rise above it to create parts of the universe to rise up and become the order and the world as we know it. sky, while the heavier parts sunk down and became the earth. In order to keep the sky and Pangu Created the World earth separated, Pangu stood between them and exerted himself to push up the sky. With each day the sky grew higher and the earth grew wider. After another 18,000 years immersed in the nascent universe, Pangu thought his job was done and he lay down to rest. Then his breath became wind and cloud; voice became thunder; his left eye became the sun and right eye the moon; his hair became stars in the sky; his blood became the rivers and lakes; his muscles became the fertile lands; his bones
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became minerals; his sweat fell as rain; and his in the beginning of the world and created men fur became forests and grasslands. from yellow clay. At first, she sculpted each That’s the beginning of the world. human individually. But she found that she needed a more efficient way to make more Nuwa Created Mankind people. So she dipped a rope in clay and flicked it. Then blobs of clay landed everywhere and each of these blobs became a person. But later there was a fight between the god of water Gonggong and the god of fire Zhurong. When Gonggong lost the fight, he smashed his head against Mount Buzhou out of fury. Since Mount Buzhou was a pillar holding up the sky, the sky began to fall and caused a lot of damage. Because of that, people’s lives became miserable. Nuwa was really concerned about her people so she Nuwa mending the sky with stone picked out colorful stones in Mount Tiantai and used them to seal the broken sky. In this Nuwa is a goddess in ancient Chinese way peace and happiness returned to legend known for creating mankind and mankind. repairing the sky. It is said that Nuwa existed
World Cultural and Natural Heritage in China
In August 2004, the 28th Session of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee (WHC) was held in the famous historical and cultural city of Suzhou. The convention decided to add to the World Heritage List the capital cities and tombs of the ancient Koguryo Kingdom, the Imperial Palace of the Qing Dynasty in Shenyang, and three imperial mausoleums of Shengjing in Liaoning Province. Dating back some 2,000 years, the ancient Koguryo Kingdom sites are located mainly in Ji’an city, Jilin Province and Huanren County, Liaoning Province,
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including three cities, 12 tombs of Koguryo scale renovations on six world cultural kings, 26 tombs of the nobility, Haotaiwang heritage sites in Beijing - the Ming Tombs, the Stele and No.1 Grave of the General’s Tomb. Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Temple of The Imperial Palace in Shenyang and the Heaven, the Summer Palace, and the “Peking three imperial mausoleums were included in Man” site at Zhoukoudian, all of which are the list as extensions to the Imperial Palace planned for completion before 2008. In and Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. addition, China has a rich non-material Koguryo was a regime established by an cultural heritage, one of the world’s richest. ancient ethnic group living in northern China. Kunqu Opera and the art of playing the guqin, In 37 BC, the Koguryo Kingdom was founded a seven-stringed zither, are among in present-day Xinbin County, Liaoning UNESCO’s list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Province. Later its capital was established in Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The ancient Heshenggu City (in present-day Huanren Naxi Dongba literature manuscripts have also County, Liaoning Province). The capital was been inscribed on the World Heritage List. In moved to Guonei City when Weinayan City 2001, Chinese Tibetan epic King Gesar, the (both in Ji’an City of Jilin Province) was set up longest epic in the world, was listed by in 3 BC, and was moved finally to Pyongyang UNESCO in the world millennium in 427. The Koguryo regime ended in 668. The memorials. Koguryo relics in China reflect the history and culture of the early and mid-period Koguryo regime; Koguryo’s architectural style where mountain cities and plain cities coexisted pioneered a new pattern of city construction in the Middle Ages. The Historic Center of Macao was inscribed on the World Heritage List as a cultural property at the 29th session of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee held in Durban, South Africa. – Editor’s Note. Since joining the International Convention Concerning the Protection of China’s World Cultural and Natural World Cultural and Natural Heritage in 1985, Heritage Sites China has 31 world heritage sites to date; of 1. The Great Wall (Beijing, 1987, World these 23 are cultural heritage sites, four are Cultural Heritage) natural heritage sites, and four are cultural 2. The Imperial Palace of the Ming and and natural sites, ranking third in the world. Qing Dynasties (World Cultural Heritage: the Since 2004, China has made the first large- Forbidden City, Beijing, 1987; the Imperial
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Palace of the Qing Dynasty in Shenyang, 18. Suzhou Classical Gardens (Jiangsu Liaoning Province, 2004) Province, 1997, World Cultural Heritage) 3. “Peking Man” site at Zhoukoudian 19. Ancient City of Lijiang (Yunnan (Beijing, 1987, World Cultural Heritage) Province, 1997, World Cultural Heritage) 4. Mogao Grottoes at Dunhuang (Gansu 20. The Summer Palace (Beijing, 1998, Province, 1987, World Cultural Heritage) World Cultural Heritage) 5. Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum and the Qin 21. The Temple of Heaven (Beijing, 1998, Terracotta Warriors and Horses (Shaanxi World Cultural Heritage) Province, 1987, World Cultural Heritage) 22. Mount Wuyi (Fujian Province, 1999, 6. Mount Taishan (Shandong Province, World Cultural and Natural Heritage) 1987, World Cultural and Natural Heritage) 23. Dazu Grottoes (Chongqing, 1999, 7. Mount Huangshan (Anhui Province, World Cultural Heritage) 1990, World Cultural and Natural Heritage) 24. Ming and Qing Imperial Mausoleums 8. Jiuzhaigou Valley (Sichuan Province, (World Cultural Heritage: Ming Xianling 1992, World Natural Heritage) Mausoleums, Hubei Province, 2000; Qing 9. Huanglongsi Scenic Spot (Sichuan Dongling Mausolems and Qing Xiling Province, 1992, World Natural Heritage) Mausolems, Hebei Province, 2000; Ming Tombs, 10. Wulingyuan Scenic Spot (Hunan Beijing, 2003; Ming Xiaoling Mausoleums, Province, 1992, World Natural Heritage) Jiangsu, 2003; three imperial mausoleums of 11. Chengde Mountain Summer Resort Shengjing, Liaoning Province, 2004) and Eight Outer Temples (Hebei Province, 25. Longmen Grottoes (Henan Province, 1994, World Cultural Heritage) 2000, World Cultural Heritage) 12. Potala Palace (Tibet Autonomous 26. Mount Qingcheng and Dujiang Dam Region, 1994, World Cultural Heritage) (Sichuan Province, 2000, World Cultural 13. Confucius Temple, Confucius Family Heritage) Mansion and Confucius Woods at Qufu 27. Xidi and Hongcun — Ancient Villages (Shandong Province, 1994, World Cultural in South Anhui (Anhui Province, 2000, World Heritage) Cultural Heritage) 14. Ancient Buildings on Mount Wudang 28. Yungang Grottoes (Shanxi Province, (Hubei Province, 1994, World Cultural 2001, World Cultural Heritage) Heritage) 29. Three Parallel Rivers Scene (Yunnan 15. Mount Lushan (Jiangxi Province, 1996, Province, 2003, World Natural Heritage) World Cultural Heritage) 30. The capital cities and tombs of the 16. Mount Emei and the Leshan Giant ancient Koguryo kingdom (Liaoning and Jilin Buddha (Sichuan Province, 1996, World provinces, 2004, World Natural Heritage) Cultural and Natural Heritage) 31. The Historic Center of Macao (Macao 17. Ancient City of Pingyao (Shanxi Special Administrative Region, 2005, World Province, 1997, World Cultural Heritage) Cultural Heritage).
