China’s Foreign Policy

Lord Jim O’Neill

Afternoon, everybody. Thank you for joining us and being here so promptly, at such an interesting time. I am Jim O’Neill. I’m Chair of Chatham House and I am absolutely thrilled to be able to Chair this event and host our special guest. I was just joking with the Ambassador, that he is living proof of the real phrase of ‘strong and stable’, having first arrived here now nearly 11 years ago, when Gordon Brown was our Prime Minister. Ambassador Xiaoming has managed to see four different Prime Ministers, six Foreign Ministers and so has, let’s say, some very interesting experiences about us strange Brits, amongst other things. But today he’s going to give us a talk about China and its foreign policy, I believe, which is very kind of you, at such a fascinating and, of course, challenging time for the world. It is on the record. This is not Chatham House Rule. I think the Ambassador is planning to talk for about 20 minutes and then, I will quiz him a little bit myself and then, I’m going to turn it over to the audience. And then, can I please remind you, or say to you, when we come to a close at 2 o’clock, please stay in your seats and I will escort the Ambassador out, ‘cause he has to leave very promptly.

So, with that, no further ado and over to my good friend, the Ambassador. Thank you very much [applause].

Liu Xiaoming

Thank you, Jim, for that kind introduction. It is huge delight to join you again at the Chatham House. In my ten years as the Chinese Ambassador in UK, I’ve spoken at Chatham House several times. Every time I leave with the new thoughts and the new inspirations. Lord O’Neill ask me to talk about China’s foreign policy and international agenda for 2020. I would like to start with how China is responding to COVID-19. This is not only because it is a topical issue, which you must be following closely. More importantly, the way we are handling this virus, I think, could help people understand China’s vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind. This is a basic concept underpinning China’s foreign policy. It is also at the very centre of Ji Xinping’s thoughts on diplomacy.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has been a major challenge to both China and the world, in a very critical time, both in terms of the speed of its spread, the scope of its impact and the difficulty to contain it. In combatting this disease, the Chinese Government has regarded the safety and health of the Chinese people as a top priority. Under the strong leadership of President Ji Xinping, all the Chinese people have been standing united. The most comprehensive, strict and thorough measures have been adopted, deployed and strengthened across the country. The whole nation has been mobilised to fight a people’s war against the virus. WHO has spoken highly of China’s efforts. In its words, “China is setting a new standard for outbreak response.” By taking these measures, China is living up to its responsibility of safeguarding the safety and health of the Chinese people. It is also contributing to global public health. We have done more than what we are asked to do by the WHO and under the International Health Regulations. We have made a huge sacrifice to slow down the spread of the epidemic to other parts of the world.

China has also engaged in international co-operation, in an open, transparent and responsible manner, in order to safeguard and improve global public health at this very critical moment. Dr Tedros, Director General of WHO, has emphasised that China’s measures are not only protecting its own people, but also protecting the people in the whole world and that China has bought time for the rest of the world. Thanks to our persistent efforts, the prevention and control measures are showing positive effect. The cure rate has kept rising and the mortality rate is maintained at a relatively low level.

China has a strong leadership of the Communist Party of China. The advantage of socialism with the Chinese characteristics, unparalleled mobilisation capability and unprecedented comprehensive national strength and the solidarity of the Chinese people, I’m confident that we will win this battle against the virus. A few days ago President Ji Xinping called a meeting to map out co-ordinated plans for epidemic response, as well as social and economic development. Whilst still focusing on containing the virus, China is also doing its best to minimise the economic impact, so that China will continue to be a powerhouse for global growth.

Ladies and gentlemen, the COVID-19 is posing a challenge for all, so, is tackling it a responsibility for all. This battle against the virus, once again, shows that countries of the world are invariably associated with one another, sharing will and the woe. In other words, human society is a community with a shared future. This concept, proposed by President Ji Xinping, transcends the differences of social system, history, culture and development stage. It embodies the common values of mankind. It reflect the trends of the times and it answers the most important and urgent questions facing the world, that is where should – the world is heading and where does the future of mankind lie?

The ongoing battle against COVID-19 is a living proof of how much we all belong to this community, with a shared future for mankind, and how urgently we all need to come together to build it. To safeguard the health and wellbeing of mankind, we need this spirt of community. Virus knows no borders; it is a common challenge facing all mankind. To safeguard global public health, countries must join hands and stand shoulder-to-shoulder. If we come to each other’s aid in this time of difficulty and fight for our shared future, we can build an impregnable fortress and win the battle against the virus.

