• Chinese Premier Holds Talks With U.S. President
  
• Work Together to Open a New Chapter in China-U.S. Trade and Economic Cooperation
  
• Working Together to Write A New Chapter In China-U.S. Relations
  
• Turning Your Eyes to China
  
  
  
  

  Chinese Premier Holds Talks With U.S. President

  
         

  Premier Wen Jiabao: Only when we strongly and unswervingly oppose the "Taiwan Independence" can we maintain peace and stability of the Straits. As long as there is a glimpse of hope, we would never forsake our efforts to maintain peace.
       
         Bush: The U.S. Government sticks to the one-China policy and is against "Taiwan independence." The United States opposes any unilateral attempt to change the status quo.
     
         On December 9, 2003, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, who was paying an official visit to the United States, held talks with U.S. President George W. Bush in the White House. The two leaders exchanged in-depth views on China-U.S. relations and on regional and international issues of common concern.
     
         The White House South Lawn witnessed waving national flags of China and the United States in the air of near-year-end Washington. At 9:50 a.m., the motorcade of Premier Wen Jiabao arrived at the White House welcomed by waiting President Bush and Laura. Both sides exchanged greetings. President Bush introduced Vice President Richard Bruce Cheney and other U.S. officials to Premier Wen, and accompanied him to mount the dais to inspect the Guards of Honor, while the military band playing the national anthems of the two countries and a solute of 19 guns reverberating above the White House. After the inspection, the two leaders made remarks respectively. Describing China as a great civilization, a great power, and a great nation, Bush said that the United States is expecting to further cooperation with China in view to addressing challenges of times. He also expressed that Premier Wen's visit to the United States would promote the development of bilateral relations. In his address, Premier Wen pointed out that both sides are at a crucial juncture of carrying their relationship into the future where they face both opportunities and challenges. The changing situation has continued to add new substance to China-U.S. relations. The fundamental interests of the two peoples and the people across the world require that China and the United States step up cooperation, increase mutual trust, and further push forward the constructive and cooperative bilateral relations. Wen urged the two sides to view and handle China-U.S. relations from a historical height, and with strategic foresight and courage. The three Sino-U.S. communiques set the guiding principles for appropriately addressing differences between the two countries, and continuing to broaden bilateral exchanges and cooperation. So long as the two sides continue to strictly abide by the principles as set forth in the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques, and boost cooperation, China-U.S. relationship will keep moving forward steadily, said the Chinese premier. The remarks of Bush and Wen drew loud applauses from people attending the ceremony on the South Lawn.
     
         In the following talks between the two leaders, Wen noted that President Jiang Zemin and President Bush set the objective of developing China-U.S. constructive and cooperative relations in Shanghai in October, 2001. "I am expecting to join the U.S. side to push forward the China-U.S. relations in a sound and stable approach, and that's why it is with frank, cooperative and constructive attitude I pay this visit," said the Chinese premier.
     
         Bush said that it is extremely important for the United States and China to strengthen their cooperation and he hoped bilateral constructive and cooperative relations could keep going on.
     
         On the Taiwan question, Wen indicated that the basic principle of China is "peaceful reunification" and "one country, two systems", and China would try its best with its utmost sincerity to achieve the peaceful reunification of the motherland. The Chinese Government respects the desire of people in Taiwan for democracy, but we must point out that the attempts of Taiwan authorities, headed by Chen Shuibian, are only using democracy as an excuse and attempt to resort to a "defensive referendum" to break Taiwan away from China, he added.
     
         Wen stressed to maintain peace and stability of the Straits is in the interests of peoples on both sides of the Straits. "Only when we strongly and unswervingly oppose the 'Taiwan Independence,' can we maintain peace and stability of the Straits," said the Chinese premier. "As long as there is a glimpse of hope, we would never forsake our efforts to maintain peace."
     
         Bush noted that the U.S. side understands the concern of the Chinese side, adding that the U.S. Government sticks to the one-China policy, remains committed to the three U.S.-China communiques and is against "Taiwan independence." He said the policy will not change. Bush also mentioned that the United States does not approve of the recent messages from Taiwan to change its status quo, saying the United States opposes any unilateral attempt to change the status quo.
     
