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Responses posted on
December 2002 |
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Global
Issues |
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Q: Recent reports
by the United Nations have expressed concern regarding the spreading
epidemic of HIV/AIDS to China, among other Asian nations. What measures
is China taking, with or without the international community, to prevent
the spread of HIV/AIDS? (Joshua, USA, 16)
A: Over the past two decades, the scourge of HIV/AIDS has been spreading
around the world. China is no exception and has been affected by the
rapid pace at which HIV/AIDS is spreading.
China attaches great importance to the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS.
In 1996, the “Regime of Coordination for the Control of HIV/AIDS”
was established at the central government level, chaired by a leading
official of the State Council and with the involvement of 34 ministries
and commissions. In 1998, China formulated its National Strategy for
HIV/AIDS and started implementing the Plan of Action. In terms of
finance, China registered a 6 to 7 fold increase in budget for combating
HIV/AIDS in 2001. 1.2 billion yuan of Renminbi (RMB—the
national currency of China) was invested to improve the blood collection
and supply facilities.
On the international front, China has participated in a wide range
of cooperative activities with the United Nations, UNAIDS, Global
Fund and other relevant international organizations. In 2001, following
the GA Special Session on HIV/AIDS, China succeeded in convening its
first national conference on HIV/AIDS and co-sponsored a regional
seminar in Asia and the Pacific under the Global Fund.
As a country with a huge population, China faces special difficulties in preventing
and controlling HIV/AIDS. In this regard, China will further strengthen its efforts
to mobilize financial resources, expand access to care and treatment, promote
research and development of new technologies, further leverage the advantage of
traditional Chinese medicine in treatment, and address stigma and discrimination.
It is worth mentioning that the care of children with and orphaned by HIV/AIDS
is on our top agenda. We believe that through concerted efforts, we will bring
HIV/AIDS under control in China.
Q: Dear Ambassador Wang, as part of a school
project we are researching the UN and its member states. I read the
goals of the UN for the millennium and in my opinion I really don’t
think half of them will be achieved. The thought of living to see
the world at peace and working together and a world with no starving
people is definitely ideal but not realistic. I would really like
to see the UN reach these goals but I think it might take longer.
Do you really believe in the Millennium Development Goals? What is
China doing to achieve these goals? (Molly, USA, 14)
A: The Millennium development goals (MDGs) set out in the Millennium Declaration
express the resolve of the world’s political leaders to free their “fellow
men, women and children from the abject and dehumanizing conditions of extreme
poverty,” to make the right to development “a reality for everyone”
and to free “the entire human race from want.” The Secretary General
of the United Nations points out that one sixth of humanity still struggles for
daily survival, in a life-and-death battle against disease, hunger and environmental
catastrophe. Around 4 billion people in developing countries remain far from the
security, capability and material well-being enjoyed by the developed world.
I agree that meeting the MDGs is a daunting task facing the entire international
community. Progress in East Asia and parts of South Asia has been sufficient in
recent years, yet progress in Latin America is slow, while much of sub-Saharan
Africa and large parts of Central Asia face more challenges.
Although much of the developing world is falling far short of expectations, we,
from the success stories in Asia and elsewhere, still believe in MDGs and believe
our concerted and persistent efforts can make a real difference. With 13 years
to go to the target date, we must work hard to put the right national and international
policies in place; we must explore innovatively to mobilize financial resources
for the poorest of the poor; we must work in a true global partnership where all
partners have mutual responsibility and commitments and accept mutual accountability.
This was recognized implicitly in the WTO conference in Doha, the International
Conference on Financing for Development in Monterrey and the World Summit on Sustainable
Development in Johannesburg and has also been reaffirmed in the UN Special Sessions
on HIV/AIDS and Children, and the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiatives
among others. It is to be expected that we will encounter great difficulties in
meeting the MDGs. And that is why we need to work even harder to create the necessary
conditions for achieving these goals. Otherwise, if we lose confidence or wait
without doing anything, human beings all over the world will suffer.
China, as a responsible member of the world, is actively implementing
its national strategy and plan of action along with the roadmap set
out by the
MDGs.
Eradicating extreme poverty and hunger has been one of the foremost
priorities in China. Since the economic reform and opening up to the outside world,
China has undertaken numerous activities to reinforce and strengthen its efforts
in poverty eradication. The total population in poverty has declined from 250
million in 1978 to 20 –30 million in 2001. In order to further eradicate
extreme poverty in rural and remote areas, China is now implementing the Western
Development, National Plan of Action on Poverty Eradication, focusing on promoting
economic development, providing social safety nets and policy support in their
reform and development efforts.
