-- Speech by Minister Sun Jiazheng in Tokyo, Japan

Respected President TsurutaTakahiko:

Respected Ms Kurihara Komaki:

Ladies and Gentlemen and Friends:

Thank you for your speeches. And many thanks to you, as well, ladies and gentlemen and friends, for joining us. It is of great significance for us to get together here to discuss matters of vital importance concerning Sino-Japanese friendship on the 30th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan.

As I stepped onto the rostrum, all sorts of feelings welled up in my mind: we are here to commemorate a day of normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan. In fact, relations between the two countries date back to ancient times when science and technology was undeveloped, transportation was clumsy and journeys were hard and dangerous. Yet, pioneers resolutely embarked on a perilous journey to open up maritime traffic for the sake of friendship between the two countries. About 1,200 years ago during the Tang Dynasty, an eminent monk named Jianzheng, who, as you all know, failed five times in his eastbound journey to Japan, finally landed on the Japanese Island, even in his blindness. At that time, many Japanese messengers were sent to China, including the memorable Japanese man of letters, Abe Nakamaro, who was closely affiliated with the great Tang poets Li Bai and Wang Wei.

Towards the second half of the 19th century, the great revolutionary forerunner Dr Sun Yat-sen came to Japan 15 times to seek ways to strengthen the nation and enrich the people. Others with high ideals, such as Zhou Enlai, Lu Xun, Guo Moruo and He Xiangnin also came to study in Japan and lived harmoniously with Japanese people who showed the utmost solicitude for them, leaving behind stories that were praised far and wide.

The contemporary Sino-Japanese cultural contacts have been established among the people long before the advent of the normalization of political relations between the two countries. Non-governmental contacts have always been the most dynamic examples of Sino-Japanese exchanges, which is the precursor to the normalization and solid foundation on which Sino-Japanese friendly relations are maintained.

Even at a time when Sino-Japanese relations plunged to a low point, there were still farsighted Japanese politicians and friendly personages who called for the friendship between China and Japan. And their efforts paid off at last. Various friendly organizations mushroomed around the 1950s, including the Japan-China Cultural Exchanges Association and others.

As I stepped onto the rostrum, I recalled a venerable elder, Mr Dan Ikuma, the former president of the Japan-China Cultural Exchange Association. When I visited your country in May 1999, Mr Dan hosted a welcome meeting in my honor. I still remember that quite a few Japanese friends attended the meeting from different places, near and far, including some of you present here today. Since then, each time Mr Dan visited China I never failed to see him. We talked many times about the perspective of cultural exchanges between our two countries. We also discussed how to promote mutual affinity between the two peoples through cultural and artistic construction. It is a pity that Mr Dan has passed away. To cherish his memory we organized a Dan Ikuma Compositions Concert at the Beijing Zhongshan Concert Hall on May 31 last year. The enchanting melodies are still hovering around my ears and the touching scene of the concert is still vivid in my mind.

Like the fleeting cherry blossoms, compared to the long span of history, life is too short an existence. But the meaning of life does not rest in its length. According to a distinguished Chinese poet, for some people, dead though living; for others, living though no longer to be. To me, if a person is useful to his or her family, friends, motherland or to mankind, life is worthwhile for him or her -- be it long or short. While some become well known in their lifetimes, the majority remain in obscurity all their lives. However, common people will not be forgotten with the flow of time. Facing their ashes, kind-hearted people will shed hot tears for the deceased. In my mind, people who worked for friendship between China and Japan -- for world peace and progress, such as Mr Inue Yasushi and many others, though deceased -- have innumerable successors of the cause. They are trustworthy and respected friends of the Chinese people. They are outstanding persons of the Japanese nation and true patriots worthy to be proud of. Their unremitting drive for the essential interests and a glorious future for Japanese people have won more and more support and understanding. As the saying goes: The wise are free from perplexities and the brave are fearless. It is because of their profound love for their country and their people that they confront history and create a future with indomitable will and tremendous courage. A true patriot is sure to have the same loving care for the world and for the brilliant future of mankind. The cause of the Sino-Japanese friendship is a lofty one that brings benefit to people of both countries -- a cause containing loving care conducive to peace and world development. Many strive for a lifetime to achieve the sublime cause, expending their energies and even their lives. Looking back on history, we can see more clearly the foresight of the forerunners of the Sino-Japanese friendship. Now, we are aware that what we are doing at present will make history in the future, and we should endeavor to do nothing to be ashamed of with regard to history, our forerunners or our descendents.

