黄屏总领事在康涅狄格州世界事务理事会中美关系论坛上的主旨演讲

Keynote Speech by Chinese Consul General in New York Huang Ping at the China-U.S. Relations Forum of World Affairs Council of Connecticut

 

2022年4月6日

6 April 2022

 

尊敬的托利会长，

President Megan Torrey,

 

女士们，先生们，上午好。

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning!

 

很高兴应托利会长邀请出席今天的论坛。新冠疫情延宕已逾两年，再次来到哈特福德，看到各位新老朋友，让我倍感亲切。

It is really a great honor for me to be invited to attend the forum today. The pandemic has been raging for more than two years. I’m so happy to come again to the beautiful state of Connecticut and to see so many old and new friends here.

 

康州在中国广为人知。“中国留学生之父”容闳当年便就读于康州的耶鲁大学。这里也是著名作家马克·吐温的故乡，他笔下的很多人物在中国家喻户晓，马克·吐温诙谐幽默的形象也早已深入中国人民内心。

Connecticut is very well-known in China. More than 200 years ago, Rong Hong, “the father of Chinese students studying abroad”, studied at Yale University. Here is also the hometown of Mark Twain. Many characters in his novels have become household names in China, and Mark Twain’s witty and humorous writing style has been known to all Chinese people.

 

近年来，康州和中国的交流越来越多，联系也越来越密切。我了解中国在康州的投资已超2亿美元，为当地创造了数千个就业机会。过去10多年来，康州对华货物和服务出口实现两位数增长，并且还在继续增加。目前中国和康州共有7对友好省州和友城关系。去年是山东省和康州结好35周年，双方举办了一系列友好交流活动。疫情初期，中方协助康州自华采购并向康州捐赠大批防疫物资。我相信，中方与康州完全可以发展更加深入、更为广泛的关系。

In recent years, there have been more and more exchanges between Connecticut and China, and the relationship has become increasingly close. I learned that the Chinese investment here has reached 200 million dollars, creating thousands of jobs. Over the last decade or so, Connecticut’s exports in both goods and services to China have registered double-digit growth and they are still growing. Connecticut has established sister-state and sister-city relations with Shandong province and 6 cities in China. Last year witnessed the 35th anniversary of the sister-state relationship between Shandong and Connecticut. The two sides held a series of friendly exchanges. In the early days of the pandemic, China helped Connecticut to purchase a large amount of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from China and donated part of it to Connecticut. I fully believe that China and Connecticut can develop a deeper and broader relationship in the future.

我一直认为，国与国关系的根基在地方、在人民。我对中美关系的信心，正是来源于两国蓬勃发展的地方合作，来源于两国人民历久弥新的深厚友谊。康州在这两方面都走在前列，我对此深表赞赏，同时希望你们为此作出更多努力。

In my opinion, the China-U.S. relationship is rooted in states, cities and people. My confidence in China-U.S. relations comes from the vigorous cooperation between the states and cities, and the profound friendship between the two peoples. Connecticut is at the forefront of both. I appreciate that and hope you will make more efforts to this end.

 

女士们，先生们，

Ladies and gentlemen,

 

今年是尼克松总统访华和中美“上海公报”发表50周年。50年前，两国老一辈领导人以非凡的战略远见和政治勇气，结束两国长期隔绝的状态，开启中美关系正常化进程，也推动国际关系迎来格局性变化。50年来，中美关系虽历经各种风雨，但取得的巨大发展超出所有人的想象，不仅为两国人民带来巨大福祉，也为世界的和平、稳定与繁荣作出了重要贡献。

This year marks the 50th anniversary of President Nixon’s visit to China and the issuance of the “Shanghai Communiqué”. Fifty years ago, with extraordinary strategic vision and political courage, the older generation of leaders of the two countries ended the prolonged estrangement between the two countries, started the process toward normalization of China-U.S. relations, and ushered in the structural transformation in international relations. Over the past 50 years, China-U.S. relations have gone through ups and downs, but they have achieved tremendous development beyond imagination, not only delivering great benefits to the two peoples, but also making important contributions to world peace, stability and prosperity.

