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Li Changchun

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The Central Committee and State Council always pay extra attention to the development of the television industry as well as the work of China Central Television. Over the past 50 years, especially since the beginning of the reform and opening up period, under the care and direct leadership of the Central Committee and State Council, our television industry has grown from nothing, from small to large in scale and gone from domestic to international. It grew and advanced during difficult times and faced sharp competition while still exploring opportunities and undergoing reforms. Our communication technology is constantly advancing and the contents are becoming more and more diversified with broader coverage. It is growing stronger in its overall capacity. It has played an irreplaceable role in promoting the development of our Party and the country.

This year (2008) … is an unusual year for our country’s economic and social development. We have had many significant events, along with sad as well as happy events. They include the Party’s 17th National Congress, the third Plenary Session of the 17th CPC Central Committee, the fights against natural disasters such as the freezing temperature, rain and snow [in Guangdong around Chinese new year]; safeguarding social stability in Tibet, earthquake relief, the Beijing Olympic and Paralympics games, the successful completion of Shenzhou VII manned space mission, the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of reforms and opening up, coping with the international financial crisis and other major reporting assignments. The television crews overcame many difficulties and dangerous challenges. They worked tirelessly to successfully finish various assignments. They have made significant contributions and effectively guided public opinion. They have greatly inspired our nation’s spirit, united the Party and the people, and made a significant contribution toward the cause that the Party and people try to achieve. It has proved that our country’s television workers have high political integrity, professional ability, discipline, constraint. They are a top-quality team. They are a strong team of dedicated workers who can jump start at any critical time and can endure hardship. They are an excellent team that the Party and the people can fully rely on. The Party and the people thank you!

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Standing at a new historical starting point, our television industry still has a significant historical responsibility to take while facing limited opportunities to grow. We must conscientiously study and implement the speech by Hu Jintao in commemorating the 30-year anniversary of Party’s Third Plenary Session of the General Assembly and follow the requirements within the congratulatory letter from Party Chief Hu Jintao: to adapt to the latest social developments domestically and abroad, let the development of science be the driving force and take the improvement of telecommunication technology as a critical strategic task that needs to be implemented; put more effort in building a modern telecommunication network and focus on improving the ability for the media to lead public opinion, to build a world-class image and put effort in the most up-to-date media networks and strive to improve television work to a new level.

1, we need to get a clear assessment of the situation and clearly define our objectives, and build a sense of responsibility and urgency to strengthen our telecommunication capabilities domestically and internationally. The power of communication determines one’s influential ability. Today, whoever advances in telecommunication ability and technology will be able to influence the world with their cultural beliefs and values, hence exercising stronger influence in other countries. Strengthening domestic and international telecommunications has a direct impact on our open door reform climate, as well as modernization as a nation. It is related to our influence worldwide, as well as affecting our status in the world. It is connected to enhancing our cultural soft power as well as our ranking and power in the world’s media network. We must further strengthen the sense of responsibility and mission. We should focus on strengthening our domestic and international telecommunication capacity and take those as the next major goals to be accomplished. Let’s continue to finish the “New West Project” which will ensure radio and television coverage in every village. Let’s put more effort into studying and formulating the overall strategy for shaping CCTV as well as other state media to be world-class media domestically and internationally so they are compatible with our economic image. Let’s enhance their competitive advantage and influence so they will provide media support to our country’s open door reforms as well as other modernization developments.

2, Let’s be persistent in offering positive guidance of public opinion, and always maintain a solid political ground. Truthfulness is vital for a media and providing guidance is the soul. We should always adhere to be the mouthpiece for the Party and the people, hold high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, take Deng Xiaoping’s Theory and the “Three Represents” as our guidance, and implement in-depth the concept of scientific development. We must consciously align with the Party Central Committee, firmly grasp the correct political ground in terms of ideology and our actions. Television stations at all levels are an important cultural and public opinion battlefield for the Party and our country. It is necessary to bear in mind the important statements made by General Secretary Hu Jintao “correct guidance of public opinion will assist the Party, state, and the people; incorrect media guidance will damage the Party, the state, and the people.” We must always insist on unity, stability, positive propaganda around the overall situation, to serve the people, vigorously singing the main theme of the era, actively disseminate advanced socialist culture, and constantly strengthen the positive and healthy growth of the mainstream public opinion. We need to vigorously disseminate the Party’s ideas, to reflect the people’s will, to bridge the communication between the Party and government with the people. We need to enhance political awareness, awareness of the overall situation, sense of responsibility, battlefield awareness, and strengthen political sensitivity and discernment, and firmly establish the Marxist concept of news reporting and remain sober and firm on issues involving political directions, and Party and state affairs. We need to constantly improve our judgment on major critical issues, sensitive questions in complex situations, and provide the correct guidance of public opinion.

