Transcript of Saudi Gazette’s Interview with Ambassador Li Huaxin
《沙特公报》采访驻沙特大使李华新全文
5 May 2018
2018年5月5日
On May 5, 2018, Saudi Gazette published an interview with Ambassador Li Huaxin in the third edition and its website. The full text is as follows: (The newspaper edition of Saudi Gazette is slightly different)
2018年5月5日，英文《沙特公报》在第三版及其官网刊登了对驻沙特大使李华新的采访，全文如下：(《沙特公报》纸质版略有删节)
1. Saudi-Chinese relations started in 1990. Despite the short period of relations that does not exceed 28 years, the Saudi-Chinese relations have seen a great and accelerating development towards further cooperation and mutual understanding at all levels. Mr. Ambassador, how would you describe these relations? And what are the most important stages of the Saudi-Chinese relations? And what do you think is the reason behind this convergence between the two sides?
1. 中沙建交于1990年，虽然两国建交时间不长，不到28年，但近年来双边关系快速发展，各领域合作前景广阔。大使先生，您如何评价中沙双边关系？中沙双边关系发展历程中有哪些重要节点？拉近中沙关系原因是什么？
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1990, the relations between China and Saudi Arabia have seen sustained and rapid development. The bilateral relations have been elevated to the comprehensive strategic partnership. With the political mutual trust between the two sides increasingly strengthened, the two sides supported each other on issues involving each side’s core interests and major concerns. The deepening of practical cooperation has led the bilateral cooperation to the forefront of China’s cooperation with other Middle Eastern countries in many areas. At present, in the face of profound changes in the world’s political and economic structure, the strategic and comprehensive nature of the relations between China and Saudi Arabia has become more prominent. Both sides support the establishment of a new type of international relations centering on win-win cooperation and both adhere to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. Both sides call for guiding economic globalization to develop towards a more inclusive, mutually beneficial and fair direction, advocate that a country’s transformation and upgrading could be accelerated through the development of connectivity and international capacity cooperation, and commit to resolving global and regional hot issues through negotiation and dialogue.
自1990年建交以来，中沙关系持续、快速发展，两国已成为全面战略伙伴关系。双方政治互信日益增强，在涉及彼此核心利益和重大关切问题上相互支持。务实合作不断深化，在许多领域都走在了中国同中东国家合作的前列。当前，面对世界政治经济格局的深刻变化，中沙关系的战略性、全面性更加凸显。双方都支持构建以合作共赢为核心的新型国际关系，都坚持捍卫不干涉内政原则；双方都呼吁引导经济全球化朝着更加包容互惠、公正合理的方向发展，主张通过开展互联互通和国际产能合作，实现国家发展转型的提速升级；双方都致力于通过谈判对话解决全球性和地区热点问题。
The development of the relations between China and Saudi Arabia is inseparable from the support and guidance of the leaders of the two states. In January 2016, President Xi Jinping visited Saudi Arabia and the two countries established a comprehensive strategic partnership and decided to establish a High-level Joint Committee of China and Saudi Arabia to push bilateral relations into a new stage of rapid development. In August, then Crown Prince Mohammad visited China and held the first meeting of China-Saudi Arabia “High-level Committee” and attended the G20 Hangzhou Summit. In March 2017, King Salman visited China, which further promoted the alignment of development strategies of the two countries and deepened the practical cooperation under the “Belt and Road” framework. In August, Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli of China visited Saudi Arabia and held the second meeting of “High-level Committee” with Crown Prince Mohammed, which have brought the practical cooperation in various fields to a new level. The leaders of the two states have established close working relationships and profound personal friendship. With the top leaders’ concerns and promotion as well as the joint efforts of various departments of both states, the bilateral relations have continuously moving forward.
中沙关系的发展与两国领导人的支持和指导密不可分。2016年1月，习近平主席访问沙特，两国建立全面战略伙伴关系，并决定成立中沙高级别联合委员会，推动两国关系步入快速发展的新阶段。8月，时任王储继承人穆罕默德访华，举行中沙“高委会”首次会议并出席G20杭州峰会。2017年3月，萨勒曼国王访华，进一步推动两国发展战略对接，深化双方“一带一路”框架下的务实合作。8月，中国国务院副总理张高丽访沙，与王储穆罕默德举行中沙“高委会”第二次会议，各领域务实合作再上新台阶。两国领导人建立了紧密工作关系和深厚个人友谊，两国高层的亲自关心和推动，以及双方各部门的共同努力，推动双边关系不断向前发展。
2. Let’s have a little talk about the recent visits of the Chinese president to Saudi Arabia in January 2016, and the Saudi king to the People’s Republic of China in March 2017. There was a warm welcome on both sides. The Chinese president’s visit saw the transformation of the relations from strategic cooperation to comprehensive strategic partnership. The Saudi king’s visit saw the activation of this partnership through signing cooperation agreements worth $65 billion between the two states. Mr. Ambassador, how do you see these visits and their reflections on the relations between the two sides?
