Mr. Liu Zhenmin, Vice Foreign Minister of China received the joint interview by Chinese-Myanmar News agencies. Question 1: China and Myanmar are “paukphaws”with a traditional friendship. How does China see Myanmar’s political, economic and social transitions? What kind of challenges and opportunities will such transitions bring to the bilateral relationship? What will China do to meet those challenges? Answer: China and Myanmar are friendly neighbors, sharing a border of more than 2,000 kilometers. People of the two countries have enjoyed a long history of interactions and deep connections and call each other “paukphaw”(brothers). With concerted efforts by both sides over the years, bilateral traditional friendship has withstood the test of history and should be cherished, inherited and carried forward. As our Myanmar friends often say,“We can choose our friends,but we cannot choose our neighbors”. Likewise, a Chinese saying goes,“a good neighbor is better than a family relative far apart”. The geopolitical, cultural and historical both countries to nurture and grow our bilateral ties,which also serves the fundamental interests of our two peoples. Under the leadership of President Thein Sein, Myanmar has started political, economic and social transitions since 2011 and achieved positive results. Domestic peace process has made good progress, economy is more vibrant and international environment is better. China is glad to see Myanmar’s achievements and firmly believes that Myanmar will achieve greater success. In recent years, relations between China and Myanmar have maintained a sound momentum of growth. We established a comprehensive strategic partnership of coopetation in 2011 and signed a relevant action plan in 2013. President Thein Sein has visited China or attended international conference in China for four times and will come to China again to attend the commemorative conference of the 60th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence later this month.In the second half of this year, Chinese leader will attend meetings of East Asian leaders in Myanmar. Such close high-level exchanges have provided a strong driving force for the development of bilateral ties. Apart from high-level exchanges, friendship also grows between political parties, military forces, parliaments of the two countries, and is manifested in our economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. Two-way trade between China and Myanmar reached US$10.15 billion in 2013, up 45.6% year-on-year. China has become Myanmar’s largest trading partner and foreign investor. China also contributed to Myanmar’ successful hosting of the 27th Southeast Asian Games and the 7th ASEAN Para Games last December. This year, China launched the International Youth Exchange Project under the theme “focusing on the future” and the“Experience China” program in Myanmar, both of which were enthusiastically received. I hope my interview today will help to strengthen mutual understanding between our two countries. We have also noticed that Myanmar’s society is becoming more diversified in the midst of transitions, which has also brought new challenges to China-Myanmar relationship. What I want to stress is that, since the two countries established diplomatic relations over sixty years ago, China has never interfered in the internal affairs of Myanmar. China never imposes its own developmental pattern on Myanmar, either before or after Myanmar undertook its reforms. China opposes any form of sanctions against Myanmar by external forces and supports Myanmar in finding a development path that suits its own national conditions. China is the biggest source of foreign investment for Myanmar. The Chinese government has demanded Chinese enterprises investing in Myanmar to abide by local laws, assess environmental and responsibility. Take China-Myanmar oil and gas pipeline project as an example, the Chinese company concerned has invested more than US$20 million in local programs for public good since 2011, with 111 projects already completed, including the renovation of the power transmission line in Kyaukpyu of Rakhine State, school, hospital, wells, orphanages, nursing homes, roads, and donations for disaster relief. Neighbors wish each other well, just as loved ones do to each other. China expects to see a peaceful, stable, growing and prosperous Myanmar. This accords with the interests of the people in Myanmar, as well as China and other countries in the region. From a strategic and long-term perspective, China will as always work with Myanmar to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and do more to help improve the well-being of people in Myanmar and the capacity-building of the country, in an effort to grow the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between the two countries. Question 2: While economic ties among Asian countries are closer, political and security cooperation is lagging behind. And some said recently that a “trust deficit” is growing among Asian countries, and Asia is likely to face a “new Cold War” of confrontation.How does China perceive the security situation in Asia? What would China suggest to maintain peace and stability in Asia? Answer: Asia has enjoyed peace and stability in the past twenty years since the end of the Cold War. Asia countries have actively engaged in economic globalization and regional economic integration, and have created one economic growth. Relations between major countries have been stable in general. China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination has set a good example for major-country relations. China and the United States are working to build a new model of major-country relationship. Regional cooperation with ASEAN in the driver’s seat has played an important role in enhancing mutual trust and interactions among major countries. This is the overriding trend in Asia today. Nonetheless, Asia is also facing increasing challenges. Traditional and non-traditional security challenges have intertwined. Reminiscences of World War II and the Cold War are still lingering. Disputes over territorial and maritime rights remain unresolved. Non-traditional security threats such as terrorism, cyber-security, and cross-border crimes are more pronounced. With economic globalization gaining momentum and the Asia economy growing rapidly, some developed countries are playing more attention to and scaling up input in Asia. But they stick to the outdated security concepts based on military alliances, hegemony by force and power politics and have strengthened the military alliances targeted at third parties. These have increased the “trust deficit” in the region and intensified tensions. In recent years, there have been increasing maritime disputes in the region, which has exerted negative impact on regional peace and stability. Some countries have violated the consensus of shelving differences reached between countries concerned and attempted to change the status quo,expand the disputes or even create new ones. Some countries,abusing international law, abandoned the consensus of setting disputes by countries directly concerned through negotiations. These have fueled mistrust among countries. In the world today, countries are getting more interdependent, becoming a community of shared destiny,interests and responsibilities. We need a new security concept to solve Asia’s security problems under the new situation. In a recent speech, President Xi Jinping advocated an Asian security concept with common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security at its core. This has been widely endorsed by other Asian countries. Common security means respecting and ensuring the security of each and every country. Today’s Asia not welcome hegemony,or self-appointed leaders. It welcomes democracy in international relations and multilateral mechanisms. Comprehensive security means providing security in both traditional and non- traditional fields. We should take into full account the historical background and reality of Asia’s security issues, and enhance regional security governance through a multi-pronged,holistic and coordinated approach. Cooperative security means enhancing unity among countries in the region through dialogue and cooperation to meet security challenges together and promote regional security. In the final analysis, Asia’s issues, especially sensitive ones, should be handled by the Asian’s people. In the meantime, Asia is also open to the world. We welcome all parties to play a positive and constructive role in promoting Asian security. Sustainable security means that we need to focus on both economic development and security to make security durable. We need to promote common development and regional economic cooperation and security cooperation. On the basis of the Asian security concept, China stands for greater regional economic integration,sound interactions among major countries, proper handing of differences and disputes, improved regional multilatera mechanisms,and fostering of a new Asian security architecture guided by the Asian security concept,so as to jointly maintain peace and security and promote common development and prosperity of Asian countries. Question 3: Some people say that as China grows stronger and more developed than many ASEAN countries in economic terms, ASEAN is no longer that importing in China’s diplomacy. How would China respond to this? What will China do to assure ASEAN that it will always be a reliable neighbor and partner? What does China expects Myanmar, as ASEAN’s rotating chair, to do to push China-ASEAN cooperation forward? Answer: China and ASEAN countries share the same mountains and rivers, and have interconnected destinies. China shares a border of more than 4,000 kilometers with three ASEAN countries, and we have completed demarcation of all these borders. China and ASEAN countries are also linked by the South China Sea. We are forever neighbors and natural partners. No matter what changes may take place in the international landscape and how China and ASEAN develop, China will always take ASEAN as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy. China will firmly support ASEAN’s development, its community building and centrality in regional cooperation. China is committed to growing a healthy, stable and dynamic China-ASEAN relationship. This is not only in the shared interests of China and ASEAN, but also conductive to regional peace, stability and prosperity. China’s rapid growth has brought tangible benefits to ASEAN, though it inevitably has also given rise to some suspicion, worries, and even misunderstanding. The message I would like to convey is that China is indeed growing in strength, but it remains a peaceful country and friendly neighbor as ever before. What China’s development brings to ASEAN countries are benefits and opportunities rather than threats. This has been proved by the growth of China- ASEAN relations during the past 20 years. China will continue to pursue friendship and partnership with its neighbors and adhere to the notions of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and