To realise sustained stability and security in the world, we need this spirit of community. The world is undergoing profound changes and scene in a century, while the international landscape is undergoing profound and complex changes. Mankind has once again come to a crossroads, where we must make choices and answer these questions: do we want peace or war? Should we move forward or backward? Is it better to engage in dialogue or confrontation? Is it now a century for inclusiveness or estrangement? Our shared future lies in our own hands. The right choice is to put in the same interaction and address challenges together in a spirit of community, with a shared future. If we choose wisely, we’ll embrace the peaceful, safe and beautiful world. Such a future is the common aspiration of all people in the world. To uphold fairness and justice in the world, we need this spirit of community.

The world is entering the third decade of the 21st Century, yet, there are still some people who dream of resurrecting the Cold War, worship hegemony and power politics, clamour for unilateralism and trample on other countries’ sovereignty. Some Politicians and media have attacked the development paths of other countries’ funds, ideological confrontation, made such racist remarks as the, “sick man of Asia”. Just like COVID-19, these manmade viruses are the common enemy of mankind. It is, therefore, the common responsibility of international community, in the interests of the shared future, to ensure that justice overcomes evil, truth conquers lies and inclusiveness prevails over discrimination.

Ladies and gentlemen, amid the current situation and in face of the challenges in the world, what shall we do to build a community with a shared future for mankind? I think we should make the following four efforts. First, to safeguard international security, which will pull in a centre action, instead of undercutting each other. COVID-19 is posing a threat to global public health security. China has worked with all countries in the world and made tremendous efforts and sacrifice to check the spread of the virus. In face of the various traditional and the non-traditional challenges to security, major countries have upon them, special responsibilities. They must resist the temptation to look inward or confront and undercut each other. They should take up their due responsibilities, make concrete efforts and inject positive energy into global response to challenges.

China advocates a new concept of common, comprehensive, co-operative and sustainable security. We oppose the Cold War mentality and power politics. We stand ready to work with other countries to pursue peace and security. Having experienced untold sufferings of wars in modern times, China knows all too well that peace never comes easy. Therefore, China remain committed to the path of peaceful development and hopes that other countries would do the same. If peaceful development becomes a global consensus, harmonious co-existence and common development can be achieved for all. China has not started a single war or conflict over the past 70 years, since the founding of New China. We strive to become a better version of ourselves. We do not want to threaten, challenge or replace anyone. As China grows stronger, it will make greater contribution to international security and world peace.

Second, to promote common development, we should engage in win-win co-operation, rather than indulging in the game of I win, you lose. I know many of you might be concerned about the impact of epidemic in China’s economy. I want to stress that any negative impact is short-term and temporary. This is because China’s economy is highly resilient, its immune system is robust, the fundamentals that sustained long-term growth has not changed and will not change. At the same time, the momentum of economic globalisation cannot be reversed. Countries have become so interdependent economically that it is impossible to divide the vast ocean of global economy into ponds and puddles. In face of the difficulties and challenges, it is more – it is all the more important that we deepen co-operation through opening up and promote development through co-operation. The clamours for decoupling and scientific and technological blockade against China would only land the advocate in self-imposed isolation, restriction and backpaddling.

Opening up has been the most salient signature of China, since this policy was adopted more than 40 years ago. Going forward, China will continue to open its market wider to the world. With China’s foreign investment law going into effect on January 1st, foreign businesses will have a greater access to Chinese market, more opportunities for closer co-operation with their Chinese partners. It is our hope that countries of the world will all remain committed to opening co-operation and foster a fair, open and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese companies, including, but not limited, to Huawei.

Third – we’ll probably talk about Huawei in a moment. I think Jim has a question for me, in detail. Third, to safeguard international order, we should uphold multilateralism and oppose unilateralism. China is the biggest developing country in the world. It is one of the Founding Members of United Nations and it was the first country to put its signature on the UN Charter. China upholds the international systems, with the UN at its core, champions the norms governing state-to-state relations, based on international law and defends the multilateral system with the WTO as its cornerstone.

As a staunch supporter of unilat – strong supporter of multilateralism, China’s action is a world of difference from the trumpeter of unilateralism, who has withdrawn from a number of international organisations and treaties. And the outbreak of COVID-19 reminds us, once again, that upholding multilateralism, improving global governance and enhancing international co-ordination are order of the day. Going at it alone or following a beggar thy neighbour policy saves no-one from trouble. Instead, such approach would only undermine the interests of both oneself and the rest of the world. In the battle against COVID-19, China has acted in the spirit of a community with a shared future. We’re being open and transparent. We have supported the leadership of WHO, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with international community and made a positive contribution to improving global governance in public health.

