Note: At the end of 2006, Chin Song, the Chief Editor of Friendship magazine, was granted an exclusive interview with H.E. Cheng Yonghua, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Malaysia. The following is the translated version of the interview:   I hope to work closely with our friends in PPMC and the people of Malaysia at large to strengthen our cooperation as good neighbors, good friends and good partners. --H.E. Cheng Yonghua

Chin :      Your Excellency has been in Malaysia for a few months already.  Have you settled down to the posting here?

Cheng:    I arrived in Kuala Lumpur in August 2006.  During these past few months, I found the weather to be quite warm, but my work has been going on very smoothly indeed.  It has been very pleasant!

Chin :      What is your impression of Malaysia?

Cheng:    This is my first time in Malaysia and I think it is wonderful here.  There is natural beauty and greenery everywhere.  Life is very relaxing in this country.

Chin :      Any special local food and fruits you like?

Cheng:    Oh, yes, there are many varieties of food here.  I enjoy the Chinese food here, and the Malay nasi lemak and Indian curry too.  During these last few months, I have been to several open houses of Malaysians celebrating Deepavali and Hari Raya.  I really enjoyed myself at these functions.

Chin :     (smiles) That is why we say our country Malaysia is truly Asia.

Cheng:       (continues) Yes, indeed. Malaysia is geographically situated in the tropics.  Local fruits are plentiful.  I have tried durian and I think it truly deserves its name.  Its taste is fantastic (smile).  Other fruits like pineapple, water apple and mangosteen are also my favourites.  Just imagine, you can have water melon in China only during summer, but in Malaysia, it is available the whole year round!

Chin :      So far have you visited any particular places around Kuala Lumpur?

Cheng:    It is always my desire to visit the local museums when I first come to a new place.  During the very first week of my arrival, I visited Merdeka Square, the Historical Museum of Malaysia, and then the National Museum.  By doing so, I have acquired some knowledge of the history of your country.

 

First Batch of Selected Students to Go for Overseas Study in Japan

 

Chin :      Where is your birth place?  Where were you educated?

Cheng:    I was born in Jilin in the middle of the three Northeastern provinces.  I was brought up and had my early schooling in Changchun, the capital city of Jilin, from Primary to Senior Middle School.  After my Senior Middle School, I was among the first batch of selected students to go for overseas study in Japan. I got admitted into Wako and Soka Universities subsequently.

Chin :      What is your major?

Cheng:    I majored in comprehensive cultural research, which involved history, geography, literature and language of Japan.

Chin :      Under what circumstance did you join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?

Cheng:    I have always been interested in diplomacy and aimed to be a diplomat.  I was enrolled by the Chinese Embassy in Japan right after I graduated from university there.

Chin :      Since you have worked in Japan for more than 20 years, you must be an top expert on the country.

Cheng:    I don't know (smile).  Well, all I can say is that I am relatively familiar with the situation in Japan and I have many Japanese friends.  I have worked there for a comparatively long period of time.

 

The Importance of China-Japan Relations

 

Chin :       China-Japan relation is crucial to the peace of East Asia.  Some Malaysians are also quite concerned about the Yasukuni Shrine issue between the two countries.  What is your view on this?

Cheng:    The relationship between China and Japan is very important indeed to the two countries.  There are large scales of people-to-people contact and mutual trade between the two countries.  The relation of the two countries is also important to East Asia cooperation.  However, in recent years there have been some problems especially historic disputes between us, with Yasukuni Shrine issue as the main obstacle.

Allow me to elaborate a little on this.  Nowadays the Yasukuni Shrine is just a religious structure, but during the Second World War, it was the spiritual pillar for the militarists to wage the invasion war.  At that time, the Japanese Army called on Japanese citizens to go to the battlefields.  They preached that the soldiers would be commemorated by the Shrine after death and honored by the nation as gods.  This was the Japanese pre-war militarism that brain-washed the minds of many.  Later on, the Yasukuni Shrine became a religious structure, a place of the Shinto religion.