incisiveness in its neighborhood diplomacy. China will continue to uphold the principles of mutual respect, treating each other as equals, and win-win cooperation for common development with ASEAN countries to benefit the people of all countries and contribute to the development and prosperity of our region. That being said, it is only natural that we as neighbors, will run into problems from time to time. The key is to be patient, continue to build and expand consensus and find proper solutions. Some individual country’s attempts to ruin China- ASEAN relations with these disputes will end nowhere, and are unwelcomed by most ASEAN countries. Interference by countries outside the region will not help solve the problems but only make them more complicated and aggravated. China and Myanmar are friendly neighbors. We hope and believe that Myanmar, as the chair of ASEAN, will continue to play an effective role in communication and coordination so that ASEAN will uphold a fair and objective position on relevant issues. We hope and believe that Myanmar will continue to work with China to move forward China- ASEAN strategic partnership, and maintain peace and stability of the region. Question 4: Chinese Premier Li Keqiang put forth the “2+7 Cooperation Framework” at the China- ASEAN Summit last October. Is there any progress in implementing this initiative? How to ensure the initiative will be fully implemented? How will China grow its relations with ASEAN? What is your perspective on the status-quo and prospects of China- ASEAN relations? Answer: China- ASEAN relations have come a long way over the past 20-odd years, not only supporting the development of both sides, but also growing into a cornerstone for stability and prosperity in East Asia. Last year, during his visits to ASEAN countries, President Xi Jinping called for building a closer China-ASEAN community of common destiny. At the 16th China-ASEAN Summit, Premier Li Keqiang further elaborated on the two-point political consensus of deepening strategic mutual trust and focusing on economic development, and seven areas for cooperation, i.e., political, economic, connectivity, financial, maritime, security and cultural cooperation. This is known as the “2+7 Cooperation Framework”. At present, China is working with ASEAN countries to discuss the signing of a treaty of good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation between China and ASEAN Countries, launching of negotiations to upgrade the China- ASEAN FTA, establishment of an Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and development of a 21st century maritime Silk Road. Progress has already been made in many ways. The 3rd Multilateral Consultation on Establishing the AIIB is being held in Shanghai these days. Projects for 2014 supported by the China- ASEAN Maritime Cooperation Fund will soon be launched. China has invited defense ministers of ASEAN countries to come to China for a special ministerial meeting sometime next year. And the two sides are carrying out rich and robust programs to celebrate the 2014 China-ASEAN Culture Exchange Year. China believes that the implementation of the above-mentioned initiatives will enhance mutual trust and friendship between China and ASEAN, and bring more tangible benefits to the people of both sides. China is willing to strengthen political trust and deepen practical cooperation with ASEAN to share development opportunities and build a community of shared destiny, interests and responsibilities with ASEAN. China-ASEAN relations are important pillars for East Asia Cooperation. It is important that we respect ASEAN centrality and adhere to the ASEAN Way featuring consensus building, seeking gradual progress, and accommodating the comfort level of all parties concerned. While strengthening China-ASEAN cooperation, we should also advance the development of regional cooperation framework, consolidate the role of ASEAN Plus Threes as the main vehicle, and continue to leverage the role of the East Asia Summit as a “leaders-led” strategic forum. We will encourage positive interactions among major countries, deepen East Asia cooperation, make greater contribution to the development and prosperity of the region. Question 5: Tensions are rising in the South China Sea. The U.S., Japan and some individual ASEAN countries criticized that China is going to change the status quo. What is China’s response? How does China view the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC)? How will China push forward the consultation of a code of conduct in the South China Sea (COC) Answer: As a coastal country of the South China Sea, China has always been a staunch force for maintain peace and stability of the South China Sea and cooperation and development of regional countries. China is the last country to expect any turbulence in the South China Sea region. While firmly safeguarding its territorial sovereignty, maritime resolving disputes related to the South China Sea through bilateral basis of respecting historical facts and international law. This is the consensus reached between China and ASEAN countries in the DOC, which also meets the common interests and expectations of the people in most regional countries. There have been rising tensions in the South China Sea in recent years. The main reason is that the DOC hasn’t been well followed and implemented. One Southeast Asian country breached the consensus among China and ASEAN countries and initiated international arbitration concerning its dispute with China. Some country not only provoked