Fourth, to advance the civilisation of mankind, we should respect and learn from each other, rather than posting arrogance and building walls. I’ve been a Diplomat for 46 years, having worked in Africa, North America, Asia and Europe. All these years I’ve been deeply impressed by a rich variety of cultures and civilisations of different countries. Each civilisation has its unique strength. It is the differences and diversity of the civilisations that make our world a colourful place. As President Ji Xinping said, “Civilisations have become richer and more colourful with exchanges and mutual learning.” Such exchanges and mutual learning form an important drive for human progress and global peace and development. In recent days, however, some people, once again, resort to the cliché of a clash of civilisations and made irresponsible remarks on China’s response to COVID-19 and development models. This not only reflects their arrogance and prejudice, but also betrays their ignorance.

From repeated lessons of history and from our own experience, we have found it too well and too obvious that to address the common challenges to mankind, we should draw upon the wisdom and absorb nutrients of different civilisations and the secret of continuity of Chinese civilisation, which has gone uninterrupted for more than 5,000 years, lies in our inclusiveness and our pursuit for harmonious co-existence with other civilisations.

In responding to public health crisis, the system of socialism with a Chinese characteristic is showing strength in uniting all sectors and pooling all resources. Going forward, we’ll continue to modernise China’s system and governance capability, improve the system and the mechanism for major epidemics response and strengthens national public health emergency management system. We’re also willing to learn from other countries’ experience in safeguarding public health. We advocate respect for diversity of civilisations. The world does not need a line drawn between the East and the West and should bridge the gap between the South and the North. The cliché of clash of civilisations and actions of racial discriminations are out of tune with our times. All the countries of the world should cherish our common home on Earth and take concrete actions to contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Year 2020 is a milestone in China’s development. This year we achieved the first centenary goal, namely, to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society and eliminate absolute poverty across China. In May, China will host the 2nd United Nations Global Sustainable Transport Conference in Beijing to promote the building of global partnership for connectivity. In November, China will hold the 3rd CIIE China International Import Expo, to share with the world the benefits of China’s development.

This year marks the 45^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. The two sides will hold a number of important events, including the Summit of China and Central and Eastern European Countries and work together to take China-EU relationship to the next level. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. China will continue to engage deeply in global governance and contribute China’s wisdom and strength to the settlement of global issues. Later this year, China will host COP 15 to the Convention of Biological Diversity and the UK will host the COP 26 to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. These two conferences will provide invaluable opportunities and important platforms for closer co-operation between China and the UK in climate change, environmental protection, and the wildlife conservation.

The Year 2020 also marks the 5^th anniversary of China-UK Golden Era, launched by President Ji Xinping’s state visit to the UK in 2015. A few days ago, President Ji Xinping and Prime Minister Johnson had a telephone conversation. This conversation chartered the course for the development of China-UK relations. China and the UK are natural partners in building a community with a shared future for mankind. Both are permanent members of UN Security Council, both champion multilateralism and support free trade and both are of – are great civilisations and regard as their mission to promote the world peace and development. It is important that the two countries take up more responsibilities and make more efforts in building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Chinese word, I do not know how many of you speak Chinese, but I’ll share with you Chinese wisdom and philosophy, the Chinese word for crisis reflects the wisdom and the philosophical thinking of Chinese people. It is a combination of two words, combination two words: crisis and opportunities. Chinese people always believe there are opportunities in crisis and we always try our best to turn crisis into opportunities. Earlier this month, when I was on BBC Andrew Marr Show, I ask Mr Marr if he speaks Chinese. He answered, “I speak no Chinese, Ambassador, I think you can notice that.” And I explain to him the Chinese word ‘crisis’ and he listened attentively. I was not trying to teach him Chinese language. I was using the word to explain the philosophy of Chinese people. Winston Churchill once said, “Difficulties mastered are opportunities won.” Winston Churchill is a great master of language, though I don’t think he speak any Chinese. But his word certainly show that there are many similarities between Chinese and Western civilisations. We should keep these wise words in mind.

Let’s have more confidence in our capability to overcome difficulties and work together to turn crisis into opportunities. Together, we can ensure the study and sustained development of a China-UK Golden Era. Together, we can promote the building of a community for shared future for mankind. Together, we can make our world a better place, with lasting peace and a common prosperity. Thank you. Thank you for your attention [applause].

Lord Jim O’Neill

Well, thank you very much, Ambassador, for that. Let me start with a few questions, then I’ll come to the audience. The central theme that you’ve kept bringing up and finished with is the – is community of a shared future. Let me start with COVID-19 and do you feel, along the lines of other issues you were raising about concerns that so far, this outbreak has taken us more to the world where we’re pulling away from each other, or in a strange way, despite the dreadful nature of it, that this might be something that brings us all back together, which…?