         On the Korean nuclear issue, Bush extended his thanks to Wen for China's efforts to deliver the six-party talks on the issue, and said that the United States is willing to carry on cooperation with related parties to seek for a peaceful solution. Wen noted that China advocates for a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula and a peaceful solution of the Korean nuclear issue through diplomatic means, to maintain peace and stability of the region. At the same time, the Chinese premier pointed out that reasonable security concerns of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea should also be addressed. The Chinese side will continue to step up cooperation with related parties to promote the process of the six-party talks, Wen said.
     
         The two leaders agreed that China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation can bring about tremendous benefits for both peoples, and problems arising from trade issues are normal and should be handled properly.
     
         Wen proposed five principles that he said are of importance to ensure a sustainable and sound development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations. First, strengthen cooperation, and achieve mutual benefit and a win-win result. Second, attach paramount importance to development, and solve the trade deficit through expanded economic and trade cooperation. China hopes the United States would lift its restrictions on exports to China. Third, establish and improve economic and trade coordination mechanism. Fourth, solve problems through consultations on an equal footing, instead of imposing restrictions and sanctions at will. Fifth, don't politicize economic and trade issues. Bush echoed Wen on these principles. He said that China has an eye-catching fast economic growth rate and the robust development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations is in the fundamental interests of both sides.
     
         The two leaders agreed to raise the profile of the China-U.S. Joint Committee on Commerce and Trade, with Vice Premier Wu Yi as the chairman on the Chinese side and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Don Evans and Trade Representative Robert B. Zoellick as cochairmen on the U.S. side. The committee will hold a meeting next spring.
     
         In response to Bush's question, Wen introduced China's currency exchange rate mechanism and efforts for intellectual property right protection.
     
         At a joint press conference after their talks, the two leaders spoke highly of the progress in China-U.S. relations. They said their talks was fruitful, and both sides share common interests in various fields and will beef up mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. They also took up questions of the correspondents. Asked whether the United States thinks Taiwan should scrap the plan to hold a "defensive referendum" in March 2004, Bush said the comments and actions by the Taiwan authorities indicate that they may unilaterally change the status quo of Taiwan, adding that the United States opposes such an intention.
  
         Later Premier Wen attended a luncheon in his honor hosted by Bush in the White House. Members of Premier Wen's party including Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, and U.S. Vice President Cheney, Secretary of State Colin Powell and other U.S. high-ranking officials, were present at the activities.
  
  
  
  
  

  Work Together to Open a New Chapter in China-U.S. Trade and Economic Cooperation

  
         Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao proposed five principles on fair trade and economic partnership between China and the United States in his speech entitled "Work Together to Open a New Chapter in China-US Trade and Economic Co-operation," which was made at a luncheon hosted by the American Bankers Association in New York on December 8, 2003. Following are Excerpts:
     
         In recent weeks, China and the United States have been coping with some differences and frictions over the trade issue. As such, my current visit has been given rather intense attention. Let me first assure you that I have come to this country to seek friendship and cooperation, and not to fight a "trade war."
     
         Many a difference derives from a lack of understanding. I am convinced that with dialogue and consultation, China and the United States are entirely able to narrow their differences and broaden their areas of cooperation.
     
         When talking about China-U.S. trade, we should not overlook one fundamental fact, that is, in the past 25 years, two-way trade has experienced a tremendous expansion. From merely $2.5 billion in 1979 to over $100 billion today, the increase is dozens of times. In fact, both countries have reaped tremendous benefits from the rapid expansion of China-U.S. trade.
     
         As we all know, trade and commerce form the economic foundation of our bilateral relations. Being mutually beneficial and win-win, China-U.S. trade and economic ties have not only delivered tangible economic benefits to the two peoples, but underpinned the overall relationship, giving it a powerful driving force for a steady expansion. As for the contribution made by the thriving China-U.S. economic partnership to the prosperity of the surrounding areas and the world economic growth, it is there for all to see.
     
         The reason for such a rapid growth in China-U.S. trade lies in the high degree of complementarity of the two economies, which, to a large extent, stems from their big differences in economic resources, economic structures and consumption levels. This, in my view, is the material basis for the sustained and rapid expansion of China-U.S. trade.
     
