驻东帝汶大使肖建国在同东媒体见面会上的讲话
Remarks of H.E. Dr. Xiao Jianguo, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste at the Media Gathering
2019年4月20日
20 April 2019
各位东帝汶的媒体朋友，
女士们、先生们：
Dear friends from Timor-Leste’s media,
Ladies and gentlemen,
下午好！
Good afternoon!
很高兴与大家共聚一堂，媒体界对社会产生重要影响，各位都是东媒体界重要级人物，能到使馆做客，我和使馆的同事们对此表示热烈欢迎。
It gives me great pleasure to meet with all of you. The media has an important influence on society. All of you are the important figures in the media of Timor-Leste. My colleagues and I warmly welcome you to attend this gathering.
这是我去年10月抵东履职后，首次同东媒体朋友正式集体见面。近年来，中国使馆不定期向东媒体发表文章、举办媒体见面会、邀请媒体出席使馆活动等，与大家保持着良好合作关系。我愿借此机会，对与中国使馆保持友好合作，积极客观报道中国的媒体朋友们表示衷心感谢。
It’s the first time for me to meet media friends after I arrived in Timor-Leste last October. In recent years, the Chinese Embassy enjoys a sound cooperative relationship with the Timor-Leste’s media, such as publishing articles contingently in the media, having get-togethers with the media and inviting the media to cover the Embassy’s activities. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to the media for the good cooperation between us, and for the positive, objective coverage from your media about China.
中东传统友谊源远流长。中方长期支持东民族解放斗争，是最早支持东独立和同东建交的国家之一。东恢复独立后，中方高度重视对东关系，在和平共处五项原则基础上积极同东发展关系，向东提供了大量力所能及的援助。建交17年来，两国政治互信不断增强，各领域互利务实合作全面推进，中东关系保持良好发展势头。2014年，中东关系正式提升为睦邻友好、互信互利的全面合作伙伴关系。
As all you know, China and Timor-Leste enjoy a long-lasting traditional friendship. China has always been supporting the national liberation of Timor-Leste and is among the first to recognize its independence and to establish diplomatic ties with Timor-Leste. After Timor-Leste’s restoration of independence, China has attached great importance to the relations with Timor-Leste, developing the relations on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and providing assistance and aid to the best of its ability. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 17 years ago, political mutual trust between China and Timor-Leste has been continuously enhanced, and practical cooperation of mutual benefit in various fields has been comprehensively advanced. China-Timor-Leste relations have maintained good momentum, which have been promoted into the Comprehensive Partnership of Good-neighborly Friendship, Mutual Trust and Mutual Benefit since 2014.
中国和东帝汶都是发展中国家，均面临发展经济、改善民生的繁重任务。2013年秋季习近平主席提出“一带一路”倡议，这为中国同包括东帝汶在内的“一带一路”沿线国家加强合作提供重要契机。东是中国古代海上丝绸之路的重要一站，中东2017年签署了“一带一路”合作谅解备忘录，决定加强发展战略对接。中国连续多年成为东主要贸易伙伴之一，来东投资及从事工程承包的中国企业日益增多、涉足基建、农业、贸易等多个领域，成果丰硕。其中，“一网”、“一路”、“一港”项目引人注目，即东国家电网项目已进入运营维护阶段，东首条高速公路--苏艾高速公路一期项目已于2018年11月正式通车，蒂坝港项目正在建设。这三大项目均由中国企业承建。
Both China and Timor-Leste are developing countries, facing the arduous task of developing its national economy and improving the people’s livelihood. In the Autumn of 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which provides an important opportunity for China to strengthen its cooperation with all the countries along the BRI, including Timor-Leste. Historically, Timor-Leste is an important link on the Chinese Maritime Silk Road. The two countries signed a MOU on the BRI cooperation in 2017 to strengthen strategic synergy. China has become one of the Timor-Leste’s major trading partners for many years. More and more Chinese companies invest and are engaged in activities in Timor-Leste, involved in various fields like infrastructure, agriculture commerce, etc. Among these projects, “one grid” “one road” and “one port” are eye-catching, that is, the State Electric Power Grid has entered the operation stage, Suai highway, the first expressway of Timor-Leste, was officially completed in November 2018, and the Tiba Port is now under construction. Those three mega projects are undertaken by Chinese companies.
