Chinese Ambassador to the FSM Mr. Zhang Lianyun's Article on local newspaper "The Kaselehlie Press"

2014-03-30 09:59

25 years' Run toward Amity and Prosperity

Commemorating the 25^th anniversary of diplomatic relationship

Between China and FSM

By H.E. Mr. Zhang Lianyun

Chinese Ambassador to the FSM

The year of 2014 marks the 25^th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relationship between the People's Republic of China and Federated States of Micronesia. To celebrate this memorable event, the Chinese Embassy is busy preparing a series of plentiful and various events in the whole year of 2014, starting with a 5KM run to be held on April 12. You can get more information about this 5KM run from the advert of this week's Kaselehlie Press. And more to come are the projected Chinese Film Week in the middle of this year and a Chinese Martial Arts Troupe to visit FSM around September. Of course, there will also be some high level visits in both directions and some major projects to be launched with the aid and assistance from China.

25 years, seemed short and not a great length of time in history, is literally long enough for a Country to go through tremendous changes. Back in 1989, when China was still at its early stage of opening up and reform, and FSM had just won its independence, it was the wise political decision of our two countries' leader that bond us together and opened a new chapter of our friendly cooperation. Since then, the relay baton has been passed on from generation to generation. Together we joined hands and scored a lot. In summing up, I think there are 3 main characteristics of our friendship, which is mutual Respect, Unfailing support and New future, namely RUN.

Firstly, China always upholds the principle that no matter big or small, wealthy or not a country is, it should be treated as equal. China supported the desire of the FSM people for the termination of trusteeship soon after the matter was brought to the attention of the world and recognize FSM before many countries. It did what it could in the UN and ADB to help FSM gain international recognition and achieve sustainable development. China was also the first country outside the South Pacific to invite FSM president to pay a state visit who received all the courtesies deserved by the head of a sovereign and independent country.

Not only do we honor your leaders, but also we respect your own culture and tradition. Reciprocally, China is always grateful for FSM government's steadfast commitment to the One China Policy and appreciative of the understanding it gives on issues of core interests to China.

Secondly, China and FSM offered each other unfailing support in their own capacities and with sincerity. In the past 25 years, the bilateral trade volume between our two countries rose from nearly nothing to 15 million dollars last year. The pilot farm donated and constructed by China has successfully run for 18 years and quite a number of biogas generators have been set up in local farmers' homes. The 2 cargo-passenger vessels donated by China are playing vital roles in Chuukese and Yapese people's daily life. The fruitful outcome of our practical cooperation can also be easily seen around us, like China-FSM Friendship Sports Centre in Pohnpei and High School Building in Kosrae.

In education area, over 200 government officials and technicians received training in China and over 100 FSM students granted the full government scholarship to study in China. In the health sector, 2 groups of Chinese medical experts have visited FSM and offered precious service to local people. It has become a much told tale in Pohnpei that Chinese doctors help many patients regain sight after many years of suffering from blindness caused by cataracts. More and more FSM people begin to appreciate Chinese culture and see China as a genuine friend.

Thirdly, it is fair to say that the foundation of our relations has been solidly built and there is no conflict of interests between us. More importantly, our friendship is embracing a promising future.

China will continue to offer its sincere assistance within its ability to help FSM achieve sustainable development and enhance its people's living standards. I am glad to share with you that, soon the Bridge Project in Kosrae will break ground and a team of Chinese medical experts will arrive soon to provide health service to FSM people for 2 years. And there are more exciting new projects under detailed discussion and making important progress. Great potential also lies in tourism, infrastructure, transportation, and fisheries etc.

Through our joint efforts, China and FSM have run a great course for 25 years. Along the way, we have become each other's close friend and good partner. Just as a Chinese proverb says, a bosom friend afar brings distant land nearer. The success stories of the last 25 years have made us believe that we are on the right track toward amity and prosperity. Like perseverance and vigor is vital for a runner to run farther, it is only natural that as long as we are consistent with our policy of respecting each other's core interests and major concerns, conduct practical cooperation through equal coordination, more energy will be injected into our fast growing bilateral relations and there will be a lot more could be achieved.