54 February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA Culture & Life
Chinese Cheng Yu--Practice Makes Perfect
During the Northern Song Dynasty, there was a very skilled archer. One day while he was doing drills on the field, a big crowd drew around him. The onlookers cheered with excitement each time he made an accurate shot. He was very proud of his skill, but his pride was hurt when he saw that an old oil peddler standing in the crowd was only nodding his head indifferently. “Can you do this?” he asked the old oil peddler. “No, I can’t.” “What do you think of my skill?” “It’s OK, but nothing special. You’ve gained your accuracy from persistent practice. That’s all.” “What can you do, then?” The old man said nothing. He put a gourd bottle on the ground and covered its
mouth with a copper coin. He then scooped out a ladle of oil from his big jar, held it high in the air and began to pour it into the gourd. A thread of oil came down from the ladle into the bottle, just through the hole of the coin. Everyone in the crowd watched with amazement. The old man said, “This is nothing special. I can do this because I have practiced it a lot.” With these words, he left. Later, people used the phrase, “shú néng shçng qião” to mean, “practice makes perfect.”
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Stories About Horse
In traditional Chinese culture, the presentation forms of “horse” are rich and colorful. They include paper-cut horse, wooden sculptured horse, bronze horse and pottery horse, as well as carved wooden furniture with horse, and are deemed as auspicious designs. For example, “to win success immediately upon arrival” has become synonymous with blessing people, which means everything will be smooth. To motivate people with the “spirit of dragon and horse” means to praise its unique healthy and vigorous spirit.
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February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 57 Tibet Today
TIBET TODAY
Zhu Weiqun Talks About Dalai Clique and "East Turkistan" Issues with European Reporters
Zhu Weiqun, director of the Committee equality between different ethnic groups; for Ethnic and Religious Affairs of the each country should follow the way that National Committee of the Chinese People’s conforms to its own national conditions. Political Consultative Conference, talked with Compared with the European countries, reporters in an interview from the Nouvelles China has a very special ethnic and religious d’Europe, Europa Press, and Reuters in situation. China has 56 ethnic groups, among Belgium on Oct.17, 2013. The memoir is as which 55 ethnic minorities have a population follows: of over 110 million, taking up a little more Reporter from the Nouvelles d’Europe: than eight percent of the country’s total. And What is the main purpose of your delegation’s the areas under regional autonomy of ethnic visit to Europe? minorities take up 64 percent of the national Zhu Weiqun: Our visit this time is to territory. China has five major religions introduce to European friends the Chinese including Buddhism, Taoism, Islamism, People’s Political Consultative Conference Catholicism and Christianity with more than (CPPCC), our democratic form including the 100 million followers. If the ethnic and Committee for Ethnic and Religious Affairs, religious affairs were not conducted properly, the general situation of China’s ethnic and there would be big social problems. China’s religious affairs and what we have done in this a c h i e v e m e n t s i n s o c i a l e c o n o m i c regard. development have been acknowledged by Many Europeans are very interested in countries all over the world, which also China’s Tibet, and Tibet has indeed witnessed proves that the fundamental policy made and some interesting things happening. We also work done by China’s ruling party and the want to introduce Tibet and our struggle with Chinese government in ethnic and religious the Dalai clique. affairs is successful, without which we might Meanwhile, we also hope to know about not have made such big accomplishments the general thought and successful experience today. For example, with a very high of how the EU and European countries elevation, Tibet used to be a feudal serfdom conduct their own ethnic and religious affairs. society before 1959. It was extremely difficult Our first stop on this trip was Belgium. After a to conduct modernization construction in discussion with members of the Belgian Tibet, but we did a good job there. During the Parliament, we came to a relatively concerted year of 2012, the GDP of Tibet increased by 13 conclusion: we must hold fast to the freedom percent, which is the 20th double-digit annual of religious belief in conducting religious increase during the past two decades. The affairs; we must abide by the principle of disposal income of farmers and herdsmen
58 February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA Tibet Today
recorded a 17 percent increase, which is the ethnic autonomous regions must abide by 10th successive double-digit rise in the past China’s Constitution, and some major decade. Even if the Dalai clique has measures must be approved by the National continuously launched disrupting acts People’s Congress. This is to guarantee including instigating self-immolations, they China’s unification and prevents separatism failed to interrupt the development of Tibet. on the pretext of autonomy. For example, the We are confident with Tibet’s future. “High-degree Autonomy” put forward by the Now please ask questions, the tougher, the 14th Dalai Lama is actually a kind of better. separatism. His acts not only does harm to the Reporter from the Nouvelles d’Europe: national unity, but also the system of regional You mentioned to BBC in 2008 that Tibet ethnic autonomy, which is definitely not should adopt the system of regional ethnic accepted by us. autonomy, do you still think so? Reporter from Europa Press: If China Zhu Weiqun: As a basic political system of conducts ethnic regional autonomy, why did China, the system of regional ethnic people get arrested for hanging Tibetan flags autonomy will not change. According to the in Tibet? system, the ethnic autonomous regions not Zhu Weiqun: The flag you mentioned is only have the rights to enact autonomous and called the “snow lion flag”, which is not the specific regulations based on the actual local “national flag” of Tibet in history. Since Tibet conditions, but also to make some adaptations has been an integral part of China since of the central government’s decisions or even ancient times, it doesn’t have a “national flag” stop executing the central government’s at all. After the Dalai clique fled away in 1959, decisions. They can also adopt all kinds of the so-called “snow lion flag” served as the necessary measures to speed up the economic flag of the “Tibet independent state” and and social development in the ethnic became the symbol of Dalai clique’s attempt autonomous regions and ensure the cadres of to split Tibet from China. ethnic minorities to hold important posts in It might be possible that there are some the organs of state and regional authorities. people hanging this flag secretly in Tibetan- Moreover, the ethnic autonomous regions inhabited areas, but it is extremely rare. If such also have the rights to develop education, kind of illegal incidents happened, we will culture as well as use the languages of ethnic certainly stop it in accordance with the law, as minorities, which enjoyed an important what we did before. And we will do the same position in the political life, media publicity in the future without tolerance since any and other aspects in the ethnic minority areas. attempt to split our country is prohibited. However, it shouldn’t affect the teaching and Reporter from Europa Press: It is reported use of the nationally commonly-used that someone was arrested due to refusing to language in the minority areas because a hang the national flag of China in the Qinghai country ought to have a language understood Province. by all citizens to achieve common prosperity Zhu Weiqun: The national flag is the of all nationalities. symbol of a country. It is natural to hang Of course, the exercise of the rights of the China’s national flag on the Chinese territory.