中国积极向东提供力所能及的帮助。东总统府、外交部、国防部等大楼成为东标志性建筑及中东友谊象征。中方向东提供水稻玉米种植、农机具、蚊帐、车辆等各类民生援助，援建的粮仓、数字电视等项目正稳步推进。中方高度重视东民众健康，2004年以来先后派出七批医疗队常驻东国立医院，为东民众诊治疾病超过20万人次，下周第八批医疗队即将抵东履职。2017年底，中方还派出“和平方舟”医院船来访为东民众义诊7000多人次。中方还同当地鲁瓦克基金会、红十字会等组织合作，捐赠免费清洁水、婴幼儿营养品、学生文具等。
China has actively provided assistance and aid to Timor-Leste. The buildings of Presidential Palace, Ministry of Foreign affairs and Cooperation and Ministry of Defense, which were donated by the Chinese Government, have become the landmarks of Timor-Leste, and the symbol of friendship between our two countries. China offered numerous assistance for Timorese people’s livelihood, such as rice and corn cultivation, agricultural machinery, mosquito nets and vehicle. The current projects such as food processing depots and digital television are going smoothly. China has sent 7 batches of medical teams to work in the National Hospital and has offered medical service to the Timorese since the year of 2004, accounting for more than 200,000 local people. The 8th batch of medical team will arrive in Timor-Leste next week. At the end of 2017, Chinese hospital ship Peace Ark paid a short visit to Timor-Leste and offered more than 7000 free treatments. China also cooperates with the Taur Matan Ruak Foundation, the Timor-Leste Red Cross and other organizations in providing free clean water, nutrition for infants and children, student stationery, etc.
中国人常讲，“授人以鱼不如授人以渔”，中方正是本着这种精神帮助东培养人才。迄今有120多名东学生获得中方奖学金赴华留学取得学位，2000多名东政府官员和技术人员接受中方各类培训。2018年12月，45名学子完成了一年在华职业教育培训顺利结业，东总理夫人伊莎贝尔赴华出席结业式，受到东媒体广泛报道，东民众对此好评不断。2019年度中国政府奖学金招生工作正在进行，东学子报名录取名额有望增多，预计新一批学子将于今年8月将赴华学习。
The Chinese people often say that “give a man a fish and you feed him only for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”, which is the based-on spirit that China helps Timor-Leste to cultivate its own national talents. In the past, more than 120 Timorese students got the Chinese Government Scholarship and obtained degrees in China, and over 2,000 government officials and technicians received various training courses from China. In December 2018, 45 Timorese students completed their one-year vocational training course in China. Prime Minister’s wife, Madam Isabel attended the completion ceremony of the course, which got massive coverage from your media and won wide acclaim among the Timorese people. The admission of 2019 Chinese Government Scholarship is ongoing, and the number of the enrolled Timorese students is expecting higher. They will leave for China in August.
随着中东共建“一带一路”持续深化，中东合作将结出更多硕果，为促进东国家发展、社会进步发挥更加重要的作用。
Nowadays, as China and Timor-Leste continue deepening the jointly-built BRI, the China-Timor-Leste cooperation will bear more fruits, promoting further the national development and social progress of Timor-Leste.