Liu Xiaoming

I think, you know, I think in my remarks, you can see that I believe this virus put the world together. You know, the virus, as I said, knows no borders, knows no races, you know, either you are Chinese, British, Americans, and these barriers constitute the common threat, common challenges. So, we need to work together to fight against this and so, we’ll also believe China is not fighting this virus alone. China engage with – you know, though we have made every effort to contain it in China, but also, we engage very actively with the international community and we appreciate the support from other countries, including UK, including United States, and other European countries. UK Government sent two shipments of medical supplies, which is urgently needed, and we also help the UK Government to expatriate its nationals and we’re also taking good care of foreigners who are living in Wuhan, in Hubei. We’re working actively with the WHO, you know, they sent experts in a group in China and they produce a very convincing report, not only about the efforts made by China, but also, how the world can work together, you know, to cure this disease, and China would like to – China adopt a very open, transparent approach.

We share the information, including genetic sequence, including the origins of the disease, including the successful cases. You know, now, right now, there are about 40,000 people are cured, discharged from hospitals. It – now the – I think the rate is 56% of cured out of about 80,000 confirmed cases. So, I think this virus, really, as I said, convince us, once again, that the human society, we are of the one community. We have a shared future. We should work together for better future of mankind.

Lord Jim O’Neill

Perhaps I’ll risk one of my first, luckily I won’t be asking many, slightly risky questions. What – when you…

Liu Xiaoming

No risk question.

Lord Jim O’Neill

When you read and hear people outside of China saying that, “We can’t trust any of the numbers or any of the data,” does that – is that just really annoying for you, or do you under…?

Liu Xiaoming

Some. Some media, I think the majority of people, including the foreign governments, even in WHO, they believe and they trust in the figures and if you don’t trust the figures, how could you explain that virus has been contained? So, we are making progress. We have convincing figures that we are making progress.

Lord Jim O’Neill

Certainly the Purchasing Managers’ Index published this morning would raise questions to those that doubt Chinese data, ‘cause as I’m sure – or yesterday, it was very weak. Anyway.

Liu Xiaoming

There’s always a suspicion, so that’s why we encourage…

Lord Jim O’Neill

I remember from the days of the Asian crisis.

Liu Xiaoming

Yeah, we encourage communications, we encourage more transparency. We invite foreign experts coming to China. I think you – if you don’t trust us, do you trust WHO expert? If you don’t trust WHO expert, whom do you trust? You trust yourself, you trust Western media, you trust rumours, scaremongers’ statement? You know, you need to trust, you know.

Lord Jim O’Neill

Someone.

Liu Xiaoming

We need to build a trust, then we can have a confidence. We can have optism [means optimism] for winning this battle, it’s very important.

Lord Jim O’Neill

I love how you said, or brought up the lesson of – or the example of Andrew Marr and the word ‘crisis’. I had never realised that myself, one of the few things I think I learnt, in nearly 40 years of finance, is never let a crisis go to waste. And my question for you, in that regard is, what is the big opportunity, therefore, for China from this crisis, do you think?

Liu Xiaoming

Many and I think the big opportunity shows that China is a responsible global player, as if you don’t trust me, I – you – I quote WHO Director General words, “China is not only protecting its own people, but also protecting the people of the world.” You know, we made huge sacrifice. We have bought the time for the rest of the world, includ – I think Matt Hancock, you know, in his interview, praised China, Prime Minister also, they all praised China for the speed of the response, for the resolution, determination by the Chinese Government and so, I think this really shows China is a responsible global player. It also shows the strength of China’s system. You know, though I’m not trying to export China’s model, I believe each civilisation had its strengths, uniqueness, we should learn from each other. And this really shows that China system can deliver. You know, we built two hospitals in ten days and now I just read the report, the current situation is we have more beds, you know, people are concerned about there’s enough capability to hospitalise in – to hospitalise the patient. Now it’s the beds waiting for patients, it’s not the patients waiting for beds. So…

Lord Jim O’Neill

Hopefully it stays that way.

Liu Xiaoming

I hope so, certainly. And so, it really shows the strength of this, what we call the system of Chinese characteristics, not people quite understand it. Some people will say, “It maybe take years for some country to build the two hospitals.”

Lord Jim O’Neill

I wonder where.

Liu Xiaoming

I wouldn’t name, you know, I wouldn’t name countries. And yeah, when I was at the symposium some other day, I said, “I’ve been here for ten years. I’m hearing this debate about the third runway of Heathrow Airport. Yet, in the past five years, it took China five years to build the largest terminal in the world, the new International Airport in Beijing.”

Lord Jim O’Neill

Let me give the…

Liu Xiaoming

With four runways…

Lord Jim O’Neill

I’m going to jump…

Liu Xiaoming

…not one.

Lord Jim O’Neill

I’m going to jump around very quickly for a couple of other things, then I’m going to come to the audience. I – obviously, we – I could spend all afternoon just chatting with you. The China-US, do you sometimes – do you feel that as China develops towards its ambition, it – this period of, let’s call it interesting challenges between China and the US, was inevitable, or you just, sort of, go to bed and think how on Earth did this happen? Which way are you on that one?