 

毋庸讳言，当前中美关系又再次来到十字路口，何去何从备受关注。中美关系这艘巨轮是锚定正确航向继续前进，还是受到干扰影响进入迷途，关键就在于双方能否不断增进了解，彼此建立正确认知与信任。近年来美国内对中国出现不少误解，主要集中在三个方面，如果解决不好可能对两国关系发展造成长期干扰。

Needless to say, the current China-U.S. relationship has once again come to a crossroads, attracting much attention. Whether the giant ship of China-U.S. relations will continue on the right course, or will it go astray due to interference, the key lies in whether the two sides can continuously strengthen communication and establish correct mutual understanding and trust. In recent years, there have been many misunderstandings about China in the U.S., which are mainly reflected in the following three questions. Failure to address these perception issues may cause long-term disruptions to the future of China-U.S. relations.

 

第一，中国是否要取代美国？

Question one: Is China going to replace the U.S.?

 

近年来，中国经济快速发展，国际影响力不断提升，有些美国朋友担心中国要取代美国在世界上的地位，这既是对中国的战略误判，也是对自身缺乏自信。中国仍是发展中国家，尽管我们取得很大发展成就，但与发达国家相比差距还是很大，发展不平衡、不充分问题依然突出。未来我们仍需要聚焦国内经济社会发展，使人民过上更美好的生活。中国传统文化讲究内敛谦和，倡导厚往薄来，从来没有称王称霸的基因，也深知强权霸道终不持久的道理。中国的发展目标是要超越自己，而不是取代别人。当然，今天的世界正面临越来越多的全球性挑战，没有哪个国家能够独善其身，也没有哪个国家能够包打天下，共同承担国际责任是一个必然趋势。每个国家尤其是大国都可以在其中发挥各自的优势，扮演力所能及的角色，中国愿意承担自己应尽的那份责任，与各国一起推动构建人类命运共同体。

In recent years, due to the rapid growth of the Chinese economy and the China’s growing international influence, some American friends are worrying that China will unseat the U.S. from its role in the world. This is a strategic misjudgment of China and shows a lack of self-confidence. China is still a developing country. Although China had delivered significant development achievements, it still lags far behind developed countries. Unbalanced and inadequate development remains a prominent challenge for China. Going forward, we still need to focus on domestic economic and social development to make sure people can live a better life. In addition, Traditional Chinese culture stresses moderation and humility, and advocates giving more and receiving less. We know full well that no hegemony will ever last. Seeking hegemony has never been in the Chinese DNA. China’s goal is to become a better self, not to displace others. Meanwhile, the world is confronted with growing global challenges. No country can do well in isolation or fix all the problems by itself. Sharing international responsibilities is an inevitable trend. All countries, especially the big ones, can complement one another by drawing on their strengths. China stands ready to fulfill its due responsibilities and work with other countries to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

 

第二，发展对华关系是不是让美国吃了亏？

Question two: Has the U.S. been “ripped off” in its cooperation with China?

 

近年来，很多美国人认为中国在经济领域已成为美竞争对手，中国人抢了美国人饭碗，在发展对华关系时美国吃了亏。但只要仔细推敲就会发现，这些观点完全站不住脚。中美之间合作远大于竞争，共同利益远大于分歧。多年来，美国经济也在对华合作中受益颇丰。目前两国每年贸易额达到7500亿美元，双向投资存量超过2400亿美元。据统计，中美经贸关系支撑美国260万个就业岗位，两国贸易平均每年为每个美国家庭节省850美元的生活成本。距离这里不远的中车麻省春田工厂、位于新泽西的中建美国公司、俄亥俄福耀集团为当地贡献了数千就业岗位和大量税收。目前，美国企业在华投资兴业累计已超过7万家，其中97%都是盈利的。未来中国将立足新发展阶段、贯彻新发展理念、构建新发展格局，持续扩大开放，与世界经济携手共进。中国拥有14亿人口，有全球最大规模的中等收入群体，未来15年中国将进口30万亿美元商品和10万亿美元服务，这必将为包括美国在内的各国提供新一轮合作机遇和发展红利。第五届中国国际进口博览会将于今年11月在上海举行，欢迎康州企业踊跃参加。当然，全球化与自由贸易在创造发展红利的同时，也会给各国经济结构和利益分配带来冲击和矛盾，这需要各国通过国内政策来加以调整，对外寻找替罪羊解决不了问题。