In the 30 years since the normalization of diplomatic relations, thanks to concerted efforts of both sides, friendly exchanges and cooperation in all fields have achieved a rapid development despite the rise and fall in our state relations.

In 1998, on a successful visit to Japan, President Jiang Zemin defined the aim of peace and development through establishing a partnership of friendliness and cooperation between the State leaders of the two countries. Since then, economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has become increasingly widespread and profound. Japan's investment in China is growing steadily. Currently, Japan is China's biggest trading partner. The volume of trade between the two countries totaled US$87.7 billion in 2001. With regards to tourism, Japan was the biggest source of tourists to China from 1979 to 2000. Now, tourists to China from Japan have topped two million per year.

At the same time, cultural exchanges have also undergone rapid development. A new prospect has opened up where governmental and non-governmental contacts co-exist -- the latter being the dominant one. Exchanges between China and Japan -- diversified in level, form, channel; extensive in range, grand in scale, great in number and rich in content -- are leading bilateral exchanges between China and other countries in the world. Such exchanges have become an important link of people's feelings from the two countries. But, being with some friends from the Japan-China Cultural Exchanges Association yesterday evening, I wondered whether such exchanges have really paid off. And they do, but far from enough. Further understanding is needed from both sides. As you all know, sustained development in the past 20 years has turned the old China into a rejuvenated one. China's growth is now a significant force in maintaining world peace and promoting common development. Many business people from your country have set up offices in China many of whom have reached consensus that China's development will bring good opportunities -- placing hope in the Chinese market. But some, however, take China's development as a potential, future threat. Such an idea, which has had some influence on Japan, was first put forward by US scholars and was supported by a few politicians. I think this is a result of a lack of understanding of China and not counting the few who hold such a point of view out of political consideration. I maintain that anyone who knows China's history as well as the status quo will harbor a negative attitude towards the argument of the Chinese threat.

In the first place, the argument is not in accordance with Chinese history and tradition. As is known to all, since the 1840s, China was poor, as well as weak. In over 100 years, China has been invaded by almost all of the Western powers, resulting in near national doom and racial extinction. To save the nation from perishing and to ensure its survival, Chinese people had undergone unsurpassed, hard struggles. For thousands of years Chinese people have believed in the principle: Do not do unto others what you don't want to be done by. How can China, which has been threatened for a long time, intend to threat others? China has stressed the point time and time again that she will not threaten others or pursue hegemony, even if she becomes powerful.

Secondly, the Chinese threat does not conform to China's present situation. Some foreigners ask me, How do you generalize China using the most laconic description? I think that there are three words sufficient enough to epitomize China's status quo and trend of development: reform, development and stability. Reform goes side by side with opening up. In the past 20 years, China has continuously pushed forward her reform and opening-up policy, facing the world broad-mindedly and acquiring advanced sciences, culture and technology of the world. As a result, such an old nation as China has turned into a nation full of vitality. Development: Over a relatively long period of time, China centered everything on struggle -- taking class struggle as a guiding principle. If one asks about the greatest change in China over the past 20 years, the answer is that we no longer hold fast the principle of class struggle, but instead, take the development of economy and culture as the main task of our country. Deng Xiaoping said: Development is a top priority. We should never forget to develop the economy, to develop culture and to improve people's living standard under any circumstances. When we say development we mean the coordinated development of politics, economy and culture, of man and society, and of man and nature. It is a long-term policy we adhere to. Stability: China has 56 ethnic groups and a population of 1.26 billion. Without stability nothing can be done. The stability of society, progress and unity of all ethnic groups are key factors ensuring China's great achievements over a short 20-year period. The three words reform, development and stability can best generalize China today and best reflect China's present domestic policy. China's foreign policy is an extension of her domestic policy. It is, according to President Jiang Zemin, maintaining world peace and facilitating common development. The theory of the Chinese threat is certainly not in conformity with China's reality.

Thirdly, such an assumption does not conform to the global trend. During the Cold War people often said, You die, I live; you lose, I win or Either the east wind prevails of the west wind, or the west wind prevails over east wind. Once the two-pole pattern disintegrated and people became aware of the destiny of mankind as a common whole, how should China deal with relations among nations? To sum up, what China is after is seeking mutual security politically, seeking a win-win result economically, seeking mutual respect culturally and seeking exchanges on the basis of equality. Such is the trend of the times and the feelings of the people. During the Asian financial crisis, the Chinese economy underwent tremendous pressure. Domestic academic circles faced a controversy about whether the Chinese currency should be depreciated or not. However, the Chinese government maintained that China is a member of the big world family. We should not shift difficulty onto others. As is known to all, we shouldered the burden of a sovereign State and insisted in keeping the renminbi from depreciation.