Liu Xiaoming

You know, as I said in my remarks, you know, we just want to make a best version of ourselves. We still regard our – and we are still the largest developing country in the world. There’s enormous challenges facing the China leadership, Chinese Government, how to make China a better country, how to make China’s people feel happier, living longer, you know, enjoy a better life? That is enormous challenges. And after my posting in Egypt as Ambassador, I was seconded to Gansu province. Okay, so, you know, Gansu, it’s not far from Hubei, though it’s very poor, very dry, it is one of the poorest provinces. I was seconded there as Assistant Governor, to help the province to open up. That was about 15 years ago. I do not know how many provinces you’ve been to and you…

Lord Jim O’Neill

Not as many as most people presume. I would…

Liu Xiaoming

You can say it’s a very…

Lord Jim O’Neill

I haven’t been to Gansu.

Liu Xiaoming

Very underdeveloped. The people, you know, especially in the mountain areas – at that time there’s only 18km of highway and in 15 years has made – brought a lot of changes and people do not even have drinkable water, many population. They have to build the cellar to catch the rainwater, then to purifies it, yeah.

Lord Jim O’Neill

15 years ago?

Liu Xiaoming

That was 15 years ago, and the children do not have access to a quality education, I would say. You know, the life is very hard there and it’s just the one province and there are many of – on the Western part of China. So, that’s why the government invest a great deal, the central government, to have the Western – American have this Wild West in the old days and I think ours is more similar, where you can call it the Wild West. It’s making tremendous progress, but still, a way behind the coastal area. So, these days, when people talk about China, many of them have the image of Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou, but they are not representative China. Representative other part of China, but we also have a large area of developing China. So, I think that’s enormous challenges for the Chinese Government how to build China into a prosperous, we call it a moderately prosperous society, by this year?

So, you know, this is a – we have a reform opening up, in the past 40 years, that changed the landscape in China. One of the secret of success is we engage with the rest of the world. We open up and including improved relation with United States. I’ve been posted twice in Washington D.C. I – in that days I always say, “There’s no peace, stability, prosperity of the world, without better relations between China and United States.” So, we have no intention, at all, to challenge United States, to even replace United States, even when China surpass United States, in terms of GDP. Some people predict, I do not know, what is your prediction by 20…?

Lord Jim O’Neill

I don’t do that anymore.

Liu Xiaoming

By 2030. But per capita GDP, China is way behind. Last year, China’s per capita GDP is 0 – is just surpassed US $10,000. That is just one sixth of United States and one fourth of UK.

Lord Jim O’Neill

Let me ask you one more before I come to the audience. The golden relationship between China and the UK, how golden is it these days and would it have been very un-golden, if the decision on Huawei would’ve gone differently?

Liu Xiaoming

You know, Huawei is just a part of the relationship, it’s not all. I think China enjoying a very good, robust relationship, is a cross port, is a comprehensive relation. We call it comprehensive strategic relationship between China and UK. As I said, we are both members of – we’re permanent members of UN Security Council, carry big responsibility for, you know, global affairs, including the one, you remember, we both appeared in this anco – antibiotics.

Lord Jim O’Neill

Yes.

Liu Xiaoming

And that is also area, you know, China and UK can work together, can take the lead and talk about COP 15, COP 26, that offers opportunities, not only for, you know, strengthening bilateral collaboration. I think China-UK can provide leadership to the world, in terms of addressing challenges of – on the climate change, environment plan – production, wildlife conservation. And business, I think now China move, according to some figures, is the third trading partner for United Kingdom. I think when UK leave EU, the relationship between China and UK will become even more important, when – especially when your case of building global Britain. I believe there are more opportunities between China-UK in building the global – so, I think the Golden Era is still shining. Always say, “We should work together to produce more golden fruits to this Golden Era.”

Lord Jim O’Neill

Okay and let me come to the audience. Please raise your hands and if you start asking a – if you give a statement or ask a very long question, I’m not – I’m going to cut you off, ‘cause we only have a – just over 15 minutes. There’s a lady right in the corner, I’ll start with you. I’ll take three and then – say where you’re from, as…

Julianne

Thank you very much. So, my name is Julianne from Chatham House. Also, I’m Chinese, from Gansu province, you just mentioned. I have a question…

Liu Xiaoming

What a coincidence.

Julianne

Indeed. So, I have a question about when you were talking about with the crisis and the – changing the crisis into an opportunity. What do you see will be the opportunity for the development of public healthcare in China, after this COVID virus and also, what do you see the opportunity of the public engagement or, let’s say, the participation of society in public affairs, after this crisis? Thank you.