On education, China has virtually made nine-year
compulsory education universal, covering 85% of the population. In
order to ensure all boys and girls have access to school, China launched
the “Hope Initiative”, mobilizing financial resources
for poor families. Moreover, the government has been increasing its
budget on education to guarantee that everyone exercises their right
to education.
On Women and Children, sustained efforts have been
made to promote and protect Chinese women’s rights in political,
economic, social and other aspects. The extent of Chinese women’s
involvement in state affairs has remarkably increased. At present,
women civil servants account for one third of the total. The government
also set up laws and regulations to ensure that women have equal rights
in employment, payment, education and social welfare. The rights of
children have been effectively protected as well. China has consistently
supported immunization programs for children to prevent and control
pneumonia, diarrhea, rickets and iron-deficiency anemia. We have also
conducted a baby-friendly campaign, advocated breast feeding, built
baby-friendly hospitals, and provided health care services to mother
and children that include nutrition guides, monitoring of children’s
growth, examination of newborn infant diseases, and preschool education
for children.
On HIV/AIDS, China attaches great importance to the
prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. In 1996, the “Regime of
Coordination for the Control of HIV/AIDS” was established at
the central government level, chaired by a leading official of the
State Council and with the involvement of 34 ministries and commissions.
In 1998, China formulated its National Strategy for HIV/AIDS and started
implementing a Plan of Action. In terms of finance, China registered
a 6 to 7 fold increase in budget for combating HIV/AIDS in 2001. 1.2
billion yuan of RMB was invested to improve blood collection
and supply health facilities.
As a country with a huge population, China faces special difficulties
in preventing and controlling HIV/AIDS. In this regard, China will
further strengthen its efforts to mobilize financial resources, expand
access to care and treatment, promote research and development of
new technologies, leverage the advantage of traditional Chinese medicine
in treatment, and address stigma and discrimination. It is worth mentioning
that the care of children with and orphaned by HIV/AIDS is on our
top agenda.
On environmental sustainability, China, as a developing
country, is confronted with the dual task of developing the economy
and protecting the environment. China has in the process of economic
development, made environmental protection one of its basic national
policies, regarding sustainable development as an important strategy
in maintaining the balance between economic growth, social development
and environmental protection. China formulated China’s Agenda
21 right after the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
and set up 10 National Strategies for Environment Protection covering
law enforcement, monitoring mechanisms, public education and awareness,
financing, and private sector involvement. Moreover, China supports
and has actively participated in developing each and every environmental
policy that has been put forth by the UN system, and has honored its
commitments to various conventions and agreements.
On global partnership for development, China has
been playing an active and responsible role in WTO, IMF and the World
Bank. China supports an open trading and financial system that is
rule-based, predictable and non-discriminatory.
Q: Dear Ambassador Wang, I would like to know
your thoughts about the deforestation of the rainforest around the
world. (Mike, USA, 14)
A: Rainforests are in danger because of their fast deforestation and extinction.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the tropical deforestation
was around 53,000 square miles per year during the 1980s (FAO 1993). A recent
study estimates that if the world continues at the current rate of deforestation,
the world’s rainforests will be gone within 100 years.
The deforestation of the rainforests is a threat to life all
over the world. In addition to losing beautiful landscapes, deforestation
may have profound impacts upon global climate and cause the extinction
of thousands of species annually.
The cause of deforestation is very complex. Deforestation occurs for many reasons.
The majority of rainforests are cleared for agriculture use, planting crops, and
other commercial purposes such as logging and building towns.
Stopping deforestation in the tropics has become an international movement since
the 1990s. Among others, the Convention on Climate Change, the Convention on Desertification
and the Convention on Biodiversity intensified international efforts to address
this serious challenge. Because the loss of rainforests is driven by a complex
group of factors, the solutions are equally complex. The future requires solutions
both at the international and domestic levels based on solving the economic crisis
of countries with rainforests, as well as improving the living conditions of poor
people that are often responsible for deforestation.
