By Commissioner Lv Xinhua

Chinese University of Hong Kong, September 22

 

Honorable Vice Chancellor Lau,

Honorable Consuls-general,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon! I very much appreciate Mr. Lau's invitation, which brings me here today and discuss with you China's diplomacy. As requested by Mr. Lau, I will mainly focus on two subjects: China's views on some international hotspots and Hong Kong's role in China's diplomacy.

First, China's views on some hotspot issues.

In the world today, peace and development remain the theme of the times, but regional hotspot issues persist. Geographically, these hotspots are largely in two areas； Northeast Asia, with the North Korea nuclear issue; Eurasia, with Iran nuclear issue, Lebanon-Israel and Palestine-Israel conflicts, and Iraq and Afghanistan wars. As a permanent member to the Security Council, China follows these issues closely and has been making active efforts for proper solutions. Let me give you a brief account.

First, on the North Korea nuclear issue. The tension, dating back to the 1990s, has been there for over 50 years, and flared up again in October 2002. The issue is very sensitive. The Chinese Government has been mediating to peacefully solve the issue, and hosted the Six-party talks, which has gone into the first phase of the fifth round since its launching in August 2003. The Joint Statement of The Fourth Round of Talks was achieved in the landmark second phase of the fourth round of talks. Participants reached six important consensus, with DPRK undertaking to renounce all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs, return to the NPT and the the IAEA safeguards. The United States confirmed that it has no nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsular and has no intention of attacking or invading DPRK with conventional or non-conventional weapons. However, late last year, the Six-party talks were stalled due to the DPRK financial scandal. China has been working assiduously for the early resumption of talks. We hope the relevant parties can meet each other half way to break the standoff and create conditions for the talks.

On July 5, DPRK test fired multiple missiles, including the long-range missile Taepudong II, which roused grave concern from the international community. On that very day, the UN Security Council held a discussion of the issue in an emergency meeting. Japan's reaction was very distinct in that it took a flurry of diplomatic efforts in and beyond the Security Council. It produced a draft resolution that quoted Article 7 of the UN Charter, which, if adopted, would lead to possible economic sanctions or even military actions against DPRK. This draft resolution in question was endorsed by the US, Britain and other countries. Tension in the region raged once again.

As a sovereign country, DPRK is entitled to a moderate number of missiles and other weapons. Nevertheless, its missiles, especially long range missiles are highly likely to fly across high seas or even the air territory of a neighboring country. As missile tests carry both political and military significance and will accordingly raise serious concern, DRPK should, in line with international norms, send prior notices to relevant countries about the launching time, landing spot and other information. DPRK's missile test in 1998 sent a missile flying across the Japanese sea before falling into the Pacific Ocean. The DPRK reached an agreement of moratorium on missile testing with the US and Japan in 1999 and 2002. The latest missile test is conducted when the Six-party talks are stalled, it will definitely aroused serious international concern, especially from Japan the US and ROK.

Missile test is against the peace and stability of Northeast Asia, and China is concerned about the new complex development in the region. We believe that the Security Council should send a strong and unmistakable signal on this issue, and anything done should be conducive to the long-term goals of the region and its peace and stability. We will not accept any disapportionate measures that will aggravate the situation and ratchet up the tension. China believes that any heavy-handed resolution, if adopted, will escalate tension and jeopardize the peace and stability of Northeast Asia, and even risk splitting the Security Council. Therefore, the Japanese draft resolution must be revised. China bears in mind the overall goals of maintaining peace and stability of the region and the solidarity of the Security Council, and participates in Security Council discussions in a responsible manner for a peaceful solution.

With the concerted efforts of China, Russia and other countries, 15 Security Council members unanimously adopted Resolution 1695 on DPRK's missile test on July 15 this year, which condemns the behavior and expresses grave concern, and demands the DPRK to reinstate moratorium on missile tests. It also appeals calm from all parties, refraining from any action that may escalate tension and advocates that solutions should be pursued through diplomatic means, urges all parties to comply fully with the Joint Statement signed in September 2005, with the goal of realizing denuclearization of the peninsular through peaceful means and maintaining peace and stability of the Korean Peninsular and Northeast Asia.