女士们，先生们：
Ladies and gentlemen,
“一带一路”倡议倡导共商共建共享理念，涵盖政策沟通、设施沟通、贸易畅通、资金融通、民心相通的“五通”等广泛领域。倡议提出6年来，得到国际社会积极支持和热烈响应，目前已有126个国家和29个国际组织同中方签署了“一带一路”合作文件，相关合作理念和主张对标国际规则和实践，已写入联合国、二十国集团、亚太经合组织，上海合作组织等重要国际机制的成果文件。全球范围内一大批互联互通合作项目落地，如中欧班列、陆海通道等大通道建设成效显著，铁路、港口、公路、管网等基础设施项目合作稳步推进，经贸合作园区建设不断取得积极进展，为沿线国提供了大量的当地就业。实践证明，“一带一路”倡议顺应时代潮流，契合各国合作共赢、共同发展的愿望，不仅助力沿线国家经济发展和民生改善，而且成为各方应对全球性挑战，促进世界经济发展，实现共同繁荣的重要举措。
The BRI advocates the principle of consultation and cooperation for shared benefits, and enhances connectivity in the five priority areas of policy, infrastructure, trade, finance and people-to-people ties. Since its inception 6 years ago, the BRI has received strong endorsement and warm support of the international community. So far, a total of 126 countries and 29 international organizations have signed BRI cooperation documents with China. Meanwhile, the BRI vision, conforming to international rules and practices, has been included in documents of major international institutions including the United Nations, the G20, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. A vast number of global connectivity projects have been launched, such as projects of China-Europe railway express and the land-sea corridor are making great stride, infrastructure projects on railway, port, motorway and pipeline, economic and trade cooperation parks are proceeding smoothly. Meanwhile, a large number of local jobs are provided for countries along the BRI. Indeed, the BRI has proved a popular and worthy cause that goes along with the trend of our times and responds to the shared aspiration of countries for development through mutually beneficial cooperation. The BRI has delivered fruitful outcomes in boosting economic growth and improving people’s lives in participating countries, as well as provided good opportunities for all parties involved to jointly address global challenges, promoting global growth, and achieving common prosperity through greater connectivity.
“一带一路”国际合作高峰论坛是“一带一路”框架下最高规格的国际合作平台，2017年5月，首届高峰论坛在北京成功举办，取得丰硕成果。下周，第二届高峰论坛将在北京举办，本届论坛主题是“共建‘一带一路’、开创美好未来”。届时将举行开幕式、领导人圆桌峰会、高级别会议、专题分论坛、企业家大会等系列活动。目前有包括近40位外方领导，150多个国家的代表确认与会。东前总统、前总理、海洋边界事务首席谈判代表夏纳纳将再次率团出席高峰论坛，国家行政管理部代理部长阿比利奥也将与会。中方期待并相信，各国代表将在论坛期间共同总结合作进展、规划合作蓝图，推动共建“一带一路”向高质量发展。东方代表团与会，也将进一步加强中东两国发展规划对接，推动东国家发展。
The Belt and Road Forum (BRF) is the top-level platform for international cooperation under the BRI framework. In May 2017, the first BRF was successfully held in Beijing, which produced positive consensus on BRI cooperation and delivered fruitful outcomes. The second BRF will be held in Beijing next week. The theme of this year’s BRF is Belt and Road Cooperation: Shaping a Brighter Shared Future and the Forum events include the opening ceremony, a leaders’ roundtable, a high-level meeting, thematic forums, a CEO conference and other side events. Representatives from over 150 countries, including about 40 leaders of foreign governments, have confirmed their attendance. Former President, Former Prime minister and Chief Negotiator for Maritime and Boundary affairs of Timor-Leste, H.E. Mr. Xanana Gusmao will lead the Timorese delegation to attend the second BRF for the second time, accompanied by H.E. Mr. Abilio Jose Caetano, Acting Minister of State administration of Timor-Leste. China will, together with other Forum parties, take stock of what has been achieved and draw a blueprint for future cooperation to further enrich BRI cooperation. The participation of the Timorese delegation will further synergize development plans of our two countries and promote Timor-Leste’s own development.