However in 1978, the Yasukuni Shrine accepted the names of the group who were sentenced by the Far East International Military Tribunal as first class War Criminals.  In other words, what they worship in the Shrine now includes these first class War Criminals who had committed war crimes not only in China but also in other parts of Asia including Malaya and Singapore.  Therefore, all these Asian countries which have been invaded will not keep silent.  They have to voice strong disagreement.  We strongly oppose the call of Japanese leaders on the Shrine.

 

The Significance of Nanning Summit

 

Chin :      On 30-31 October, 2006, the Commemorative Summit Marking the 15th Anniversary of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations was successfully held in Nanning, Guangxi.  Malaysian Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Your Excellency attended the Summit.  What are the main achievements during that Summit?

Cheng:    The Summit was indeed a milestone where China-ASEAN relations entered a new era with enforced mutual trust and all-round strategic cooperation.  It is a big step forward.

              The Summit provides all leaders with the opportunity to either meet collectively or hold separate bilateral discussions.  It is a platform to discuss new approaches to expand cooperation.

The 5 key cooperation areas are increased to 10.  The Summit also discussed the development of the Mekong River Basin and the Pan-Asia Railway starting from Kunming and connecting the whole South East Asian region, the Philippines, Indonesia and Brunei not included however.  There is the vast sea separating them from the mainland.  Anyway, they will be eventually connected one day. (laughter)

Chin :      This railway is indeed very long, isn't it? (laughter)

Cheng:    The Pan-Asia Railway will bring about great momentum in people-to-people contacts and the free flow of products in the region.  Leaders at the Summit were greatly interested in the project which would allow them to travel by train when the network is completed.  Of course even today one can travel from Thailand to Malaysia and Singapore by train.  However, we understand that the railway facilities need to be upgraded, the double track rail lines are yet to be constructed and the speed lifted.

Generally speaking, there is nothing that cannot be solved between China and ASEAN!  There is mutual trust between the countries and economic cooperation is expanding.  There is also great interaction among our peoples.  Our immediate task is to further promote economic activities, including the fulfillment of the Railway plan.  We should cooperation closely to expedite our work.  As long as our peoples can witness concrete results, they will all be willing to participate.

Our motto is: Mutual benefits and a win-win solution for all.  All are winners!

Malaysia's Development, A Good Example

 

Chin :      What are your views on Malaysia's infrastructure, such as transport, communications, telecommunication and air services?

Cheng:    I think Malaysia's economic development is moving quite fast in its earlier days.  It was on a good track since 1980s.  China's rapid economic development started relatively late.  In recent years, China is moving fast with an annual growth (GDP) of 9.5% and above.  However, we can still learn from Malaysia's experience.

              I understand that the Asian financial crisis in 1997 had some adverse effects to the Malaysian economy, which Malaysia has worked hard to counter against.  I think now Malaysia has entered a new phase of development.  This is evident in the launching of the Ninth Malaysia Plan and the pursuit of Vision 2020.  There are plenty of opportunities for China and Malaysia to work together in these fields!

Chin :      While we are having the 9th Malaysia Plan, China will be concentrating on her 11th FYP.

Cheng:    Yes, we can learn from each other.

              So far, I have called on many Malaysian Ministers.  They had expressed their interest to promote cooperation in many areas, not only in tourism but also in communication, agriculture, irrigation and telecommunication.

Chin :      I understand that the Embassy of PRC has made some donation to the Johor Flood Relief fund.

Cheng:    We came to know the serious flood situation through your media including TV, Internet and newspapers.  As friendly neighbours, we paid great attention.  There is an old Chinese saying that when one is in trouble, all come to rescue.  A friend in need is a friend indeed.  We should inculcate this spirit of helping each other during difficult times.  Therefore, we decided to donate RM35, 000 to the relief fund.

              I remember a few years before when China faced flood problems Malaysia also made a donation.  We are thankful for this.

 

A New Height to China-Malaysia Cooperation

 

Chin :      How do you view Malaysia-China relations at present and in the future?

