WWW.WORLDHARMONYORG.NET
World Harmony Organization proudly announces our ground breaking book "China's Harmony Renaissance:What the World Must Know." It is a compilation of timely foreign affairs articles recently published in prominent world media. These articles reveal a major harmony renaissance movement that is taking place in China today and discuss its impact on the world in the 21st century. Through the illuminating and concise exposition of world religion, European democracy, and Chinese harmony renaissance, one is led to the compelling question "World Harmony Renaissance, promise for a better world?"
A glimpse of our historical insights and perspective on the significance of China's harmony renaissance is provided by our partial table of contents below. Be the first to read this revealing and thought provoking book. It is the result of 50 years of world affairs research by Dr. francis C. W.Fung (class of 1960 Brown University.) In the words of the Hon John Prescott, British Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State "Fung maintains that China's Harmony Socialism will provide an alternative model, as the leading system of governance in the 21st Century."
For those who do not understand China's peaceful development, it is time to learn China's harmony renaissance. Special attention is given to Sino-American relations over the past 50 years. The book is on sale through amazon.com and Foreign Affairs Journal.
PARTIAL TABLE OF CONTENTS
Human civilization from the perspective of harmony.
China's harmony renaissance how it all began?
Chinese harmony culture old and new, promise for a less confrontational world?
Socialism with Chinese characteristics is socialism with Chinese harmony.
American democracy and Chinese harmony in 21st Century.
Can the world ignore China's harmony renaissance?
East and West temperament difference.
The ultimate principle of harmony.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
BASIC LAW CORNER STONE OF HK STABILITY
Basic Law, cornerstone for HK stability
www.chinaview.cn 2007-06-27 11:42:03
BEIJING, June 27 -- The Basic Law has withstood many challenges over the past decade, but its role in maintaining stability in Hong Kong has remained unchanged, members of the Hong Kong Basic Law Committee and legal experts said.
However, Hongkongers must still develop a better understanding of the mini-constitution, which guarantees them a high degree of autonomy from the central government.
The mini-charter en-countered some difficulties when the National People's Congress promulgated it in 1990. Elsie Leung, the former secretary for justice and deputy director of the Hong Kong Basic Law Committee, said few Hong Kong people understood the Basic Law initially, leading to several controversies. The National People's Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC) eventually had to issue three interpretations to clarify the most contentious provisions.
The first came in 1999, when the SAR's government, acting through the State Council, sought an interpretation of the provisions concerning the right of abode in the SAR after a ruling by the Court of Final Appeal had threatened to trigger a flood of 1.6 million mainland-born children with Hong Kong parents into the SAR, which would have posed a heavy burden on the city.
Then, in 2004, the NPCSC ruled that neither the 2007 chief executive (CE) election nor the 2008 legislative election would feature universal suffrage, emphasizing that changes to the electoral system would be made in a gradual and orderly manner as stipulated in the Basic Law.
For its part, the NPCSC helps steer the SAR's political system, said Hong Kong Basic Law Committee member Albert Chen.
"The high degree of autonomy in the SAR was based on the existing political system. However, the central government has the right to say whether the system is to be changed," he said.
The third interpretation came at the request of the SAR government in response to a controversy over the term of office of the new CE after the existing one resigned. The NPCSC ruled that should the office of CE become vacant, the next CE should serve out the remainder of his predecessor's five-year tenure.
The interpretation acts should not be viewed as the central government's interference in Hong Kong's internal affairs, Chen said.
"The NPCSC is highly self-restrained. It only exercises its power to interpret in very extreme conditions," Chen said.
Indeed, the NPCSC's timely moves have cleared up several cases of uncertainty, allowing Hong Kong's society and government to continue as normal.
"The society of Hong Kong remains stable. The economy, which was facing hardship at first, has recovered smoothly. The legal system and the independence of the judiciary are respected," said Chen.
While the final power to interpret the Basic Law lies with the NPCSC, the Court of Final Appeal has issued several judicial reviews over the years that have touched on the mini-constitution. These rulings have helped shed more light on the meaning of certain provisions of the Basic Law as well as their relationship to locally enacted laws.
(Source: China Daily)
www.chinaview.cn 2007-06-27 11:42:03
BEIJING, June 27 -- The Basic Law has withstood many challenges over the past decade, but its role in maintaining stability in Hong Kong has remained unchanged, members of the Hong Kong Basic Law Committee and legal experts said.
However, Hongkongers must still develop a better understanding of the mini-constitution, which guarantees them a high degree of autonomy from the central government.
The mini-charter en-countered some difficulties when the National People's Congress promulgated it in 1990. Elsie Leung, the former secretary for justice and deputy director of the Hong Kong Basic Law Committee, said few Hong Kong people understood the Basic Law initially, leading to several controversies. The National People's Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC) eventually had to issue three interpretations to clarify the most contentious provisions.
The first came in 1999, when the SAR's government, acting through the State Council, sought an interpretation of the provisions concerning the right of abode in the SAR after a ruling by the Court of Final Appeal had threatened to trigger a flood of 1.6 million mainland-born children with Hong Kong parents into the SAR, which would have posed a heavy burden on the city.
Then, in 2004, the NPCSC ruled that neither the 2007 chief executive (CE) election nor the 2008 legislative election would feature universal suffrage, emphasizing that changes to the electoral system would be made in a gradual and orderly manner as stipulated in the Basic Law.
For its part, the NPCSC helps steer the SAR's political system, said Hong Kong Basic Law Committee member Albert Chen.
"The high degree of autonomy in the SAR was based on the existing political system. However, the central government has the right to say whether the system is to be changed," he said.
The third interpretation came at the request of the SAR government in response to a controversy over the term of office of the new CE after the existing one resigned. The NPCSC ruled that should the office of CE become vacant, the next CE should serve out the remainder of his predecessor's five-year tenure.
The interpretation acts should not be viewed as the central government's interference in Hong Kong's internal affairs, Chen said.
"The NPCSC is highly self-restrained. It only exercises its power to interpret in very extreme conditions," Chen said.
Indeed, the NPCSC's timely moves have cleared up several cases of uncertainty, allowing Hong Kong's society and government to continue as normal.
"The society of Hong Kong remains stable. The economy, which was facing hardship at first, has recovered smoothly. The legal system and the independence of the judiciary are respected," said Chen.
While the final power to interpret the Basic Law lies with the NPCSC, the Court of Final Appeal has issued several judicial reviews over the years that have touched on the mini-constitution. These rulings have helped shed more light on the meaning of certain provisions of the Basic Law as well as their relationship to locally enacted laws.
(Source: China Daily)
2008 OLYMPIC GAMES WILL STIMULATE EAST-WEST EXCHANGES
2008 Games will stimulate East-West exchanges
www.chinaview.cn 2007-06-28 09:24:12
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BEIJING, June 28 -- The Beijing Olympics will leave China and the world at large a unique legacy, claimed the evaluation report submitted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in May 2001 by an IOC assessment group.
The 2008 Games are indeed expected to make great contributions not merely to the world of sport but human civilization as well.
The contributions boil down to four areas, in the opinion of this author.
First, the athletic accomplishments made by Chinese athletes and the sportsmanship demonstrated by them are bound to impress the world audience deeply.