Recently, many Americans believe that China has become a economic competitor of the U.S. and the Chinese have robbed Americans of their jobs. Based on this, they judged that the U.S. suffered a loss in developing relations with China, and advocated various restrictions on China and even “decoupling” from China. But as long as you scrutinize carefully, you will find these views are completely untenable. Cooperation between China and the U.S. far outweighs competition, and common interests far outweigh differences. Over the years, the U.S. economy has also benefited a lot from its cooperation with China. Now, China-U.S. bilateral trade reaches 750 billion dollars a year, and two-way investment stock exceeds 240 billion dollars. According to statistics, the export of U.S. To China increased 21.3%, China-U.S. economic and trade relations support 2.6 million jobs in the U.S., and trade between the two countries saves every American family an average of $850 each year. Not far from here, CRRC’s Springfield Plant in Massachusetts, China Construction America Corporation in New Jersey, and Ohio Fuyao Group have contributed thousands of jobs and a lot of tax revenue to the states. More than 70,000 American companies have invested in China, and 97% of them are profitable. Going forward, as China enters a new development stage, we will follow a new development philosophy and foster a new development paradigm, continue to expand opening up, and work hand in hand with the world economy. China has a population of 1.4 billion and the largest middle-income group in the world. In the next 15 years, China will import 30 trillion dollars of goods and 10 trillion dollars of services, which will surely offer a new round of cooperation opportunities and share the development dividend with countries including the U.S. The fifth China International Import Expo will be held in Shanghai in this November. Connecticut enterprises are welcome to participate. Of course, while globalization and free trade create development dividends, they will also impact the economic structure of various countries and bring about contradictions in the distribution of interests. This requires all sides to adjust through domestic policies. Looking for scapegoats abroad cannot solve the problem.

 

第三，中美是否必然走向冲突对抗还是可以求同存异、和平共处？

Question three: Are China and the U.S. bound to go into conflict and confrontation or can they seek common ground while shelving differences and coexist peacefully?

 

中美两国在社会制度、发展道路、价值观念等方面的确存在差异，但这并不意味着两国必然因此走向冲突对抗。历史上中美两国曾兵戎相见，陷入长达22年的对抗，直到50年前才打开重新交往的大门。这段曲折历程充分说明，对抗冲突不符合中美双方各自的利益，对话合作才是正确的交往之道。去年是中国共产党成立100周年，我们用几十年时间走完了发达国家上百年的历程，因为我们找到了一条在中国共产党领导下的中国特色社会主义道路。这条道路不仅是一条发展的道路，成功的道路，也是一条和平的道路，共赢的道路。我们在加快自身发展的同时，也实现了合作伙伴的共同发展。19世纪美国著名哲学家爱默生有句名言：“高层次的友谊，是在差异当中寻求一种深刻的认同”。中国2500年前的孔子就告诫世人“君子和而不同”。两国哲人跨越千年，但揭示的道理却不约而同。中美两国有各自的发展目标，但并不是非此即彼的关系，更没有必要相互排斥，我们完全可以相互借力、相互成就。

There are indeed differences in social systems, development paths, and values between China and the U.S., but this does not mean that the two countries will inevitably lead to conflict and confrontation. In history, the two countries were once at war with each other, which was followed by 22 years of confrontation. The ups and downs in our relations fully prove that confrontation and conflict is not in the interests of either China or the U.S., and that dialogue and cooperation is the only way forward. Some Americans claim that the decades-long engagement policy of the U.S. has failed in its original purpose of changing China, and that it is time to revert to a policy of containment. Such an idea of molding others according to one’s wish is wrong, and will never work. Last year marked the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. In the past several decades, we have completed a journey that took developed countries one hundred years or even centuries to accomplish. We have made it because we have found a path of socialism with Chinese characteristics under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. It is a path to development, to success, to peace and to win-win results. While accelerating our own development, we have also contributed to the common development of our cooperation partners. The U.S. philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote that in true friendship, both parties “recognize the deep identity which, beneath their disparities, unites them”. Over 2,500 years ago, Chinese sage Confucius observed that “A gentleman seeks harmony without uniformity whereas a petty man does just the opposite”. The two philosophers, though living millennia apart, spoke to the same truth: although China and the U.S. have their own development goals, it is not an either-or relationship, and there is no need to exclude each other. We may well help each other and work with each other.

 

女士们、先生们，

Ladies and gentlemen,

 

上个月，习近平主席再次同拜登总统举行视频会晤，双方都赞同中美要相互尊重、和平共处、避免对抗，都同意双方在各层级各领域要加强沟通对话。我们衷心希望双方相向而行，切实落实两国元首共识，推动中美关系稳定发展。我愿用4个关键词表达我对中美关系的期待。

Last month, President Xi Jinping held a virtual meeting with President Biden again. Both sides agreed that China and the U.S. should respect each other, coexist peacefully and avoid confrontation, and agreed that the two sides should strengthen communication and dialogue at all levels and in various fields. We sincerely hope that China and the U.S. will meet each other halfway and make joint efforts in this direction. I would like to express my expectations for China-U.S. relations in four key words.

