中國(guó)常駐聯(lián)合國(guó)代表王光亞大使在美國(guó)普林斯頓大學(xué)的演講

字號(hào):

Good evening.
    It is an honor for me to be invited to your seminar tonight. For me, for my colleagues and many other Chinese, Princeton has long been a familiar name. With a history longer than the country, it has produced many outstanding people, Woodrow Wilson, the 28th US President, Albert Einstein, the great scientist, and T. S. Eliot, the famous poet, to name but a few. As the former President Bill Clinton said in 1996 in celebration of the 250 anniversary of Princeton: “At every pivotal moment in American history, Princeton, its leadership, its students have played a crucial role.”
    I am more pleased to learn that all of you have a keen interest in China. Though our two countries are geographically far apart, we have lots in common. While many Chinese enjoy Hollywood movies and McDonald's fast food, many Americans find that their clothes and daily necessities are made in China. I hope that today's seminar will help you gain a better understanding of China and its foreign policy, thus further deepening our friendship and cooperation.
    Ladies and Gentlemen,
    Let me begin by briefly talking about China's current situation. As you all know, China introduced the policy of reform and opening up 25 years ago. In the short span of a quarter century, China has achieved unprecedented progress in its development. 25 years ago, China's GDP was only 147.3 billion US dollars. Last year, it exceeded 1,400 billion, an increase of almost 10 times. 25 years ago, China foreign trade was merely 20.6 billion USD. Last year, the volume climbed to 851.2 billion. 25 years ago, more than 250 million people were living below the poverty line. Last year, the figure was reduced to less than 30 million. It is certainly not an overstatement to say that the past 25 years constitute a most glorious chapter in the annals of the Chinese history.
    The most fundamental reason for such remarkable achievements is that we have found a development model, which fits our own conditions. That is socialism with Chinese characteristics. Needless to say, we still have a long way to go, as China still faces many challenges including, among others, a huge population, problems left over from the past, low productivity and lack of balance in its development.
    China is slightly larger than the United States in size, but its population is 1.3 billion and it is still increasing. It will reach its peak of 1.5 billion around 2040 and will only then begin to decrease. With such a huge population, no matter how enormous the total volume of financial and material resources is, once being divided by 1.3 billion, it becomes a small per capita figure. Last year, China's GDP ranked sixth in the world, but in per capita GDP terms, it was only a little over 1,000 USD, which was behind more than 100 countries. The huge development gap between the coastal areas and the interior of China is another problem confronting the country.
    The more immediate objective of the Chinese government is to enable all the Chinese people to lead a fairly well off life. This requires consistent and tireless efforts. The Chinese government has made development its top priority. By development, we do not simply mean economic growth, but an all round, balanced and coordinated development, with the focus only on the people. The development strategy will seek to maintain a balance between the rural and urban areas, and between the economic development and social progress. All in all, it is aimed at achieving material, cultural and political progress, and harmonious coexistence between man and nature.
    To revitalize the Chinese nation is the common aspiration of all the Chinese people. We now embrace a wonderful opportunity for development. By what has been achieved, the rise of China sounds no longer a dream. This, however, has caused concerns and worries of some people. They argue that modern history shows that the rise of a big power would often lead to disturbances of international relations and world order and even war. While I understand such concerns, I must say however that they are really unnecessary. It is because:
    First, China as a nation has always believed in the philosophy of “peace is priceless”。 To pursue a world of “Great Harmony” is not just a teaching from our ancestors. It is a “gene” deeply rooted in the Chinese nation. Never seeking hegemony is our solemn commitment.
    Second, while proud of its long and splendid ancient civilization, China also remembers the bitter and humiliating experiences in its modern history. We keenly feel the pain inflicted by outside aggressors. “Do not do unto others as you would not have them do unto you”。 This is the will of the Chinese people and no one can go against the will of the people.
    Third, as mankind has entered the 21st century, no country can retreat to “zero sum” games. China will not be an exception. Our only choice is to develop in a peaceful environment, which in turn will enhance peace.
    Fourth, for a country with over a billion people, China can rely on nobody but itself for development. We will mainly take advantage of our vast market potentials, abundant labor resources and capital accumulation, while working hard to improve education and develop science and technology.
    Finally, the peaceful rise of China with its 1.3 billion people will be neither a hindrance nor a threat to any country. Quite the contrary, it can only greatly contribute to maintaining world peace and stability.