new incidents but also took dangerous actions. It conducted armed disruptions to China’s oil and gas operation near Zhongjian island of China’s Xisha Islands, and connived in riots against Chinese nationals. Some country from outside the region, out of ulterior motives, aggressively interfered in regional disputes. It fanned flames and sowed discord among regional countries, taking the opportunity to tighten alliances and reinforce its hegemony. Some country denied its history of aggression, played up the “China threat”, and used it as an excuse for constitution amendment and military build-up, in an attempt to overturn the outcomes of World War II and challenge the post-war order. I think it is crystal clear as to who is trying to change the status quo, stirring up disputes and fueling tensions in the region. On the South China Sea issue, China always opposes unilateral change of status quo and provocation. We Chinese believe in repaying kindness with kindness and meeting wrongdoing with justice. Faced with provocation, the Chinese side has to respond effectively and vigorously, so as to protect its own interests. At the same time, we also have to take measures to prevent the situation from getting out of control, maintain consensus reached by parties concerned and safeguard regional stability and order. China keeps positive momentum of consultation with ASEAN countries on COC under the framework of the DOC. The key is that relevant parties should earnestly follow the principles and spirit of the DOC, do more to promote mutual trust and enhance cooperation, and at the same time exercise self-restraint , avoid any action that may expand and complicate dispute and affect peace and stability, and create necessary conditions for the consultation on COC. Question 6: This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence initiated by China, Myanmar and India. What role have they played in international relations over the past 60 years? What influence will it bring to the international community in the future? Sixty years ago, drawing on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, China, India and Myanmar jointly initiated the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Epitomizing oriental wisdom, the Five Principles were intended not only for Asia, but also for the world at large, and were a true trailblazer in the history of international law and international relations. During the past six decades, the Five Principles have been constantly enriched by evolving notions. They have not only served as the cornerstone of China’s independent foreign policy of peace, but also have been universally recognized and followed by the international community as basic norms guiding relations among nations. They have bolstered the healthy and stable development of international relations, promoted international justice and fairness, and contributed to world peace and human progress. Sixty years later, the world has undergone tremendous and profound changes. States have never been so closely linked and interdependent as they are today. Peace, development and cooperative have become the aspirations of people from all countries and the common pursuit of the international community. On how to inherit and develop the Five Principles, I shared some thoughts at the International Colloquium Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence held not long ago in Beijing. My key point is about carrying forward the following core values: First, the concept of sovereignty forms the foundation of the Five Principles. Countries need to respect each other’s sovereignty, security and core interests, respect the inherent right of a country to maintain its unity and territorial integrity, respect each other’s social system, ideology and path of development, avoid interfering in other countries ‘ internal affairs, and seek common ground while reconciling differences. Second, the concept of peace represents the supreme value of the Five Principles. Countries must refrain from invasion and oppose war, aggression, threat or use of force. They must properly resolve issues left over from history, choose peaceful means for dispute settlement and constantly improve the rule-based regional security and stability architecture. Third, the concept of win-win progress is the ultimate objective of the Five Principles. Through international cooperation based on equality, countries should promote the establishment of a community of common destiny, in which development is achieved and shared by all. It is essential that they promote economic cooperation on the basis of mutual benefit, advance the coordinated and sustainable development of the economy, society and environment, and promote the long-term well-being of mankind and the common interests of the international community. Fourth, the concept of justice is the intrinsic requirement of the Five Principles. Countries should engage in international relations in accordance with international law, apply international law selectively, or adopt double standards in the application of international law. It is important to advocate the international rule of law and establish a law-based international order. Celebrations for the 60th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence will be held at the end of this month, and active preparations are being made by China, Myanmar and India. We believe with joint efforts of all parties, the celebrations will be a great success.
Posted on: Tue, 10 Jun 2014 10:14:00 +0000
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