Lord Jim O’Neill

Okay, I saw somebody over this side, this gentleman in the middle, on the right. There’s a lot of hands up.

Duncan Bartlett

Thank you very much. My name’s Duncan Bartlett from Asian Affairs magazine. Ambassador, my question relates to issues such as Hinkley Point and HS2 high speed rail link. Should Britain give China a greater role in developing infrastructure in the United Kingdom?

Lord Jim O’Neill

And then, the third one for now, I’ll come over to somebody from the media. If you can be brief, then we’ll take those to the Ambassador and then come back for another round.

Latika Bourke

Thank you. Ambassador, my name is Latika Bourke, I’m from the Sydney Morning Herald. You said that China had been open and transparent in its response to COVID-19. Why, then, did China reprimand the whistle blower Doctor who tried to alert you to this new virus and how is that a demonstration to the rest of the world of the socialist regime you praised?

Lord Jim O’Neill

There you go.

Liu Xiaoming

And what is your last point?

Latika Bourke

How…?

Liu Xiaoming

What regime?

Latika Bourke

How is that a demonstration of the Chinese regime you praised earlier in your speech?

Liu Xiaoming

Ah, okay. It’s not I praised, it’s the WHO, who said, “China set the standard.” It’s an international praising of China.

Lord Jim O’Neill

Maybe that’s the answer to this…

Liu Xiaoming

You know…

Lord Jim O’Neill

…question.

Liu Xiaoming

…I have to be very careful. I don’t want to be self-boasting, if you follow me closely. On the public role, I think there’s – of course, we have, as I mentioned about the strength of the system, but also we have to generalise and President said on several occasions, “There’s the shortcomings that we need to work for,” you know. “This is how to make the system is more responsive to crisis.” When we say that the China has – the whole nation has been mobilised to fight what – call it the People’s War. As a matter of fact, you know, we’ve seen so many stories, not only on the medical healthcare workers fighting in the forefront, but also ordinary people, so many volunteers, you know. They – the people have been mobilised, organised by the community. The – so many volunteer, the – you know, big – Wuhan is a city about five times of London. Our population is about 11 million and Hubei is 59 million. It’s a population of England plus Wales. So, you know, people focus on the medical team working, fighting the virus, but people need to have their daily life guaranteed. And the whole country, you know, sent their basic needs, food, I read the report, you know, everybody, including Gansu, shape the apples. You know, Gansu is very good to produce the delicious apples. You know, they donate the apples. So, I think there’s a great participation of the public, including the ordinary people, students, pupils.

So, I think those are lessons for us to learn, how to strengthen the public health emergency management system to make it more responsive and also, how to work with international organisation, WHO. I think there’s also lessons to learn for WHO, you know? So, we would like to share this experience with the international community, not only the successful cured case, but also how to setup a more effective system. And also, this crisis, you know, it’s a wake up call for the world, for international community, that we need to invest more on public health and how to do a better job. So, that is also a lesson for, not only, you know, Chinese Government, but also for the world, as well.

With regard to infrastructure, we have had a lot of collaborations, you know, between China and UK. China has advantage, has capital, experience and UK has its also expertise in finance. I think our two countries can work together on many of these projects. You mentioned about Hinkley Point C. The good news it’s on track, making solid progress. You know, it’s a joint venture between China, France and UK. We – the Chinese companies are very much committed to deliver the best quality of this project. With regard to the high speed rail, you know, China now is the leader in high speed rail. We owned two third of the world’s high speed railway. If you travelled in China on high speed rail and compare your experience in China and the – in UK, you will tell the difference, and we are open, but I just take this opportunity to clear up things. It had been reported by FT, I’m not trying to criticise FT, you know, I do not know if there’s an FT Journalist in the room.

Lord Jim O’Neill

I think there may be.

Liu Xiaoming

And there’s no such news, it’s fake news. I’m not blaming them reporting it. The Chinese Railway Authority did not write a letter, so-called letter, to promise that China can deliver the HR – HSR in five years and with the lowest investment. I think there are some contact between Chinese railway companies and their British counterpart, but no substantial discussions yet. We are open, you know, we’d like to participate, and so, it’s up to the British Government. I think it’s a win-win collaboration.

On the transparent, I think China have done – you know, have make efforts to make this transparent. There’s no such thing that China crack down on the people who give up – who gave away information. I think you are talking about Li Wenliang’s – Doctor’s case. You know, first, I would say this virus is really a new – is novel, not – people do not know enough about it. Even today, you know, people do not know enough. Well, if we know it well, you know, we would know how to cure this, how to, you know, cure the people. So, from the very beginning, I think the local, it’s mainly the – according to the report, it’s the local government, they become somewhat nervous when they face this new virus. So, you know, it’s take time before people realise the seriousness of the virus and – but I just read the report that Li Wenliang was not the first Doctor to discover this virus. There’s a Doctor called Cheung, what his name?