Second, China, with its unique ways, will help enrich the sports culture of humanity.
Third, the Games will largely promote the friendship between Chinese and the people of the world.
Fourth, the Games will serve to power the development of the world's sports-related sciences and technology, sports culture and sports-related industries.
However, the contributions go far beyond these. The 2008 Games promise to go down in the annals as a brilliant chapter of communication and understanding between different cultures.
This author still remembers clearly the description of the Beijing Olympic torch relay itinerary announced by the Beijing 2008 Games Bidding Committee in the summer of 2001 in Moscow. The description of the route obviously drew its inspiration from the ancient Silk Road.
The Silk Road was representative of exchanges between China and the rest of the world. The extensive exchanges and interactions benefited the economies and cultures of China and other countries in the Eurasia landmass. To our regret, however, the communications via the Silk Road came to a halt in the latter periods of the Chinese feudalist society.
During the Cold War period, exchanges between China and the West were reduced to a trickle, if not totally stopped, owing to a host of complicated factors.
When the reform and opening up were launched in the late 1970s, China opened its door wide to the rest of the world and exchanges between Chinese and foreign cultures sprouted wings.
But the inertia of history is still at work. Some people in the West still harbor misgivings and skepticism about China. A handful of them go so far as to interpret China's domestic and foreign polices through the lens of a Cold-War mentality.
This can be attributed to a string of factors such as ideological and cultural differences and Western-style pride and prejudice. More important, however, their ignorance of China is the root cause of their bigotry.
A Chinese saying goes: "It is better to see something once for yourself than to hear about it a hundred times." What do China and the Chinese look like? Is the country a paradise or hell? Is it a place where you can make money or the fountainhead of the "Yellow Peril?"
Buy an Olympic Games ticket and visit China to see for yourself.
Laughter and applause at the competition venue are free from propaganda. Instead, they stand for truth and sincerity. And truth and sincerity make the bridge leading to understanding.
Exchange is a two-way thing. The Chinese are presented with a host of questions, too: How to absorb those elements of foreign cultures, Western culture in particular, that are pouring into the country? How to properly handle the relationship between foreign and Chinese cultures in the general context of globalization? How to differentiate between the cream and dregs of foreign cultures and choose the former over the latter? These are the questions nobody should avoid.
Some Chinese media and individuals are showing narrow nationalist feelings, which indicates that a blind area exists in the Chinese public's understanding of the outside world.
In view of this, the remarks of Deng Xiaoping, the chief architect of China's reform and opening up, are of enlightening significance, in the opinion of this author.
Deng said: "I am the son of the Chinese people and love my country and people profoundly." He also said: "I, as a member of the Chinese nation, am very much honored to become a world citizen."
His remarks are a good example of the combination of nationalism and cosmopolitanism.
If everyone of us can "retain our roots and also open our hearts", as was exemplified by Deng, our ancient motherland will evolve into a "youthful China".
But how should the average Chinese approach foreign cultures? By traveling abroad? No. The average Chinese is not that well off. In addition, they would run into many barriers on their travels, not only linguistic but also cultural and psychological.
Which is why the Beijing Olympic Games will provide the average Chinese with the best chance to get to know foreign cultures through the athletes, tourists, officials and journalists.
When the 13,000 athletes and coaches from around the world arrive in Beijing, when the army of foreign journalists shuttles between competition venues and wanders through Beijing's streets and alleys, when 300,000 foreign visitors are present everywhere in the city, when millions of people in all countries watch the Games on TV, are the Chinese still isolated from the Global Village?
The day will have come when the Chinese nation is integrated into the world.
(The author is a researcher with the China Foundation for International and Strategic Studies)
(Source: China Daily/Qin Xiaoying)
Editor: An Lu
Tools:PrintE-mail UsMost Popular
www.chinaview.cn 2007-06-28 09:24:12
Adjust font size:
BEIJING, June 28 -- The Beijing Olympics will leave China and the world at large a unique legacy, claimed the evaluation report submitted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in May 2001 by an IOC assessment group.
The 2008 Games are indeed expected to make great contributions not merely to the world of sport but human civilization as well.
The contributions boil down to four areas, in the opinion of this author.
First, the athletic accomplishments made by Chinese athletes and the sportsmanship demonstrated by them are bound to impress the world audience deeply.
Second, China, with its unique ways, will help enrich the sports culture of humanity.
Third, the Games will largely promote the friendship between Chinese and the people of the world.
Fourth, the Games will serve to power the development of the world's sports-related sciences and technology, sports culture and sports-related industries.
However, the contributions go far beyond these. The 2008 Games promise to go down in the annals as a brilliant chapter of communication and understanding between different cultures.
This author still remembers clearly the description of the Beijing Olympic torch relay itinerary announced by the Beijing 2008 Games Bidding Committee in the summer of 2001 in Moscow. The description of the route obviously drew its inspiration from the ancient Silk Road.
The Silk Road was representative of exchanges between China and the rest of the world. The extensive exchanges and interactions benefited the economies and cultures of China and other countries in the Eurasia landmass. To our regret, however, the communications via the Silk Road came to a halt in the latter periods of the Chinese feudalist society.
During the Cold War period, exchanges between China and the West were reduced to a trickle, if not totally stopped, owing to a host of complicated factors.
When the reform and opening up were launched in the late 1970s, China opened its door wide to the rest of the world and exchanges between Chinese and foreign cultures sprouted wings.
But the inertia of history is still at work. Some people in the West still harbor misgivings and skepticism about China. A handful of them go so far as to interpret China's domestic and foreign polices through the lens of a Cold-War mentality.
This can be attributed to a string of factors such as ideological and cultural differences and Western-style pride and prejudice. More important, however, their ignorance of China is the root cause of their bigotry.
A Chinese saying goes: "It is better to see something once for yourself than to hear about it a hundred times." What do China and the Chinese look like? Is the country a paradise or hell? Is it a place where you can make money or the fountainhead of the "Yellow Peril?"
Buy an Olympic Games ticket and visit China to see for yourself.
Laughter and applause at the competition venue are free from propaganda. Instead, they stand for truth and sincerity. And truth and sincerity make the bridge leading to understanding.
Exchange is a two-way thing. The Chinese are presented with a host of questions, too: How to absorb those elements of foreign cultures, Western culture in particular, that are pouring into the country? How to properly handle the relationship between foreign and Chinese cultures in the general context of globalization? How to differentiate between the cream and dregs of foreign cultures and choose the former over the latter? These are the questions nobody should avoid.
Some Chinese media and individuals are showing narrow nationalist feelings, which indicates that a blind area exists in the Chinese public's understanding of the outside world.
In view of this, the remarks of Deng Xiaoping, the chief architect of China's reform and opening up, are of enlightening significance, in the opinion of this author.
Deng said: "I am the son of the Chinese people and love my country and people profoundly." He also said: "I, as a member of the Chinese nation, am very much honored to become a world citizen."
His remarks are a good example of the combination of nationalism and cosmopolitanism.
If everyone of us can "retain our roots and also open our hearts", as was exemplified by Deng, our ancient motherland will evolve into a "youthful China".
But how should the average Chinese approach foreign cultures? By traveling abroad? No. The average Chinese is not that well off. In addition, they would run into many barriers on their travels, not only linguistic but also cultural and psychological.