Cheng:    I feel that China-Malaysia Relation is now at its best.  This is because mutual trust has been enhanced continuously and that high-level visits become more frequent.  Late 2005, Premier Wen Jiabao visited Malaysia.  This was followed by Mr. Jia Qinglin, Chaiman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples' Congress PRC in early 2006.  There were also other visits by various ministers from China.  Likewise, the Malaysian Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawai attended the China-ASEAN Summit in Nanning.  The Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib and other high-portfolio Malaysian Ministers have also visited China for many times.

              Trade cooperation between China and Malaysia also increased tremendously.  According to statistics from China, total trade between the two countries amounted to USD 30.7 billion in 2005.  From January to November this year, the amount has exceeded USD33.5 billion.  There is only one month left in 2006 and I am confident it can exceed USD 36 billion.

              Malaysia's investment in China is relatively more than China's investment in Malaysia.

              As a matter of fact, there are many big-time entrepreneurs who are ready to invest in Malaysia.  The cooperation in this field is gradually expanding.  According to statistics of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) of Malaysia, from January to September this year, Chinese investment in Malaysia totaling 18 projects amounted to 96 million Ringgit ( or USD 2.6 million).  I personally hope that we keep frequent interaction in the field of economy and maintain momentum for economic expansion.

With regard to people-to-people contact, there has been continuous growth in cooperation of culture, sports, technology, education and other activities.

 

Ticket Booking for Olympics Games to Start Mid-Year

 

Chin :      The 2008 Olympic Games will be held in Beijing.  Is there any good news Your Excellency would like to share with the Malaysians?

Cheng:    Beijing is changing rapidly.  The construction of the main stadiums is the focus.  Currently several stadiums and supporting facilities are already taking shape.  All the stadiums will be completed by the end of 2007.

              The Olympic Games tickets will open for booking from the first half of 2007.  Details will be announced by then.  7 million tickets will be on sale.  The price will be comparatively cheaper than previous Olympic Games.  The most expansive ticket for the Opening Ceremony will only be about half the price of that of the recent Olympics while the cheapest will be about 20%.  The ceiling and floor ticket price for entrance tickets to various events is also only equivalent to about only 30 %.  Tickets will be open for booking globally.  Besides selling tickets to the public in and outside China, the Olympic Games Committee in Beijing will also make tickets available to International Olympics Committees, various countries and regions, sports associations, sponsors and broadcast organizations.

Chin :      What do you think of Visit Malaysia Year in 2007?

Cheng:    2007 is Visit Malaysia Year, and also the 50^th Anniversary for the independence of Malaysia.  I wish to extend my congratulations.  I was invited to the launching ceremony of Visit Malaysia Year and noted that many interesting activities have been arranged to attract tourists.  I wish Visit Malaysia Year a great success.

              Since the establishment of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations, people-to-people interaction has been growing.  In the year 2006, it is estimated that Malaysia tourists to China totaled 1 million, whereas the number of Chinese tourists to Malaysia has reached 400,000.  We hope this interaction of peoples will be enhanced to strengthen the friendship and cooperation of our peoples.

              We notice that Malaysia plans to attract 20 million tourists to the country in 2007.  The Chinese Embassy is willing to recommend Malaysia to the Chinese people.  Meanwhile, we suggest that Malaysia strengthen its tourism advertisement in China in order to attract more Chinese tourists.

 

Heartfelt Congratulations to PPMC

 

Chin :      2007 is also the 15^th anniversary of Malaysia-China Friendship Association.  Any comment on the role played by PPMC?

Cheng:    I wish to congratulate PPMC on this.  Since its founding, the PPMC has contributed a lot to China-Malaysia relations, and I wish to express my thanks and great respect.  In fact, PPMC acts as an important bridge in China-Malaysia relations and I hope it will continue to develop and promote this tradition.

Chin :      Would you like to give a message to our readers?

Cheng:    As the Ambassador of China to Malaysia, I will, together with my staff in the Embassy, strive for continued cooperation between China and Malaysia.  We also hope to work closely with our friends in PPMC and the people of Malaysia to strengthen our cooperation so as to make the two countries good neighbors, good friends and good partners.

(Translated by Chin Then Shoong)