Member

I’m trying to think, Zhang Jixian.

Liu Xiaoming

Zhang Jixian, Dr Zhang. Then he discovered it and he report immediately to the health authority. Then health authority report very straightforward to the even higher authority, and this Doctor was a Priest, yeah, in China. And then Li, I think he went the other channel, he did it on the social media, not through the official channel, but we do not blame him. I think he is regarded as a hero. Even at a very difficult time, he live up to his duty and – but this thing is very sad, yeah, and he passed away and he was – he will be remembered as a hero in this fight against the virus. And the central authority have sent his Investigation Team down to Wuhan to find out what really happen to Li. So, there’s no such a thing of cover up. You know, we try very best to be transparent, to be open and to be responsible. Thank you.

Lord Jim O’Neill

Let’s try another – I’m sorry in advance that we’re rushing, we’re losing time. There’s a gentleman there with the glasses on in the middle, there, yeah, that’s looking behind him. The one that’s looking – yeah, you first. The lady at the back and this gentleman in the middle, on this side, we’ll take you three and then see how we’re doing. If you could be brief, please.

Member

Thank you, Your Excellency. Institute of Tibetan Affairs. You talked about – lots about the spirit of community, creation of shared interest, harmonious existence with civilisations. I wonder how do you treat the Tibetans in Tibet, Uyghurs in the Xinjiang State, don’t you think the foreign policy and the treatment of your own citizens, as it were, should come first…

Lord Jim O’Neill

Okay, we got question.

Member

…with this?

Lord Jim O’Neill

Lady at the back?

Dr Carabetta

I’m Dr Carabetta, I’m a Member of Chatham House and I used to study in China in the 1980s. Now I have a very direct and quick question. What is the Chinese Government planning to do with illegal trade of wild animals? I do remember markets in China in the 1980s that obviously did have problems, so, what is the way forward?

Lord Jim O’Neill

Okay and then this gentleman in the middle, here.

Euan Grant

Yeah, thank you very much. Euan Grant, Chatham House Member and former taxman, who’s worked in African on – and Central Asia, in Belt and Road countries. My question is slightly different, regarding to new news, though not surprising news. The British Government is provid – is going to provide significant support to France and the UN in the Sahel, by sending a significant number of troops to the UN mission in Mali. Chinese troops have been in that mission for some time, some of them have died in the mission, been killed. Where do you see the role for bilateral and multilateral co-operation coming out of that mission, particularly, but not exclusively, against Jihadism? Thank you.

Lord Jim O’Neill

Thank you. Three very different questions. Nice easy ones.

Liu Xiaoming

No, I go by – one-by-one. On Xinjiang and Tibet, I think you have – and I should correct you. Tibet and Xinjiang are part of China. There’s no such a thing of independence of Tibet. I do not know where you got such an impression. It’s a part of China, since ancient times, and the people, the different ethnic groups in Tibet and Xinjiang living peacefully, harmoniously, are enjoying a happy life and the – you know, China is a country of 56 ethnic groups. You know, who – Chin – and they live in harmony, and united, stand together, including this anti-virus. You know, Tibetan people provide a very valuable aid to Wuhan, Hubei. You know, Hubei also – in China we have sister provinces, then Hubei is helping Tibet in the past. So, the Tibetan people want to show their gratitude and they provide us – you know, food, vegetables, supplies, Xinjiang do the same. And so, I think China is a united country, different ethnic groups enjoying, you know, harmonious, live peacefully, work together to build the country.

On the wildlife, I don’t know if you noticed that recently the National People’s Congress, that is the equivalent of a British Parliament, passed the regulations. And I think it won’t be long that – because the Parliament, the Congress is not in session, only the standing committee is now operating. It will become a law now to ban the illegal trade of wildlife – wild animals, wildlife animals and, also, banning this unhealthy, and what I would call it eliminating unhealthy habit of eating wildlife. So, the government is very – well, some people ask about the lessons from this COVID-19. This is one of the lessons that, you know – but to change people’s habit it might take time, but the central authorities, including the government and Congress, are very determined, right, to take measures to, you know, correct this unhealthy habit.

On the peacekeeping mission, I think, you know, I don’t know how familiar you are with the peacekeeping. China, it is second largest contributor to UN peacekeeping budget and China contribute, it is the largest contributor, in terms of peacekeeping personnel among the permanent members of UN Security Council. We are very committed to UN Peacekeeping Mission and we do have some collaboration with some countries, like UK. As a matter of fact, I think last – a few years ago, maybe last year, and I need to double check my memory, that China military and the UK military have a joint exercise on how to evacuating civilians at a comfort zone. So, we are open, you know, we – first, I would say we’ll continue to make contribution to UN Peacekeeping Mission. As you said, I think 66 of the peacekeepers laid down their lives for this noble mission and we are also open, in terms of working together with other countries.

