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Former French diplomat says no to "China threat" (2) |
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10:02, May 15, 2009 |
How do China build a better image?
Q: From the perspective of the government's behavior as well as from a technical angle, what should China do to build a better image?
Vairon: Firstly, China's rise and rapid development makes foreigners extremely fearful of nationalism. There also lies a historical reason. China was controlled by foreign countries in one aspect or another for nearly a century. Therefore, common foreigners are now afraid that the Chinese people will resort to retaliation because China has become stronger. Overly strong nationalism should be avoided.
Secondly, as Chinese enterprises that expand overseas have not had much experience in surviving in the international market, they should gradually learn how to work with their foreign partners and how to rapidly develop abroad. To a great extent, their behaviors and actions represent the image of China. Many businesses invest in Africa and make great contributions to Africa and Latin America. But there are also some Chinese companies that have caused negative influence on China due to their inappropriate acts overseas. Chinese enterprises should know the relations between their behaviors and China's image, as well as what they should and should not do. These kinds of relations are the most useful as Chinese companies' behaviors have a major impact on China's image. Chinese enterprises are an important carrier to present the image of China.
Thirdly, the Chinese government needs to adapt to the different forms of exchanges with the outside world. From an interaction standpoint, we might adopt different ways of exchanges between Chinese and Japanese people than those with Americans and Europeans. This is because interactions are greatly dependent on culture and ways of thinking. For example, the idea of a “harmonious society” is purely a concept of Chinese tradition and Confucianism. The idea of “harmony” is extremely important for Chinese people and human beings. However, foreigners do not understand “harmony” as a “harmonious society” and it has no origins and bearing with their cultures. As a result, we need to locate a bridge in between and explain this Chinese concept to foreigners. Translation alone is not enough because the idea embodies many layers of cultural meanings.
On China-France ties
Q: The friendship between China and France has enjoyed a time-honored history, but it has gone off course since the Sarkozy administration took office. Since then, what conflicts of interest do you foresee between the French and the Chinese?
Vairon: Firstly, the nature of democracy in the Parliament of France should be understood clearly. We elect the French president every five years via voting by all citizens. The candidates in the running for French president are constantly changing, but the voting citizens never change, therefore, the two groups should be viewed separately. The government and the president will always have their political intentions, however, it is certain that the French citizens will not change their views suddenly just because of a particular government or a particular president. For example, when President Jacques Chirac and President Francois Mitterrand were in office, the French and the Chinese people got along very well, and certainly, they still maintain a good relationship today. Political issue is nothing but political issue and it has no connection with the relationship among people between the two nations. As far as I am concerned, I never worry that the friendship between China and France would change. I am not worried about this because the friendship between the French and the Chinese people is deep and profound.
Secondly, I would like to go back to the history we talked about before. Since 1964 till now, we have maintained quite a good relationship. Maybe in 1840 we did not get along very well with each other. Certainly, relationships can often change. However, the citizens would never change and only the political world may have certain issues. It is certain that the feelings of the citizens may be influenced by media at times, but only a small part of them. The basis of the friendship between China and France is vigorous and long-lasting.
By People's Daily Online
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