3, Let’s be persistent in reform and innovation, and speed up in building an extensive and technologically advanced modern media system. Reform and innovation are the driving force for the advancement of the telecommunications industry. We need to adapt to the latest features and requirements during ongoing globalization; information and public dissemination; keep on exploring and innovating; insist on promoting innovative initiatives and speed up the implementation to focus on the integration of the conventional media and newr media, switch our focus from domestic-oriented to both domestic and international; to build an extensive, technologically advanced modern media system. To enhance the awareness of independent innovation and strive to create a group of original programs to further enhance our country’s competitive influence in the domestic and international television network. We need to speed up the “expansion internationally” by strengthening the construction of foreign language international channels, expanding into other major foreign television sectors, vigorously promoting the localization of our media overseas so that our images and voices can be more widely spread around the world and into tens of thousands of households. We need to further build online television programs, accelerate the formation of a national-level television network equipped with international and domestic influence; build network television programs and enhance interaction to attract vast numbers of Internet users to upload and download healthy lively videos; to maximize the influence of mainstream media and grow the market share in the online video industry. We need to fully adopt and utilize the latest Internet technology and actively invest in research and development for our own network communication technology; to promote network television and mobile TV, car TV, public giant television, and expand network television coverage; to deepen reforms in the cultural and entertainment industry and further grow the cultural influence. We should deepen the reform of internal mechanisms, integration of existing resources, and improve management skills to promote labor, personnel, job assignment system reforms, and to encourage employees’ creativity and self-development.

4, We need to stick to the “Three Close Approach” principles to continually elevate our ability for guarding public opinion and spreading the “advanced culture.” Maintaining a close approach to reality, life, and the populace is the cardinal principle from the central committee since the 16th Party Congress for propaganda, ideology, and cultural work. It is the inevitable requirement for the work of television to thoroughly implement and realize the concept of scientific development. … In the event of major domestic and foreign incidents, we must insist on reporting with prompt accuracy and open transparency, and strive to be the first to speak out our voice, disseminate our viewpoints, win the power of words, and take control of the initiatives. We must unceasingly strengthen the credibility and influence of our country’s mainstream media. We need to perform  research on overseas audiences [to understand] their psychological characteristics and acceptance customs in order to produce works that closely follow the practicality of the development of China and the world, the demand of information about China, and the thinking behaviors of overseas audiences. We must use the skills of modern dissemination with the methods and languages that are understood and easily acceptable by the foreign audiences in order to strive for the improvement of originality, being the first to report, and the landing rate to strengthen the attractiveness and influence of our overseas propaganda. We need to deliver more artistic and theatrical works that are welcomed by domestic and foreign audiences to maximally satisfy the ever increasing cultural needs of the people. This is to make a new contribution to the big development and the great prosperity of the socialist culture.

5, We need to strengthen the development of qualified personnel and strive to create a high skill-level of television workers. We need to increase training of those middle-aged and young professional talents; to take various measures to train a large number of journalists, editors, and broadcasters, a group that are proficient in the television business, proficient in foreign languages, especially those reporters stationed in foreign countries who are familiar with the Party and state policies, to understand media operations and management, the talents who are the masterminds behind television, the latest network communication technologies. Vast numbers of television personnel must be firm in their ideals and faith, consciously apply the socialist theoretical system with Chinese characteristics, inherit and carry forward the fine tradition of senior television workers, and strive to make a first class performance that is worthy of the Party, worthy of the people, worthy of the times.