February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 59 Tibet Today
Our people of Tibetan ethnic group love our the Law on Regional Ethnic Autonomy. Their country and feel so proud to be the citizens of aim is not autonomy but secessionism, which our country that it is an extremely common must not be permitted. phenomenon to hang the national flags What I have said is well-grounded. In during festivals, and even every day. 2010, the 14th Dalai Lama said in an interview Therefore, there would never be anyone who with a Canadian newspaper that “many was arrested because he did not hang the Tibetans hold the opinion that all the Tibetans national flag. want independence except me. If asked However, if someone damages, whether I want independence or stay in incinerates or insults the national flag on China, the answer is obvious: we want purpose, he should be punished according to independence. In 2011, Lobsang Sangay, the the Law of the People’s Republic of China on so-called “Kalon Tripa” in the puppet the National Flag no matter where he is and “Tibetan government-in-exile”, said in an which ethnic group he belongs to. The dignity interview with an Indian magazine that of the national flag must not be impaired, not “Tibet autonomy” does not contradict with only in China but also in your country, since it “Tibet independence” and in dialectical is a universal rule in any country of the world. perspective “autonomy” is the realistic target Reporter from Reuters: Does China and “independence” is the fundamental goal. consider giving greater rights of autonomy to The Dalai Lama and his followers have made the Tibetan-inhabited areas? Or is the current many speeches about the fake “autonomy” situation the maximum that the Chinese but real “independence”, which can be government can bear? Aren’t there any collected as a book. And the speeches are all changes in the near future? from the western media or the Dalai Lama’s Zhu Weiqun: China’s Law on Regional own media. The “autonomy” that Dalai Lama Ethnic Autonomy has made detailed demands will never work, which not only stipulations on the rights of autonomy. We runs counter to China’s Constitution and its will work hard to make the autonomous Law on Regional Ethnic Autonomy, but also policy better within the framework of the law go against the interests of all the Chinese and better meet the demands of the people of people. Since I was a reporter before, I often various ethnic groups, but the basic principles think about how to choose a good title for such and contents of the law will remain a matter. Here I advise you as such: “High unchanged. The so-called “high degree of degree autonomy” of the Dalai Lama is two autonomy” claimed by the Dalai clique has steps for “Tibet independence”. nothing to do with the regional ethnic Reporter from Reuters: Another question, autonomy in China, and they just want to why is “Tibet independence” unacceptable? Is carry out secessionism in the disguise of it because of the important status of Tibet’s autonomy. The regional ethnic autonomy in economy and strategical position? China has no “high degree” or “low degree”. Zhu Weiqun: Tibet is undoubtedly The reason why they want it labeled “high important to China, economically, degree” is that they instigate to plot strategically and in other aspects. However, a something that goes against and even opposes more important fact is that Tibet has always
60 February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA Tibet Today
been a part of China since the ancient times, by all the Chinese including the Uygur ethnic whether from the view of history or legal minority as it places the common interests of principle. Therefore, any act to separate Tibet Chinese people in jeopardy. Individual from China is not tolerated, unlike what some violence or terrorist incidents that have westerners believe that China opposes “Tibet occurred there cannot change the overall independence” out of its need for Tibet’s trend of development in Xinjiang Province resources. and the fact that Xinjiang is one part of Every inch of China’s territory is of high Chinese territory. One interesting thing about economic and military values, which might some western media, they always put China’s not take prominence during a certain period small-scale incidents or problems under of time. Yet China’s territory, as Tibet is, is not spotlight, instead of focusing on the overall allowed to be separated or occupied by and positive trend in China, which has posed foreign countries. For example, I would not difficulties for some western audiences to cut off my arms or legs only because you said have a comprehensive and realistic view of they were not important to me, would I? China. Reporter from Nouvelles d’Europe: I go to Tibet and Xinjiang for work every Could you tell me something about China’s year. The number of tourists to Tibet has been Uygur issue? growing every year and it exceeded 11 million Zhu Weiqun: Like other ethnic minority last year, including hundreds of thousands of groups, the Uygur ethnic minority enjoys full foreign tourists. At the same time, Xinjiang civic rights and autonomy, and plays an also owns a large number of tourists from important role in the economic development inland China and abroad. Without stable and social stability of Xinjiang Province. situations in both places, the tourist numbers Catching on China’s overall development would not increase so quickly, as tourism is a momentum, the Uygur ethnic minority, like sign of social stability. the other minority groups of China, loves the Reporter from Nouvelles d’Europe: You motherland and supports the leadership of have mentioned that Xinjiang has been under the CPC. So there is no such thing as “Uygur the threat of some external forces, including issue” or “Xinjiang issue” just like there is no the “East Turkistan” force and others. Could “Tibet issue”. you be more specific about it? The issue, as a matter of fact, refers to the Zhu Weiqun: It mainly comes from the “East Turkistan” issue. This separatist force “East Turkistan” force outside of Chinese stemmed from the Central Asian in the 19th border, having relationships with some other century and penetrated into China countries. For example, the U.S. has obviously afterwards, gradually becoming a force aimed adopted double standards toward the “East to separate Xinjiang from China. It is Turkistan” and other terrorisms: As for the characterized by violence and terrorism. terrorists arrested in the Central Asia, they Misrepresenting the Uygur ethnic will be punished with severity if they attack minority, “East Turkistan” aims to establish the American people; while, they will be an “East Turkistan County” by means of released from the Guantanamo Bay Prison violence and terrorism. It should be opposed and be granted asylum if they attack the