Lord Jim O’Neill

It’s 2 o’clock, Ambassador. Shall we take a couple more, or do you have to…

Liu Xiaoming

Up to you.

Lord Jim O’Neill

…be at a scheduled site?

Liu Xiaoming

You are the host, I’m the guest.

Lord Jim O’Neill

I’m looking at…

Liu Xiaoming

I follow host…

Lord Jim O’Neill

…your colleagues.

Liu Xiaoming

…advice.

Lord Jim O’Neill

Okay, I’m going to risk getting myself unpopular here. I’ll take two more. There’s a lady over there in the corner and is there anybody over – these guys near the door, and nobody wants to ask anything from there. I’ll take another lady here. That’s my last two questions.

Member

Good afternoon. Thank you very much, Ambassador, for your talk. My question – I’m a student at SOAS, by the way. My question is about Taiwan. You said that you want to work with other countries to fight the virus, but why is the Chinese Government opposing the participation of Taiwan in the WHO?

Lord Jim O’Neill

Hmmm hmm.

Jiangwen Guo

Ambassador, sorry, I’m Jiangwen from Chatham House. Currently, I’m leading a project of UK-China Climate Risk Assessment Programme. So, back to the question about the Golden Era, I’m very interested to hear your point of view of what kind of the Golden Era, in terms of the climate change co-operation between China and the UK? Thank you.

Liu Xiaoming

Taiwan, WHO, you know, there’s a – you need to make a distinction about, you know, collaboration and a country state. WHO is an organisation that only state can have a representative, you know, each international organisation of a government. It’s an intergovernmental organisation. So, Taiwan, because it’s not state – have a state hold, it’s a part of China. When British Government established diplomatic relations with China in 1972, normal relations, UK Government recognised Taiwan is a province of China. We – Taiwan is a part of China. It has not been, in brief, returned to China, you know, and there’s still a legacy of the Civil War in 1949. So, we are – it’s still very much in the DNA of Chinese nation to realise the final reunification of the country. So, China is now still divided, you know, I don’t know how many of you realise that. So, we haven’t realised this goal, but we still cherish this goal to get a final realisation, reunification of the country. But we are working for peaceful reunification, just like Hong Kong’s return to China 22 years ago. We also propose a formula: one country, two systems, to Taiwan. As a matter of fact, when Xinping first proposed this one country, two system formula for solution of Taiwan reunification with a middle line, but of course, then Hong Kong, you know, development more quickly. So, this formula applied to Hong Kong, Macao. But we still believe that – believe in this one country, two systems.

But that does not prevent China from engaging with the people in Taiwan. In fact, we care more about the wellbeing of the people in Taiwan. So, on the very first day, we share information with the Taiwan people about the barriers and we invite Taiwan expert, Doctors come to mainland, you know, to discuss with them, to discuss with us and share of information. We facilitate all the information and communication. So, there’s no barriers, obstacles, in terms of collaboration of the medical people across the street. Important thing is some people try to take advantage of the barriers to politicise this. They want to elevate Taiwan’s status. So, that is something we totally disagree, we reject. You know, Taiwan should not have official regulation, participation in WHO, but that should not prevent Taiwan’s participation in expert, you know, discussions working together, workshops.

Lord Jim O’Neill

Question about…

Liu Xiaoming

Oh, about the Gold…

Lord Jim O’Neill

The Golden Era…

Liu Xiaoming

Climate Change.

Lord Jim O’Neill

…on climate change.

Liu Xiaoming

We’re calling it Golden Era, not the Golden Year, so, it’s longer than one year. And I think, as I said, the COP 15/COP 26 provide a golden opportunity, if you may, for China and the United Kingdom to work together on this important agenda of climate change. Though the two conferences have – it’s a different mandate, the first one, the one it – which is going to be helped by China, is more focused on, you know, biological, wild animal conservation, environment. The COP 26 is more focused on climate change, but there’s a linkage between the two. I think when Prime Minister Johnson launched 26, he mentioned that UK support China to host COP 15 and he also believe, you know, there’s a strong linkage between the two conferences. We believe in this linkage and we believe China-UK, should work together, should support each other to make the two conferences a big success and I think these two conferences will be two of the golden fruits in the Golden Era.

Lord Jim O’Neill

Very good.

Liu Xiaoming

Thank you.

Lord Jim O’Neill

Ambassador, thank you very much for your time [applause].

Liu Xiaoming

Thank you, Jim [applause].