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We are in the new era of renewal of the Chinese nation. The future of Chinese Central Television is promising, very promising. The vast majority of television workers are uniting more closely with Comrade Hu Jintao as general secretary, holding high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, taking Deng Xiaoping’s Theory and the “Three Represents” as the guide, adopting deeper implementation of the scientific development concept, further promoting the cause of our country’s prosperity and the development of television, and letting the Party and the government spread the voice to millions of households, putting the voice of China to all parts of the world. We are making great contributions to achieve a well-off society and the great rejuvenation of China!

Source: Guangmin Daily, December 23, 2008
http://news.china.com/zh_cn/news100/11038989/20081223/15248144.html

In the past, the term “hawks” is historically used as a synonym for militants, zealots and extremists. Thus the “hawks” have a poor image and sometimes are not welcome. However, some experts have pointed out that there is a misunderstanding of the “hawks.” Being “hawks” is not equal to irrational nationalism and we should give it its original meaning, which is taking strong position to safeguard the national interest. Experts have stressed that on its renaissance path, China will be involved in more and more international conflicts. In this case, China needs more “hawks.” Without these “hawks,” the country would be like a family without brave men.

Experts: “Hawks” Do Not Equate to Irrational Nationalism and China Needs More “Hawks”

There are always people labeled as “hawks” in the Western countries, such as the United States and Japan. For example, Mr. Donald Rumsfeld, former US Defense Secretary, Mr. Bolton, former US Ambassador to the United Nations, Mr. Shintaro Ishihara, the Tokyo Governor, and Pranab Mukherjee, Indian Foreign Minister, all belong to this type. Whether in the international political arena or at home, their brave and harsh style has demonstrated their firm stances and absolute attitude towards safeguarding their national interests and dramatically influences the foreign policies of their respective countries. More importantly, these hawks have played a critical role in shaping their countries’ policies on foreign relationships, military and national defense.

On the contrary, in China, hawks are the subjects of criticism. The author believes a main reason is the misunderstanding of the hawks’ words and actions. One obvious manifest of this misunderstanding is to treat hawks’ words and actions as irrational behaviors of narrow nationalism, which does not help to preserve national interests, and can harm the national security.

On this issue, researchers may follow this logic. First, the advocates of the “hawks” will lead the national policies going astray by stoking irrational extreme nationalism. Second, the overseas forces against China will use the voices of “hawks” to achieve their goals. Third, strong voice of the “hawks” doesn’t match the peaceful image of China. China is no longer the “old China” that was bullied and tramped by other countries. It is almost impossible for a foreign hostile force to invade China on a large scale. So it is unnecessary for Chinese people to over-react and become emotional on this issue.

Actually, these logics are debatable. What the author wants to emphasize first is that we should not treat the voice of hawks as completely violent, barbaric, irrational, impulsive, and illegal behaviors. If we do, we would be altering the idea of “hawks”. Hawks represent hard-line stance to defend one’s nation’s interests. There is no evidence that many hawks in Western countries will lead their countries astray, nor is there any example demonstrating that their voices collectively does not benefit their national interests. On the contrary, those hawks normally have large numbers of supporters. Hawks are backed up by powerful interest groups that sometimes are the most conservative forces protecting their national interests. Taking China as the example, if hard-line position by hawks on the issues of Diaoyu Island or Spratly Islands bring the opponents see the sentiments of Chinese and China’s determination to defend its core interests. What’s wrong with that?

There is no conflict between China’s peaceful development and justly debuting the Western forces’ slander against China. We must learn and adapt to the complex environment of international discourse, because the ideal, “you are good and I am good” kind of favorable development environment does not exist at all.

Hence, when China is proactively integrating, listening to and understand the Western developed countries, China should also ask them to face at the pains and sufferings that China went through in old times. As for misunderstandings and prejudices toward China, we should communicate and discuss with them amicably to increase the mutual trust and friendship with each other. For those who are obstinate hard-liners against China, we should have the courage to show them our strength, and fight them at the right time. From this perspective, we have too few “hawks” in China. Their stances are not tough enough. Being tough doesn’t mean irrational behavior. Instead, it is part of being reasonable. Reason consists of a variety of different voices. A single voice does not make up reason.

