Wu Sike

Editor's Note: Almost a month has passed since the political turmoil emerged in Tunisia and spread to other countries in the Middle East. Will the turmoil change the world? What should China do when confronted with the change? Global Times (GT) reporter Xu Ming talked to Wu Sike (Wu), former Chinese ambassador to Saudi and Egypt, on these issues.

GT: How do you see the development of the situation in the Middle East? How do you think it will change the world?

Wu: It is hard to say because there are many uncertainties. The turmoil seemed to emerge suddenly, but also could be seen as inevitable.

For a long time, some countries in the region have lagged behind in development and reform. In a time of globalization, some new emerging economies are developing fast. The Arab countries are also developing, but at a slower pace. It causes dissatisfaction because the slowness in development affects the increase of their national strength and further affects their role and influence in international and regional affairs.

The world economic crisis made it worse, since countries like Egypt and Tunisia rely on tourism. In addition, the injustice in society and the big gap between rich and poor also make people in these countries unhappy with the present situation. The present turmoil is a result of all these factors.

Some people in these countries are exploring ways to adjust to the changes and reforms. In Egypt, the highest military committee is now in power. It is revising the constitutional law and making some adjustments to the government according to the people's demands, so as to prepare for the coming parliamentary election and presidential elections. They are making reforms based more on the people's will.

The situations in different countries vary. But in my opinion, the general trend is that in the future these countries involved will focus more on economy development, welfare improvement and listen more to ordinary people's needs and suggestions.

We are deeply concerned about the situation. Meanwhile, based on our policy of not interfering with other countries' affairs, we are showing respect for the choice made by these countries and their people. We also believe in their wisdom and ability to solve the problem themselves.

The turmoil might continue to affect other countries in the future, in various forms. But the countries involved will carry out all kinds of measures to deal with it. But I don't think it will change the global pattern. Given the present situation, in my opinion, by now it is regional and mainly involves the internal affairs of some countries.