China also gives high priority to the protection, conservation and
sustainable development of the rainforests. On the one hand, China
does not support the logging of rainforests and on the other hand
it has adopted incentive measures and policies to encourage reforestation
of the rainforests. In terms of commercial logging, China, being a
party to ITTO, will continue to honor its commitment to stop the logging
of rainforests and illegal trading of products from the rainforests.
Q: What are your thoughts about human cloning? (Eduardo, Mexico,
15)
A: Human cloning basically includes reproductive cloning of
human beings and therapeutic cloning.
Reproductive cloning involves the reproduction of a human being. The
Chinese Government firmly opposes the reproductive cloning of human
beings as it will pose a great threat to the dignity of mankind and
give rise to legal, ethical, religious and other serious social problems.
We are of the view that the reproductive cloning of human beings should
be banned by international laws.
As to therapeutic cloning, it is widely recognized that therapeutic
cloning, especially embryonic stem cell research in this field, brings
hope for curing many diseases and has the potential to benefit the
well-being of mankind. We believe this kind of scientific research
should be safeguarded. At the same time, it should be carried out
under close scrutiny and in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
Q: What is China’s policy on terrorism? What would your country
propose to stop terrorism? (Javier, Mexico, 13)
A: China is strongly against terrorism, wherever and whenever
it happens, no matter who commits it. There is no good terrorism or
bad terrorism; the international community should fight against terrorism
with the same standard. There are many things to do in fighting against
terrorism. The most important things to do are: 1) strengthen international
cooperation so that concerted and coordinated action is taken against
terrorism, and 2) eliminate the root causes of terrorism such as poverty,
armed conflicts, etc. China will continue to make its own contributions
in this regard.
Q: Hello Ambassador Wang, warm greetings. Are there organizations
in China to protect children and what do they do to protect children
who have been abused, prostituted, mistreated, or overworked? Thank
you. (Adela, Mexico, 30)
A: The protection of children, especially their legitimate
rights and interests, has been given great attention by the Chinese government.
There are many organizations in China to protect children, among which, the All
China Women's Federation, Songqingling Foundation, Young Pioneers, and Youth League
are playing an important role in this regard. China has adopted “The Protective
Law for Minors” in 1991, which has provided a solid foundation for protecting
the lawful rights and human dignity of the children in families, schools, as well
as in the community. If the children were not treated in the right way, like you
mentioned in your question, various administrative or judicial measures would
be taken in accordance with “The Protective Law for Minors”, “The
Labor Law”, and other related laws and regulations. All illegal activities
targeting children will be cracked down.
Q: Dear Mr. Ambassador, you are a representative of the world’s
most populated country. It is a magnificent country with great natural
resources and where wealth is generated. Is wealth equitably distributed
in China? My opinion is no. I hope your country does not fall into
the same mistakes as some Western countries that generate great wealth
but don’t distribute it equitably. Are human rights really respected
in China? I believe not. Unfortunately there are very few countries
in which human rights are respected. I understand your country is
very big and difficult to govern but every person has the right to
life and dignity as a person therefore I expect and hope for a bigger
commitment from your government to protect human rights in China.
My last question is about international adoptions. Why do Chinese
authorities make these types of adoptions so difficult? (Luis,
Spain, 33)
A: China has all along attached great importance to the promotion and protection
of human rights and fundamental freedoms. According to its Constitution, China
is governed by the rule of law. In recent years, China has made great efforts
to improve its laws in various fields. The issuance and implementation of various
laws including civil laws, criminal laws and administrative laws have provided
a solid legal guarantee for Chinese citizens to enjoy all human rights and fundamental
freedoms. As a developing country, the Chinese Government has always been concerned
with its people’s right to survival and development. As a result of the
Chinese Government’s reform policy and opening up to the outside world,
tangible progress has been made in economic development and the improvement of
people’s living standard. In 2002, China’s GDP has exceeded 1 trillion
US dollars, ranking 6th in the world. The significant improvement of
Chinese people’s life has represented not only a major progress in China’s
history of human rights, but also a great contribution to the promotion of human
rights worldwide.
China respects the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, relevant international
Human Rights Conventions and their related basic principles. Up to now, China
has ratified and acceded to 18 international human rights conventions including
the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and has incorporated
the relevant principles and criteria set forth in these conventions into its own
laws in light of its own actual conditions.
Like all other countries in the world, the human rights situation
in China is by no means perfect. To improve human rights is a process.
