China employs an independent foreign policy of peace, Chinese Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong said in a lecture on U.S.-Chinese relations on Oct. 21 at the Hinckley Institute of Politics.
After attending Bath University and London School of Economics in England, Wenzhong served in numerous diplomatic and foreign positions for the Chinese government. Before becoming ambassador to the United States, he was the vice foreign minister for China.
Wenzhong focused his comments on his country's flourishing economy and its position in the global arena.
During the last several decades, China has undertaken "earth-shattering reforms...and foreign trade has expanded to $1.5 trillion, making up 4 percent of the world economy," Wenzhong said.
The standard of living has also improved, partially due to the fact that China boasts the largest mobile phone company and the second-largest automobile producer in the world.
The prosperous economy is also due to China's open tourism industry, which ranks at "the fourth largest...in the world," Wenzhong said.
He explained how China is on a path of peaceful development.
In Asia, China has "committed to building good neighborly relations," in order to bring about a stable, regional peace, he said.
China has taken the initiative not only to "settle all border issues with neighboring countries," but also to diminish the size of its standing army, he said.
As China and the United States continue to expand their cooperation on major international and regional issues, both countries can work toward fighting terrorism and the continued threat of a nuclear North Korea.
Wenzhong asked the American government to support a "one China policy," concerning its dealing with Taiwan and "oppose Taiwan's independence." Zhou urged the United States to discontinue the "selling of advanced weapons to Taiwan."
"The ambassador was very straight forward," said Cynthia Boytom, a senior in Asian Studies. "I am happy that he discussed the textile situation, due to the fact that textile sanctions were recently lifted."
Eric Adlam, senior in anthropology said, "I am very excited that the Hinckley Institute is able to bring such extraordinary individuals to speak at the U."
j.lewis@chronicle.utah.edu