    To achieve peace and development is the ardent aspiration of the entire mankind. China will continue to pursue an independent foreign policy of peace. We wish to see a multi-polar world where international relations are conducted on the basis of democracy and rule of law, disputes are settled through dialogue and cooperation, and the world affairs are managed by all countries on an equal footing. We are in favor of diversified modes of development, more extensive dialogue and exchanges among civilizations, poverty elimination and environmental protection so as to attain common and harmonious development of all countries. We are against all forms of terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We advocate a new security concept of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and coordination.
    Ladies and Gentlemen,
    Sino-US relations are one of the most important bilateral relations for China. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 25 years ago, they have enjoyed continued progress, despite twists and turns. Before the establishment of diplomatic ties, Sino-US trade volume was less than 2.5 billion USD. Now, the volume is over 100 billion. The two countries have become each other's major trade partners. People-to-people contacts used to be virtually nonexistent. Today, our annual two way exchanges amount to several million persons. Over 60,000 Chinese students are studying in your country, and more than 3,000 Americans are taking courses in China.
    The United Sates is the largest developed country, while China is the largest developing country. The two countries are having more and more common interests, and the areas of cooperation are expanding. In our bilateral relations and in multilateral fora such as the United Nations, one can find many examples of cooperation. From economic relations and trade to environmental protection and AIDS prevention, and to anti-terrorism, Korean nuclear issue and nonproliferation. All this has helped broaden the scope and consolidate the foundation of our strategic interests.
    It is unthinkable that China and the United States should see eye to eye on everything. After all, the two countries have different historical traditions, cultures and values. However, as was described by Secretary of State Colin Powell, “the United States sees an even greater need to shape a relationship with China that is defined by our mutual interests, not by those of disagreement. ? And we know that China shares that goal.”
    I fully concur with this view. As an ancient Chinese saying goes, “true friendship between gentlemen allows for differences”。 When we have differences, we should discuss them frankly, and not let them obstruct the development of our relations. A sound and stable friendly relationship and cooperation is in the common interests of our two peoples and is conducive to world peace and development.
    Mankind is faced with numerous challenges in its endeavor for peace and development. The future of the world is full of variables. While the traditional security issues such as border conflicts, ethnic disputes, and religious grievances still exist; new security problems are cropping up in the form of terrorism, transnational crimes, environmental degradation and drug trafficking.
    I have noticed that basketball, baseball and football are the most favorite sports for American youth. All these sports manifest and require a strong team spirit. Maintaining world peace and security also requires that spirit. With the fast development of globalization and transnational challenges and threats, no country can develop itself in seclusion, even it is in possession of unparalleled military and economic might. The international community can only choose cooperation to realize true peace and security.
    About 60 years ago, drawing on the lessons of WWII, President Franklin Roosevelt and his colleagues blueprinted and founded the United Nations. Its major objective was to jointly safeguard security and promote development through collective action. As the most broadly representative and authoritative international organization in the world today, the United Nations still serves as an important forum for countries to strengthen cooperation and respond to common challenges. A powerful United Nations is what the future of the world lies.
    The war in Iraq a year ago has caused repercussions on the collective security mechanism, putting multilateral approach and the United Nations under severe test. Developments in Iraq over the past year show that unilateral approach cannot bring peace and security. Rather, It undermines mutual trust and cooperation among states. It is gratifying to see that more and more countries have realized that collective security and multilateralism offer the effective way to tackle global issues. The United Nations should play a substantive role in seeking a solution to the Iraqi issue.
    Undoubtedly, to better respond to the wide spectrum of challenges confronting the world today, we need a more effective and efficient United Nations. There have been thought-provoking discussions and studies in this regard. In order to adapt to new changes and meet emerging challenges, it is necessary to reform the United Nations in an appropriate manner with a view to strengthening its authority and functions and enhancing people's confidence and trust.
    Ladies and Gentlemen,
    108 years ago, Woodrow Wilson, the 13th president of Princeton, called on students to work hard and be ready to serve their country in his famous oration entitled “Princeton in the Nation's Service”。 This coincides with the tradition of the Chinese intellectuals ? “to study and apply what you learn, to serve the country with unreserved loyalty”。
    I am also delighted to hear that thanks to the proposal of President Harold Shapiro, the famous phrase has now become “Princeton in the Nation's Service, and in the Service of All Nations”。 This has given full expression to the spirit of multilateralism and represents the trend of the world today.
    Thank you.
