On March 18, Chinese Consulate General in Auckland held a press briefing. Mrs. Liao Juhua, the Consul General, briefed the press on the followings: Firstly, the main points of the government work report delivered by the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao during the Second Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC). Secondly, China's diplomacy. Thirdly, the China-New Zealand relations. Fourthly, the relations cross the Taiwan Strait. Fifthly, the truth of the so-called "Divine Performance". Sixthly, the truth of the so-called "Tibet Issue".
1. The main content of the government work report delivered by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao during the Second Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC)
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao delivers a government work report during the opening meeting of the Second Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2009.
The report reviewed the work of Chinese government in 2008 including making timely and resolutely adjustments to the macroeconomic policies and doing everything possible to maintain steady and rapid economic development;balancing economic and social development and strengthening all aspects of social development with the focus on improving people's lives; vigorously advancing reform and opening up to inject fresh driving force into economic and social development. In 2008, China's GDP topped 30 trillion yuan, up 9 percent from the year before. Total government revenue was 6.13 trillion yuan, an increase of19.5 percent. Imports and exports totaled 2.56 trillion U.S. dollars, an increase of 17.8 percent. A total of 11.13 million more urban residents entered the workforce. Urban per capita annual disposable income reached 15,781 yuan, an increase of 8.4 percent in real terms, and rural per capita net income reached 4,761 yuan, up by 8 percent in real terms. Central government budgetary spending on agriculture, rural areas and farmers was 595.5 billion yuan for the whole year, a year-on-year increase of 37.9 percent.The central government invested 116.3 billion yuan in science and technology, an increase of 16.4 percent. The central government allocated 42.3 billion yuan to support development of ten key energy conservation projects and environmental protection facilities.
None of the achievements we made last year came easily. While acknowledging our achievements, we must be clearly aware that we face unprecedented difficulties and challenges. First, the global financial crisis continues to spread and get worse. Second, continuous drop in economic growth rate due to the impact of the global financial crisis has become a major problem affecting the overall situation. Third, institutional and structural problems that have long hindered healthy economic development still remain, and some of them are still prominent. Fourth, some problems affecting the vital interests of the people have not been fundamentally alleviated. Fifth, order in the market is not well standardized; market oversight and law enforcement are not fully in place, and the social credit rating system is still in need of improvement.
The report mentions the following 5 major economic and social targets for 2009: GDP will grow by about 8 percent; Economic structure will be further improved; More than 9 million people of urban residents will be employed; Urban registered unemployment rate will be under control of 4.6 percent; Urban and rural incomes will grow steadily; Rise in the CPI will be around 4 percent; Balance of foreign revenue and payments will continue to improve.
To achieve the above objectives, the report mentions the following 7 tasks for the government: Improving and strengthening macro control and maintaining steady and rapid economic development; Actively boosting domestic demand, especially consumption demand, and strengthening the role of domestic demand in driving the economic growth; Consolidating and strengthening the position of agriculture as the foundation of the economy, and promoting the steady development of agriculture and the continuous increase of incomes of the farmers; Accelerating the transformation of development patterns and promoting strategic economic restructuring; Continuing to deepen reform and opening up, and further improving the structures and mechanisms conducive to developing in a scientific manner; Carrying of the social development and vigorously ensuring and improving the wellbeing of the people; Intensifying government self-improvement and making the government better able to manage overall economic and social development.
In addition, on the real estate sector, the report mentions even more vigorous and effective policies and measures that will be adopted to stabilize market confidence and expectations, keep real estate investment stable, and promote steady and orderly development of the real estate industry.
On the Industrial restructuring, the government will conscientiously implement plans for adjusting and invigorating key industries such as the automobile, steel, shipbuilding, petrochemical, textile, nonferrous metals, equipment manufacturing, information technology, modern logistics, and light industries.
On the food safety, the government will implement strictly the rules of market access, product traceability and recall systems so that people buy food with confidence and consume them with satisfaction.
On employment, the government will implement a more proactive employment policy, and the central government will allocate 42 billion yuan for this purpose.