 

一是尊重。中国尊重美国的社会制度，相信并希望美国会继续保持发展进步。同样，我们希望美方尊重中国自主选择的道路，容纳一个和平繁荣的中国。中国特色社会主义道路根植于传承五千年的中华文明，是14亿中国人民的选择，也是历史的选择，我们对此有强大自信。在多项国际民意调查中，中国民众对中国政府的信任度都超过90%，在参与调查国家中位居首位。50年前，中美关系破冰的关键就在于双方坚持了相互尊重的精神。50年后的今天，我们必须继续坚持相互尊重，才能为两国找到一条共处之道。

First is Respect. China respects America’s social system and believes that the U.S. will continue to develop and make progress. Likewise, we hope the U.S. side will respect the path China has independently chosen and accommodate a peaceful and prosperous China. The path of socialism with Chinese characteristics is rooted in the Chinese civilization which lasts 5,000 years. It is the choice of the 1.4 billion Chinese people and the choice of history. We have strong confidence in this. In several international polls, the Chinese people’s trust in the Chinese government exceeds 90%, ranking first among the participating countries. Fifty years ago, the key to breaking the ice in China-U.S. relations was that the two sides adhered to the spirit of mutual respect. Today, 50 years later, we must continue to uphold mutual respect in order to find a way for the two countries to coexist.

 

二是合作。中美作为全球最大的两个经济体，合作潜力无限广阔。中美把合作搞起来，就能让各种“不可能”成为“可能”。世界各国也希望中美能携手合作，而不是将世界分裂为两个平行经济体系。双方应继续秉持互利共赢理念，扩大贸易、金融、基础设施等传统领域合作，打造医疗卫生、清洁能源、数字经济、养老产业等合作新亮点，推动解决全球高通胀、能源短缺、供应链紧张等问题，给两国和世界各国人民带来更多实实在在的利益。相反，如果继续打“贸易战”，搞“脱钩断供”，则会破坏国际分工，打乱国际产业链供应链，给已陷入麻烦的世界经济雪上加霜，给已历经磨难的各国民众平添困难。

Second is Cooperation. As the two largest economies in the world, China and the U.S. have boundless potential for cooperation. When China and the U.S. cooperate, they can make all kinds of “impossible” “possible”. Countries around the world also hope that China and the U.S. can work together instead of splitting the world into two parallel economic systems. Our two sides should, in a win-win spirit, expand cooperation in traditional areas of trade, finance and infrastructure, create new highlights in health care, clean energy, digital economy and senior care industry, and address the pressing global problems of inflation, energy shortage and instability in the supply chain. This will enable us to bring more tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries and beyond. On the contrary, if the “trade war” and “decoupling and cutting off supply” continue, it will undermine the international division of labor, disrupt the international industrial chain and supply chain, add troubles to the world economy, and harm the people of all countries who have already experienced hardships.

 

三是担当。当前国际形势正经历深刻演变，作为具有重要国际影响的大国，中美加强在国际事务中的沟通协调，展现大国责任担当至关重要。双方应加强在抗击疫情、复苏经济、应对气变及处理朝核、伊朗核等地区热点问题上的沟通协调，为促进世界和平与发展多作贡献。当前，乌克兰危机引发国际社会广泛关注。中方对乌克兰局势发展到当前地步感到痛惜。中国历来主张，各国主权和领土完整应该得到尊重，联合国宪章宗旨和原则应该得到遵守，各国合理安全关切应该得到重视，国际争端应该以和平方式解决。习近平主席、王毅国务委员兼外长近日分别同多个国家领导人和外长视频或通话，目的都是推动乌克兰局势降温，推动各方政治解决危机。我们支持一切有利于和平解决危机的努力，将继续在乌克兰问题上发挥独特、积极作用。

Third is Responsibility. The current international situation is undergoing profound changes. As major countries with important international influence, it’s crucial for China and the U.S. to strengthen communication and coordination in international affairs and shoulder the responsibility of great powers. The two sides should join hands in combating the pandemic, recovering the economy, tackling climate change, and dealing with regional hotspot issues such as the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and the Iranian nuclear issue. Together we can make greater contributions to world peace and development. Now, the situation in Ukraine has drawn extensive attention from the international community. China is deeply saddened by the developments in Ukraine. China’s position has always been that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected, the principles and purposes of the UN Charter should be observed, the legitimate security concerns of all countries should be taken into serious consideration, and international disputes should be settled peacefully. President Xi Jinping and State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi talked with their counterparts in multiple countries over the video or phone these days. These efforts are aimed at easing the situation and urging the parties involved to negotiate a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. We support all efforts that are conducive to a peaceful solution, and will continue to play a constructive and unique role on the Ukraine issue.