We are confident that with the concerted efforts of the Chinese Government
and people, there will be an accelerated economic development, continued
improvement in the people’s standard of living, a more fair
and progressive society and the full enjoyment by the people of human
rights and fundamental freedoms.
Regarding the international adoptions, China promulgated the Law
on Adoption in 1991 and subsequently the Regulations on Registration
of Adoptions by Foreigners in the People’s Republic of China.
In order to safeguard the interests of the two sides of the adoption,
a certain period of time is needed to complete the necessary legal
procedures.
Should you have further inquiries, please do not hesitate to log on
to the website of the Ministry of Civil Affairs of China. The address
is: http://www.mca.gov.cn. Or,
you can send your e-mails to: mzxx@public3.bta.net.cn.
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Foreign Policy
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Q: What are
China’s views on the situation in Sierra Leone? (Scott,
USA, 14)
A: Recently the overall security situation in Sierra Leone
has remained generally stable. But the peace process is still fragile,
and many issues still need to be urgently addressed, such as consolidating
State authority, restoring government control over diamond, reintegrating
all ex-combatants, and promoting economic and social development in
the country, etc. At the same time, the conflict in Liberia remains
a major concern, as it has direct repercussions on the stability in
Sierra Leone. The international community should continue its efforts
for the sustainable peace and development of Sierra Leone.
Q: Does China believe the United States should continue its War on
Terrorism in Afghanistan? (Nick, USA, 16)
A: China supports all efforts aimed at fighting against terrorism
in accordance with the Charter of United Nations and other international
law. Every effort has to be made to avoid casualties of innocent people
in the campaign against terrorism. International cooperation is of
crucial importance to achieve a better result.
Q: I would like to know your opinion about establishing Xinyizhou
as a special zone by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea?
(Xianzhi, China, 19)
A: We welcome this new measure by the government of Democratic
People’s Republic of Korea for its economic construction.
Q: Dear Ambassador Wang, as you know the political situation in Venezuela
is critical. I would like to know your thoughts about what is happening
in Venezuela and also in Iraq. Thank you very much. (Isabel,
Venezuela, 17)
A: China enjoys cordial and friendly relations with Venezuela.
I believe the Venezuelan government and people have the ability to
handle the situation and I sincerely hope that everything will be
fine in Venezuela. As for Iraq, we always support a political solution
within the UN framework. This is not only beneficial to the Iraqi
people, but also to the stability of the region and the world as a
whole.
Q: Dear Ambassador Wang, I would like to know your thoughts about
what is happening in the Middle East. Your insight would be helpful
in understanding what is going on there. (Mike, USA, 14)
A: What is happening in the Middle East is really worrisome.
The vicious circle of violence not only causes heavy casualties of
civilian lives, but also poses a threat to regional and international
peace and stability. In our view, the first thing is to stop the violence,
which can only be achieved by the parties concerned with the help
of the international community. We support all efforts for a fair,
just and lasting solution of this issue based on the principle of
land for peace. And I think your country can have a very important
and influential role in this aspect.
Q: Dear Mr. Ambassador, I am participating in a Model UN program and
our topics are: the Sudanese Civil War, South Asian Terrorism, and
Israel/Palestine. I found the Israel/Palestine issue on your website
but would like to know your position on the other two issues. With
this knowledge, I will be able to represent your country at the Model
UN. Thank you very much. (Nathaniel, USA, 15)
A: Thank you for representing China at the Model UN, and we
wish you every success. As for the Sudanese Civil War, it is encouraging
to note that a framework agreement to end the civil war in Sudan was
reached by the parties concerned last year. We sincerely hope that
peace will prevail in Sudan, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity
of the country be maintained. As for the South Asian Terrorism, I
wish to stress that terrorism is a common threat to all mankind, and
we support efforts to fight terrorism, no matter when, where it takes
place and for what purpose.
Q: What does China think about the US plan to attack Iraq? (Erica,
USA, 13)
A: Like most of the countries around the world, we stand for a peaceful
solution of the Iraqi issue within the framework of the United Nations.
We are not in favor of unilateral actions. As you know, many people
here in the US have a similar view. If America launches unjustified
military attacks on Iraq, the issue will be more complicated, the
Iraqi people will suffer, regional stability will be threatened, and
the lives of the American soldiers endangered. Actually war cannot
resolve the problem, but will cultivate more fear and hatred.