Just like what Premier Wen Jiabao has mentioned in his report, we are fully confident that we will overcome difficulties and challenges, and we have the conditions and ability to do so.Our confidence and strength come from many ways: from the scientific judgment and correct handling of the situation of the central leadership; from the policies and measures that have been formulated and implemented to respond to challenges in view of long-term development; from the huge demand generated by the development of infrastructure, the upgrading of the industrial structure and consumption patterns, environmental protection, and the development of the ecosystem and social development programs in the rapid process of industrialization and urbanization; from the support of such factors as our ample capital and labor resources, our financial system in smooth operation, vigorous enterprises and flexible macro control policies; from our substance, scientific and technological strength and institutional conditions that have been created in the 30 years of reform and opening up; from our unique political and institutional advantages that enable us to mobilize resources to accomplish large undertakings, the stable, harmonious social environment we enjoy, and the enthusiasm and creativity of the whole nation from top to bottom to promote scientific development; and from the powerful spirit of the Chinese nation, which always works hard and persistently to make the country strong. We also have 3 advantages: First, With 1.3 billion population including 900 million rural residents, China has a bigger market than those of Europe and the United States given its big population and large land. Second, China has a reservoir of labor resources and talents. Though the country has a difficult employment situation, its big labor force is important for China's development in the long run. Third, China's financial sector is sound and steady through reforms over the past decade. It has provided great support for the country's economic development. China's newly extended loans increased sharply during the past months. The monthly new lending stood at 470 billion, 770 billion, 1.62 trillion and 1.07 trillion yuan respectively from November to February.
China has announced a 4 trillion-yuan (585 billion U.S. dollars) two-year economic stimulus package to boost economic growth and the growth of domestic demand, 1.18 trillion yuan of which will be funded by the central government. The stimulus package plan has four major components, including large-scale government spending, industrial restructuring and rejuvenation planning, scientific research investment and upgrading the level of social security system.Large-scale government spending is the most direct, powerful and effective measure (to boost domestic consumption) and the 1.18 trillion yuan from the central government is the new investment, including projects concerning people's well being, technology upgrading, environmental protection and major infrastructure projects.Other projects, including the 600 billion-yuan tax cut, pension increase for enterprise retirees, salary increase to 12 million teachers, subsidies to farmers as well as an 850 billion-yuan three-year investment in health care reform, were not included in the 4 trillion-yuan stimulus package. The stimulus package included many new projects, such as the housing projects for low-income urban residents. We will solve the housing problem of 7.5 million low-income families in three years, and provide better shelter for 2.4 million who still live in shanty towns,
2. China's diplomacy
Last year was an eventful year for China and also an eventful year for China's diplomacy. It was a year of enormous challenges. Yet we met these challenges head on and reaped a good harvest.We fought natural disasters, including the devastating earthquake in Wenchuan. We hosted successfully the Olympic Games in spite of the various disruptive factors. And we worked hard to cope with the impact of the international financial crisis. The challenges that confronted our country and our diplomacy last year had been rarely seen for many years in terms of scale, severity and impact. Meeting these challenges was indeed not easy.
Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, with the active support of all Chinese people and the close cooperation of other government departments, we earnestly implemented the concept of scientific outlook on development and made a lot of achievements on the diplomatic front. We broke new ground in many areas.
China's diplomacy this year has the following four points. First, we should stay focused on one overarching objective, that is to make every effort to help ensure a steady and rapid economic development in China. Second, we should pursue two priorities. The first one is to make every effort to properly handle the impact of international financial crisis to safeguard the economic growth, the well-being of our people and the stability in China. The second priority is to make full preparations for the participation of Chinese leaders in a series of important multilateral activities and ensure they are successful. These major multilateral activities include, among others, the upcoming financial summit in London, the G8 Outreach Session to be held in Italy in July, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, the meeting of prime ministers of SCO member states and the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November. What we hope is that with China's participation in these activities we will help contribute to making the international order fairer and more equitable.
Third, we should continue to work hard on the following three fronts. First, we will continue to advance security diplomacy to safeguard China's sovereignty, territorial integrity and security interests.Second, we will continue to pursue cultural diplomacy to increase friendship and cooperation between the Chinese people and people of other countries.Third, we will strengthen consular protection to safeguard the lawful rights and interests of Chinese nationals and companies overseas.More and more Chinese are traveling abroad. In 2008, 46 million Chinese traveled abroad. More and more Chinese companies are doing business overseas. Now, there are more than 10 thousand Chinese enterprises overseas. Last year, we have dealt with 30 thousand consular protection cases. We must do an even better job in consular protection.
Fourth, we should continue to work hard in the following four areas. We will continue to promote the steady growth of China's relations with major countries, strengthen friendship with neighboring countries, enhance solidarity and cooperation with other developing countries and take a more active part in seeking proper settlement of global and regional hotspot issues. On the issue of climate change, at the end of this year, the UN will hold the international conference on climate change in Copenhagen. It is a very important meeting. We hope that all parties can work together to pursue the Bali Roadmap and achieve the set objectives at the Copenhagen conference. It is essential that the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" be observed. And We believe the success of the meeting is very much dependent on the developing and developed countries contributing their respective shares and working together. China will continue to implement its National Climate Change Program, and make every effort to honor its commitment and contribute its due share to the success of the conference. We believe the year of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China will be another year of splendid achievements of China's diplomacy.