Which is why the Beijing Olympic Games will provide the average Chinese with the best chance to get to know foreign cultures through the athletes, tourists, officials and journalists.
When the 13,000 athletes and coaches from around the world arrive in Beijing, when the army of foreign journalists shuttles between competition venues and wanders through Beijing's streets and alleys, when 300,000 foreign visitors are present everywhere in the city, when millions of people in all countries watch the Games on TV, are the Chinese still isolated from the Global Village?
The day will have come when the Chinese nation is integrated into the world.
(The author is a researcher with the China Foundation for International and Strategic Studies)
(Source: China Daily/Qin Xiaoying)
Editor: An Lu
Tools:PrintE-mail UsMost Popular
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
WORLD HARMONY DIPLOMACY VERSUS POWER DIPLOMACY
WORLD HARMONY DIPLOMACY VERSUS POWER DIPLOMACY
By Francis C. W. Fung, PH.D.
http://www.worldharmonyorg.net/
World Harmony Organization (WHO) pursues world harmony renaissance by seeking truth. Our principle and goal deems it necessary to advocate world harmony diplomacy by initiating Harmony Diplomacy Watch. In this spirit we began with articles entitled “Harmony Diplomacy Essential for World Development”, “Harmony Diplomacy in Work” and “It is Important to Cover Good Examples of Harmony Diplomacy.” In this tradition, we continue our entrusted mission to compare and contrast innovative, influential and state of the art theories on world diplomacy. http://www.worldharmonyforum.blogspot.com/
America as a young, dynamic, and endowed nation earned its place as the leader of world democracy during and immediately after the Cold War. The scope of success of America Cold War diplomacy has no parallel in human history, in part due to the competitiveness of American economic system but also largely brought about by execution of Power Diplomacy made possible by the largest economy and the most powerful military. The after effects of America winning the Cold War remained today, good or bad. The good is that the world has enjoyed unprecedented prosperity due to relative peace and stability. On the other hand the American public is constantly being reminded by their media and government that we are destined to be the leader of the world because God is on our side.
This self defeating arrogance is in contrast to the universal harmony principle that the more powerful we are, the more we need humility. The damaging consequence of deviating from this all encompassing truism is evident by the dilemma of our embroiled involvement in unilateral Iraqi war. As a result of continuing our Cold War Power Diplomacy we have too often infringed on the dignity of many disadvantaged nations in the world. After 9/11 we declared war against terrorism and were eager to launch the unilateral war on Iraq without giving diplomacy a chance.
Our pride blinded us from seeing the need of dignity by the poor and disadvantaged. We have become immune to other nation’s needs for development. Instead from our ethnocentric perspective, we continue to be critical of other striving nation’s efforts to modernize. This lack of understanding of other nation’s loss of dignity and desperate need of modernization did not go without notice by America’s elite, experienced in foreign policy. In fact the extensive survey conducted by Pew Research Center involving 45,239 people and 46 nations from April 6 to May 29,2007 found majorities in many countries reject the main planks of current U.S. foreign policy and express distate for American style democracy. According to the polled results, there is a wide spread perception that the U.S. acts unilaterally in making international policy decisions. And majorities in most every country polled, including 97 percent in France, 80 percent in Argentina, and 75 percent in Lebanon, said the United States promoted democracy mostly where it served U.S. interests. This, according to Pew, helps explain why U.S. ideas about democracy are rejected by vast numbers around the globe.
Caution for change to a softer and more understanding American world diplomacy is being sounded in unison by many notable and seasoned formal high ranking diplomats such as Kissinger, Brezezinski, Albright and Slaughter. New theories such as Faith Diplomacy, Value Diplomacy and Diplomacy by Deeds are being advanced, (for reference please see my afore mentioned papers on world harmony diplomacy.)
In today’s multilateral world, Power Diplomacy as preached by the bygone wisdom of “speak softly and carry a big stick” has lost most of its relevance. The unpopular unilateral Iraq War makes it clear that “speak loudly and carry a big stick" as practiced by the present administration has not worked so far either. In fact there are signs that Harmony Diplomacy is on the rise, witnessed by the softening of U.S. position in the Sixth Party denuclearization talk ( see “Harmony Diplomacy in Work” http://www.worldharmonyforum.blogspot.com/ .)
On the other hand, in catering to the interest of the uninformed and proud American public, the theme of Power Diplomacy is still echoed among U.S. 2008 presidential candidates. In a July/August 2007 Foreign Affairs Journal article titled “Renewing American Leadership”, fore running U.S. Democratic Party presidential candidate, Barack Obama expounded Power Diplomacy as key U.S. foreign policy to revive American leadership. The central theme of Power Diplomacy, instead of dialogue and mutual understanding, is American leadership. The truth is that commerce and cultural exchange will increase understanding not American leadership. Gradual increase of understanding will enhance trust. Trust will lead to harmony. This is the essence of Harmony Diplomacy.
According to Obama “we must harness American power to reinvigorate American diplomacy. Tough minded diplomacy backed by the whole range of instruments of American power—political, economic, and military—could bring success even when dealing with long standing adversaries such as Iran and Syria.” Notice the perennial emphasis of “success against our adversaries” instead of dialogue and win-win mutual development. The presumption that those who disagree are enemies, will surely not win us friends. In contrast, Harmony Diplomacy espouses mutual development between any two nations powerful or weak, developed or developing, rich or poor. As demonstrated by my article “Harmony Diplomacy in Work” misunderstanding and distrust between U.S.-China can only be resolved by dialogue through discussion of commonality. Confrontation and threat will only extend animosity as exemplified by prolonged U.S. - Cuban and U.S. - Iran mutual accusations with shouting matches that are becoming permanent features of U.S. Power Diplomacy.
Through out Obama’s foreign policy exposition, words such as “power, pushing, pressure, aggressive, tough, tough minded, American leadership and instrument of power” are used freely. Words such as dialogue, mutual understanding, trust, tolerance are noticeably absent. Instead, proud of our past Cold War confrontational expertise, the intensity of cold war diplomacy is called on to deal with a small band of extreme radicals. The war on terror advocated by Bush will certainly become an over kill that will unsettle world diplomacy for years to come. The world certainly can not afford to have another debilitating cold war. The over enthusiastic inclination to use confrontation and ever increasing force without consideration of neutralizing force with dynamic balance, totally neglects the first principle strategy in counter terrorism or any warfare for that matter. Dynamic balance of harmony is more fluid like in nature.
Without the consideration of humility, the narrowly defined American value is trumpeted as a cure all for world ills. To quote directly from Obama's essay, “I will show the world that America remains true to its founding values. We lead not only for ourselves but also for the common good.” On self reflection we must admit that some of our values great as they are, cannot avoid being dated, unilateral and ethnocentric. They have not been keeping up with the multilateral world development. For the future world, Power Diplomacy must gradually evolve towards Harmon Diplomacy by accepting and expanding to more universal values as expounded in Harmony Diplomacy Watch essays.
