RIYADH: Chinese Ambassador Yang Honglin spoke to Arab News on the occasion of the 59th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and touched on the whole gamut of issues and extended his heartfelt greetings on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr.
The diplomat, while recalling the 18 years of relations between the two countries, spoke candidly about the conditions of the native Chinese-Muslim population, the Tibet issue and the recent problems with tainted milk.
The ambassador, who is an Arabist, lauded the role of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah in fostering global interfaith dialogue at a major event held in Madrid.
The diplomat also clarified the reasons behind the temporary suspension of the issuance of Chinese visas. He said that the order was issued within the framework of the Olympics and the Paralympics that soon followed them. The instruction was issued merely for security reasons. Now the system is back to normal and everyone can apply and seek a Chinese visa.
Following is the text of the interview with Ambassador Honglin:
Q: How do you evaluate the current relations between the Republic of China and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and which are the major strengths of this relationship? What is the volume of current bilateral trade?
A: Over the past 18 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Saudi Arabia, Sino-Saudi relations have experienced a rapid development and scaled new heights in various fields after the visits of the two heads of state. We now see deepening political trust, intensified high-level exchanges, upgrading of economic and energy cooperation, and positive progress in the areas of culture, education and religion. Saudi Arabia has been the largest trading partner of China in West Asia and the Africa region for seven consecutive years.
It is of special significance to mention two things that has happened this year. One is that King Abdullah donated large amounts of cash and materials to the victims of the devastating Sichuan earthquake. The other is that Saudi Arabia actively participated in the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics.
In 2007, the bilateral trade volume surpassed $25 billion, more than 80 times higher than the scale in the early years of diplomatic relations between two countries. From January to August this year it has seen an increase of 76 percent compared with the same period last year with the estimation of surpassing $30 billion for the whole of 2008.
Q: There are adverse reports regarding Sanlu milk powder. What are the measures being taken so far?
A: The Chinese government has acted decisively to address the problem in a highly responsible way and has promised to take punitive measures against those who violate the law. Relevant departments have worked concertedly with in-depth investigation and comprehensive preventive measures. Now these works are going through smoothly.
The Chinese side also informed the WHO and relevant countries following the incident while conducting comprehensive investigation into the exported milk powder. We asked relevant enterprises to recall all problematic milk powder. We will continue to keep close contact with our counterparts in other countries to address this problem in a scientific, objective and pragmatic manner.
Q: The global political trends adopt tolerance and religious dialogue. In Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah has initiated this trend by organizing the International Interfaith Dialogue in Madrid. What are your views on it?
A: China speaks highly of King Abdullah's initiative and wishes to see fruitful results. China commits itself to build a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity, a world where all countries coexist harmoniously, enjoy common development and all civilizations accommodate and learn from each other. China would like to make concerted efforts with its Saudi counterpart to build a harmonious world and make contributions to the progress of mankind.
Q: Can you tell us about the status of Muslims in China, both economically and socially?
A: China now has a Muslim population of 22 million, more than 30,000 mosques and 40,000 imams. The Chinese constitution clearly stipulates that every Chinese citizen enjoys freedom of religious belief. Chinese laws protect religious activities. The nation respects their customs, including burial, festival and marriage. We have formulated laws monitoring Muslim food production and established cemeteries and published series of Islamic classics. There are Muslim diplomats in the Chinese missions abroad, especially in the Middle East and other Muslim countries.
Since the establishment of the People's Republic of China, it has experienced outstanding progress of the Chinese Muslims in developing their local economy and improving their living standard through arduous efforts of themselves and support from both the central and local governments. Their annual income is higher than the average standard in China. China had established Xinjiang Uigur Autonomous Region, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and a large number of Muslim Autonomous Counties and Townships since 1949.
Q: The Tibet issue was raised again recently and this encourages other human rights organizations in some European countries to interfere and show sympathy. How did China deal with this issue amid accusations of human rights violations?
A: We have seen unprecedented achievements in various sectors in Tibet today. The total economic volume surpassed RMB30 billion, with a growth rate of over 12 percent for seven consecutive years. Over the past five years, the central government has granted RMB95.1 billion in subsidies to Tibet. It is irrefutable that Tibet is an inalienable part of China and the Tibetan question is a purely an internal affair of China. We resolutely oppose any countries, organizations or individuals intervening in our internal affairs by taking advantage of the Tibetan question.
Q: You speak the Arabic language fluently, which is clearly not only an advantage but also required in your diplomatic post, especially in Arab countries. In your own opinion, is Arabic useful in your mission?
A: Being the Chinese ambassador and able to speak Arabic reflects my sincere respect toward and better understanding of the people, culture and religious belief of this great country and brings more friends for me. China attaches vital importance to the teaching of Arabic language. It has been regarded as a cornerstone of cultivating more Arabic-speaking talents for the development of Sino-Arab friendship.