    女士們、先生們:
    晚上好。
    很榮幸應(yīng)邀到普林斯頓大學(xué)參加你們的研討會(huì)。對(duì)我本人、我的同事及許多中國(guó)人來(lái)講,普林斯頓大學(xué)的名字早已是耳熟能詳。她的歷史比這個(gè)國(guó)家還長(zhǎng),從這個(gè)校園里走出了美國(guó)第28任總統(tǒng)伍德羅·威爾遜、偉大科學(xué)家愛(ài)因斯坦、詩(shī)人T.S.艾略特等眾多杰出人物。正如前總統(tǒng)克林頓先生在1996年普大建校 250周年時(shí)所說(shuō):“在美國(guó)歷的每一個(gè)緊要關(guān)頭,普林斯頓大學(xué)及其師生都發(fā)揮了關(guān)鍵作用?!?BR>    令人高興的是,在座諸位對(duì)中國(guó)事務(wù)都抱有研究興趣。雖然我們兩國(guó)地理上相距萬(wàn)里,但在日常生活中卻非常相近。好萊塢影片、麥當(dāng)勞快餐成了許多中國(guó)人生活中的內(nèi)容。而中國(guó)加工的服裝、日用品也天天伴隨著美國(guó)人民。我希望通過(guò)今天的交流,能增進(jìn)在座諸位對(duì)中國(guó)和中國(guó)外交政策的了解,為未來(lái)彼此的友誼與合作錦上添花。
    女士們、先生們,
    我想首先扼要說(shuō)一下中國(guó)的現(xiàn)狀。大家知道,中國(guó)實(shí)行改革開(kāi)放已走過(guò)了25年。在短短的四分之一個(gè)世紀(jì)里,中國(guó)取得了前所未有的重大進(jìn)步和發(fā)展。25年前,中國(guó)的GDP只有1473億美元,而去年已達(dá)14000多億美元,增長(zhǎng)近10倍;25年前,中國(guó)外貿(mào)總額僅為206億美元,去年則達(dá)到了8512億美元;25年前,中國(guó)的貧困人口有2億5千萬(wàn),目前已下降到3000萬(wàn)人左右。毫不夸張地說(shuō),這25年是中國(guó)歷最輝煌的一頁(yè)。
    之所以能取得如此成就,最根本的一條就是我們找到了適合中國(guó)國(guó)情的發(fā)展道路,即具有中國(guó)特色的社會(huì)主義道路。當(dāng)然,我們還有很長(zhǎng)的路要走,因?yàn)橹袊?guó)人口眾多、包袱沉重,生產(chǎn)力不發(fā)達(dá)、發(fā)展不平衡。
    中國(guó)的面積比美國(guó)稍大,但有13億人口,而且還在增長(zhǎng),到2040年前后將超過(guò)15億,其后才會(huì)逐漸下降。有如此大的人口基數(shù),無(wú)論財(cái)力、物力總量多么可觀,只要除以13億,就成為相當(dāng)?shù)偷娜司?。去年中?guó)的GDP總量排名世界第六位,但人均剛過(guò)1000美元,排在世界100位以后。中國(guó)東部與中西部、沿海與內(nèi)地存在巨大的發(fā)展差距,也是困擾中國(guó)的難題。
    中國(guó)政府的近期目標(biāo)就是要讓全體中國(guó)人都過(guò)上小康生活。這需要我們繼續(xù)作出不懈的努力。因此,中國(guó)政府的第一要?jiǎng)?wù)就是發(fā)展,不僅是經(jīng)濟(jì)發(fā)展,而且是全面、平衡、協(xié)調(diào)發(fā)展。注重以人為本,統(tǒng)籌城鄉(xiāng)之間和區(qū)域之間的發(fā)展,保持經(jīng)濟(jì)發(fā)展與社會(huì)發(fā)展的平衡,實(shí)現(xiàn)人與自然和諧共存,實(shí)現(xiàn)物質(zhì)文明、精神文明和政治文明的共同發(fā)展。
    實(shí)現(xiàn)中華民族的復(fù)興,是全體中國(guó)人的夙愿。當(dāng)前,我們正面臨千載難逢的良好發(fā)展機(jī)遇,中國(guó)的崛起不再是遙不可及的夢(mèng)想。當(dāng)然,國(guó)際上也有一些人士對(duì)此感到擔(dān)憂與不安。他們認(rèn)為,從近代歷史看,一個(gè)大國(guó)的崛起,往往會(huì)導(dǎo)致國(guó)際格局和世界秩序的急劇變動(dòng),甚至引發(fā)戰(zhàn)爭(zhēng)。我認(rèn)為,從某種意義上講,這種擔(dān)憂是可以理解的,但同時(shí)也是不必要的。因?yàn)椋?BR>    首先,中華民族歷來(lái)尊崇“和為貴”的哲學(xué)思想,追尋“大同世界”不僅是簡(jiǎn)單的千年祖訓(xùn),而且是植根于中華民族血液里的“基因”。不稱(chēng)霸是我們鄭重的承諾。