Despite the claim to the contrary, wisdom and humility have no place for self glorification. Yet we are told “I believe the American people will be eager to see America lead again.-----it is time for a new generation to tell the next great American story----this was the time we defeated global terrorists and brought opportunity to forgotten corners of the world.” The final conclusion is the crowning moment for Obama. “This is our moment to renew the trust and faith of our people—and all people—in an America that battles immediate evils, promotes ultimate good, and leads the world once more.” Humility may be the only single most effective reflection to restore others lost of dignity due to our past trespasses.
Can we Americans be any more unilateral and presumptive in our own self glorification? We can easily see our failings through following selections of essays on Harmony Diplomacy by contrast to our aggrandized proclamations, in tone and reason. Following is an excerpt of a recent article by WHO World Harmony Diplomacy Watch quoting the concluding statements of the recent Asia-Europe Meeting . The spirit of harmony in this article is in strong contrast to the prevalent American Power Diplomacy to renew American leadership.In the article, Dialogue, Mutual Understanding, Commonality and Tolerance are emphasized. In the pursue of Harmony Diplomacy, it is important to pursue mutual understanding through dialogue and harmony through tolerance.
A harmonious future for Asia and Europe hinges on wisdom that can steer the course of their interactions. So said delegates at the third annual Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Interfaith Dialogue, which wrapped up June 23, 2007 in Nanjing, capital of East China's Jiangsu Province. In the Nanjing Statement, issued at the conclusion of the event, participants from the two continents vowed to deepen and broaden the dialogue process to foster a peaceful and harmonious partnership. Cui Tiankai, assistant minister of foreign affairs of China said at a joint news conference with Senator Gianni Vernetti, undersecretary of state at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Building on the achievements of the first two meetings, in Bali in 2005 and Cyprus in 2006, the two-day dialogue co-hosted by China and Italy served as a platform for religious and political leaders and academics to address their diversity and commonality in faiths and deliberate on further tapping the potential of interfaith talks in enhancing mutual understanding in an era of globalization, he said.
"In Chinese culture, harmony is underpinned by diversity. Seeking harmony while acknowledging differences means that a country or an ethnic group, while preserving its own cultural heritage, should be open and tolerant to other civilizations," In a world wrought with uncertainties, it is vital to pursue mutual understanding through dialogue, and achieve harmony through tolerance, he said. If nations collide because of different values, globalization may be giving a new spin to the multiple values involved in international relations. From the dim past to the present, international relations could be categorized as relations of war and peace - nations clashing over values. This approach does not project a bright future for relations among states as it doesn't provide a paradigm for the peaceful co-existence of different value systems.
A way to avoid conflict has long been sought. A seemingly uncomplicated approach is for nations to share peace and prosperity through dialogue and tolerance. The recipe of dialogue entails not imposing ones values or faith on others. It involves respecting different peoples' treasured values and beliefs. It is necessary to understand and appreciate, or at least tolerate, different cultures and religions. The ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Interfaith Dialogue, under the framework of the Asia-Europe Summit, is just such a platform. It brings nations together from two continents to address their diversity and commonality in faith and culture, with the hope of convergence for the sake of humanity.
Following is an excerpt of a recent article by WHO World Harmony Diplomacy Watch quoting People’s Daily. The spirit of harmony in this article is also in strong contrast to the prevalent American Power Diplomacy to renew American leadership as discussed previously. The title of the original speech is China's Diplomacy: Pursuing Balance to Reach Harmony. President Hu Jintao made the speech on China's new foreign policy of building a harmonious world at the United Nations Summit marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the world body. His words received wide approval and the policy is thought fruitful in 2005. The policy helped to lift China's international status, fundamentally because of its pursuit of balance. That is, to balance national development against international responsibilities, economic benefits against political and security interests, relations with world powers against those with various countries, and reform against the maintenance of world order.
We should build a harmonious world by aiming at "performing great deeds". Although a developing country, China is a rising big nation. Change in international environment casts a direct impact on China's rise, and the country will suffer from its negative effects if she doesn't take the initiative to push it towards a more harmonious direction. Such a pro-active approach will benefit both the international environment of China and the advancement of the whole world.In the spirit of "performing great deeds" China has decided to take responsibilities of a big nation. During his meeting with President Bush, President Hu said explicitly that the China-US cooperation will be on global scale.
We should build a harmonious world by taking the overall national interest as a starting point. Both national and international interests are multi-faceted, and different interest claims can clash. For example, globalization can raise economic efficiency, but also worsen the wealth gap and interest conflicts at home and abroad. To build a harmonious world, we must, on top of economic interests, give due consideration to political interests such as China's image, influence and status on the international arena. We should build a harmonious world by following the policy of a greater neighborhood diplomacy.To the end of a harmonious world we must maintain friendly ties with as many countries as possible, so we should avoid sacrificing relations with other countries for the sake of stable Sino-US ties.
We should build a harmonious world in the principle of gradualness. In proposing such a long-term objective, China has no intention to reach it in one step. China fully understands the difficulty in constructing a harmonious world under anarchy, so she stressed on safeguarding UN authority and conducting necessary reforms.To reshape the world order is a permanent task, and as time changes the old international order is for sure to be replaced by a new one. To ensure peace and order during such a course, China believes that reforms should be carried out in a measured, cautious way based on the current world order, so that the reforms can benefit the greatest majority of world countries.
By Francis C. W. Fung, PH.D.
http://www.worldharmonyorg.net/
World Harmony Organization (WHO) pursues world harmony renaissance by seeking truth. Our principle and goal deems it necessary to advocate world harmony diplomacy by initiating Harmony Diplomacy Watch. In this spirit we began with articles entitled “Harmony Diplomacy Essential for World Development”, “Harmony Diplomacy in Work” and “It is Important to Cover Good Examples of Harmony Diplomacy.” In this tradition, we continue our entrusted mission to compare and contrast innovative, influential and state of the art theories on world diplomacy. http://www.worldharmonyforum.blogspot.com/
America as a young, dynamic, and endowed nation earned its place as the leader of world democracy during and immediately after the Cold War. The scope of success of America Cold War diplomacy has no parallel in human history, in part due to the competitiveness of American economic system but also largely brought about by execution of Power Diplomacy made possible by the largest economy and the most powerful military. The after effects of America winning the Cold War remained today, good or bad. The good is that the world has enjoyed unprecedented prosperity due to relative peace and stability. On the other hand the American public is constantly being reminded by their media and government that we are destined to be the leader of the world because God is on our side.
This self defeating arrogance is in contrast to the universal harmony principle that the more powerful we are, the more we need humility. The damaging consequence of deviating from this all encompassing truism is evident by the dilemma of our embroiled involvement in unilateral Iraqi war. As a result of continuing our Cold War Power Diplomacy we have too often infringed on the dignity of many disadvantaged nations in the world. After 9/11 we declared war against terrorism and were eager to launch the unilateral war on Iraq without giving diplomacy a chance.
Our pride blinded us from seeing the need of dignity by the poor and disadvantaged. We have become immune to other nation’s needs for development. Instead from our ethnocentric perspective, we continue to be critical of other striving nation’s efforts to modernize. This lack of understanding of other nation’s loss of dignity and desperate need of modernization did not go without notice by America’s elite, experienced in foreign policy. In fact the extensive survey conducted by Pew Research Center involving 45,239 people and 46 nations from April 6 to May 29,2007 found majorities in many countries reject the main planks of current U.S. foreign policy and express distate for American style democracy. According to the polled results, there is a wide spread perception that the U.S. acts unilaterally in making international policy decisions. And majorities in most every country polled, including 97 percent in France, 80 percent in Argentina, and 75 percent in Lebanon, said the United States promoted democracy mostly where it served U.S. interests. This, according to Pew, helps explain why U.S. ideas about democracy are rejected by vast numbers around the globe.