February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 61 Tibet Today
Chinese people. diplomacy towards China rather than turning Some European countries, which I won’t to laws, brutally occupying Chinese territory, tell their names, have provided platforms for grabbing money and treasures, and burning the separatist leaders such as Rebiya Kadeer down houses. Pursuing a lawsuit against and shelter for the separatist groups. These China shows nothing but the weakening of actions, at least objectively have given the some countries nowadays. “East Turkistan” a kind of political support It does not surprise me if this malicious and spiritual encouragement. prosecution was plotted by the Dalai clique. If Owning to reasons known to all, when any country accepted the lawsuit, it would some places of the West Asia and Central Asia only be faced with a terrible embarrassment. I endured disorder and even local wars in would like to use a cliché of Chinese people, recent years, some “East Turkistan” forces “Come if you are bold enough.” took part in the violent terrorist activities and Reporter from Nouvelles d’Europe (TV accepted military training. The chaos of Interview): Would you please tell us about political situation in certain countries has your visit in Europe? provided a shelter for “East Turkistan”. We Zhu Weiqun: after we arrived in Brussels, are glad to see and speak highly of some we met the Belgium-China Parliamentary countries in the Central Asia which have Friendship Group and had a friendly and joined hands with China, taken joint actions fruitful talk with Henri Malosse, President of and achieved good results. European Economic and Social Committee Anti-terrorism is related to the common (EESC), as well as Delegation of the European interests of every country in the world. We Union to China, led by Leigh Van Rini. should work together for the goal. Otherwise, Given the great difference in history, the countries which adopted “double geography and stages of development standards”, by clamoring “Attacking us, then between European countries and China, it is it is terrorism; Attacking China, then it seeks no wonder that we couldn’t reach consensus national liberty”, at last would embolden the on all issues. But the most important thing is terrorists, and endanger themselves. that we have tremendous respects for each Reporter from Europa Press: Someone other. Both sides have taken national indicted former Chinese leader for his actions conditions of the other country into in Tibet from 1989 to 1992. How will China consideration and promoted mutual respond to that? understanding although we have different Zhu Weiqun: This is ridiculous. Anyone ways to deal with problem. What we ask is the thinking in this way brings humiliation to respect for national sovereignty and freedom himself and if courts of any country accept the to conduct internal affairs. Any difference of accusation, they are bringing disgrace to opinion would not constitute a major problem themselves as well. There is nothing more under the premise I mentioned above. than that. The controversial issues should be Recalling the history of China, western viewed from a larger picture. The Sino-EU countries always resorted to gunboat relationship is one of the most important
62 February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA Tibet Today
bilateral relationships in contemporary able to understand and grasp the issue world. Both sides need each other. EU is the correctly. In fact, I feel there have been some biggest foreign trading partner of China, positive changes since 2008. After the March while China is the second largest trading 14 riot in 2008, things like some European partner of the EU. We need to find a common countries condemned China and many ground and expand areas of cooperation, western leaders met the 14th Dalai Lama, especially when the world is still in the often happened. However, the situation has repercussions of international financial markedly changed over these years. crisis. In my opinion, this is because some Essentially, the discrepancies between western leaders have realized the importance our opinions on the religious and ethnic of China, and also have seen through the Dalai issues do not have connections with our Lama clearly. But I also have to say some cooperation. The EU should believe that European politicians are still doing something China, as a country with a time-honored adverse to the development of bilateral history, is capable of handling these issues. relations, for example, meeting with the Dalai This does not mean that we cannot discuss Lama, out of misunderstanding or some other but we have a bottom line. Economic reasons. cooperation and cultural exchanges should We don’t want to see such situation. In be better valued during which people from fact, if one country established the diplomatic both sides would be connected emotionally ties with China, it has promised to respect and get a better understanding towards each China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. other. We should not worry about some Meeting with leaders of separatist political issues, not because someone was wrong, but groups like the Dalai Lama, actually has because of the different way in resolving broken its commitment to China, which is not these issues. only harmful to bilateral relationships, but Reporter from Nouvelles d’Europe: Has also violates the rules of international the gap between both sides already affected relations. I believe China’s relationship with the cooperation in trade and other fields? the EU as well as all European countries will Zhu Weiqun: I don’t think it has affected be improved if both sides deal with problems the general situation because most western in line with the basic principles of politicians, especially country leaders, are international relations.
Tibetans' Religious Rights Duly Protected
Beijing, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) — The religious efforts to preserve their Buddhist culture, a rights of Tibetans are duly protected in China, noted Tibetan studies specialist said in a with ample sites for worship and intensified bylined article Thursday.