    第二,中國(guó)有古代的輝煌與驕傲,更有近代的慘痛和屈辱。我們對(duì)外來(lái)侵略有切膚之感,“已所不欲,勿施與人”。這是中國(guó)的民意,民意不可違。
    第三,人類(lèi)已進(jìn)入21世紀(jì),中國(guó)不會(huì),也不可能再重復(fù)走“零和”道路。我們的選擇只能是和平崛起,就是利用世界和平努力發(fā)展自己,同時(shí)又以自身發(fā)展維護(hù)世界和平。
    第四,像中國(guó)這樣十幾億人口的大國(guó),要發(fā)展起來(lái),不應(yīng)當(dāng)、也不可能依賴(lài)任何別的國(guó)家,只能靠自己努力,依靠廣闊的國(guó)內(nèi)市場(chǎng)、充足的勞動(dòng)力資源和資金積累,并依靠提高國(guó)民素質(zhì)和科技進(jìn)步解決資源和環(huán)境問(wèn)題,實(shí)現(xiàn)可持續(xù)發(fā)展。
    最后,中國(guó)的和平崛起不會(huì)妨礙任何國(guó)家,也不會(huì)威脅任何國(guó)家。相反,具有13億人口的中國(guó)的和平崛起、和平發(fā)展,本身就是對(duì)世界和平與穩(wěn)定的巨大貢獻(xiàn)。
    實(shí)現(xiàn)和平與發(fā)展是全人類(lèi)的福祉和愿望。中國(guó)將繼續(xù)奉行獨(dú)立自主的和平外交政策,主張促進(jìn)世界多極化,倡導(dǎo)國(guó)際關(guān)系民主化與法制化,通過(guò)對(duì)話與合作解決爭(zhēng)端。我們認(rèn)為,世界上的事情應(yīng)由各國(guó)平等協(xié)商,贊同發(fā)展模式多樣化,推動(dòng)文明對(duì)話與交流,消除貧困,保護(hù)環(huán)境,實(shí)現(xiàn)各國(guó)人民的共同和諧發(fā)展。我們反對(duì)一切形式的恐怖主義和大規(guī)模殺傷性武器擴(kuò)散,提倡互信、互利、平等、協(xié)作的新安全觀。
    女士們、先生們,
    中美關(guān)系是中國(guó)最重要的雙邊關(guān)系之一。建交25年來(lái),兩國(guó)關(guān)系走過(guò)了一條很不平坦的道路,但總的方向是不斷向前發(fā)展。建交前,中美貿(mào)易額不足25億美元。今天已超過(guò)1000億美元,兩國(guó)已互為重要的貿(mào)易伙伴。建交前,中美兩國(guó)民間交往幾乎為零。目前,兩國(guó)人員往來(lái)每年超過(guò)百萬(wàn)人次。中國(guó)有6萬(wàn)多名青年人在美國(guó)學(xué)習(xí),美國(guó)也有3000多人在中國(guó)學(xué)習(xí)。
    作為世界上發(fā)展中國(guó)家和的發(fā)達(dá)國(guó)家,中美兩國(guó)近年來(lái)的共同利益不斷增加,合作的領(lǐng)域在不斷擴(kuò)大和深化。不論在經(jīng)貿(mào)、金融、環(huán)保、防治艾滋病方面,還是在反恐、朝核、防擴(kuò)散領(lǐng)域,或是在聯(lián)合國(guó)等多邊機(jī)制中,我們都可以輕易列舉出許許多多生動(dòng)事例。這些都為進(jìn)一步拓寬雙方的戰(zhàn)略利益提供了更好的空間與基礎(chǔ)。