Caution for change to a softer and more understanding American world diplomacy is being sounded in unison by many notable and seasoned formal high ranking diplomats such as Kissinger, Brezezinski, Albright and Slaughter. New theories such as Faith Diplomacy, Value Diplomacy and Diplomacy by Deeds are being advanced, (for reference please see my afore mentioned papers on world harmony diplomacy.)
In today’s multilateral world, Power Diplomacy as preached by the bygone wisdom of “speak softly and carry a big stick” has lost most of its relevance. The unpopular unilateral Iraq War makes it clear that “speak loudly and carry a big stick" as practiced by the present administration has not worked so far either. In fact there are signs that Harmony Diplomacy is on the rise, witnessed by the softening of U.S. position in the Sixth Party denuclearization talk ( see “Harmony Diplomacy in Work” http://www.worldharmonyforum.blogspot.com/ .)
On the other hand, in catering to the interest of the uninformed and proud American public, the theme of Power Diplomacy is still echoed among U.S. 2008 presidential candidates. In a July/August 2007 Foreign Affairs Journal article titled “Renewing American Leadership”, fore running U.S. Democratic Party presidential candidate, Barack Obama expounded Power Diplomacy as key U.S. foreign policy to revive American leadership. The central theme of Power Diplomacy, instead of dialogue and mutual understanding, is American leadership. The truth is that commerce and cultural exchange will increase understanding not American leadership. Gradual increase of understanding will enhance trust. Trust will lead to harmony. This is the essence of Harmony Diplomacy.
According to Obama “we must harness American power to reinvigorate American diplomacy. Tough minded diplomacy backed by the whole range of instruments of American power—political, economic, and military—could bring success even when dealing with long standing adversaries such as Iran and Syria.” Notice the perennial emphasis of “success against our adversaries” instead of dialogue and win-win mutual development. The presumption that those who disagree are enemies, will surely not win us friends. In contrast, Harmony Diplomacy espouses mutual development between any two nations powerful or weak, developed or developing, rich or poor. As demonstrated by my article “Harmony Diplomacy in Work” misunderstanding and distrust between U.S.-China can only be resolved by dialogue through discussion of commonality. Confrontation and threat will only extend animosity as exemplified by prolonged U.S. - Cuban and U.S. - Iran mutual accusations with shouting matches that are becoming permanent features of U.S. Power Diplomacy.
Through out Obama’s foreign policy exposition, words such as “power, pushing, pressure, aggressive, tough, tough minded, American leadership and instrument of power” are used freely. Words such as dialogue, mutual understanding, trust, tolerance are noticeably absent. Instead, proud of our past Cold War confrontational expertise, the intensity of cold war diplomacy is called on to deal with a small band of extreme radicals. The war on terror advocated by Bush will certainly become an over kill that will unsettle world diplomacy for years to come. The world certainly can not afford to have another debilitating cold war. The over enthusiastic inclination to use confrontation and ever increasing force without consideration of neutralizing force with dynamic balance, totally neglects the first principle strategy in counter terrorism or any warfare for that matter. Dynamic balance of harmony is more fluid like in nature.
Without the consideration of humility, the narrowly defined American value is trumpeted as a cure all for world ills. To quote directly from Obama's essay, “I will show the world that America remains true to its founding values. We lead not only for ourselves but also for the common good.” On self reflection we must admit that some of our values great as they are, cannot avoid being dated, unilateral and ethnocentric. They have not been keeping up with the multilateral world development. For the future world, Power Diplomacy must gradually evolve towards Harmon Diplomacy by accepting and expanding to more universal values as expounded in Harmony Diplomacy Watch essays.
Despite the claim to the contrary, wisdom and humility have no place for self glorification. Yet we are told “I believe the American people will be eager to see America lead again.-----it is time for a new generation to tell the next great American story----this was the time we defeated global terrorists and brought opportunity to forgotten corners of the world.” The final conclusion is the crowning moment for Obama. “This is our moment to renew the trust and faith of our people—and all people—in an America that battles immediate evils, promotes ultimate good, and leads the world once more.” Humility may be the only single most effective reflection to restore others lost of dignity due to our past trespasses.
Can we Americans be any more unilateral and presumptive in our own self glorification? We can easily see our failings through following selections of essays on Harmony Diplomacy by contrast to our aggrandized proclamations, in tone and reason. Following is an excerpt of a recent article by WHO World Harmony Diplomacy Watch quoting the concluding statements of the recent Asia-Europe Meeting . The spirit of harmony in this article is in strong contrast to the prevalent American Power Diplomacy to renew American leadership.In the article, Dialogue, Mutual Understanding, Commonality and Tolerance are emphasized. In the pursue of Harmony Diplomacy, it is important to pursue mutual understanding through dialogue and harmony through tolerance.
A harmonious future for Asia and Europe hinges on wisdom that can steer the course of their interactions. So said delegates at the third annual Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Interfaith Dialogue, which wrapped up June 23, 2007 in Nanjing, capital of East China's Jiangsu Province. In the Nanjing Statement, issued at the conclusion of the event, participants from the two continents vowed to deepen and broaden the dialogue process to foster a peaceful and harmonious partnership. Cui Tiankai, assistant minister of foreign affairs of China said at a joint news conference with Senator Gianni Vernetti, undersecretary of state at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Building on the achievements of the first two meetings, in Bali in 2005 and Cyprus in 2006, the two-day dialogue co-hosted by China and Italy served as a platform for religious and political leaders and academics to address their diversity and commonality in faiths and deliberate on further tapping the potential of interfaith talks in enhancing mutual understanding in an era of globalization, he said.
"In Chinese culture, harmony is underpinned by diversity. Seeking harmony while acknowledging differences means that a country or an ethnic group, while preserving its own cultural heritage, should be open and tolerant to other civilizations," In a world wrought with uncertainties, it is vital to pursue mutual understanding through dialogue, and achieve harmony through tolerance, he said. If nations collide because of different values, globalization may be giving a new spin to the multiple values involved in international relations. From the dim past to the present, international relations could be categorized as relations of war and peace - nations clashing over values. This approach does not project a bright future for relations among states as it doesn't provide a paradigm for the peaceful co-existence of different value systems.
A way to avoid conflict has long been sought. A seemingly uncomplicated approach is for nations to share peace and prosperity through dialogue and tolerance. The recipe of dialogue entails not imposing ones values or faith on others. It involves respecting different peoples' treasured values and beliefs. It is necessary to understand and appreciate, or at least tolerate, different cultures and religions. The ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Interfaith Dialogue, under the framework of the Asia-Europe Summit, is just such a platform. It brings nations together from two continents to address their diversity and commonality in faith and culture, with the hope of convergence for the sake of humanity.
