Fili’s world

Well hidden from outsiders' eyes I was able to spot another seminar from the HUJI Institute of International Relations called - "The rise of China into the world's agenda - Challenges and Implications" with an interesting title for the main lecture "China bashing in the US". Not knowing what it's going to be about, I decided I wanted to take a look.

In a very small conference room in Meirsdoff building I soon realized that I don't know anybody there since no one from Asian studies came there, it was all about the Institute of International Relations students. The organizers were very proud to host the Chinese ambassador and a very accomplished world trade specialist. The whole event was photographed and taped from every possible angle. 

To start up the evening in a very positive mood the organizer welcomed everybody there and gave a special insulting greeting to the "Ambassador of the Republic of China" (which refers to Taiwan, China is The People's Republic of China). No body around seemed to notice - not fully realizing what just happened, but the face of the Chinese ambassador was showing an inner struggle and finally a big smile. Only 2 hours later, when the Chinese ambassador left a lecturer from Asian studies explained the fault. It's the first time I got to meet the Chinese ambassador and, well, he's very much Chinese.

The short 10 minute talk was fascinating not just because of what he said but especially in the way he said it. Assuming that this Chinese ambassador is very connected to orders coming from high above, his speech showed a remarkable policy of the Chinese nation and their very strong marketing motos. Important almost-quote notes:

• If it was for the Chinese Ambassador - the title "The rise of China and world implication etc."" would change into "China's development into peace cooperation and harmony".
• Quoting Peres and Olmert he states - "Our development is an opportunity, not a challenge". "
• On the basis of our historical background - peace is our strong desire. China suffered the oppression of foreign powers… It is a goal to promote world development of peace.
• Cultural point of view - it's a Chinese tradition that peace is the most precious value. Like back in the 14th century when -Chinese name I couldn't make out (Zhan Kou?)- went abroad by ship 7 times to 30 Asian and African countries exporting tea, silk etc. China was always prosperous through trade without occupying.
• Peace and development are the two main themes of our modern times. China isn't strong yet, China will not seek confrontation. Following the late leader - Deng Xiao Ping, who said : "China will never seek -Chinese something I couldn't make out(war?)-. If it will, I allow you to kick China out of the globe."
• "The person at the bottom of the well can only see a small piece of the sky."
• "Israel is very tiny but it has many strong points in the world, even better than some European and American countries, so Israel can aim to share those strong points with others. Reality is that for the past 30 years China has gained quite a lot. "Keep our doors open" is China's policy today."
• "We allow western companies to go into China in order to allow the market to evolve . We open the doors to embrace our friends (emphasis of friends was made clearly in speech). (Giving the example of Motorola in the mobile industry) - Motorola has contributed alot to the poor areas.
• By joining the WTO China has already changed 3000 regulations and laws, to provide good facilities to the friends from outside. Last year 37000 VISAs were issued to Israelis to go to China…
• "Economy isn't a zero game. It's a win-win situation. China is on a positive road. China want to share and enjoy the world's benefit of economic growth. 761 projects Israel-China last year, today almost 800."
• "Not only business but friendship".
• Mankind has only one home planet, so building a peaceful place is a common wish of the people throughout the world. China is taking the road for peaceful development."
• In the 1997 world crisis China sacrified itself (?). I myself was praised, one of 80, for suggesting it in China at that time"
• China has a lot of Employment opportunities, 570000 foreign projects in China. China is the number one in foreign reserves and foreign investment. Number 3 in trade. But, China is still a developing country (because of the population).
• "We have a long way to go to be stronger, so we need cooperation to work with you".
• And an apology - "I'm sorry for taking a lot of your time".

I thought that speech to be very impressive in that the ambassador was able to influence the audience by using very direct key words that aim to reassure all common fears from China.

(to be continued…)

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