“一带一路”源自中国，但属于世界，共建“一带一路”坚持相互尊重、平等协商、开放包容、互利共赢、是构建人类命运共同体和建设新型国际关系的重要实践平台。个别人认为“一带一路”是中国的地缘政治工具、可能给有关国家制造所谓的“债务陷阱”等，这是对该倡议缺乏客观、公正认识。“一带一路”不打地缘博弈大算盘，不搞封闭排他小圈子，不做凌驾于人的强买强卖。在“一带一路”合作框架下，无论是项目选择，还是投融资合作，都是各方共同商量并进行风险评估和投资可行性分析后慎重作出的决策。到目前为止，没有一个国家因为参与共建“一带一路”陷入债务危机，相反，很多国家通过参与“一带一路”合作走出了“不发展的陷阱”。
Although the BRI is launched by China, its benefits should be shared by the world. The BRI champions mutual respect, consultation on an equal footing, openness and inclusiveness, and mutual benefit, which fully shows the vision of building a new type of international relations and a community with a shared future for mankind. We have noticed that some people have expressed different views about the BRI, claiming that the Initiative is China’s geopolitical tool and could cause some countries to fall into so-called debt traps. Such views are less than objective or balanced. The BRI is open, inclusive and transparent. It does not harbor any hidden geopolitical agenda, nor is it designed to form an exclusive circle or impose discriminatory trade terms on others. Decisions made under the BRI framework, whether project selection or investment and financing cooperation, are all based on full consultation among the parties and on the basis of conducting due risk assessment and investment feasibility study. As a matter of fact, no country has got trapped in a debt crisis since its participation in the BRI. Quite on the contrary, it is through participating in BRI cooperation that many countries have got out of the trap of “no development”.
女士们，先生们：
Ladies and gentlemen,
今年中华人民共和国成立70周年和东独立公投20周年，对于两国有着特殊意义。就中国而言，70年来，中国发展取得了举世瞩目的伟大成就，一个积贫积弱的农业大国已经发展为世界第二大经济体、第一大工业国、第一大货物贸易国。秘诀就在于坚持中国共产党的领导，在于走上一条符合中国国情、适合时代要求的正确道路--中国特色社会主义。就东帝汶而言，在恢复独立、重获主权后，当前国家发展重点正放在经济发展多元化和民生改善上。
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 20th anniversary of Timorese independence referendum, which has special significance for both countries. China has made remarkable achievements in development over the past 70 years. It has turned a weak and impoverished agrarian country into the world’s second largest economy, the largest industrial manufacturer, and the largest trader of goods. The secret lies in upholding the leadership of the Communist Party of China and taking the right path – Socialism with distinctive Chinese features – that fits China’s conditions and is in keeping with the trend of the times. As far as Timor-Leste’s concerned, the primary task of Timor-Leste now is bent on its economic development and diversification as well as improvement of people’s livelihood after the restoration of independence and sovereignty.
近年来，世界经济复苏乏力，一些国家政策内倾倾向明显、国际多边秩序遭到挑战，中国坚持新发展理念，推动高质量发展，深化市场改革，扩大高水平开放。2018年，中国国内生产总值（GDP）增长6.6%，全年实际使用外资同比增长3%，外贸进出口总值同比增长9.7%，均创历史新高。长期看，中国发展仍处于重要战略机遇期，经济长期向好的趋势没有也不会改变。从2018年开始，中国每年举办国际进口博览会，便利外国对华出口，实现了从“卖遍世界”到“买遍世界”的跨越。东方也应邀派团参加了第一届博览会。今年3月，中国通过《外商投资法》，促进了外商投资保护。中国对外开放的大门将会越开越大，为各国参与“一带一路”，对接中国大市场创造广阔空间，让更多国家成为中国新一轮改革开放的受益者，更好造福包括东帝汶在内的各国及各国人民。
In recent years, the world economic recovery remains slow and some countries are increasingly looking inward when making policies, posing challenges to the international order. China adheres to the new development concept, and promotes high-quality development, and deepens market reform and expands high-level opening-up. In 2018, China’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 6.6%. The actual use of foreign capital increased by 3% and the total value of foreign trade increased by 9.7% over 2017, which have both hit the new record in history. In the long run, China’s development is still in an important strategic period, and the economic fundamentals sustaining sound development remain unchanged. Starting from 2018, China held the annual International Import Expo to facilitate imports to China, making the leap from “selling all over the world” to “buying all over the world”. The Timorese delegation was also invited to participate the 1st International Import Expo. In March this year, China adopted the Foreign Investment Law, ensuring the protection of foreign investment. As China opens its door wider to the world, more opportunities are being created for other countries to participate in BRI cooperation and enter the huge Chinese market, so that more countries, including Timor-Leste, will benefit from China’s new round of reform and opening-up.