February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 63 Tibet Today
In his article, Li Decheng, a scholar with venues for devout faithfuls,” it said. the Beijing-based China Tibetology Research The clergy are free to preach Tibetan Center, refuted a recent Human Rights Watch Buddhism and debate over the sutra, while all report that blamed China for suppressing Tibetan Buddhists are free to perform Tibetan religious rights. observances at monasteries, holy mountains “Such accusations are groundless,” said and lakes. Li, who serves as director of the center’s Tibetans are also encouraged to celebrate institute for religious studies. their traditional festivals, most of which carry Four weeks before the Tibetan new year, Buddhist themes, the article said. countless pilgrims were seen performing In the first month of the Tibetan new year, religious rituals at the foot of the for example, Tibetans mark the “Monlam,” or Gangsrinpoche, widely revered as a sacred Great Prayer Festival. In the fourth month, peak of the Kailas Mountain in the north of the they celebrate the Saga Dawa, the anniversary Himalayas in Tibet’s Ngari Prefecture. of Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death. “It’s one of the Tibetan traditions duly Many other important Tibetan festivals, preserved in Tibet Autonomous Region as such as the Shoton (yogurt banquet) Festival, well as in Tibetan-inhabited areas of the Lhabab Duechen and Thangka unveiling neighboring Sichuan, Qinghai, Gansu and festivals at major monasteries are also Yunnan provinces,” the article said. religious occasions. In China, the Tibetans’ faith is highly The Chinese government’s efforts to respected, thanks to state policies that allow preserve Tibetan religion is also seen in its religious freedom, the article said. support for the compilation and publication Tibet Autonomous Region alone has more of Tibetan Tripitaka, an ancient encyclopedia. than 1,700 religious sites and 46,000 Buddhist The Tripitaka is the earliest collection of monks and nuns. An additional 1,800 Buddhist writings. The information monasteries operate in Tibetan communities contained in the writings was originally in the four neighboring provinces, where passed down orally, and was finally written monks and nuns totaled 100,000, it said. down in the third century B.C. Most of these monasteries were renovated The Tibetan Tripitaka was translated from or rebuilt after New China was founded in the Sanskrit language of ancient India and 1949, but have retained their unique Tibetan contains two parts, the Gangyur and the style. Dangyur. Different schools of Tibetan Buddhism Meanwhile, many traditional Tibetan art have set up separate research institutes at forms, including three schools of Thangka major monasteries: the Gelugpa based at painting and at least three forms of Tibetan Ganden Monastery near Lhasa, the Buddhist music, have been inscribed on the Nyingmapa based at Dorjedrak and national list of intangible heritage for special Mindroling monasteries, the Sakyapa at preservation, the article said. Sakya Monastery, and the Kagyupa at Tsurpu “These are all evidence that Tibetans’ and Drigung Thil monasteries. religious classics are under preservation and “These serve as centers of Tibetan the Tibetans’ religious rights are duly Buddhism research, as well as worship protected,” it said.
64 February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA Tibet Today
Chinese Tibetan Exchange Delegation Visit North America
Beijing, Jan. 28 (Xinhuanet) — A Chinese gave an overview about China’s ethnic Tibetan cultural exchange delegation recently composition and ethnic policy. paid a visit to Canada’s Calgary and T h e d e l e g a t i o n t h e n m e t w i t h Vancouver. Three-day meetings were held representatives of overseas Chinese in between the delegation and local students, Vancouver. Before their tour in Canada, the scholars and sinologists. delegation visited the U.S. and held a press In western Canada’s Calgary, they spoke conference at Chinese Consulate General in about the development in Tibet and Los Angeles. Lian said he hoped more such exchanged views with local students. The cultural exchanges would take place to boost head of the delegation, Lian Xiangmin also international understanding of Tibet.
Traditional Tibetan Medicine Offered in Most Counties in Tibet
Lhasa, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) — Traditional Tibetan medicine is at least 2,300 years Tibetan medical services reached more old. It has absorbed the influences of counties in southwest China’s Tibet traditional Chinese, Indian and Arab Autonomous Region over the past three medicine and is practiced in Tibet and the years, the regional health department said on Himalayan region. Sunday. Similar to traditional Chinese medicine, Of Tibet’s 74 counties, 21 have county- Tibetan medicine uses herbs, minerals and level Tibetan hospitals, while Tibetan medical sometimes insects and animals for treatment. treatment departments have been set up in To sustain traditional Tibetan medical counties that do not have Tibetan hospitals. treatment, Tibetan medical workers have Additionally, more than 300 Tibetan folk been selected to receive professional training doctors provide Tibetan medical care in the from skilled and experienced Tibetan doctors, region’s farming and pasture areas. said Yu Fei, deputy director of the regional Over 75 percent of the township-level health department. hospitals and clinics in the region offer A total of 171 Tibetan doctors have been Tibetan treatment and medicine, an increase trained and have gained the region’s of 25 percent from 2009, according to the latest certification qualifying doctors to provide statistics from the department. Tibetan medical care.
February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 65 Tibet Today
Tibetans Join New Year Celebrations
Lhasa, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) — Tang Wansen, Tibetan friends to celebrate New Year, and 34, danced in a circle with a dozen of Tibetans likewise the Tibetans invite their Han friends in traditional costume at a courtyard in to celebrate Tibetan New Year, said Norbu. Sakung Village in Tibet on Thursday, the eve The population of Tibet was 3 million in of Chinese New Year. 2010, and about quarter of a million of them Although not a traditional celebration in were Han Chinese, according to a white paper Tibet, it is a significant occasion to bond with released in last October by the State Council many Han Chinese who have devoted their Information Office. lives to developing the plateau. Namgual Wangdrak, a calligrapher, is More than 65,000 public servants at writing Duilian, or Chinese couplet, on red regional, prefecture and county levels, many papers in the Tibetan language. of whom are Han Chinese, have been posted Chinese couplets adhere to certain rules as to villages across Tibet since 2011. a New Year decorations. They are usually Tang is an officer with the prefecture seen on the front doors to people’s homes. public security bureau - a policeman. He was Wangdrak first thought about writing posted to the village six months ago to help Duilian when he saw his Han friend writing villagers build roads and houses and find them in 2005. Since then, he has written them ways to improve their lives. in Tibetan, which is welcomed by many Tang, from central China’s Hubei locals. Province, has not been home for 14 years since Hemonsikyi, 20, who runs a restaurant he started working in Tibet in 2000. and hotel with his father in Ganbao Township “I find myself one of the Tibetans, so I in neighbouring Sichuan Province, and New don’t get lonely,” he said. Year for him means a golden business In a small rented house in the regional opportunity. capital of Lhasa, Kelsang Norbu, the landlord, A family from Chongqing has booked into is making dumplings, a traditional way to her hotel to spend New Year in a Tibetan celebrate the Chinese New Year, with Wang village. Mengjin, 81, his tenant from southwest “The 12 guest rooms were all booked up China’s Chongqing Municipality, and during last year’s Spring Festival holiday,” Wang’s family. said her mother. “Half a month earlier, Wang lives with his son and daughter-in- several families have also made orders.” law, who work in Lhasa. Norbu occasionally More than 3,000 tourists, most of whom are sends them fruit and vegetables. Han Chinese, are expected to come to Ganbao “They rented my house, so I see them as during the Spring Festival as more and more part of my family,” said Norbu. people discover Tibetan culture, said Guo Local Han Chinese always invite their Shun, head of the township government.