Q: What is China’s reaction to the removal
of UN inspectors from North Korea’s nuclear power plant? How
should this crisis be handed? (USA, 14)
A: We are very concerned with the DPRK nuclear issue. China always
holds that peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula should be maintained
and at the same time, the goal of denuclearization of the Peninsula
should be realized. We hope that the parties concerned should respect
and comply with the agreement they have reached and settle the issue
through dialogue and negotiations. |
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Being an ambassador
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Q: Ambassador Wang, what steps did
it take to become an ambassador? How do people prepare for a career
as an ambassador? What should you study in college if you want to
be an ambassador? (Regina, USA, 16)
A: I’m a career diplomat. I had been engaged
in diplomatic work for more than 20 years before becoming an ambassador.
A rich diplomatic practice is an excellent way to prepare for being
an ambassador.
What you study in college does not matter much in determining whether
you become an ambassador. The important thing is whether you can develop
yourself and acquire certain necessary skills, such as thorough observation,
in-depth thinking and analysis, and being good at discovering and
solving problems.
Q: Mr. Ambassador, I would really be interested in knowing what it
is like to be an ambassador. You must get very stressed out. Even
when I take charge of my own classroom I get very stressed trying
to get everyone to quiet their little voices. (Antonio,
USA, 10) I am a Mexican girl and would like to ask you what
it feels like to represent your country and when did you want to become
an ambassador? (Mayra, Mexico, 10)
A: Being an ambassador is very challenging.
For instance, in order to face the September 11 terrorist attack in
the appropriate manner, you need to realize that it is an attack on
the whole civilized world and that terrorism is the common enemy of
people in everycountry. Otherwise, you will not be able to make the
proper reaction to what happened on behalf of your own country.
Being strong and healthy is also very important as an ambassador.
You must be able to endure the long-hour meetings and conferences
at the United Nations and be energetic all the time.
It is a great honor to be an ambassador. I’m very proud to represent
a country that is the birthplace of a five thousand yearold civilization,
now one fifth of the world’s population and whose economy has
been developing at a rapid pace over the past two decades that is
rarely seen in the world today.
Q: Mr. Ambassador, diplomacy can be a tip-toe business. How do you
know the proper etiquette when dealing with different cultures? (Brian,
USA, 13)
A: One’s knowledge is always limited no matter how intelligent
he or she is. There are 191 member states in the United Nations. Each
country has its own different history and culture. So it is hard to
know each culture very well. But I think the important thing is to
be modest and eager to learn when you get along with people from a
different culture. When you respect others treat them as equals, you
will surely be respected and find it easy to make friends.
Q: Do you have any anecdotes about interesting things that have happened
to you in your life as an ambassador? (Diego,
Chile, 12)
A: I have only one child, a girl. Being an ambassador, I, together
with my wife, have to attend a lot of social events. So we often left
my daughter at home alone. I remember once my daughter said to me
very seriously:” It is the worst thing to be an ambassador and
I will never be an ambassador myself. ” And she meant it. She
chose finance as her major in college and is now working in a bank
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About China
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Q: Nin hao? I am learning Chinese
and want to ask you when The Great Wall of China was started and when
it was finished. What does it feel like to walk along The Great Wall?
Xie xie. (Teddy, USA, 12)
A: The building of the Great Wall started
as early as 600's B.C. In about 220 B.C., under the Qin Dynasty, different
sections of the Great Wall that had been built earlier were joined
together to form a united defense system against invasions from the
north. Construction continued up to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.),
when the Great Wall became the world's largest military structure.
The wall winds up and down the mountains. The roadway on the wall
is wide enough to hold ten persons side by side.
I’ve been to the Great Wall many times. Every time I felt that
as long as you have determination and will power, any miracle of human
kind can be achieved.
Q: What are some rights and responsibilities of Chinese citizens?
(Erica, Canada, 10)
A: According to China’s Constitution,
the Chinese citizens enjoy the right of non-violation of human dignity,
the right to education, the right to property, the right to elect
and be elected and the right to speech, assembly, association and
religious freedom. At the same time, the Constitution also stipulates
certain obligations for Chinese citizens, such as safeguarding the
safety, honor and interests of the motherland, abiding by the Constitution
and other laws, as well as paying tax in accordance with relevant
laws.
Q: Why are you allowed only one child in China?
(Lucy, USA, 13)
A: As you may know, China’s area
is as big as the United States, but its population is five times of
that of your country. Therefore, China is facing huge population pressures.