Following is an excerpt of a recent article by WHO World Harmony Diplomacy Watch quoting People’s Daily. The spirit of harmony in this article is also in strong contrast to the prevalent American Power Diplomacy to renew American leadership as discussed previously. The title of the original speech is China's Diplomacy: Pursuing Balance to Reach Harmony. President Hu Jintao made the speech on China's new foreign policy of building a harmonious world at the United Nations Summit marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the world body. His words received wide approval and the policy is thought fruitful in 2005. The policy helped to lift China's international status, fundamentally because of its pursuit of balance. That is, to balance national development against international responsibilities, economic benefits against political and security interests, relations with world powers against those with various countries, and reform against the maintenance of world order.
We should build a harmonious world by aiming at "performing great deeds". Although a developing country, China is a rising big nation. Change in international environment casts a direct impact on China's rise, and the country will suffer from its negative effects if she doesn't take the initiative to push it towards a more harmonious direction. Such a pro-active approach will benefit both the international environment of China and the advancement of the whole world.In the spirit of "performing great deeds" China has decided to take responsibilities of a big nation. During his meeting with President Bush, President Hu said explicitly that the China-US cooperation will be on global scale.
We should build a harmonious world by taking the overall national interest as a starting point. Both national and international interests are multi-faceted, and different interest claims can clash. For example, globalization can raise economic efficiency, but also worsen the wealth gap and interest conflicts at home and abroad. To build a harmonious world, we must, on top of economic interests, give due consideration to political interests such as China's image, influence and status on the international arena. We should build a harmonious world by following the policy of a greater neighborhood diplomacy.To the end of a harmonious world we must maintain friendly ties with as many countries as possible, so we should avoid sacrificing relations with other countries for the sake of stable Sino-US ties.
We should build a harmonious world in the principle of gradualness. In proposing such a long-term objective, China has no intention to reach it in one step. China fully understands the difficulty in constructing a harmonious world under anarchy, so she stressed on safeguarding UN authority and conducting necessary reforms.To reshape the world order is a permanent task, and as time changes the old international order is for sure to be replaced by a new one. To ensure peace and order during such a course, China believes that reforms should be carried out in a measured, cautious way based on the current world order, so that the reforms can benefit the greatest majority of world countries.
Monday, June 25, 2007
CHINA'S DIPLOMACY: PURSUING BALANCE TO REACH HARMONY
China's Diplomacy: Pursuing Balance to Reach Harmony
Chinese President Hu Jintao made a speech on China's new foreign policy of building a harmonious world at the United Nations Summit marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the world body. His words received wide approval and the policy is thought fruitful in 2005.
The policy helped to lift China's international status, fundamentally because of its pursuit of balance. That is, to balance national development against international responsibilities, economic benefits against political and security interests, relations with world powers against those with various countries, and reform against the maintenance of world order.
We should build a harmonious world by aiming at "performing great deeds". Although a developing country, China is a rising big nation. Change in international environment casts a direct impact on China's rise, and the country will suffer from its negative effects if she doesn't take the initiative to push it towards a more harmonious direction. Such a pro-active approach will benefit both the international environment of China and the advancement of the whole world.
In the spirit of "performing great deeds" China has decided to take responsibilities of a big nation. During his meeting with President Bush, President Hu said explicitly that the China-US cooperation will be on global scale. The year 2005 marks the most frequent Chinese participation in UN peacekeeping missions. At the UN Summit President Hu promised debt cut to the Third World, the biggest slash over years.
We should build a harmonious world by taking the overall national interest as a starting point. Both national and international interests are multi-faceted, and different interest claims can clash. For example, globalization can raise economic efficiency, but also worsen the wealth gap and interest conflicts at home and abroad.
In building a harmonious world, we must give equal attention to political, security and economic interests, and refrain from developing economy at the cost of political and security benefits. The enlarging world economic scale is fuelling conflicts in energy, resource, market, talent, international rules and so on. The WTO conference and anti-WTO demonstration serves a classic example. Clashes between developed and developing countries, transnationals and SMEs, the rich and the poor are being sharpened at each passing day. To build a harmonious world, we must, on top of economic interests, give due consideration to political interests such as China's image, influence and status on the international arena.
We should build a harmonious world by following the policy of a greater neighborhood diplomacy. To the end of a harmonious world we must maintain friendly ties with as many countries as possible, so we should avoid sacrificing relations with other countries for the sake of stable Sino-US ties.
The United States, as the world only superpower, comes into strategic interest conflicts with many a country in maintaining her world dominance. By frequent visits to Europe and Russia this year, Chinese leaders effectively raised the importance of China-EU and China-Russia ties so as to strike a balance in relations with the three parties of the United States, EU and Russia.
China also increased visits to other developing countries this year to achieve a relative balance between policies towards developed and developing countries. In regional policy, China worked hard to score a balance between neighbors and countries from other regions such as Latin America and Africa.
We should build a harmonious world in the principle of gradualness. In proposing such a long-term objective, China has no intention to reach it in one step. China fully understands the difficulty in constructing a harmonious world under anarchy, so she stressed on safeguarding UN authority and conducting necessary reforms.
To reshape the world order is a permanent task, and as time changes the old international order is for sure to be replaced by a new one. To ensure peace and order during such a course, China believes that reforms should be carried out in a measured, cautious way based on the current world order, so that the reforms can benefit the greatest majority of world countries.
Chinese President Hu Jintao made a speech on China's new foreign policy of building a harmonious world at the United Nations Summit marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the world body. His words received wide approval and the policy is thought fruitful in 2005.
The policy helped to lift China's international status, fundamentally because of its pursuit of balance. That is, to balance national development against international responsibilities, economic benefits against political and security interests, relations with world powers against those with various countries, and reform against the maintenance of world order.
We should build a harmonious world by aiming at "performing great deeds". Although a developing country, China is a rising big nation. Change in international environment casts a direct impact on China's rise, and the country will suffer from its negative effects if she doesn't take the initiative to push it towards a more harmonious direction. Such a pro-active approach will benefit both the international environment of China and the advancement of the whole world.
In the spirit of "performing great deeds" China has decided to take responsibilities of a big nation. During his meeting with President Bush, President Hu said explicitly that the China-US cooperation will be on global scale. The year 2005 marks the most frequent Chinese participation in UN peacekeeping missions. At the UN Summit President Hu promised debt cut to the Third World, the biggest slash over years.
We should build a harmonious world by taking the overall national interest as a starting point. Both national and international interests are multi-faceted, and different interest claims can clash. For example, globalization can raise economic efficiency, but also worsen the wealth gap and interest conflicts at home and abroad.
In building a harmonious world, we must give equal attention to political, security and economic interests, and refrain from developing economy at the cost of political and security benefits. The enlarging world economic scale is fuelling conflicts in energy, resource, market, talent, international rules and so on. The WTO conference and anti-WTO demonstration serves a classic example. Clashes between developed and developing countries, transnationals and SMEs, the rich and the poor are being sharpened at each passing day. To build a harmonious world, we must, on top of economic interests, give due consideration to political interests such as China's image, influence and status on the international arena.
We should build a harmonious world by following the policy of a greater neighborhood diplomacy. To the end of a harmonious world we must maintain friendly ties with as many countries as possible, so we should avoid sacrificing relations with other countries for the sake of stable Sino-US ties.