We assign high attention to the development in our neighboring country DPRK. We are quite familiar with DPRK. It is a country of high self-esteem. Due to various reasons, it has been aloof to the international community. DPRK believes that it is in a hostile international environment, in which western countries will seize any opportunity to bash it and dismantle its regime. We believe that the international community is obliged to address each other's concerns through peaceful negotiations. Any heavy-handed measures including economic sanctions will only make DPRK more estranged to the international community. In that case, our concerns about missiles and nuclear weapons cannot be solved; rather, it will result in serious confrontation and turbulence in Northeast Asia.

Second, on the Iran nuclear issue. With the support of the US and other western countries, Iran embarked on nuclear research in the 1950s. Diplomatic relations between US and Iran broke up in April 1980, and the US since then has been accusing Iran of having clandestine nuclear weapon programmes under the disguise of "peaceful use of nuclear energy". In February 2002, Iran announced the discovery and extraction of uranium that can fuel its nuclear power plants. The nature of Iran's nuclear programme was "seriously doubted" by the US. The US issued a warning to Iran demanding a stop of all nuclear activities or face possible referral to the Security Council. In September 2003, IAEA adopted a resolution for the first time, urging Iran to sign up to the protocol of NPT, which will lead to an ultimate cessation of enrichment tests. The EU trio played good offices and made Iran sigh the Protocol at last. In April 2004, Iran announced it would stop assembling centrifuges. In November, Iran announced a cessation of all enrichment-related activities, and has been engaging in a series of talks with the EU since then, though not yet reaching agreement on some key issues. Iran has been reiterating its right to peaceful use of nuclear energy and there have been several relapses to enrichment activities. In August 2005, Iran restored enrichment activities, which led to a halt of talks with the EU. In December, Russia suggested a uranium enrichment joint venture being set up in Russia-Iran border areas, and it would work to ensure that no nuclear technology acquired by Iran is used for military purposes. Iran, however, insisted that enrichment activities be conducted on its territory per se only.

January this year, Iran announced reinstating nuclear research after 2 years' hiatus. All seals on the equipment were removed in October, an action causing immediate condemnation from the US and some European countries. The US called for referral of the matter to the Security Council for possible consequent sanctions. On March 28, Security Council adopted a president statement demanding Iran to stop all nuclear activities in 30 days. On June 1, China, US, Russia, Britain, France and Germany had a ministerial meeting and produced a "package solutions". The assembled ministers called on Iran to make a prompt response to the package. On July 31, the Security Council adopted Resolution 1696, demanding Iran to halt all enrichment activities before August 31. On August 31, the IAEA submitted a report on Iran's implementation of Resolution 1696 to the IAEA board of governors and the Security Council. The report believed that Iran did not halt its nuclear activities before the deadline. On September 13, the IAEA board assembled a meeting to discuss the Iran nuclear issue. Till this moment, serious differences among relevant parties still exist.

China has always maintained that the NPT regime should be safeguarded, opposes proliferation of nuclear weapons and advocates diplomatic solutions to the issue. We hope the Iranian side can pay high attention to the concern of the international community and adopt constructive measures based on the response it has made to the package proposal and making reference to the IAEA board report. In a word, we expect flexibility and patience from all parties. We believe that both opportunities and challenges are there. On the one hand Iran has responded to the package proposal and the channel of dialogue remains open; on the other hand, while various parties are closely watching how Iran is implementing the IAEA decisions and UN resolution, Iran has not clarified some ambiguities in some key areas. China believes that diplomatic efforts should be the way out, rather than resorting to sanctions. A proper solution of the Iranian nuclear issue will set the stage for a peaceful and stable Middle East, and be conducive to safeguarding the NPT regime, which will ensure all countries' rights to peaceful use of nuclear energy under the obligations of the NPT regime. To find a negotiated and diplomatic solution to the problem is the common aspiration of the international community. We should, against all odds, be persistent in pursuing peaceful solutions. China is ready to stay in close coordination and cooperation with all parties concerned to push for a peaceful solution.

Third, on Israel and Palestine conflict. The conflict between these two countries has a long history. Hezbollah, founded in 1982, is a Shiite political and military organization in Lebanon. Over the years, it has been in dispute and conflict with Israeli armies over territorial issues. Their conflict is a part of the wider confrontation between Israel and the Arab world. Hezbollah has been rejecting peace talks with Israel since it was established, and Israel, branding it as a "terrorist organization", regards it as a major security threat. Israel has been pressuring the Lebanese government to dismantle the Hezbollah.