The existence and the rise of a hawk are inevitable in history. A nation without “hawks” is just like a family without any brave men: the widows and orphans will be bullied by wicked people and thus remain vulnerable at any time. The county that dare not say no to extortion and threats cannot achieve smooth and peaceful domestic development.

Therefore, it’s necessary for us to re-evaluate the critical role that the “hawks” play in China. We cannot simply ignore their role nor put an end to their existence. Instead, we should allow room for them to exist. After all, any country in the world needs diverse voices. (The author is from Beijing University of Post and Telecommunications)

Courage, Humor, Determination! The Well-Known Quotations From The "Hawks" in Resolutely Safeguarding Our National Interests

Iron Lady Wu Yi: We Are Negotiating With The Bandits!

Americans were the first one who experienced the "Wu Yi style." In 1991 during a Sino-US intellectual property rights talk, then Deputy Minister of Foreign Economic Relations and Trade Wu Yi led the Chinese delegation and launched a tit-for-tat negotiation with Americans. One example that most illustrated "Wu Yi style" is, when the U.S. representative said: “I am negotiating with a thief." Wu Yi responded: "I am negotiating with the bandits. Take a look at your museum, how many things were stolen from China?” The United States representative was speechless.

Surprisingly, with sharp words, and stick and carrot in hands, Wu Yi did not make Americans feel resentful, but rather she won their respect. Foreign media called Wu Yi a "woman capable dealing with the very arrogant American". Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Grant Aldonas said, "She deeply felt the responsibility for her country."

Aggressive Sha Zukang: Your Face Reminds Me of the Opium War!

(1) Your face reminds me of the Opium War!

Reporter: “When you were appointed as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in Geneva, we know at that time each country’s Ambassador in Geneva paid you a courtesy visit, but you gave British Ambassador a different courtesy, wasn’t it?”

Sha Zukuang: “He said, ‘Your Excellency the Ambassador, the United Kingdom is concerned about the human rights situation in China.’ On my courtesy visit, he was impolite in the first place for raising a Substantive issue. I responded immediately, ‘Your Excellency the Ambassador, you know what I am thinking right now?’ He said he did not know. ‘Your face reminds me of the Opium War! You forced China to smoke opium. When Chinese people refused, you launched a war. Opium violated the right of Chinese people to be healthy. You illegally occupied Hong Kong for so many years until 1997. During the period of your occupation of Hong Kong, you never offered any democratic election. But today you suddenly care about the rights of the Chinese people. I feel that is very unnatural.”

Reporter: “When you decided to respond to him in this rather radical way, were you not worried that it may affect the bilateral relations?”

Sha Zukuang: “I was not worried, because he himself was hypocritical. Why should I need to consider endangering the bilateral relations? Why didn’t he consider that? I believe the rule of reciprocity. Since he made the mistake first with political motivation, he knew better than anyone else that he had a sinister plot. In my opinion, he got what he deserved. If I did not fight back, he would think me weak. If you acknowledge his accusation, he would be more and more arrogant, which was unacceptable to me.”

(2) We hope some countries look at themselves in the mirror before criticizing and accusing others.

Geneva has been the main battlefield for human rights. On March 24, 2004 at the 60th session of the Commission on Human Rights of the United Nations, when the United States brought out the anti-China motion, Sha Zukuang immediately responded in English, a wonderful speech in the conference: "Western countries are not the role model for protecting the human rights, developing countries do not lead the violations of the human rights. (United Nations) Human Rights Commission does not authorize any country or group to act as judge of human rights. Developing countries should not be forever a defendant in the human rights court. There is an old Chinese saying, ‘He who wants to fix others should fix himself first.’ We hope that some countries look at themselves in the mirror before criticizing and accusing others.”

Sha said, “American friends, we China are poor, a country still in development. But no matter how poor we are, we can afford a few mirrors. We want to buy some mirrors to give you for free to let you take a look at yourself. Because the White Paper you published has one thing missing. Our State Council Information Office wrote a report called ‘The United States Human Rights White Paper.’ That is a mirror. I hope you take a look at it. One more thing, I advise you not to read it before going to bed. Because the United States human rights record, if you read it, especially if you read before going to bed, will give you nightmares. You won’t sleep well.”

