The Chinese ambassador in Rome: “We neither challenge nor threaten, Italy knows the advantages of Via Seta”

First the G7, then NATO: the West considers China “a systemic challenge”. How did it come to this point? Did you expect a different behavior from Europe compared to the United States? Ambassador Li Junhua: China has always pursued peaceful development and considering it a ‘systemic challenge’ is certainly an error of assessment. The reason could be traced to the fact that some still stick to Cold War thinking, have ideological biases and wish to create “inner circles”. The world is beautiful in its plurality. Different countries have different history, culture and national peculiarities, so the right way is to adapt to their own development and gain the support of the people. Chinese development is aimed at allowing the whole population to live well, it has no interest in challenging other countries.Both China and Europe have ancient civilizations, China and the European Union are global strategic partners, they face challenges common in areas such as responding to climate change, improving global governance and promoting sustainable development, so they can absolutely strengthen coordination and cooperation, benefiting globally. There are differences in perspectives and points of view between China and Europe, but the cooperation between them is greater than the competition and the identity of views far outweighs the differences. Chinese development is an opportunity for Europe, not a threat. We sincerely hope that the European Union will give correct judgments, truly demonstrate strategic autonomy, promote the healthy development of China-EU relations and implement true “multilateralism” by mutual agreement. And how do you respond to the human rights allegations? Ambassador Li: These allegations are purely prejudice and infamy. Respect for and protection of human rights are objectives of the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese government and are also clearly enshrined in the Constitution of China. As for the human rights situation of a country, the best judgments are those expressed by its own citizens rather than by other countries at will. In this world there is no country superior to others and the standards of a country should not be considered international standards. The right to survival and the right to development are fundamental human rights of primary importance and a happy life is the greatest human right Currently, in China, the population in absolute poverty has been completely relieved of this condition, realizing ten years in advance the poverty reduction target of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In the fight against the epidemic, China has made every effort to protect the life and health of every person, putting people and life first. China is actively dedicated to respecting and protecting the rights and interests of ethnic minorities. Let’s take Xinjiang as an example. From 2012 to 2018, the central government allocated grants of RMB 1.610 billion to the region, and more than 70% of Xinjiang’s financial expenditures were used to improve people’s living standards. Since 1978, the per capita disposable income of Xinjiang’s urban and rural residents has increased hundreds of times. The most recent national census shows that the region’s population has increased by 18.52% over the past decade. These are facts that cannot be denied. China intends to listen to criticisms and suggestions made for good from all sides, opposing the infamy and interference of other countries in internal affairs in the name of human rights. Respect for objective facts and the protection of equity and justice should be the meaning of international human rights. would not have guaranteed sufficient access to the organisation’s inspectors. How do you defend yourself against allegations that you have something to hide? Ambassador Li: The G7 is unqualified to make rash remarks about China and should instead ask itself if it has done its utmost and fulfilled its duties in the global fight against the epidemic. On the issue of the origin of the virus, China has always maintained an open, transparent and collaborative attitude, having nothing to hide. It was China that was the first to collaborate with the World Health Organization and invited WHO experts twice to conduct research on the matter. Many members of the WHO team of experts have fully confirmed China’s support and collaboration.We have always believed that tracing the origin of the virus is a scientific matter, which should be fulfilled with global cooperation between scientists, without being politicized. Some G7 countries ignore the facts and science, make unreasonable accusations against China, question or deny the findings of the WHO expert report, even allowing intelligence personnel to trace the origin of the virus. This completely denies the scientific spirit and is a typical political maneuver. The hope is that these countries will criticize others less, reflect more on themselves and invite WHO experts to conduct research on the origin of the virus in their own countries, just like China did. Prime Minister Draghi said the Silk Road agreement will be scrutinized very carefully. Are you afraid of Italy’s backtracking on commitments? Ambassador Li: The Belt and Road originated from China, but it belongs to all parties involved. This initiative aims to obtain mutual benefits and mutual benefits through the interconnection and conjunction of the development of each subject. All countries and organizations participating in this initiative have a positive attitude. It has been over two years since China and Italy signed the memorandum on the joint construction of the Belt and Road and this has brought tangible results to Italian companies and people. For example, exports of Italian agricultural products to China increased by 12% last year. In the first five months of this year, the volume of bilateral trade between China and Italy was nearly $ 28.5 billion, an increase of 50.2% year on year and a 74.9% increase in exports. Italians in China. China has always adhered to the principle of consultation, joint construction and sharing, promoting cooperation on the Belt and Road with Italy and believing that it will bring further benefits to the peoples and businesses of the two countries. We also believe that Italy can continue to maintain mutual respect and trust, reaping the common benefits of cooperation, so that this initiative constantly gives new impetus to the future development of both countries. Draghi spoke of China as an autocracy with we must cooperate, but being frank about what we do not share. How would you define the current relations between Rome and Beijing? Ambassador Li: China and Italy established diplomatic relations over 50 years ago and, however the international situation has changed, the two countries have always mutually pursued respect and trust, benefits and advantages, help and assistance. China and Italy have different histories, cultures and systems, but both are global strategic partners. This definition not only benefits the peoples of both countries, but also sets an example for other countries. Last year, China and Italy were severely affected by the epidemic, but together we reacted to the public health crisis by pledging to promote concrete cooperation. China is the largest Italian trading partner in Asia, last year the volume of trade exceeded 55.1 billion dollars; in the context of the epidemic, the two sides have also signed a series of new agreements on the export of agricultural products to China and, in terms of quantity, Italy is in first place among the countries of the European Union; moreover, next year the two countries will resume the Italy-China Year of Culture and Tourism. We hope to exploit the potential of cooperation in every area and to push bilateral relations to a higher level.There are differences between partners and friends on some issues, as is normal and natural, showing that there should be more dialogue on both sides and communication. This is the only correct way for genuine coexistence. President Xi Jinping once stressed that differences in the history, culture and social systems of various countries are not a reason for conflict, but an engine of cooperation. Each country should renounce ideological prejudices and walk together the path of peaceful coexistence, mutual benefits and mutual benefits. In the era of globalization, the interests of countries are strongly intertwined, only by cooperating together can we effectively face common challenges, unity and cooperation are the right way. China intends to continue with Italy in respect, equality, trust and mutually beneficial cooperation. In recent days he received Beppe Grillo at the embassy. Former Prime Minister Conte should also have been there, but due to the controversy raised he postponed. Have you set a new date? What are the issues you should have discussed? How is the relationship with the M5S? Have you recently met other Italian political leaders? Ambassador Li: As an ambassador, one of my tasks is to maintain extensive exchanges in Italy with people from all walks of life, listening to opinions and suggestions on how to advance Sino-Italian relations. I sincerely thank friends from all walks of life, including institutions, parliament, parties, businesses, schools, think tanks, the media, for their understanding and support. I think the meeting is a window for mutual understanding, a way to make friends and also a channel to promote cooperation. I wish to exchange views and promote friendship with the largest number of Italians from all backgrounds. The door of the embassy is always open for all Italian friends.