Participants
in the Chicago 2006 China Forum which opened in the American
city on Monday have urged that intensified efforts be
made to promote better understanding between China and
the United States as an important step in deepening bilateral
ties.
Former
US Senator, Adlai Stevenson III from Illinois, said in
his keynote speech that ignorance about China proved to
be a major difficulty in US-China relations.
"I
find the Chinese better informed about America than America
about China and therein lies the main difficulty in US-China
relations -- ignorance," said Stevenson on his return
from China.
"It
(ignorance) is easily acquired and in American politics
sometimes convenient but it isn't bliss,” he said.
“Ignorance is dangerous."
"Changes
in China are so profound and rapid that the realities
lag behind our perceptions and reflect little of the dynamic
social and institutional change which motivates this proud
and ancient country," he said.
The
two-day forum, organized by the Chicago-based China Star
Media Group, brought together experts, scholars, businessmen
and government officials from China and the United States.
"Forums
like these help dispel ignorance – on both sides
of the Pacific," Stevenson said. "With more
initiatives like this forum we can make China's challenge
to Americans the historic opportunity it is for the world."
Speaking
about US-China trade he said, "Some 60 percent of
China's exports to the US are re-exports--imports to which
value is added in China, including imports from US companies,
before they are exported.
"Some
American officials blame China for America's unsustainable
trade deficit," he said. "But China does not
run a trade surplus with the world. Its trade with the
world is in deficit.
"For
politicians in Washington blaming China and telling China
how to manage its economy is a little like General Motors
telling Toyota how to make automobiles," joked Stevenson.
He
said that Chinese friends should not confuse America with
its government in Washington. "Governments come and
go," he observed. "The American academic and
business communities see the opportunities China offers."
Huang
Yuejin, vice chairman of the China Overseas Friendship
Association, said China needed not only internal stability
but also a peaceful and favorable international environment.
"China
will adhere to the independent foreign policy of peace
and stick to the path of peaceful development....China
will always be an important force for world peace and
common development," he said.
(Xinhua News Agency May 9, 2006)
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