July 12 this year, Hezbollah captured 2 Israeli soldiers at the border areas, and was met with immediate military retaliation. On the very day, Israel had an emergency cabinet meeting, in which decision was made to attack Hezbollah immediately. All military forces are mobilized and continuous air strikes were employed in the war. Hezbollah responded with rocket attacks. Escalation o the war led to massive humanitarian disaster. It is extremely sad that a Chinese UN military observer Du Zhaoyu, along with his 3 colleagues, was killed in an Israeli attack against the southern town Khiam.

The war adds to regional tension and has aroused grave international concern. UN Resolution 1701 was adopted on August 12, demanding a cessation of all hostilities from both sides. On August 14, Hezbollah and Israeli army announced a ceasefire.

China is opposed to any action that may destabilize or undermine the peace of a region. We are deeply concerned about the escalation of the war and the humanitarian crisis caused. Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing talked with Lebanese Prime Minister and Future Front leaders and met with the Chairman of Lebanese Committee of Defense and Foreign Affairs. Li has made clear China's concerns and positions. China has made clear where we stand and what concerns us in the UN and sent Envoy Sun Bigan to the region, mediating between relevant parties when the war scale was spiraling up. On top of that, China has provided prompt humanitarian relief to the region.

China hopes that both sides can demonstrate maximum sincerity and faithfully implement their promises and those under Resolution 1701. We believe that we should do the following for a sustaining ceasefire in the region: first, to strengthen the Lebanese army and empower them to defend the whole country. Second, to accelerate the peace keeping army level. Countries with the ability should fulfill their troop contribution commitment at an early date. Third, more humanitarian contribution should be made to Lebanon. Safe passages should be cleared for humanitarian relief delivery. Fourth, assistance should be rendered to Lebanon as soon as possible for reconstruction. China has pledged another 40 million RMB of in kind assistance to Lebanon for this purpose.

On Palestine and Israel conflict. In January this year, Hamas was elected to lead the country and its cabinet was formed in March. As the US and EU regard Hamas as a terrorist organization, they stop assistance to the country, citing Hamas' refusal to the road map peace plan and rejection of previously signed agreements by the last administration. Israel's freezing of monthly tax revenue transfer to Palestine sends its economy into tailspin. On June 25, Palestinian militants kidnapped an Israeli soldier and triggered massive military retaliation from Israel and arrest of several Palestine officials. Recently, Palestine Authorities Chairman Abbas indicated that the two countries have reached agreement on releasing captured soldiers and in return, Israel would release the Palestinian prisoners it kept. Israeli Vice Prime Minister Perez echoed that if the militants did release the captured soldiers, Prime Minister Olmert would be ready to meet Abbas and discuss about restarting the peace talks. China would like to see a Middle East that is peaceful, stable and prosperous. China supports the road map plan, and maintains that peaceful co-existence between the two countries can be achieved through dialogues and political negotiations based on the UN resolutions and the "land-for-peace" principle. For this purpose, China has been playing good offices between the two sides, calling for restraint, avoiding escalation of the war and has sent envoys to the part of the world. We call on the relevant parties to observe the international humanitarian law, avoiding civil casualties. China has always maintained that disputes should be solved through political and peaceful negotiations. As a permanent member to the Security Council, China is ready to continue playing a constructive role in the Middle East issue.

It is clearly demonstrated in our foreign policy that China has and will always be a staunch force for peace, stability and development.

Next, let me move on to the next subject: Hong Kong's role in China's diplomacy. HK is well positioned and advantaged in contributing to China's diplomatic work.

Under the one country two systems and the basic law, HK has broad space in engaging with the world. China upholds the independent foreign policy of peace, adheres to the path of peaceful development, and strives for win-win results in its diplomacy. All these will add new dimensions and a global perspective HK's engagement with the world. Currently, HK has associated with more than 50 inter-governmental organizations via membership or other means and acquires membership in the name of "China HK" with some international organizations such as WTO and APEC. Authorized by the central government, HK has signed a large number of bilateral agreements concerning civil aviation, judicial assistance, and investment protection, among other areas. HK has also signed and implemented treaties and agreements and maintain active exchanges with many countries in economic and trade, financial, shipping, telecommunication, tourism, cultural, sports and other fields. There are 112 consulates-general in HK. And the IMF also set up an office here. HKSAR passport holders are entitled to visa free treatment in 136 countries and regions, which is a great convenience for HK people who go abroad on business or tourism purposes. HK is a major investor for many economies of influence. A large HK overseas community has been contributing a lot to their host countries and areas. The large pool of talents is thinking globally and at the same time stays in close contact with the mainland. HK compatriots have always been keen about the development of their motherland. In the past 9 years after its return to the motherland, HK people are increasingly identified themselves with and attached to the motherland. All these are crucial resources to China's diplomatic work. There are several guidelines and principles for HK in playing its part in China's diplomacy. First, whatever done should be in conformity with HK's long-term interests, the overall development strategy and overall interests of China's diplomatic strategy. It should be conducive to the prosperity and stability and HK's long term development. Second, it should be well measured and in consistence with the one country two systems and the basic law. We should strike a balance between one country and two systems, two sides of an equation. Third, adhere to the principle of equality and mutual benefits, coordination and common development. Fourth, update and deepen understanding of the country's history and present state of development. Keep posted of the changes in international political landscape. Fifth, strengthen the communication between the central and the SAR government and pool our strength together.