The United States, as the world only superpower, comes into strategic interest conflicts with many a country in maintaining her world dominance. By frequent visits to Europe and Russia this year, Chinese leaders effectively raised the importance of China-EU and China-Russia ties so as to strike a balance in relations with the three parties of the United States, EU and Russia.
China also increased visits to other developing countries this year to achieve a relative balance between policies towards developed and developing countries. In regional policy, China worked hard to score a balance between neighbors and countries from other regions such as Latin America and Africa.
We should build a harmonious world in the principle of gradualness. In proposing such a long-term objective, China has no intention to reach it in one step. China fully understands the difficulty in constructing a harmonious world under anarchy, so she stressed on safeguarding UN authority and conducting necessary reforms.
To reshape the world order is a permanent task, and as time changes the old international order is for sure to be replaced by a new one. To ensure peace and order during such a course, China believes that reforms should be carried out in a measured, cautious way based on the current world order, so that the reforms can benefit the greatest majority of world countries.
INTERFAITH DIALOGUE COULD BE NEW ROAD TO PEACE
Interfaith dialogue could be new road to peace
www.chinaview.cn 2007-06-21 09:15:35
BEIJING, June 21 -- If nations collide because of different values, globalization may be giving a new spin to the multiple values involved in international relations.
From the dim past to the present, international relations could be categorized as relations of war and peace - nations clashing over values.
This approach does not project a bright future for relations among states as it doesn't provide a paradigm for the peaceful co-existence of different value systems.
A way to avoid conflict has long been sought. A seemingly uncomplicated approach is for nations to share peace and prosperity through dialogue and tolerance.
The recipe of dialogue entails not imposing one's values or faith on others. It involves respecting different peoples' treasured values and beliefs. It is necessary to understand and appreciate, or at least tolerate, different cultures and religions.
The ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Interfaith Dialogue, under the framework of the Asia-Europe Summit, is just such a platform. It brings nations together from two continents to address their diversity and commonality in faith and culture, with the hope of convergence for the sake of humanity.
For the first time, China is hosting the three-day ASEM Interfaith Dialogue in Nanjing which concludes today. This is China's contribution to the multiethnic conversation of the two continents. This is of particular relevance as Asia still has a long way to go to reconcile differences among nations and continents.
The ASEM Interfaith Dialogue helps build mutual understanding between Asians and Europeans in the fields of interfaith and inter-religious relations.
The two previous meetings, in Bali, Indonesia in 2005, and in Larnaca, Cyprus in 2006, addressed the relations of interfaith dialogue to peace, justice, compassion and tolerance. They called for more concrete action by religious leaders, academia, government and the media.
The dialogue approach actually has a lot to do with democracy. In a democracy, the majority makes decisions which affect the entire group. At the same time, democracies protect the right to individual beliefs without necessarily endorsing them.
Historically, Europe has been a place of feuds and strife. The Peace of Westphalia in 1648 finally introduced the notion of non-aggression. Meanwhile, the Protestants left Britain for North America for freedom of religion.
Three centuries later, the two world wars erupted in Europe. It took the Cold War for Europeans to develop the concept of the European Security Council between two ideological and military blocs. The purpose was to talk and act for collective security.
The Asians might have more problems. First, in terms of recent history, all three major wars since World War II - on the Korean Peninsula, in Vietnam and Iraq - have occurred in Asia.
Second, while the US has aspired to balance security in the region, it has not always been constructive in its dealings with Asia. In fact, Washington has waged all three of the most recent major wars here, without first pursuing negotiations.
Third, there exists a number of religions in Asia - Buddhism, Hinduism, Islamism, Christianity, as well as various ideological concepts. It is daunting to reconcile all these factors to minimize conflicts. In Northeast Asia alone, numerous security and trust problems have existed over inter-Korea rivalry, cross-Straits tension, China-Japan discord, and the abduction issue between Pyongyang and Tokyo. All these tensions make it truly difficult to build a pan-Asia dialogue to advance mutual trust and understanding.
The existence of these problems proves the need for an interfaith dialogue, or confrontations will ensue.
In recent decades, some Asian states have developed regional dialogue groupings such as ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), ASEAN Regional Forum, Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation, Gulf Cooperation Council and Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific as well as the non-governmental Shangri-La Dialogue.
Most of these sub-regional mechanisms are not yet Asia-wide. But with the systems in place, Asian countries are now enjoying a greater chance for peace and prosperity, though their capacity for building peace and stability is still far behind that of Europe.
At the national level, with globalization, most of Asia is developing rapidly as investment and technology are more accessible. In the meantime, various social tensions are emerging over the unequal distribution of wealth and national economies' need to develop in more sustainable ways.
This entails domestic dialogue among various social strata and the development of a fair and legal system that protects the interests of people from all walks of life.
It is of the utmost importance to balance the interests of efficiency and fairness in various Asian countries. Europeans can share their experience in handling social cohesion and harmonious development.
Among nations, globalization has not only facilitated outsourcing and trade but it has also challenged state authority and governance. With advances in communication, nationalism could be more readily stirred up to meet the needs of narrowly defined national interests.
At the intercontinental level, Asia and Europe have many areas for dialogue. Europe has left its colonial legacy in Asia but is now the main collaborator in Asia's economic and social development.
Nanjing is well suited to be the host city for the current ASEM Interfaith Dialogue. As the costal capital of many dynasties, Nanjing has its own glamour of cultural cohesion for generations of Chinese. More tragic, the Nanking Massacre of 1937 is embedded in the Chinese national psyche affecting relations with Japan.
It is much desired that a genuine interfaith dialogue between China and Japan could put to rest the different perspectives on that period. The two continents have much in common in seeking a fair world political structure but differ to a certain extent in their understanding of human and civil rights.
The Nanjing round of the ASEM Interfaith Dialogue brings their communication to a higher level, strengthening peace and civilization across the Asian-European landmass.
The author is executive dean, Institute of International Studies, and director, Center for American Studies, Fudan University.
(Source: China Daily)
Editor: Song Shutao
www.chinaview.cn 2007-06-21 09:15:35
BEIJING, June 21 -- If nations collide because of different values, globalization may be giving a new spin to the multiple values involved in international relations.
From the dim past to the present, international relations could be categorized as relations of war and peace - nations clashing over values.
This approach does not project a bright future for relations among states as it doesn't provide a paradigm for the peaceful co-existence of different value systems.
A way to avoid conflict has long been sought. A seemingly uncomplicated approach is for nations to share peace and prosperity through dialogue and tolerance.
The recipe of dialogue entails not imposing one's values or faith on others. It involves respecting different peoples' treasured values and beliefs. It is necessary to understand and appreciate, or at least tolerate, different cultures and religions.
The ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Interfaith Dialogue, under the framework of the Asia-Europe Summit, is just such a platform. It brings nations together from two continents to address their diversity and commonality in faith and culture, with the hope of convergence for the sake of humanity.
For the first time, China is hosting the three-day ASEM Interfaith Dialogue in Nanjing which concludes today. This is China's contribution to the multiethnic conversation of the two continents. This is of particular relevance as Asia still has a long way to go to reconcile differences among nations and continents.
The ASEM Interfaith Dialogue helps build mutual understanding between Asians and Europeans in the fields of interfaith and inter-religious relations.