Fourthly, the Chinese threat does not conform to the current development of Sino-Japanese relations or our objective. China and Japan are both important nations in Asia, as well as in the world. Geographically, we are close neighbors; culturally, we have much in common, and in many aspects we are mutually complementary. In the past 20 years the Chinese economy has developed as never before. It was also a period where Japanese enterprises in China have reaped the largest profits. Compared to the Japanese economy, China lags behind in science and technology, business administration and degree of prosperity by many years. Currently, Japan is suffering from difficulties in economic development. It is sort of hesitation in climbing a higher peak when it has already mounted a high mountain. But China is now ascending the hill of modernization. Obviously, China is seeking cooperation rather than competition with Japan. There is absolutely no point for a mutual threat. To enhance mutual cooperation and mutual development is in accordance with the fundamental interests of our two countries and conducive to world peace and stability. Personally, I think the difficulties that Japan is now confronting are too trivial to mention. The present Japanese GNP is US$5 trillion, while that of China is 1 trillion or US$800 per capita. Since the processes of economic development for the two countries are different in time, as well as in situations, China will bring no threat to Japan, only opportunity. It is predicted by experts that China, after accessing the World Trade Organization, is likely to have a market share of US$1.5 trillion in complementary trade alone in five years. After a short period of depression, Japan will hopefully create a new miracle. Any economy, when developed to a certain level, must be in need of support from an advanced, new cultural concept. Before I stepped into the auditorium, I had a brief talk with the chairman of the Japanese Economic News Press. The 21st century will be a cultural century. When the development of the economy reaches a certain stage, its progress will be determined by the cultural concept of enterprises or organizations -- or, on a wider range, by the cultural attainment of a nation. Therefore, regarding Sino-Japanese economic cooperation, cultural exchanges are more important than ever.

Mr Lu Xun once said, There is no better channel than culture and art in linking up people's hearts. We understand the meaning of cultural exchanges. We realize the sublimity of the cause of the Sino-Japanese friendship. We, therefore, vow to adhere to our chosen course and put forward the following proposals concerning cultural exchanges between our two countries.

Firstly, we should stick to the principle of equality, mutual benefit and mutual respect. Culture is the soul of a nation, an embodiment of a nation's tradition and reality and a component of the common heritage of mankind. Our Japanese friends always said politely, Our culture is influenced by China. It is true to say so, but Japan has also created a unique culture of her own. In particular, Japan's modern culture is superior to that of China in many aspects -- such as the market economy culture, modern enterprise administration culture, etc. -- from which we have learned a great deal.

Secondly, the government and cultural administration of the two countries should support and give guidance to cultural exchanges and cooperation between us, and facilitate the consolidation and development of the Sino-Japanese partnership in line with the spirit of respecting history and looking forward to the future.

Thirdly, we should encourage and expand non-governmental cultural exchanges. A sound and friendly relationship among the people is the foundation of sound relations among countries. Sino-Japanese non-governmental exchanges have been expanding in a gratifying impetus. What needs to be stressed at present is thoroughgoing, or, in other words, striking root in the hearts of the people in terms of exchanges. We should not be satisfied at an individual performance, an individual exhibition; we must try to link up people's hearts through such activities to boost friendship and reach a consensus.

Fourthly, we should have our eyes on the future and enhance exchanges among youngsters because the youth is the future. To develop a relationship in the new century between our two countries it is of vital importance that we succeed in matters concerning youngsters. Looking around I can see many old friends, as well as new friends, among whom quite a few are senior. The Sino-Japanese friendship has been maintained for many years calling forth in me a feeling of profound respect. But, at the same time, I feel there should be more young people joining us to be nurtured as mainstay in maintaining the Sino-Japanese friendship from generation to generation. I heartily hope that the departments concerned will grant more support to exchanges among youngsters to help them better understand one another and to sow seeds of friendship in their hearts. Once the seeds grow to be towering trees, the prospects of our two countries will be brilliant.