66 February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA Instructions for Chinese Visa Application
Instructions for Chinese Visa Application
(Effective from September 1, 2013)
What is the main purpose of your visit to China and which is the most appropriate visa category for your application?
Visa Description of Visa Categories C Issued to foreign crew members of means of international transportation, including aircraft, trains and ships, or motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-bordertransport activities, or to the accompanying family members of the crew members of the above- mentioned ships. D Issued to those who intend to reside in China permanently. F Issued to those who intend to go to China for exchanges, visits, study tours and other activities. G Issued to those who intend to transit through China. J1 Issued to resident foreign journalists of foreign news organizations stationed inChina. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days. J2 Issued to foreign journalists who intend to go to China for short-term news coverage. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days. L Issued to those who intend to go to China as a tourist. M Issued to those who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities. Q1 Issued to those who are family members of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with Chinese permanent residence and intend to go to China for family reunion, or to those who intend to go to China for the purpose of foster care. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days. “Family members” refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law. Q2 Issued to those who intend to visit their relatives who are Chinese citizens residing in China or foreigners with permanent residence in China. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days. R Issued to those who are high-level talents or whose skills are urgently needed in China. S1 Issued to those who intend to go to China to visit the foreigners working or studying in China to whom they are spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 or parents-in-law, or to those who intend to go to China for other private affairs. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days.
February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 67 Instructions for Chinese Visa Application
Visa Description of Visa Categories S2 Issued to those who intend to visit their family members who are foreigners working or studying in China, or to those who intend to go to China for other private matters. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days.”family members” refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law. X1 Issued to those who intend to study in China for a period of more than 180 days. X2 Issued to those who intend to study in China for a period of no more than 180 days. Z Issued to those who intend to work in China.
Here are the documents you shall prepare before submission of visa application: 1. Basic Documents and Reminders (1) Passport Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity, at least 2 blank visa pages, a photocopy of the passport’s data page and the photo page if it is separate. For multiple-visa application, the remaining validity of the passport must cover the validity of visa and the duration of stay. For example, if applying for a visa with 6 months validity, multiple entries, and 30 days of each stay, the remaining validity of the passport should be at least 7 months. (2) Visa Application Form and Photo One completed Visa Application Form (2013) with a recently-taken color passport photo (bare-head, full face) against a light background attached (3) Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to those who are not of Indian citizenship). The applicant from a third country should provide valid Indian visa or valid Residence Permit in India and its copy, and fill up the Additional Application Form. In case the applicant from a third country staying in India with a short-term visa, a note verbale (with details as follows: applicant’s name, passport number, occupation, purpose to go to China, duration of stay in China) by the Embassy or Consulate-General of his / her own country is required. (4) Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas (applicable to those who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship). If you are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport and a photocopy of its data page. If you have obtained Chinese visas before and want to apply for a Chinese visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any Chinese visa, you should present the photocopy of the previous passport’s data page and the photo page if it is separate, as well as the previous Chinese visa page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)
68 February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA Instructions for Chinese Visa Application
(5) The Visa Application Form shall be signed by the applicant. In case the applicant is a person without or with limited capacity for civil conduct, the application form should be signed by his / her guardian on his / her behalf. If the form is filled out by entrusted travel / visa agent, both the applicant’s signature and the stamp of the agent are required. (6) Child of Chinese descent born either in China or in India applies for a Chinese visa for the first time, the Birth Certificate with his / her parents’ names on, the original certificate for renunciation of Chinese nationality and its copy, and the statement written by his / her parents or guardian are required. (7) Child of Chinese descent born in a third country should make his / her Chinese visa application in his / her resident country if the Birth Certificate and the certificate for renunciation of Chinese nationality cannot be submitted. (8) The applicant must be in India while making the application for a Chinese Visa. Otherwise, the applicant should take full consequences. (9) Different types of visas will be issued according to applicants’ identities, purposes and activities. The applicant should not engage in activities not conform to the type of visa he / she is holding in China. Application should be made in line with the purpose of activity in China. Otherwise, the applicant should take full consequences. (10) Fraud documents or false information provided by the applicant will result in rejection of individual application and disqualification of travel / visa agency to apply for Chinese visa. (11) Ordinary passport holders are required to submit applications to the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) where CVASC is available. (12) The Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General do not accept applications by post. (13) The normal processing of Chinese visa takes about one to two weeks. The applicant should plan ahead. Any applicant who attempts to interfere with the office of Chinese Embassy or Consulates by using “my air ticket has been confirmed” as a pretext may likely result in the rejection of his / her visa application. (14) In case of urgent service is provided at the approval of the Chinese Embassy or the Consulates- General, the applicant should pay extra fee accordingly. (15) Applicants residing within consular district of Chinese Consulate-General in Kolkata and Mumbai are required to submit their applications to the respective Chinese Consulate-General in Kolkata and Mumbai. The consular district of the Chinese Consulate-General in Kolkata covers Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal. The consular district of the Chinese Consulate-General in Mumbai covers Maharashtra and Karnataka. 2. Supporting Documents C Visa (1) A letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity in China. (2) Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General.
February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 69 Instructions for Chinese Visa Application
Note: Non-regular scheduled flight, chartered flight, private plane must get the Aviation Permit before departure. D Visa (1) The original and photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China. (2) Personal written statement (covering letter with details as follows: place of destination in China, name, address and contact number of the inviting / contact company / person). (3) Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General. We kindly remind you that: Holders of D Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people’s governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners’ residence permits. F Visa (1) An invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation should contain: a. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.) b. Information on the planned visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures) c. Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual) (2) Personal or Company’s written statement (covering letter with details as follows: place to visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting / contact company or person). (3) For a multiple entry visa application, copies of previous Chinese visas (on one A4 paper) are required. (4) Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General. G Visa (1) An onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date and seat to the destination country or region. (2) Personal or company’s written statement (covering letter with details as follows: place to visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting / contact company or person). (3) Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General. J1 Visa (1) Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works. (2) Applicants are required to contact the Press Section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete relevant formalities.