The two previous meetings, in Bali, Indonesia in 2005, and in Larnaca, Cyprus in 2006, addressed the relations of interfaith dialogue to peace, justice, compassion and tolerance. They called for more concrete action by religious leaders, academia, government and the media.
The dialogue approach actually has a lot to do with democracy. In a democracy, the majority makes decisions which affect the entire group. At the same time, democracies protect the right to individual beliefs without necessarily endorsing them.
Historically, Europe has been a place of feuds and strife. The Peace of Westphalia in 1648 finally introduced the notion of non-aggression. Meanwhile, the Protestants left Britain for North America for freedom of religion.
Three centuries later, the two world wars erupted in Europe. It took the Cold War for Europeans to develop the concept of the European Security Council between two ideological and military blocs. The purpose was to talk and act for collective security.
The Asians might have more problems. First, in terms of recent history, all three major wars since World War II - on the Korean Peninsula, in Vietnam and Iraq - have occurred in Asia.
Second, while the US has aspired to balance security in the region, it has not always been constructive in its dealings with Asia. In fact, Washington has waged all three of the most recent major wars here, without first pursuing negotiations.
Third, there exists a number of religions in Asia - Buddhism, Hinduism, Islamism, Christianity, as well as various ideological concepts. It is daunting to reconcile all these factors to minimize conflicts. In Northeast Asia alone, numerous security and trust problems have existed over inter-Korea rivalry, cross-Straits tension, China-Japan discord, and the abduction issue between Pyongyang and Tokyo. All these tensions make it truly difficult to build a pan-Asia dialogue to advance mutual trust and understanding.
The existence of these problems proves the need for an interfaith dialogue, or confrontations will ensue.
In recent decades, some Asian states have developed regional dialogue groupings such as ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), ASEAN Regional Forum, Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation, Gulf Cooperation Council and Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific as well as the non-governmental Shangri-La Dialogue.
Most of these sub-regional mechanisms are not yet Asia-wide. But with the systems in place, Asian countries are now enjoying a greater chance for peace and prosperity, though their capacity for building peace and stability is still far behind that of Europe.
At the national level, with globalization, most of Asia is developing rapidly as investment and technology are more accessible. In the meantime, various social tensions are emerging over the unequal distribution of wealth and national economies' need to develop in more sustainable ways.
This entails domestic dialogue among various social strata and the development of a fair and legal system that protects the interests of people from all walks of life.
It is of the utmost importance to balance the interests of efficiency and fairness in various Asian countries. Europeans can share their experience in handling social cohesion and harmonious development.
Among nations, globalization has not only facilitated outsourcing and trade but it has also challenged state authority and governance. With advances in communication, nationalism could be more readily stirred up to meet the needs of narrowly defined national interests.
At the intercontinental level, Asia and Europe have many areas for dialogue. Europe has left its colonial legacy in Asia but is now the main collaborator in Asia's economic and social development.
Nanjing is well suited to be the host city for the current ASEM Interfaith Dialogue. As the costal capital of many dynasties, Nanjing has its own glamour of cultural cohesion for generations of Chinese. More tragic, the Nanking Massacre of 1937 is embedded in the Chinese national psyche affecting relations with Japan.
It is much desired that a genuine interfaith dialogue between China and Japan could put to rest the different perspectives on that period. The two continents have much in common in seeking a fair world political structure but differ to a certain extent in their understanding of human and civil rights.
The Nanjing round of the ASEM Interfaith Dialogue brings their communication to a higher level, strengthening peace and civilization across the Asian-European landmass.
The author is executive dean, Institute of International Studies, and director, Center for American Studies, Fudan University.
(Source: China Daily)
Editor: Song Shutao
ASIA-EUROPE MEETING INTERFAITH DIALOGUE
Interfaith Dialogue Concludes in Nanjing
A harmonious future for Asia and Europe hinges on wisdom that can steer the course of their interactions.
So said delegates at the third annual Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Interfaith Dialogue, which wrapped up yesterday in Nanjing, capital of East China's Jiangsu Province.
In the Nanjing Statement, issued at the conclusion of the event, participants from the two continents vowed to deepen and broaden the dialogue process to foster a peaceful and harmonious partnership, Cui Tiankai, assistant minister of foreign affairs of China said at a joint news conference with Senator Gianni Vernetti, undersecretary of state at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Building on the achievements of the first two meetings, in Bali in 2005 and Cyprus in 2006, the two-day dialogue co-hosted by China and Italy served as a platform for religious and political leaders and academics to address their diversity and commonality in faiths and deliberate on further tapping the potential of interfaith talks in enhancing mutual understanding in an era of globalization, he said.
China adheres to the policy of guaranteeing the freedom of religious belief, and acknowledged the active role religion plays in building a harmonious society, he said.
It has been proved by history that faith is an objective reality, it can neither be imposed nor deprived, Ye Xiaowen, Minister of China's State Administration for Religious Affairs said at the closing ceremony.
"In Chinese culture, harmony is underpinned by diversity. Seeking harmony while acknowledging differences means that a country or an ethnic group, while preserving its own cultural heritage, should be open and tolerant to other civilizations," Ye said.
In a world wrought with uncertainties, it is vital to pursue mutual understanding through dialogue, and achieve harmony through tolerance, he said.
The Fourth ASEM Interfaith Dialogue will be co-hosted by the Netherlands and Thailand next year in Amsterdam.
(China Daily June 22, 2007)2007-06-22 09:14:05Interfaith Dialogue Concludes in Nanjingasem1007International -- Newswww.china.org.cn/enpproperty-->
A harmonious future for Asia and Europe hinges on wisdom that can steer the course of their interactions.
So said delegates at the third annual Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Interfaith Dialogue, which wrapped up yesterday in Nanjing, capital of East China's Jiangsu Province.
In the Nanjing Statement, issued at the conclusion of the event, participants from the two continents vowed to deepen and broaden the dialogue process to foster a peaceful and harmonious partnership, Cui Tiankai, assistant minister of foreign affairs of China said at a joint news conference with Senator Gianni Vernetti, undersecretary of state at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Building on the achievements of the first two meetings, in Bali in 2005 and Cyprus in 2006, the two-day dialogue co-hosted by China and Italy served as a platform for religious and political leaders and academics to address their diversity and commonality in faiths and deliberate on further tapping the potential of interfaith talks in enhancing mutual understanding in an era of globalization, he said.
China adheres to the policy of guaranteeing the freedom of religious belief, and acknowledged the active role religion plays in building a harmonious society, he said.
It has been proved by history that faith is an objective reality, it can neither be imposed nor deprived, Ye Xiaowen, Minister of China's State Administration for Religious Affairs said at the closing ceremony.
"In Chinese culture, harmony is underpinned by diversity. Seeking harmony while acknowledging differences means that a country or an ethnic group, while preserving its own cultural heritage, should be open and tolerant to other civilizations," Ye said.
In a world wrought with uncertainties, it is vital to pursue mutual understanding through dialogue, and achieve harmony through tolerance, he said.
The Fourth ASEM Interfaith Dialogue will be co-hosted by the Netherlands and Thailand next year in Amsterdam.
(China Daily June 22, 2007)2007-06-22 09:14:05Interfaith Dialogue Concludes in Nanjingasem1007International -- Newswww.china.org.cn/enpproperty-->
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