         Depicting how climbers scaling the towering Mount Tai feel, an ancient Chinese poem goes, "I must ascend the mountain's crest; it dwarfs all peaks under my feet." When approaching problems in China-U.S. trade, we also need to take a strategic perspective of vision and foresight. Problems such as U.S. trade deficit with China, the RMB exchange rate, and IPR protection, are of concern to many quarters of U.S. society. But they are also problems that come along with expanded China-U.S. trade, and they can be ironed out gradually since common understanding on them is entirely obtainable. They should not, and will not, stand in the way of the larger interests of China-U.S. trade. So long as the two sides act in good faith, such problems can be resolved properly through equal consultation and expanded cooperation.
     
         A review of China-U.S. trade and economic relations in the past quarter of a century reveals certain important experience and lessons that we should bear in mind. Now, I would like to propose the following five principles for fair trade and economic partnership between China and the United States for your consideration:
  
         First, mutual benefit and win-win result. Thinking broadly, one should take account of the other's interests while pursuing its own.
  
         Second, development first. Existing differences should be resolved through expanded trade and economic cooperation.
     
         Third, greater scope to coordinating mechanisms in bilateral trade and economic relations. Disputes should be addressed in a timely manner through communication and consultation to avoid possible escalation.
     
         Fourth, equal consultation. The two sides should seek consensus on major issues while reserving differences on minor issues, instead of imposing restrictions or sanctions at every turn.
     
         Fifth, do not politicize economic and trade issues.
     
         These five principles are based on the WTO framework and existing norms of international trade. They are essential for a correct understanding and proper handling of possible trade disputes or frictions between our two countries in the years ahead. The core elements of these principles are development, equality, and mutual benefit. Development is our driving force, equality the premise, and mutual benefit our goal. This, in my opinion, also serves the need for a constructive and cooperative relationship to which both sides are committed.
     
         Take the problems of our trade imbalance for example. By putting development first, we mean to take a forward-looking approach that allows us to narrow the trade gap through continued expansion of two-way trade. As you all know, we do not go after an increase of U.S. trade deficit with China. But reducing Chinese exports to the United States is not a good answer, for so doing serves neither China nor the United States in solving its unemployment problem. Instead, it will seriously harm the interests of millions of American consumers and U.S. firms operating in China. A more realistic solution is for the United States to expand its export to China, We on our part have demonstrated the utmost sincerity and made our greatest effort by substantially increasing import of farm products and machinery from the United States, and placing more purchasing orders for needed American commodities. At the same time, we hope the United States will recognize China's market economy status, and lift its export restrictions on hi-tech products. I ardently hope that the relevant U.S. departments will make a clean break with those obsolete concepts and anachronistic practices, and throw them into the Pacific Ocean, so as to boldly keep pace with the times.
     
         I for one have full confidence in the future of China-U.S. trade and economic cooperation. The road ahead might not be all smooth sailing, but the prospect is surely promising. Internationally, China-U.S. economic partnership faces a rare strategic opportunity. A pattern featuring economic interdependence, mutual benefit and win-win, a pattern of each having something of the other, is taking shape. I have noticed that the U.S. economy has started its long-awaited rebound. And I would like to tell you in a responsible manner that China's economy will maintain a sound growth momentum for a considerably long time to come.
     
         Let me tell you this, I plan to make a proposal to President Bush to raise the level of the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade, so as to better serve bilateral trade and economic cooperation. I am sure he will agree with me.
     
         China's development relies mainly on domestic demand. We do not seek long-standing, excessive trade surplus, but work to maintain a basic balance between import and export. We hope the two sides will set store by the larger interests of China-U.S. relations, seize the opportunities by enhancing trust and dispelling suspicion, and work persistently to bring bilateral trade and economic cooperation to a new high.
  
  
  
  
  

  Working Together to Write A New Chapter In China-U.S. Relations

  
         Addressing a dinner hosted by nine American organizations in Washington D.C. on December 9, 2003, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, who was on an official visit to the United States, put forward four proposals aimed at promoting the constructive and cooperative relations between the two countries. His speech is entitled "Working Together to Write A New Chapter In China-U.S. Relations." Following are excerpts:
  
         For the last century, China-U.S. relations experienced ups and downs. Our two countries fought together against Fascism at one time, and stood deadly opposed to each other at another. In 1972, the leaders of the two countries, with their outstanding vision and remarkable courage, opened the door of China-U.S. relations that had remained closed for many years.
  
         A review of the history of China-U.S. relations over the past half a century or more since the founding of the People's Republic leads us to three important conclusions.
     
         Conclusion one:China and the United States both gain from peaceful coexistence, and lose from conflicts.
     