女士们，先生们：
Ladies and gentlemen,
媒体是推动不同文化间、不同民族相互了解、相互沟通的桥梁，你们在增进中东两国相互理解方面扮演着重要角色。
The media serves as a bridge to promote understanding and communication between different cultures and ethnic groups. All of you here are playing an important role in enhancing mutual understanding between our two countries and two peoples.
去年12月，东媒体对总理夫人伊莎贝尔访华参加东学生结业仪式进行系列报道，有效增进了东民众对中国了解和中东友谊。去年底，东媒体积极跟进东年轻妇女非法入境被中方扣留事件，重在报道东政府和中方为让她们在圣诞节前及时平安返回家园所做工作，引导东社会全面了解案情，实际上，她们都是人口贩卖的受害者。今年3月，东媒体报道了中国公民遇害案，引起社会的普遍关注，引发民众的正义呼声，最终有助于东警方及时抓捕嫌犯。这些报道均从正面描述，充分反映出东媒体的专业精神、良好道德和社会责任。
Last December, the Timorese media covered a series of reports on Prime Minister’s wife Madam. Isabel’s visit to the Timorese students who were studying in China, which effectively enhanced Timorese people understand about China and China-Timor-Leste friendship. At the end of last year, the Timorese media followed up closely on the incident of young Timorese women detained in China for illegal entry, focusing on the joint efforts by the Timorese Government and the Chinese side to safeguard them for an early return before Xmas. Such coverage helped the Timor-Leste’s public have a thorough review of the case. Actually, they were all victims of human trafficking. In March this year, the Timorese media reported the murder case of a Chinese citizen, winning widespread attention and appeals for justice from the society, which urged the PNTL to catch the suspects as soon as possible. Those reports portrayed the events in a positive light, fully demonstrating the professionalism, ethical and social responsibilities of the Timorese media.
另一方面，东个别本地媒体也有一些涉华负面声音，如炒作中国商人占领东市场，要把中国人赶出东帝汶；炒作中国承建公司应对苏艾高速公路雨后淹水问题负责等。这些指责缺乏事实、误导于人，令人遗憾。
On the other hand, there are some negative voices among the local media about China, such as hyping that Chinese businessmen have occupied the Timorese market and should be driven out of Timor-Leste, and the Chinese construction company should be responsible for the flooding of Suai Highway. Yet regrettably, such reproaching stories are lack of facts and misleading.
历史上看，在东华侨华人艰苦创业，辛勤劳作，早已把东看成自身家园，积极融入当地社会，为东经济发展做出巨大贡献。现实上看，在东中国企业和华侨华人遵纪守法、诚信营商，为东民众提供物美价廉的商品，既降低了东民众生活成本，也创造了很多工作机会。苏艾高速公路为沿线居民提供了上千个工作岗位，改善了很多人的生活。苏艾高速公路雨后淹水属设计缺陷，承建的中国企业曾多次向东方指出，但迟迟未予纠正。尽管淹水非施工质量问题，但中国企业积极配合东方采取补救疏浚措施，体现了社会责任。当然，在东华侨华人数量庞大，不排除个别人有违法行为甚至犯罪，我们支持东方依法处理，不会袒护。
Historically, the overseas Chinese in Timor-Leste worked hard and regarded this country as their homeland and integrated themselves into the local society, making great contributions to Timor-Leste’s national development. As a matter of fact, today’s overseas Chinese abide by the law and conduct business in good faith, providing cheap and quality goods for Timorese people, which not only reduces the living cost of local people, but also creates a lot of jobs. The Suai Highway project provided thousands of jobs and improved many local people’s lives. The flooding of Suai Highway is due to a design defect. The Chinese construction company pointed it out to the Timorese partner several times during construction, but unfortunately, it had not been corrected in time. Despite the fact that the cause of flooding is not a quality problem, the Chinese company adopted remedial measures to dredge tunnels, which displays its social responsibility. Of course, the number of overseas Chinese in Timor-Leste is huge and it’s inevitable that some individuals may commit illegal acts or even crimes. Once he commits an offence, we fully support the Timorese Government to handle according to law and we will not be bias for him.