China’s family planning policy is formulated based on the country’s
situation and such policy will be continued for a certain period.
We call for the policy of “one couple, one child” but
in practice, we carry on such policy according to local circumstances.
For example, in urban areas, each family is encouraged to have one
child, while in rural areas two children are allowed. For the remote
areas and the areas inhabited by minority nationalities, three or
more children are allowed.
Q: What kind of educational system is used in China? To what extent
is technology used in the classroom? (Hector,
Mexico, 39)
A: The educational system in China includes pre-school, primary and
secondary education, as well as higher education, vocational education
and adult education. The past few years have witnessed remarkable
progress in the advancement of Chinese people’s scientific and
cultural quality. In 2001, there were 140 million primary school students,
50 million junior high schools students, over 14 million high schools
students, 13 million university and college students, 393,000 post-graduates
and 12 million vocational school students.
The implementation of China’s 9-year compulsory education, ranging
from primary school to junior high school, has enabled more than 85%
of its population to have access to education. As economic development
increases, interest in high school education has grown as well particularly
in cities located in the eastern part of China.
Schools at all levels in China have enhanced the quality of teaching
and students’ ability to adapt themselves to practices by applying
such new technologies as the computer and the Internet. Since financial
and teaching capabilities vary from one region to another, the application
of technology in classrooms varies to some extent.
Q: I am currently in a community development leadership program and
was wondering what kind of community development (e.g., social and
economic) and leadership programs have been established in China at
the local and national levels? (Catty,
Canada, 19)
A: In 2001, the Ministry of Civil Affairs
promulgated the Outline of Guidelines in the Construction of Urban
Communities throughout the Country, which set clear-cut requirements
for the establishment of model communities throughout the country.
Since then, all cities have increased their input to improve the construction
of community service organizations and increase the construction of
public service and cultural infrastructures, thus playing a positive
role in improving the living environment and updating management and
service levels. At present, there are 100,000 community committees
that compose 500,000 committee cadres, 360,000 personnel in full-time
service and 570,000 part-time personnel. Community development has
gradually become a major task of cities all over China.
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Miscellaneous |
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Q: Dear Ambassador Wang, do
you believe that Model United Nations is an important program for
a middle school to have? (Jamie, USA,
13)
A: Yes, I do. Model UN helps students
to better understand the work of the United Nations and important
issues like peace and development in the world. As a result of the
preparation work and representation of member states in the Model
UN, youngsters learn a lot about the cultural, social and political
status of particular countries as well as skills of negotiation and
persuasion. So I believe Model UN is an important program for a middle
school to have.
Q: Dear Ambassador Yingfang Wang, it is an honor to write to you and share
with you the achievements of our youth in America. It is a great pleasure
that I inform you of the acceptance of forty students from Illinois, Iowa,
Massachusetts, Arizona, Oregon, and Texas who will be visiting China as part
of the People to People Student Ambassador Program. President Dwight D. Eisenhower
created this program in 1956. He believed that if people could visit each
other’s home, attend their schools, and see their places of worship,
then we would find out that our values, goals, and everyday lives are very
much alike. The students who will be going to China were chosen by recommendations
from their teachers, and were interviewed by members of our local communities.
These young people are from all walks of life and will represent the United
States and share its history, facts and ways of life with those they meet
in China. It is an honor for me as a teacher to take these wonderful students
on this experience that will last them a lifetime. Would it be possible for
you to write and send a letter encouraging these students on the importance
of being an Ambassador such as what is expected of them and how they should
represent their state and country? It would mean a great deal to them and
their families. In light of September 11, the need to encourage and make friends
around the world is more important than ever. I’m proud of these students
that they want the opportunity to spread international friendship.
Sincerely,
Mario (Student Ambassador Leader--People to People International)
A: ( letter to the students )
Dear Mario and young friends,
I am glad to hear that you and your students are going to visit China
on the People to People Student Ambassador Program in June. I think
this kind of exchange can play a very important role in enhancing
the understanding of different countries. Through direct contacts
and discussions, students will have first-hand experiences, which
are far more convincing than what they can get from books and other
media. Chinese people, through these contacts, can also learn about
American way of life and its values.
Understanding and friendship are essential if we wish to build a better
world for people of all nations.
I wish you a very pleasant and fruitful trip to China.
Wang Yingfan
Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of China to
the UN
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