3. The China-New Zealand relations
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and New Zealand 36 years ago, the bilateral relations between China and New Zealand have witnessed a smooth development with frequent exchanges of visits and contacts between the leaders of the two nations. There are 4 "first" in the bilateral economic and trade relations. New Zealand was the first country to negotiate an agreement with China for its entry into the WTO, the first to acknowledge China market economy status, the first developed country to start negotiations with China for a free trade agreement and the first developed country to conclude and sign a free trade agreement with China. Last year, the FTA was signed and came into force between China and New Zealand, direct flights between Auckland and Beijing and Shanghai in operation. Exchanges and cooperation in the fields of education and culture, etc are being continuously deepened.
According to statistics, the trade volume between China and New Zealand reached US$4.4 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 18.9%. China's export to New Zealand reached US$ 2.5 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 16%, and China's import from New Zealand reached 1.89 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 22.3%.
The economies of China and New Zealand are complementary and mutually beneficial, and the bilateral economic ties keep good momentum. To deal with the world financial crisis, the two countries should deepen economic cooperation and promote a sound multilateral trading regime. Past experience shows that in crisis it is all the more important to stick to the policy of opening-up and cooperation. Trade protectionism serves no purpose as it will only worsen and prolong the crisis. It is therefore necessary to move forward trade and investment liberalization and facilitation. China firmly supports the efforts to reach balanced results of the Doha Round negotiations at an early date and the establishment of a fair and open multilateral trading regime. As an important supplement to such a trading regime, regional economic integration should be vigorously promoted.
In April this year, New Zealand Prime Minister Mr. John Key will pay an official visit to China. The exchanges and cooperation in different fields between the two countries will be deepened. If we join hands to advance bilateral interactions, we can write a new chapter of China-New Zealand relations!
4. The relations cross the Taiwan Strait
On December 31, 2008, Chinese President Hu Jintao made important remarks at the ceremony commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Message to Compatriots in Taiwan and put forward the following six proposals on continuing to promote the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations: First. Adhere to one China principle and promote mutual political trust. Second. Promote economic cooperation and development across the Straits. Third. Carry forward the Chinese culture and strengthen cultural bond. Forth. Increase people's visits and exchanges. Fifth. Safeguard national sovereignty and handle external matters through consultation. Sixth. End hostility by reaching a peace agreement.
Premier Wen Jiabao also mentioned in his government work report that The Chinese mainland will continue to strengthen cross-Straits economic cooperation with Taiwan to jointly respond to the global financial crisis. The mainland would actively promote financial cooperation across the Taiwan Straits, and support the development of Taiwan-funded enterprises in the mainland.We will work on the basis of the one-China principle to enhance mutual political trust between the two sides. Based on this, we are ready to make fair and reasonable arrangements through consultation on the issue of Taiwan's participation in the activities of international organizations. We are also ready to hold talks on cross-Straits political and military issues and create conditions for ending the state of hostility and concluding a peace agreement between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits.We will speed up the normalization of cross-Straits economic relations and facilitate the signing of a comprehensive agreement on economic cooperation, and gradually establish economic cooperation mechanisms suited both sides of the Straits.
Today, we have properly addressed a host of problems to sustain the momentum for cross-Straits relation. Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits enjoy more frequent exchanges of visits, closer economic link, more cultural exchanges and broader common interests than ever before.
Up till October, 2008, more than 7 million Taiwanese have visited the mainland. People of the mainland visiting Taiwan reached 1.85 million in numbers. Exchanges in the fields of culture, education, science and technology, sports and society are continuously expanding. Mutual understandings are continuously deepening.
Economic and trade exchanges and cooperation between Mainland and Taiwan keep momentum of rapid development and which are complementary and mutual beneficial. Up to October, 2008, China's mainland has approved 77011 Taiwan investment projects in all. The trade volume across Straits has added up to US$ 842.9 billion. Taiwan's exports to the mainland totaled US$ 694.7 billion. Taiwan's trade surplus with the mainland amounted to US$546.4 billion.
5. The truth of the so-called "Divine Performance".
According to some recent reports of local Chinese media, between 15th and 17th of April, the "Falun Gong" organization is going to stage the so-called "Divine Performing Arts 2009 World Tour" in ASB Theatre, Aotea Center, THE EDGE in Auckland.