Sha Zukuang later told reporters during an interview: “I remember my four-minute reply, was interrupted five times by the applauses. Thunderous applause came from everyone. The United States delegation was also laughing, also felt it laughable. To tell the truth, he is not very serious about his anti-China motion. That’s how I felt. He was not really concerned about China’s human rights. He appeared to be more concerned about Chinese people than the Chinese government did. I felt that was bizarre. I think they are most concerned about themselves.”

Li Zhaoxing, Quick-Witted Yet Humorous: The Corruption of Provincial-Level Official Is Not Part of My Responsibility!

(1) Chen Shui-bian is a provincial-level official; corruption is a domestic affair!

After attending a joint reception for 3rd Ministerial Conference and Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Li Zhaoxing had a media interview. In the interview when being asked about Chen Shui-bian, he said Chen Shui-bian is a Taiwan Provincial level official. “Do you have questions about our work? The corruption is a domestic affair. I am the Minister for Foreign Affairs, OK?"

(2) Why should I talk to Chen Shui-bian face to face? Who is he?

During the 2006 National People’s Conference session and the session of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, a Taiwan reporter asked Li Zhaoxing, “If there was an opportunity for you to talk to Chen Shui-bian face to face, what do you want to talk about the most?” Li Zhaoxing immediately answered very angrily: "Why should I talk to him face to face? Who is he?” This quit-witted answer, put reporters amused.

Another reporter asked, “Japanese media says you are about to retire, is it true?” Li Zhaoxing, with his “swift and fierce” style, asked reporter, “Do you believe Japanese, or believe me? If you believe them, do not ask me.” Facing Li’s sharp words, the reporter had no choice but said, “I believe you, I believe you.”

(3) You Texas only joined the United States in 1845, but Tibet has been incorporated into Chinese territory since mid 13th century.

The then Chinese Ambassador to the United States Li Zhaoxing once gave a lecture at the University of Ohio. An elderly lady asked him: "Why did you invade Tibet?" Li Zhaoxing, changed his usual style, did not give a direct counter-attack. After learning that the old lady was from Texas, he said, “You Texas only joined the United States in 1845, but Tibet has been incorporated into Chinese territory since the middle of the 13th century. Look, your arms are part of your body. Can you say your body invades your arms?” The old lady laughed. Giving Li Zhaoxing a warm hug, she kept saying, “Thank you, thank you for letting me to see the truth of history."

Hard-Liner Chinese Generals: With The People’s Liberation Army, Those Who Want to Occupy The Nansha Islands Has No Hope to Succeed!

(1) Navy admirals are determined: with the People’s Liberation Army, those who want occupy the Nansha Islands has no hope to succeed!

Political Commissar of the South Sea Fleet Huang Jiaxiang: Some countries with illegal attempts to take over Nansha Island won’t be able to succeed. To certain extent they are doing some kind of propaganda. They can’t achieve their goal. We have full confidence and capability in safeguarding our interests in the South Sea.

(2) The son of Ma Benzhai, Naval Aviation deputy commissar: for Nansha issue, China will be gentleman first and soldier next!

Ma Benzhai’s son, Deputy Commissar of Naval Aviation Ma Guochao talked about the recent frequent harassments over China’s Xisha and Nansha islands. He said, “China will be gentleman first before resorting to force. We will try to avoid conflict as much as possible when patrolling. But if some country chooses to take over China’s land, China’s navy is fully capable of defending our waters and airspace.”

(3) East sea fleet commander: we must build aircraft carriers and be tit-for-tat with the ambitions of Japan.

East Sea Fleet Commander Zhao Guojun: Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso said Diaoyu Island is Japan’s inherent territory. We must carry out our own tit-for-tat position.

Endnote:
[1] Global Times, March 9, 2009 reprinted by Qiaobao
http://www.usqiaobao.com/newscenter/2009-03/09/content_198164.htm