         Both China and the United States paid a heavy price for their mutual hostility lasting 23 years from 1949 to 1971. In contrast, in the 32 years since China and the United States renewed contact in 1972, both sides have benefited tremendously from our cooperation despite twists and turns. At the time the Shanghai Communique was issued in 1972, trade between China and the United States was virtually zero. Now, our two-way trade has exceeded $100 billion.
     
         Conclusion two:Mutual interest serves as the bedrock of our cooperation.
     
         This is, first of all, seen in the win-win and mutually beneficial economic cooperation and trade between our two countries. American companies bring to China their capital, advanced technology and managerial expertise. In return, China's abundant human resources and huge market provide for American companies enormous business opportunities. Furthermore, Chinese enterprises supply U.S. consumers with large quantities of inexpensive and quality consumer goods.
     
         Today, the United States has become China's second largest trading partner and the biggest investor in China, whereas for the United States, China is the third largest trading partner and the fastest growing export market. Such a significant change is attributable, to a great extent, to China's reform and opening-up.
     
         Accelerated economic growth in China will provide new opportunities and give further impetus to the growth of China-U.S. relations. I believe that in the coming 20 years and beyond, it is entirely possible for China to maintain steady and rapid economic growth. Its GDP will quadruple the 2000 volume, reaching $4 trillion by 2020. Just imagine the vast vistas for American investors and companies.
     
         However, opening-up is a two-way street. China will open its door even wider to the United States, and, hopefully, the United States will do the same by opening more sectors to China, including its hi-tech industries.
     
         Conclusion three:China-U.S. cooperation is conducive to stability in the Asia-Pacific region as well as peace and development in the world.
     
         China-U.S. cooperation has played, and will continue to play a positive role in safeguarding stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large. This is a role that cannot be replaced.
     
         Terrorism is a common menace to the whole human kind. China and the United States have established a mechanism of mid- and long-term anti-terrorism exchange and cooperation based on the principle of "equality, cooperation, reciprocity and mutual benefit." Recently, working together with other parties concerned, China and the United States have conducted fruitful cooperation over a peaceful settlement of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.
     
         Modern world history tells us that it is the economy and national interests rather than ideologies that underpin the cooperation between big countries. Cooperation between China and the United States, two major countries in the world, shows that countries with different social systems and cultural traditions can coexist in peace and enjoy common development provided that they set store by their peoples' fundamental interests, and respect and tolerate each other. This will be an example of global significance showing the world how big countries can transcend. ideological differences and develop cooperation on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. It is possible due to the prevailing trend of the times and the important and profound changes in the international situation.
     
         First, thanks to the advancement of the new global revolution of science and technology as well as economic globalization, there are more interchanges and greater interdependence among various economies. Mutual complementarity grows, which makes their cooperation more mutually beneficial.
     
         Second, along with accelerated industrialization and urbanization, environmental pollution, resources depletion, polarization between the rich and the poor, and spread of diseases and narcotics, etc., have become increasingly serious, posing a grave threat to human survival and sustainable development.
     
         Third, at the turn of the century, the international political situation has undergone the most profound change since the end of the Cold War. Ethnic, religious, territorial and resources disputes and regional conflicts keep cropping up. Non-traditional security issues such as terrorism are more prominent.
     
         Fourth, rapid growth of globalized economy and information technology has a great and profound impact on the world cultural development.
     
         The above-mentioned important changes in the international economic, political and cultural arenas are bound to lead to adjustment in state-to-state relations, particularly relations between major countries. China is the largest developing country while the United States the largest developed country. To strengthen China-U.S. cooperation is not only a mutual need but also a responsibility, which our two countries shoulder in the interest of world peace and development. With this understanding of our overall interests and with strategic courage, let us push forward China-U.S. cooperation.
     
         Due to various reasons, there exist estrangements, misunderstandings, and even frictions of one sort or another between China and the United States. In case of differences and contradictions, both sides should keep cool and be sensible. We should try to increase communications, reduce mistrust and seek common ground while shelving differences with a view to properly handling our differences and contradictions. For issues we cannot settle for the time being, let us put them aside and consider them later. The least we want to see is the break of the bond of friendship and cooperation between China and the United States. We are friends, not adversaries.
     
