Awoko and New Citizen Newspapers on Tuesday met with Ambassador Qiu Shaofang in a short interview at the Chinese Embassy. The following questions were put forward to him for his answers.
Q. Recently, China was categorized as a third world country, and now you have transformed the country into a developed state. What is the secret of your success and how can Sierra Leone with high illiteracy rate emulate your great formula for such achievements?
A: There is no denying that China has made great achievements in the past 60 years. China’s success is mainly attributed to the unwavering implementation of reform and opening-up policy, which has made the economy and social development ranked amongst the highest in the world. However, China is still a developing country facing many difficulties and problems, particularly the uneven development in different regions. Modernization remains a long-term goal for China.
Sierra Leone and China have different basis of economy, history, culture and natural conditions, therefore it can’t simply emulate China’s formula. However, I believe, under the leadership of H.E. President Koroma, the Sierra Leonean people will explore a path with its own characteristics, and make great progress in development. Of course, we are willing to share our beneficial experience with our Sierra Leonean friends.
Q: How strong is the relationship between Sierra Leone and China and how can we sustain this relationship and make it pass the test of time?
A: China has had 38 years of diplomatic relations with Sierra Leone. Over the years, our two countries have rendered continuous support to each other. We are true friends, brothers and sisters. Today, China-Sierra Leone friendship is deeply rooted in the hearts of our people.
I believe, as long as we continue to follow the principle of enhancing friendship, treating each other as equals, extending mutual support and promoting common development in building our ties, China-Sierra Leone friendship will always endure the test of time and changes.
Q: Back in 1971, when China replaced Taiwan at the UN, the one China policy was a bit hazy and difficult to defend. How is the one China policy doing today in terms of international acceptance?
Also how will the one China policy continue to cement and shape the Chinese foreign policy? Do you foresee a time when the one China policy will cease to be the basis of cooperation with other nations?
A: China appreciates Sierra Leone and other African countries great contribution in the restoration of China’s lawful seat in the UN, and their commitment to the one China policy.
Since last May, the two sides have taken historic steps in a comprehensive, direct and two-way links in mail, transport and trade, properly handled a series of issues and maintained a good momentum of improvement and growth in their relationship.
Despite major changes in cross-strait relations, the Chinese Government remains committed to the one China principle, and this position will not change. The peaceful development of cross-strait relations and the reunification of China will contribute to prosperity and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the world.
Q: China plans to celebrate 60 years of PRC, what would you say you have achieved over the years?
A: Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949, especially the implementation of the reform and opening-up policy 30 years ago, China’s overall national strength has greatly increased; China has made tremendous progress in economy, science, technology, education, culture, health and sports; the life of the Chinese people has markedly improved.
According to reports of the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the country’s GDP reached US$4,397.7 billion in 2008, ranking third in the world. The foreign exchange reserves reached US$1,950 billion by end of 2008, ranking first in the world. The total volume of trade with other countries reached US$2,561 billion in 2008, also ranked third in the world. Despite the current global economic recession, China’s GDP increased by 7.1 percent in the first half of 2009.
However, China is still a developing country facing many difficulties and problems, particularly the uneven development in different regions. China’s per capita still ranks below 100th in the world. Modernization remains a long-term goal for China.
Q: What is the relationship with China and the West concerning growth, political system and expansion in Africa?
A: Our relationship with the West is cordial and is growing from strength to strength.
China-Africa relationship is the shared desire to our peoples and meets our common national interests. China’s assistance to Africa is sincere, unselfish and with no political strings attached. China’s bilateral relationship with Africa is done in good faith and it is mutually beneficial to all of Africa.
China-Africa cooperation is open. We are ready to work closely with other countries and international organizations in a common effort to provide greater support and assistance to Africa.
Q: There are still problems in sub Saharan Africa with imported Chinese Goods, as they are substandard compared with the West. What is responsible for such differences?
A: China has been playing a more and more important role in International Trade, especially facing the challenges of global financial crisis. In 2008 the Chinese Import and Export increased to US$2,500 billion and ranked 3rd in the world. With the ever deepening of China’s opening drive and the ever improvement of Chinese economic strength, Chinese goods has been famous as the reputation of ‘excellent quality and reasonable price’ in the world market and has brought tremendous benefits to the people of the world including African people. As a responsible country, the Chinese government highly attaches importance to the quality of export goods and endeavour to crack down on the export of fake goods. The quality of the goods imported from China through legal channel are reliable and of good quality.
Q: China has been helping Africa in development projects, financial aid, scholarships and loans; what does your country plan to gain economically, socially and financially from Africa?
A: China’s assistance to Africa is sincere, unselfish and with no demand of repayment. China is willing to work hard with African countries to achieve common development.
Q: Before I left China in July the preparations for the 60th anniversary was on going and looks to be an elaborate one, Mr Ambassador how do you plan to celebrate the anniversary in Sierra Leone?
A: You’re quite right. There will be lots of events to celebrate the 60th anniversary in China and I believe it will turn out to be very spectacular.
As for us in Sierra Leone, the Chinese Embassy plans to host a reception on the evening of September 29, at which the Chinese in Sierra Leone and our Sierra Leonean friends will celebrate this event together. Besides, the Embassy will cooperate with the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Society in organizing a symposium and photo exhibition in China House before the reception.
Q: China is now the economic hub of the world with the two largest banks in the world (ICBC & Bank of China), the largest market and the highest creditor to the United States. Do you think the time is right for a new world order, by changing the international currency, the super world power and the financial rules of World Bank and IMF?
A: The current global economic and financial crisis shows the defects of the current international currency system and financial rules governing World Bank and IMF. China is committing itself to a fairer and more equitable world economic order, and is appealing for expansion of the representation and a say of developing countries in international financial institutions through reform. We still have a long way to go to achieve that goal.
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