Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Wednesday proposed
extensive dialogue between different civilizations and cultures in
the spirit of equality and tolerance so as to avoid conflicts
caused by ignorance or prejudice.
"The civilizations of different nations are all fruits of human
wisdom and contribution to human progress; they call for mutual
respect," Wen said in a speech delivered at Harvard University in
Boston, the final leg of his four-day official visit to the United
States.
"Conflicts triggered by ignorance or prejudice are sometimes
more dreadful than those caused by contradictory interests," he
said. "We propose to seek common ground in the spirit of equality
and tolerance, and carry on extensive inter-civilization dialogue
and closer cultural exchanges."
Wen noted that mankind is confronted with more complicated
economic and social problems in the 21st century and the cultural
element will have a more important role to play in the century.
"Different nations may speak different languages, but their
hearts and feelings are interlinked. Different cultures present
manifold features, yet they often share the same rational core
elements that can always be passed on by people."
Wen said that mankind is currently in the middle of a period of
drastic social change and it would be a wise approach for all
countries to carry forward their fine cultural heritages by tracing
back their origins, passing on the essentials, learning from one
another and breaking new grounds.
"My appeal is that we work together with our wisdom and strength
for the progress and development of human civilization," he added.
"Our success will do credit to our forbears and bring benefit to
our posterity."
In his speech, Wen briefed the audience on China's splendid
ancient civilization, its current reforms and opening-up, and its
ambitious modernization plan.
"China yesterday was a big ancient country that created a
splendid civilization," he said. "China today is a country in
reform and opening-up and a rising power dedicated to peace."
"China tomorrow will continue to be a major country that loves
peace and has a great deal to look forward to," said Wen, who hoped
his speech will increase American young people's understanding of
China.
"A deeper mutual understanding is a two-way process," he said.
"I hope American young people will turn their eyes to China. I also
trust our young people will turn their eyes more to the United
States."
Wen flew in earlier in the day from Washington, where he held
talks with US President George W. Bush on Tuesday. The United
States is the first stop of Wen's four-nation tour, which will also
take him to Canada, Mexico and Ethiopia.
(Xinhua News Agency December 11, 2003)