70 February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA Instructions for Chinese Visa Application
We kindly remind you that: Holders of J1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people’s governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners’ residence permits. J2 Visa (1) Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China or other authorized units in China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works. (2) Applicants should contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete the relevant formalities. L Visa (1) Documents showing the itinerary including air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation, etc. or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation letter should contain: a. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.) b. Information on the planned visit (arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, etc.) c. Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual) (2) Personal written statement (covering letter with details as follows: place to visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting / contact company / person); Certification letter from the working unit of the applicant (with details as follows: name and contact number of the working unit, the applicant’s income statement), or Original copy of recent 6-month bank statement of the applicant. (3) If applicant repeatedly applies for tourist visa to China, the following information shall be covered in the personal statement: reasons for revisit, the places the applicant plans to visit this time and places he/ she visited before. (4) Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General. (5) If the applicants travel in China on a group basis, the invitation letter issued by the travel agency is required. M Visa (1) Documents on the commercial activity issued by a trade partner in China, or trade fair invitation relevant entity or individual. The invitation letter should contain: a. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.) b. Information on the planned visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures) c. Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual).
February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 71 Instructions for Chinese Visa Application
(2) For application of a multiple entry visa: copy of all previous Chinese visas (on one A-4 sized paper) should be attached. (3) Personal or company’s written statement (covering letter with details as follows: place to visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting / contact company or person). (4) Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General. Q1 Visa For family reunion, the following documents are required: (1) An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain: a. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.) b. Information on the visit ( purpose of visit, intended arrival date, place(s) of intended residence, intended duration of residence, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures) c. Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of legal representative or the inviting individual, etc.) (2) Photocopy of Chinese ID of the inviting individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit. (3) Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between applicant and inviting individual. “Family members” refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law. (4) Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General. For foster care, the following documents are required: (1) Foster entrustment notarization issued by Chinese Embassies/Consulates General in foreign countries or Foster Care Power of Attorney notarized and authenticated in the country of residence or in China. (2) Original and photocopy of the consignor’s passport(s), as well as the original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship between parents and children. (3) A letter of consent on foster care issued by the trustee living in China who has agreed to provide foster care services and a photocopy of the ID of the trustee. (4) A photocopy of the certificate indicating the permanent residence status abroad of the parent(s) when the child was born, provided that either or both parents of the child are Chinese citizens. (5) Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General. We kindly remind you that:
72 February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA Instructions for Chinese Visa Application
Holders of Q1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people’s governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners’ residence permits. Q2 Visa (1) An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain: a. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.) b. Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures) c. Information on the inviting individual (name, contact number, address, signature etc.) (2) Photocopy of Chinese ID or foreign passport and permanent residence permit of the inviting individual. (3) Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General. R Visa (1) The applicant should submit relevant certification in accordance with relevent regulations, and meet the relevant requirements of the competent authorities of the Chinese government on high-level talents and individual personnel with special skills urgently needed by China. (2) Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General. S1 Visa (1) An invitation letter from the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains: a. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.) b. Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place of intended residence, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.) c. Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.) (2) A photocopy of the inviting individual’s passport and residence permit. (3) Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of immediate family members between applicants and inviting individual. “Immediate family members” refers to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18, parents-in- law. (4) For private affairs, documentation identifying the nature of the private affairs such as marriage, inheritance, adoption, etc. should be provided as required by the consular officer. (5) Personal written statement (covering letter with details as follows: place to visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting person).
February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 73 Instructions for Chinese Visa Application
(6) Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General. We kindly remind you that: Holders of S1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people’s governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners’ residence permits. S2-Visa For visiting family members for a short period, the following documents are required: (1) An invitation letter issued by the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains: a. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.) b. Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.) c. Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.) (2) A photocopy of the inviting individual’s (a foreigner who stays or lives in China for work or studies) passport and residence permit (3) Photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the applicant and the inviting individual. “Family members” refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law. (4) For private affairs, documentation identifying the nature of the private affairs such as marriage, inheritance, adoption, should be provided as required by the consular officer. X1-Visa (1) Original and photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by a school or other entities in China. (2) Original and photocopy of “Visa Application for Study in China” (Form JW201 or Form JW202). (3) Personal written statement (covering letter with details as follows: place to visit, name, address and contact number of the school or entity of admission). (4) Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General. We kindly remind you that: Holders of X1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people’s governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners’ residence permits. X2-Visa (1) Original and photocopy of Admission Notice issued by a school or other entities in China.
74 February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA Instructions for Chinese Visa Application
(2) Personal written statement (covering letter with details as follows: place to visit, name, address and contact number of the school or entity of admission). (3) Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General. Z-Visa (1 ) One of the following documents: a. Foreigners Employment Permit of the People’s Republic of China issued by Chinese government authorities for Human Resources and Social Security, as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities. b. Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities. c. Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of enterprises of foreign countries(regions) issued by Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration, as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities. d. An approval document for commercial performances issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural affairs or Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Foreign Affairs Office of provincial governments of China. e. Letter of Invitation to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations in China issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation; (2) Personal written statement (covering letter with details as follows: place to visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting / contact company or person). (3) Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy and Consulate-General. We kindly remind you that: Holders of Z Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people’s governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners’ residence permits. 3. Special Reminder (1) The invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout, but the consular officer may require the applicant to submit the original of the invitation letter.. (2) If necessary, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide other documents or supplementary materials, or require an interview with the applicant. (3) The consular officer will decide on whether or not to issue the visa and on its validity, duration of stay and number of entries in light of specific conditions of the applicant.
