Mutual understanding, reciprocal support

Harmonious relationships between nations are created by the intimacy between their peoples, which is, in essence, based on mutual understanding.

In terms of geography, ethnicity and culture, China has a lot in common with most of its neighbors. Their long history of friendly contacts and exchanges has served as the solid popular basis for further development of China's relations with its neighbors.

Take Thailand for example. A large number of Chinese descendants are now living in the Southeast Asian country and the notion of "China and Thailand are one family" has been deeply rooted in the hearts of the two peoples. Sharing similar culture and values, the two nations are more likely to identify with each other and have mutual trust.

China has adopted an open and accommodative attitude towards its neighboring countries, and its friendly efforts have been increasingly appreciated and prized.

In midsummer Indonesia, colorful "Chinese elements" were staged across the country, from Jakarta to Surabaya: Chinese folk music and dance, Shaolin Kungfu, Chinese Movie Week, scholars' seminars, donations of Chinese books. And the extraordinary beauty of the Chinese culture came face to face with the Indonesian people.

In a country as far north as Russia, more than 200 performances and activities were staged from the beginning of the Chinese lunar new year to celebrate the Chinese language year. Highly competitive Chinese language-speaking contests were held; in the Kremlin, the original Chinese history opera, Mulan Psalm, was presented to Muscovites; "Hello, China," a Chinese language teaching TV program attracted an audience of more than 52 million Russians. A Chinese cultural "wind" seemed to have swept Russia.

In contrast with the liveliness and exuberance of cultural exchanges, the Confucius Institute came to Chinese culture enthusiasts in a "creeping" way.

In Russia, 17 Confucius Institutes and 3 Confucius Classes are scattered in major cities across the country. In ASEAN countries, the figures added up to 28 and 14 respectively. In South Korea, there are now 17 Confucius Institutes after the first was set up in Seoul in November 2004.

Cultural exchanges help establish friendship between peoples of various nations while mutual assistance and support in the face of crises and disasters are more heart-warming and inspiring.

Whether in flood-hit Pakistan and Thailand or in post-war Afghanistan, China's generous aid and support displayed what a friend is for.

Following the catastrophic earthquake and ensuing tsunami that hit the Pacific coastal areas of northeastern and eastern Japan on March 11, Chinese President Hu Jintao went to the Japanese Embassy in Beijing to offer his sincere condolences to the victims of the disasters. And China immediately sent aid and rescue material.

During a trip to Japan, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited the worst-hit areas and offered his sympathy and consolation to the victims and bereaved families. A drawing of a smiling face and an encouraging remark "live on with a smile" have deeply moved thousands of Japanese.

"The Japanese people will remember all of these," Japanese Ambassador to China Niwa Uichiro said.

A peaceful, developing, prosperous and harmonious Asia-Pacific is in the interests of all nations in the region.

In the new year, China will stick to its good-neighbor policy and promote practical cooperation with neighboring countries with the aim of making greater contributions to the lasting peace and common prosperity in the region as well as in the world at large.