女士们，先生们：
Ladies and gentlemen,
媒体报道往往对社会舆论产生重要影响力，因此要尽量避免不准确或错误的报道。媒体的基本素质就是要研究所有信息，探寻事实真相，进行准确、公正、平衡的报道。新闻记者应确保多处消息来源，反映各方意见，尤其不要将偶发事件升级为不同国家间的对抗冲突，不要煽动民粹主义或仇恨情绪等。
Media reports always have great influence towards society, and it’s necessary to try our best to avoid inaccurate or wrong reports. Researching all information, seeking basic facts and presenting the story in an accurate, unbiased and balanced way are the basic requirement for the media. A journalist should seek more than one source for a story to ensure that multiple sides are present. Maximum caution should be exercised to avoid escalating a random event into a confrontation or inciting populist sentiment or hatred between different countries.
此外，一国发展不可能总是一帆风顺，在遇到挫折时要本着积极、发展的眼光向前看，而不是一味地指责发展本身。以中国企业十年前承建的东国家电网为例，项目启动时也曾遭媒体质疑，甚至引发东民众反对，如今随着东各家各户通上电，当初的质疑和反对早已销声匿迹，取而代之的是东偏远地区渴望早日通电。
In addition, a country’s development cannot always be easy. It is necessary to have a forward-looking and development perspective to deal with the setbacks and differences, instead of blindly blaming the development itself. Take the State Electric Power Grid undertaken by a Chinese company ten years ago for example, that project was questioned at beginning by the media, and even aroused public opposition in Timor-Leste. Now, as each local household has access to the electricity, the doubts and opposition have faded away. Instead, the rural areas in Timor-Leste are eager for an early access to electricity.
女士们，先生们：
Ladies and gentlemen,
在当今数字时代，各类信息纷繁复杂。对媒体而言，机遇与挑战共存。中国使馆愿进一步加强与东媒体沟通，就涉及中国或中东关系的新闻随时提供基本事实和使馆看法。我们也衷心希望，东媒体始终以积极公正、平衡发展的眼光看待中国和中东关系。因为中东友谊来之不易，我们应该共同呵护、共同浇灌。希望东媒体朋友有机会访华亲身感受中国，也能与在东华人社区和中国企业多多接触，增进互信了解。我们欢迎你们。
In the digital age, all sorts of information are flourishing. The media faces opportunities as well as challenges. The Chinese Embassy would like to further strengthen communication with the media in Timor-Leste, and always be ready to offer the facts and its own perspectives about the news related to China or China-Timor-Leste relations. We sincerely hope that the media in Timor-Leste can have a positive, impartial, balanced and forward look on China and on the bilateral relations between our two countries. Since the friendship between China and Timor-Leste is hard to come by, and we should take care of and nurture it together. It’s advisable that the media people in Timor-Leste should often go to China and have a look with your own eyes, and should often go to the Chinese community and Chinese companies here to forge understanding and get to know each other, and you are welcome.
谢谢，接下来是提问环节，我愿回答大家的问题。
Thank you. It’s time for Q&A, and I’d like to take your questions.