         In order to develop China-U.S. constructive and cooperative relations, the Chinese side proposes that:
     
         First, continue high-level visits and strategic dialogue between our two countries;
     
         Second, facilitate mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation and establish a sound mechanism to address bilateral issues;
     
         Third, intensify coordination on major international and regional issues; and,
     
         Fourth, expand people-to-people exchanges.
     
         The Chinese nation has always cherished peace and harmony. The rise of China is peaceful. It relies on itself for its progress. In foreign relations, we are always in favor of friendship, partnership and co-operation with our neighboring and all other countries.
     
         China is a developing country and will remain so for many years to come. It calls for arduous endeavors of generations for China to catch up with developed countries. China will never seek hegemony and expansion even when it becomes fully developed and stronger.
     
         To ensure the healthy and smooth development of China-U.S. relations, we must handle properly the sensitive core issue in our bilateral relations, i.e., the question of Taiwan.
     
         Safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity is the paramount national interest and an unshakable principle for any country.
     
         Our fundamental policy on the settlement of the Taiwan question is "peaceful reunification" and "one country, two systems." We have all along been doing our utmost to achieve the ultimate reunification in a peaceful manner.
     
         We sincerely hope to see peaceful settlement of the Taiwan question. So long as there is the slightest hope, we will not give up our endeavor for peace. However, our endeavor for peace has time and again been challenged by the separatist forces in Taiwan. We respect the legitimate democratic rights exercised by our Taiwan compatriots, but will absolutely not tolerate the "Taiwan independence" forces' attempt to separate Taiwan from China under the signboard of democracy.
     
         As you all know, the three China-U.S. Joint Communiques constitute the basis for China-U.S. relations. The essence of those communiques is the one-China principle. The separatist activities aimed at "Taiwan independence" carried out by the Taiwan authorities are seriously undermining the political basis of China-U.S. cooperation and our common interests, and putting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region in jeopardy. We hope that the U.S. Government will handle the Taiwan question appropriately and support China's peaceful reunification.
     
         Let our two countries and two peoples join hands and work closely together to build a better future for China-U.S. relations.
  
  
  
  
  

  Turning Your Eyes to China

  
         Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao delivered a speech entitled "Turning Your Eyes to China" at Harvard University in Boston on December 10, in which he proposed extensive dialogue between different civilizations and cultures in the spirit of equality and tolerance. Following are excerpts:
  
         I would like to begin by sincerely thanking President Summers for his kind invitation. China and the United States are far apart, and they differ greatly in the level of economic development and cultural background. I hope my speech will help increase our mutual understanding.
     
         In order to understand the true China--a changing society full of promises--it is necessary to get to know her yesterday, her today, and her tomorrow.
     
         China yesterday was a big ancient country that created a splendid civilization. The 5,000-year-long civilization is the source of pride of every Chinese.
     
         The traditional Chinese culture, both extensive and profound, starts far back and runs a long, long course. More than 2,000 years ago, there emerged in China Confucianism represented by Confucius and Mencius, Taoism represented by Lao Zi and Zhuang Zi, and many other theories and doctrines that figured prominently in the history of Chinese thought. From Confucius to Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the traditional Chinese culture presents many precious ideas and qualities, which are essentially populist and democratic. For example, they lay stress on the importance of kindness and love in human relations, on the interest of the community, on seeking harmony without uniformity and on the idea that the world is for all. All these have played a great role in binding and regulating the family, the country and the society.
     
         In the 17th and 18th centuries foreign missionaries translated Chinese classics into European languages and introduced them to Europe, and this aroused great interest of some eminent scholars and enlightenment thinkers there. Descartes, Leibniz, Montesquieu, Voltaire, Goethe and Kant all studied the traditional Chinese culture.
     
         One and a half centuries ago, R.W. Emerson, famous American philosopher and outstanding Harvard graduate, also fell for the traditional Chinese culture.
     
         China today is a country in reform and opening-up and a rising power dedicated to peace.
     
         A large population and underdevelopment are the two facts China has to face. We can rely on no one except ourselves to resolve the problems facing our 1.3 billion people. Since the founding of the People's Republic, we have achieved much in our national construction; at the same time we have made a few detours and missed some opportunities. By 1978, with the adoption of the reform and opening-up policies, we had ultimately found the right path of development--the Chinese people's path of independently building socialism with Chinese characteristics.
     
         The essence of this path is to mobilize all positive factors, emancipate and develop the productive forces, and respect and protect the freedom of the Chinese people to pursue happiness.
     