The above reports revealed the background of "Divine Performing Arts" and the purpose of this event. The hidden purpose of this event is to undermine the Chinese government and propagate "Falun Gong" itself, in the name of promoting the traditional Chinese culture.
"Falun Gong" is an anti-society cult and has committed serious crimes infringing on human rights. It Endangered lives and infringed upon the rights and freedom of speech of the news media. It was banned by the Chinese government according to law 10 years ago.
Since then, it has gone overseas and has been engaged in the activities against the Chinese government. The cult appears as a "religious group" to deceive the general public of other countries.
6. The truth of the so-called "Tibet Issue"
On March 10, some local Tibetan demonstrated in front of Chinese diplomatic missions and hold different kinds of demonstrations in memory of the so-called "Tibet was oppressed by China for 50 years".Today, we hold a photo exhibition on Tibet here. You can find answers to many questions about Tibet after carefully viewing the photos. There are some facts about the past and present of Tibet.
Tibet has been an inseparable part of China since ancient times and was peacefully liberated in 1951. It had a long history of feudal serfdom with theocratic rule before 1959, which was even worse than the medieval Europe.At that time, 95% of the Tibetan were serfs and slaves who suffered cruel oppression and exploitation and human rights abuses by the ruling strata including the 14th Dalai Lama.
In 1959, to maintain feudal serfdom, the Dalai clique refused to carry out democratic reform asked by the Central Government and staged armed rebellion against the basic interests of the Tibetan people. The Central Government quelled the rebellion with the help of the Tibetan people. Meanwhile, a massive democratic reform started and liberated 1 million serfs and slaves.With the aid of the nation and hard work of Tibetan people, economic and social miracles have taken place in Tibet in the past 50 years.The current situation in Tibet on the whole is stable; people there are living and working in peace. About the development of Tibet and the Central government's policy on Tibet, the Dalai clique spread lies and rumors of various kinds. There are some data for comparison. In the Tibet ruled by the Dalai clique 50 years ago, the average life expectancy was 35 years, 90 percent of the Tibetans had no private housing, the enrollment rate for school-age children was less than 2 percent. Today, the average life expectancy is up to 67 years, per-capita housing is 33 sq meters, the enrollment rate for school-age children is 98%.Great achievements have been made in Tibet since the beginning of the democratic reform. Dalai has no right to talk about the human rights of Tibet. The so-called "Han migration", "Hanization" are lies made by Dalai. In fact, among the total population of 2.87 million in Tibet, 95 percent are Tibetans.
The theocratic rule and feudal serfdom of centuries long in Tibet had become a decadent and declining social system that ran counter to the progressive trend of the world. It stifled the development of social productive forces and hindered the social progress in Tibet. Tibet had sunk into a grave state of poverty, backwardness, isolation and decline, verging on total collapse.
The aim of so-called "Tibet issue" spread by the Dalai clique and its representatives in New Zealand is to separate Tibet from the motherland and restore the theocratic feudal serfdom. They try their best to mislead local New Zealanders under the cover of human rights, religion, etc.Since 2002, the central government has carried out 9 contacts and dialogues with Dalai's private representatives. The Dalai clique should be held responsible for its insincerity which resulted in many differences between the central government and the Dalai clique.Dalai put forward the so-called "greater Tibet area" which covers nearly a quarter of China's territory and demanded that the Chinese central government withdraw troops and all the non-Tibetans from the "greater Tibet area". The claims of Dalai run against the Chinese Constitution and don't have grounds in view of history, reality and law, nor does the so-called "greater Tibet area" exist in history.The contact and dialogue between the central government and Dalai can make progress only if Dalai completely gives up his stance of "Tibet independence" and attempt to split the country.
In the past 50 or so years since the Dalai Lama went into exile, he depends on the anti-China forces in the West. Donning the cloak of "religious leader", he traveled around to spread rumors to mislead international community. Out of their own need, some in the West hailed him as the deity and lauded him as "the peace envoy" and "human rights fighter". Dalai Lama is "not a simple religious figure" but a political exile. It is this ex-leader of Tibetan Buddhism who discards his predecessors the tradition of loving the motherland trample on religious doctrines, hoodwink the religious sentiments of Tibetan Buddhists, organize an illegal government-in-exile, trumpet "Tibetan independence" to split the motherland, and undermine internal unity and rules of Tibetan Buddhism. Indeed, he has gone so far as to betray the motherland and the Tibetan people.