Ladies, gentlemen and friends: History is ever-developing; times are ever-advancing. It is a general trend that security can be guaranteed through mutual trust and development attained through mutual benefit. On the 30th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan, I propose for the friendship between our two countries from generation to generation, let us be good neighbors and good friends; let us double our efforts to boost exchanges, to enhance mutual trust and to push forward, together, a steadfast and healthy development of Sino-Japanese relations.

We came here for the Sino-Japanese friendship -- the 30th anniversary of the normalization of our diplomatic relations. I am here to answer your questions candidly.

Thank you all.

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Question: When you spoke of cultural exchanges between the two countries at the end of your speech, you said that exchanges among youngsters should be enhanced. However, when I went to Dalian International Studies University, I learned that there are 800 students majoring in the Japanese language -- none of whom would like to engage in cultural exchanges. What do you think of this? My second question is: Chinese performing troupes coming to Japan are approved by the Chinese Cultural Ministry. Is it possible to permit them to conduct exchanges beyond stage activities?

Answer: Work concerning youngsters cannot be done only by professionals engaging in cultural exchanges. People in all circles should all do some cultural work including that of promoting cultural exchanges among youngsters. As regards to the second question, I think cultural exchanges should not be restricted to the stage. Why not hold a discussion after the performance? I think what is more important is to go deep into the hearts of the people. I hope writers of our two countries will have more exchanges among themselves and let Japanese people know through their writing what Chinese people are doing, thinking and expecting, and vice versa. In this way, hearts can be linked.

Question: During China's Cultural Revolution many cultural relics were destroyed. Could you tell us what specific measures have been taken in restoration and protection of cultural relics?

Answer: The Cultural Revolution, which lasted for 10 years, is a disaster for the Chinese people. During that period many cultural relics were destroyed and the economy was on the verge of collapse. When it ended, we instituted the policy of protection as key work, salvage-taking priority, making rational use and strengthening management. Before the Cultural Revolution, the government published a list of State-level cultural relics. Fortunately, they were basically kept intact, even during the Cultural Revolution. After the Cultural Revolution, our government successively published four lists of cultural relic units under State protection for which financial support was granted and where we have enhanced the technical cooperation with advanced countries, such as Japan and others. Beijing's Imperial Palace was never thoroughly repaired since it was constructed and where scrape marks were left by bayonets during the invasion of the Eight-Power Allied Forces. Now, we have worked out a plan for a thorough repair within 20 years to bring it back to its original state during the reign of Emperor of Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. In other provinces large funds have also been allocated into cultural relics protection. Thank you.

Question: When we travel abroad we take delight in the lifestyles and ideas of people of the same age as us. But what we know of China is more about ancient times. Are there any measures being taken to introduce contemporary concepts to Chinese youngsters?

Answer: This is a problem of vital importance. It is really what we need to catch up and let more people understand modern Chinese art, music and life. Although we have taken some measures in recent years -- such as holding a modern Chinese art show in Germany, France and Brazil and setting up modern dance troupes in Guangdong Province -- it is far from enough in introducing modern China to the outside world. Certainly, we need to step up our efforts in this regard.

Question: I graduated from Nanjing University. There are a number of young people around me who know little about Chinese people. Is it possible for the Chinese government to introduce Chinese culture to Japan through film and television? My second question is: Does the Chinese government have a policy supporting students studying overseas?

Answer: It certainly is a big deal to comprehensively introduce China. Many youngsters abroad know something about China through martial arts films. During my visit to France and Eastern Europe, I was often approached by children asking me to teach them a bit of Chinese Kung-fu. People are inclined to see only one face of China. We have to do more about that. In response to your second question, I think there are various ways for you to start an undertaking back in China.

Question: What do you think about absorbing modern culture from abroad while protecting traditional Chinese culture? How does one coordinate the development of the two as guided by government policies?

Answer: As the Chinese cultural minister, I am now confronting two difficult problems: One is how to correctly handle relations between tradition and the present age, and the other is how to locate Chinese culture onto the world stage. China has a cultural tradition of 5,000 years, which should be carried forward to modernization by absorbing the spirit of the times. It is a problem of opening up to the outside world on the one hand, and maintaining her national traits on the other. All outstanding cultures should be drawn on. China and Japan can draw on each other's culture while maintaining their own unique features. We have a set of rules governing the tax policy on the cultural industry and importing foreign cultural products that aim to introduce to China the fine things that conform to her national conditions and, at the same time, introduce to the world the fine things that China has to offer.