HK can contribute its part in many areas of China's diplomatic work, especially in the followings:

To showcase successful implementation of the one country two systems. The principle of one country two systems is a basic state policy for the ultimate reunification of the motherland. In the past 9 years, the principle is implemented in its entirety in HK. Economic prosperity and social stability have been maintained, the capitalist system remains intact, the way of life remains unchanged. The law system is still well functioning, protecting the freedom and various rights and interests of the HK people. The truth is in practice, and practice has showed that the principle of one country two systems will go a long way. HK's engagement with the world in accordance with the basic law will help the world to understand HK after its return to the motherland, the successful implementation of the one country two systems, and also the resolve of the central government to make the principle work here. These will help the world to understand China's Taiwan policy.

To promote China's economic diplomacy. China is interacting with the world closely in the economic arena. Economic development and interplay with the world are both on the increase. China has made it a clear that economic diplomacy should be strengthened. Diplomatic work should promote economic development and develop a mutually reinforcing relation between the two. Diplomatic work should serve national interests and contribute to the building of a moderately prosperous society. With ever closer economic and trade ties with the mainland, HK as an international trade, financial and shipping centre can play an important role in China's international economic cooperation. China now is encouraging its enterprises to go global; HK can help in this regard. We are pursuing energy diplomacy, where HK can play a role. China HK as a WTO member and an APEC member is indispensable in setting up a new international order and facilitating international and regional economic cooperation.

Coordinate with the central government in multilateral diplomacy. In the past 9 years, HK has been coordinating very well with the central government in international cooperation in anti-terrorism, arms control, public health and environmental protection. HK has faithfully implemented relevant UN resolutions and coordinating with the central government in issues related to TW in multilateral arenas. Last year's 6th WTO ministerial meeting held in HK was a great success. HK was very committed. This December will see the Telecom Summit will be held here, the first to be held outside Geneva. That means a lot. HK will play host to the 2008 equestrian Olympic game; In 2009, HK will host the East Asia games. Now, Margaret Chan is running for the WHO DG post. Her successful bidding will be a credit to HK, and an honour for the whole country.

Coordinate and cooperate with the central government in implanting public diplomacy and cultural diplomacy. HK has a solid cultural background and admires innovation. HK has been very active in activities under the China-France cultural year. HK attended the …. In Venice last year and it was rewarding trip. HK, with its rapid flow of information and vibrant academic exchanges, can help the world to see China and understand it in an objective way, as well as its path of peaceful development and foreign policy. HK can contribute to make people think favorably of China's development.

To coordinate the central government's policy of diplomacy for the people. The Central government attaches high importance to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens abroad, including HK, Macao and Taiwan compatriots. 9 years after HK's return to the motherland, the SAR government and the various social sectors have rendered a lot of assistance in this regard. After the 2004 tsunami in south East Asia, HK SAR government acted promptly and assisted our Embassies in delivering help to Chinese citizens involved. This year, together with the HKSAR, we successfully delivered help to our countrymen in the Egypt tour group bus accident, the evacuation in East Timor. The international community spoke highly of our coordination. So it is with the media and the Canton communities abroad. Consular protection needs our cooperation and the support of the whole HK community. We must work harder to faithfully implement the people first diplomacy and the policy of diplomacy for the people.

As China grows in national strength and influence in the world, HK is advantaged in China's diplomatic work as a special administrative region of China. To leverage this advantage well will not only be a contribution to China's diplomatic work, but also to HK's long term development and realize common prosperity.