    誠(chéng)然,中美作為兩個(gè)大國(guó),由于歷史、文化和價(jià)值觀的差異,彼此之間沒(méi)有分歧也是不可想象的。但正如鮑威爾國(guó)務(wù)卿所說(shuō):“美國(guó)認(rèn)為更有必要同中國(guó)建立一種以共同利益為主,而不是以分歧為主的關(guān)系?!覀冎乐袊?guó)也抱有相同的目標(biāo)?!?BR>    我完全贊同鮑卿的上述觀點(diǎn)。中國(guó)有句古語(yǔ):君子和而不同。意思是說(shuō),真正的好朋友也可以有不同的觀點(diǎn)。中美兩國(guó)在某些問(wèn)題上存在分歧是正常的,我們完全可以就有分歧的問(wèn)題坦誠(chéng)交換意見(jiàn),但分歧不應(yīng)當(dāng)成為阻礙兩國(guó)進(jìn)一步發(fā)展關(guān)系的藩籬。中美只有發(fā)展健康的、穩(wěn)定的友好合作關(guān)系,才符合兩國(guó)人民的共同利益,也符合全球和平與發(fā)展的利益。
    當(dāng)前,人類(lèi)和平與發(fā)展面臨諸多挑戰(zhàn),世界的未來(lái)充滿(mǎn)了變數(shù)。各種傳統(tǒng)安全問(wèn)題,如邊界沖突、民族矛盾、宗教恩怨等依然存在。恐怖主義、跨國(guó)犯罪、環(huán)境污染、毒品走私等非傳統(tǒng)安全威脅又在迅速蔓延。
    我注意到一個(gè)現(xiàn)象:美國(guó)年青人最喜歡的體育運(yùn)動(dòng),如籃球、棒球、橄欖球等,都是最講求團(tuán)隊(duì)精神的運(yùn)動(dòng)。維護(hù)國(guó)際和平與安全也需要團(tuán)隊(duì)與合作精神。在全球化日益發(fā)展的今天,面對(duì)跨國(guó)性挑戰(zhàn)和威脅,任何單個(gè)國(guó)家都無(wú)法獨(dú)善其身,即使它擁有無(wú)與倫比軍事和經(jīng)濟(jì)力量。國(guó)際社會(huì)只有攜手合作,才能實(shí)現(xiàn)彼此真正的和平與安全。
    約60年前,基于對(duì)二戰(zhàn)慘烈后果的反思,羅斯??偨y(tǒng)與其同事設(shè)計(jì)并創(chuàng)立了聯(lián)合國(guó),其核心目的就是通過(guò)集體合作共同維護(hù)安全,促進(jìn)發(fā)展。作為普遍性和權(quán)威性的國(guó)際組織,聯(lián)合國(guó)今天仍然是各國(guó)加強(qiáng)國(guó)際合作、應(yīng)對(duì)共同挑戰(zhàn)的重要場(chǎng)所。一個(gè)強(qiáng)有力的聯(lián)合國(guó)是世界希望之所在。
    一年前的伊拉克戰(zhàn)爭(zhēng)曾給集體安全機(jī)制造成沖擊,將多邊主義及聯(lián)合國(guó)推向了一個(gè)十字路口。一年來(lái)的伊拉克局勢(shì)說(shuō)明,單邊行為不能帶來(lái)和平與安全,還會(huì)損害各國(guó)信任與合作。令人欣慰的是,越來(lái)越多的國(guó)家認(rèn)識(shí)到,集體安全與多邊主義才是解決國(guó)際問(wèn)題的有效手段,聯(lián)合國(guó)已實(shí)質(zhì)性參與解決伊拉克問(wèn)題。
    無(wú)庸置疑,為了更好應(yīng)對(duì)當(dāng)今世界面臨的諸多共同挑戰(zhàn),我們需要一個(gè)更加有效的聯(lián)合國(guó)。各方對(duì)此也在深刻反思。為適應(yīng)新變化、迎接新挑戰(zhàn),聯(lián)合國(guó)必須進(jìn)行合理和必要的改革,增強(qiáng)其權(quán)威與作用,提高人們對(duì)其的依賴(lài)與信心。
    女士們,先生們,
    108年前,普林斯頓大學(xué)第13任校長(zhǎng)威爾遜先生在那篇的《普林斯頓-為了給國(guó)家服務(wù)》的演講中號(hào)召學(xué)生應(yīng)為國(guó)家建設(shè)盡心服務(wù)。這種思想與中國(guó)文人素有的“學(xué)以致用、精忠報(bào)國(guó)”的傳統(tǒng)不謀而合。
    我也很高興地聽(tīng)說(shuō),在Harold Shapiro校長(zhǎng)的倡導(dǎo)下,普林斯頓大學(xué)的校訓(xùn)已由“普林斯頓——為了給國(guó)家服務(wù)”擴(kuò)展為“普林斯頓——不僅服務(wù)于國(guó)家,而且服務(wù)于天下”。我認(rèn)為,這無(wú)疑也體現(xiàn)了多邊主義精神,符合當(dāng)今世界的潮流。
    謝謝大家。