 

四是友好。两国人民之间的友谊始终是中美关系发展的源头活水，任何时候都要精心呵护。当前，中美之间已建立起50对友好省州和233对友好城市关系。新冠疫情发生之前，每周有300多个航班往来于中美之间，每年有500多万人次跨越大洋两岸，有40万中国留学生来美学习。我到任以来遍访领区十州，总体感受是美社会各界普遍重视发展对华关系，欢迎中国投资、游客、留学生，很多人喜爱中国书法、美食、武术等传统文化，也希望到中国去参观访问。同样，中国人民普遍也有了解美国、加强与美国人民友谊的意愿。美国的迪士尼、环球影城、好莱坞、肯德基、星巴克在中国家喻户晓，备受中国年轻人喜爱。去年北京环球影城开园当日，门票在1分钟内就售尽。我们要顺应民意，多为两国人民开展人文交流架桥铺路，尽量减少双方交往的障碍。双方可以深化在友好省州和友城机制下的交往，在教育领域继续开展留学、访学、合作办学等合作，疫情后尽快恢复旅游、展览、演出等文化交流。疫情前，中国驻纽约总领馆长期举行面向美国中小学生的开放日活动，近300名美国中小学师生和家长走进总领馆。疫情结束后，总领馆愿继续向领区各州青少年畅开大门，为两国下一代播下友谊的种子。

Fourth is Friendship. The friendship between the two peoples has always been a constant driving force for our relations, and should always be carefully protected. The two countries have established 50 pairs of sister states and 233 pairs of sister cities. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 300 flights shuttled between the two countries every week; over five million travels were made across the Pacific every year and more than 400,000 Chinese students studying in the U.S. Since I took office, I have visited all of the ten states in our consular district. Generally, I feel that all sectors of the American society attach great importance to developing relations with China, and welcome Chinese investment, tourists and students. Many people love traditional Chinese culture such as Chinese calligraphy, food, and martial arts, and hope to visit China. Likewise, the Chinese people are willing to understand the U.S. and strengthen friendship with the American people. Disney, Universal Studios, Hollywood, KFC and Starbucks are household names in China and are popular with young Chinese. On the opening day of Universal Studios Beijing last year, tickets were sold out within 1 minute. We should comply with public opinion, pave the way for people-to-people and cultural exchanges and minimize obstacles. The two sides can deepen exchanges under the sister-state and sister-city mechanism, continue to carry out cooperation in education, such as overseas studying and cooperative universities. We should resume cultural exchanges such as tourism, exhibitions, and performances as soon as possible after the pandemic. Before the pandemic, our Consulate used to hold Open Days for American primary and secondary school students. Nearly 300 American teachers, students and parents walked into the Consulate. As soon as the pandemic is over, the Consulate stands ready to open the door again to young students from all states in the consular district, sowing the seeds of friendship for the next generation of the two countries.

 

女士们、先生们，

Ladies and gentlemen,

 

今天我们聚在一起，共同探讨如何维护和建设更加美好的中美关系，充分反映了康州人民对中美关系的关心和期待。康州州训告诉我们“愈挫愈强（He who transplanted still sustains）”。当前中美关系虽然面临严峻挑战，但我坚信，只要我们坚持不懈加强沟通和增进彼此了解，持之以恒深化合作和扩大共同利益，两国关系就能经受住考验，迎来一个更加美好的未来。

We are gathering today to explore how to work toward a better future for China-U.S. relations. This fully demonstrates the Connecticut people’s devotion to and expectations for our relations. We know that Connecticut’s state motto is “He who transplanted still sustains”. Although the current China-U.S. relationship is facing severe challenges, I firmly believe that as long as we join hands to strengthen communication, enhance mutual understanding, deepen cooperation and expand common interests, the bilateral relations will withstand the test and usher in a brighter future. Let’s work together to make it!

 

谢谢。

Thank you!