         China's reform and opening-up have spread from rural areas to the cities, from the economic field to the political, cultural and social arenas. Each and every step forward is designed, in the final analysis, to release the gushing vitality of labor, knowledge, technology, managerial expertise and capital, and allow all sources of social wealth to flow to the fullest extent.
     
         The tremendous wealth created by China in the past quarter of a century has not only enabled our 1.3 billion countrymen to meet their basic needs for food, clothing and shelter, and basically realize a well-off standard of living, but also contributed to world development. China owes all this progress to the policy of reform and opening-up and, in the final analysis, to the freedom-inspired creativity of the Chinese people.
     
         Therefore, the Chinese Government is committed to protecting the fundamental rights of all laborers and the right to property, both public and private. This has been explicitly provided for in China's law and put into practice.
     
         China's reform and opening-up aims at promoting human rights in China. The two are mutually dependent and reinforcing. Reform and opening-up creates conditions for the advancement of human rights, and the latter invigorates the former. If one separates the two and thinks that China only goes after economic growth and ignores the protection of human rights, such a view does not square with the facts.
     
         I am not suggesting that China's human rights situation is impeccable. The Chinese Government has all along been making earnest efforts to correct the malpractices and negative factors of one kind or another in the human rights field. It is extremely important and difficult in China to combine development, reform and stability.
     
         China is a large developing country. It is neither proper nor possible for us to rely on foreign countries for development. We must, and we can only, rely on our own efforts. In other words, while opening still wider to the outside world, we must more fully and more consciously depend on our own structural innovation, on constantly expanding the domestic market, on converting the huge savings of the citizens into investment, and on improving the quality of the population and scientific and technological progress to solve the problems of resources and the environment. Here lies the essence of China's road of peaceful rise and development.
     
         China tomorrow will continue to be a major country that loves peace and has a great deal to look forward to.
     
         Peace loving has been a time-honored quality of the Chinese nation. Now, China has laid down her three-step strategy toward modernization. We have no illusions but believe that on our way forward, we shall encounter many foreseeable and unpredictable difficulties and face all kinds of tough challenges. We cannot afford to lose such a sense of crisis. Of course, the Chinese Government and people are confident enough to overcome all the difficulties and achieve our ambitious goals through our vigorous efforts. This is because:
     
         --The overriding trend of the present-day world is toward peace and development. China's development is blessed with a rare period of strategic opportunities. We are determined to secure a peaceful international environment and a stable domestic environment in which to concentrate on our own development and, with it, to help promote world peace and development.
     
         --The socialism China adheres to is brimming with vigor and vitality. Socialism is like an ocean that takes in all the rivers and will never go dry. While planting our feet solidly on our national conditions, we will boldly press ahead with reform and opening-up, and boldly absorb all fine achievements of human civilizations. There is no limit to the life and exuberance of a socialism that is good at self-readjustment and self-improvement.
     
         --Twenty-five years of reform and opening-up has given China a considerable material accumulation, and her economy has gained a foothold in the world. The motivation of Chinese people to pursue happiness and create wealth is an inexhaustible reservoir of drive for the country's modernization.
     
         --The Chinese nation has rich and profound cultural reserves. "Harmony without uniformity" is a great idea put forth by ancient Chinese thinkers. It means harmony without sameness, and difference without conflict. Harmony entails coexistence and co-prosperity, while difference conduces to mutual complementation and mutual support. To approach and address issues from such a perspective will not only help enhance relations with friendly countries, but also serve to resolve contradictions in the international community.
     
         Entering the 21st century, mankind is confronted with more complicated economic and social problems. The cultural element will have' a more important role to play in the new century. Different nations may speak different languages, but their hearts and feelings are interlinked. Different cultures present manifold features, yet they often share the same rational core elements that can always be passed on by people. The civilizations of different nations are all fruits of human wisdom and contributions to human progress; they call for mutual respect. Conflicts triggered by ignorance or prejudice are sometimes more dreadful than those caused by contradictory interests. We propose to seek common ground in the spirit of equality and tolerance, and carry on extensive inter-civilization dialogue and closer cultural exchanges.
     
         Today, mankind is in the middle of a period of drastic social change. It would be a wise approach for all countries to carry forward their fine cultural heritages by tracing back their origin, passing on the essentials, learning from one another and breaking new grounds. My appeal is that we work together with our wisdom and strength for the progress and development of human civilization.