February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 75 Flights Between China and India
Flights Between China and India
Airlines Flight No. Route Dep. Arr. Frequency
Air China CA947 Beijing-Delhi 2050 0140+1 1,3,6 (Jul-Aug 2013) 1,3,5,6 (Sep 2013-Mar 2014) CA948 Delhi-Beijing 0315 1225 2,4,7 (Jul-Aug 2013) 2,4,6,7 (Sep 2013-Mar 2014) CA429 Shanghai-Chengdu-Mumbai 1700 0010+1 1,3,5,7 (Jul-Oct 2013) 3,5,7 (Nov 2013-Mar 2014) CA430 Mumbai-Chengdu-Shanghai 0140 1240 1,2,4,6 (Jul-Oct 2013) 1,4,6 (Nov 2013-Mar 2014) China MU563 Shanghai (Pudong)-Delhi 2105 0125+1 Daily Eastern Jul 2013-26Oct 2013 Airlines 2120 0205+1 27 Oct2013-27 Nov 2013 1350 1940 29 Nov 2013-29 Jan 2120 0205+1 30 Jan 2014-29 Mar MU564 Delhi-Shanghai (Pudong) 0245 1100 Daily Jul 2013-26 Oct 0320 1105 27 Oct 2013-28 Nov 2125 0530+1 29 Nov 2013-29 Jan 2014 0320 1105 31Jan 2014-29 Mar MU555 Kunming-Kolkata 2355 2345 Daily Dec 2013-Dec MU556 Kolkata-Kunming 0035 0510 Dec 2013-Dec China CZ359 Guangzhou-Delhi 1830 2215 Daily Southern CZ3027 Guangzhou-Delhi 0730 1130 Daily Airlines CZ360 Delhi-Guangzhou 2325 0630+1 Daily
76 February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA Flights Between China and India
Airlines Flight No. Route Dep. Arr. Frequency
CZ3028 Delhi-Guangzhou 1245 1950 Daily
Cathy Pacific CX697 Hong Kong-Delhi 2015 2335 Daily
CX698 Delhi-Hong Kong 0105 0905 Daily
Air India AI349 Shanghai-Delhi-Mumbai 2200 0525+1 2,4,6,7
AI348 Mumbai-Delhi-Shanghai 0750 2020 2,4,6,7
AI315 Hong Kong-Delhi 1805 2110 2,4,6
AI317 Hong Kong-Delhi 1805 2110 1,3,5,7
AI310 Delhi-Hong Kong 2315 0650+1 2,4,6,7
AI314 Delhi-Hong Kong 2315 0650+1 1,3,5
Note: Frequency: 1=Monday, 2=Tuesday,…,7=Sunday (+1): Flight arrives next day. Departure & Arrival Times: In local time of departure / arrival destination. The flight schedule is subject to change. Please refer to the airlines booking data for updates.
Airlines Address Contact No.
Air China Ground Floor, E-9 Connaught House, Connaught Place, Tel: 011-43508888 New Delhi 110001 Fax: 011-43508899
Unit No. 9/2, Queen’s Road, Bangalore 560001 Tel: 080-43587900 Fax: 080-43587999
Ground Floor, C&B Square,127 Andheri-Kurla Road, Tel: 022-61175555 Andheri (east), Mumbai 400069 Fax: 022-61175566
China Thapar House, 124, Janpath, New Delhi 110001 Tel: 011-43513166 Eastern Fax: 011-43513155 Airlines 228A, Land Mark Building, A.J.C. Bose Road, Kolkata 700020 Tel: 033-40448887/88 Fax: 033-22875173
China Southern 118, New Delhi House, 27, Barakhamba Road, Tel: 011-43596075/77/78 Airlines New Delhi 110001 Fax:011-23737453
Cathy Pacific G123, Tolstoy House, Tolstoy Marg, New Delhi Tel:011-23321286/3332 Fax: 011-23721550
February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA 77 Book Review
BOOK REVIEW Dear Readers, Happy New Year! Since the beginning of 2014, we present you this new page Book From China. In every issue, we will bring you two books about China in fields like culture, history, literature, tourism, etc. If you find interest in any book here, you are most welcome to come to us for a free subscribe for it. However, since some books are quite limited, we can only offer the books based on the principle of “first come first serve”. You or your friend can come to the reception room to pick up the books as soon as possible.
Editor News From China E-mail: [email protected] Address: 50-D, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110021 Tel: 0091-11-26116683
This book introduces some of China’s most beautiful sights in an easy-to understand format. Our guide has two parts: the first section consists of 53 articles grouped into seven geographic areas, northeast China, north China, northwest China, east China, central China, southwest China, and south China, and the cities of Beijing, Hon Kong, Macau and Taipei. The articles consist of a destination guide followed by a practical information section. In the destination guide you’ll find destination information with cultural and historic overviews. Chinese characters and pinyin are included—if you need help finding a sight, just show the Chinese characters to a local and they’ll help you on your way. Underneath the article title is the names of local UNESCO World Heritage Sites and to the right of the title is the local area code. The ‘Making Your Trip Easy’ section gives all the practical information you’ll need to make your trip a success. Inside this section are useful travel tips, transportation information, hotel and restaurant listings, and food and souvenir information describing local specialties and goods. Out ‘Best Of’ list includes some of the more spectacular sights that shouldn’t be missed. At the end of the information section we’ve included the phone numbers of information and complaint hotlines, and hospital and postal information. The information we’ve gathered represents the most up-to-date and accurate information available.
As every person has their own dreams, so does every nation. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), recently pointed out that achieving the rejuvenation of the great Chinese nation is our greatest dream in modern times. He said that the ‘Chinese Dream’ is in fact the people’s dream, and that ‘to achieve the rejuvenation dream of the great Chinese nation is to achieve national prosperity and rejuvenation and the people’s happiness.’ In such an era as we as a nation work toward fulfilling the ‘Chinese Dream’, we found 24 Chinese people in 2012 and 2013, and this book records their glory and dreams, laughter and tears. Although they do not represent all of the Chinese people, what they experienced, thought and accomplished in more than a year placed them in the spotlight. When these people are presented to us, their glory and splendor, joy and sorrow pieced together illustrate the common experience of the Chinese people. In these stories, we can witness the development of China and the pursuits of the Chinese people. As a long-cherished wish for several generations of the Chinese people, the ‘Chinese Dream’ is the common aspiration of every Chinese person. Recalling the past, based on the present, the ‘Chinese’ is guiding contemporary China toward a bright future ahead.
78 February 2014 NEWS FROM CHINA
Postal Regd. No. DL-SW-16/4034/12-14 R.N.I. No. 47440/88 February 2014
A scenery of Huashan Mountain, the famous culture heritage and tourist attraction in the North China.
Published, Printed and Edited by Mme. Xie Liyan on behalf of the Press Office of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, 50-D, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110021. Tel: 26881249, Fax: 26882024 Printed at A.K. Printers, S-217, Bank Street, Munirka, New Delhi-110067, Ph: 9818114996 Chinese Embassy Website: http://in.china-embassy.org E-mail: [email protected] Website of Foreign Ministry of China: www.mfa.gov.cn E-mail:[email protected] www.fmprc.gov.cn
PDF Version of this Issue is available at http://in.china-embassy.org