2. 让我们回顾一下2016年1月习近平主席对沙特的访问和2017年3月萨勒曼国王对中国的访问，两国元首都受到了对方的热情接待，中国国家主席访沙时，两国将双边关系提升到了全面战略伙伴关系。萨勒曼国王访华时，两国签署了价值650美元的各领域合作协议。大使先生，您如何评价这两次访问？元首互访对两国关系有哪些影响？
In January 2016, President Xi Jinping made a historic visit to Saudi Arabia, which was the first stop of his visit that year and also the first Middle East country President Xi visited after he was elected the president. During the visit, the two heads of state announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership and decided to establish a High-level Committee between China and Saudi Arabia, which charted the course for the bilateral relations in the future and led bilateral practical cooperation to a higher level. In March 2017, King Salman paid a state visit to China, which was his visit again after 11 years since his last visit to China as well as his third visit to China. His visit was of great significance to enhance friendship between the leaders of the two countries, consolidate strategic trust between China and Saudi Arabia and promote practical cooperation in various fields. During this visit, the leaders of the two countries witnessed the signing of a series of cooperation documents in many fields, including capacity, trade, space, new energy and education, and the two sides also jointly organized a series of cultural and economic activities. The new round of interaction between the highest leaders of the two countries opened a new era of comprehensive and rapid development of China-Saudi Arabia relations, and also sent a positive signal to the international community that the two sides would strengthen strategic cooperation, deepen the alignment of development, promote regional peace and build a community with a shared future for mankind.
2016年1月，习近平主席对沙特进行了历史性访问，沙特是习主席当年出访的第一站，也是习主席担任国家主席后访问的首个中东国家。访问期间，两国元首宣布建立全面战略伙伴关系，并决定成立中沙高级别联合委员会，为中沙关系未来发展指明方向，引领两国务实合作达到更高水平。2017年3月，沙特国王萨勒曼对中国进行国事访问，此访是沙特国王时隔11年再次访华，也是萨勒曼国王本人第三次访华，对增进两国领导人友谊，巩固中沙战略互信，促进双边个领域务实合作具有重要意义。访问期间，两国领导人见证签署产能、贸易、航天、新能源、教育等多个领域的一系列合作文件，双方还举办了一系列人文、经贸活动。两国最高领导人的新一轮互动，开启了中沙关系全面快速发展的新时代，也向国际社会传递出中沙加强战略合作，深化发展对接，促进地区和平，打造人类命运共同体的积极信号。
3. Trade is the most important aspect of our relations; would you tell us about the volume of the Chinese-Saudi trade cooperation in numbers?
3. 双边经贸额是两国关系的重要体现，您能否用数字介绍一下中沙贸易情况？
Since 2013, China has been the largest trading partner for Saudi Arabia, and Saudi Arabia has been China’s largest trading partner in Western Asia and Africa. From 2000 to 2015, Saudi Arabia was the largest crude oil supplier for China in 16 consecutive years. In 2017, the total amount of trade between China and Saudi Arabia reached $49.984 million, with a year-on-year increase of 18. 22%, of which China exported $18.22 billion to Saudi Arabia and imported $31.7 billion. In 2017, China imported 5,218.12 tons of crude oil from Saudi Arabia, up by 2.31% compared to the previous year, accounting for 12.44% of China’s total crude oil imports, with a value of $205.11 billion, a year-on-year growth of 31.74%. In 2017, China invested $88.79 million in Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabia invested $150 million in China.
自2013年以来，中国一直是沙特最大的贸易伙伴，而沙特则是中国在西亚非洲地区第一大贸易伙伴。从2000年至2015年，沙特连续16年是中国最大原油供应国。2017年，中沙贸易总额达到499.84亿美元，同比上涨了18.22%，其中，中国对沙出口182.2亿美元，进口317.64亿美元。2017年，中国进口沙特原油5218.12吨，同比增长2.31%，占中国原油进口总量的12.44%，价值205.11亿美元，同比增长31.74%。2017年，中国对沙投资8879万美元，沙特对华投资1.5亿美元。
4. In light of the current economic trend, the People’s Republic of China is keen to implement the “Belt & Road Initiative”, while Saudi Arabia is eager to implement the Saudi “Vision 2030”. In general, how does the People’s Republic of China perceive the Saudi “Vision 2030”? Is there a possibility of harmony and integration between the two visions with respect to increasing cooperation in energy, finance, production capacity, and infrastructure?
4. 在当前经济形势下，中国正在积极落实“一带一路”倡议，同时沙方也在推进“2030愿景”，中方如何评价“2030愿景”？双方战略是否能够实现对接融合，从而进一步加强能源、金融、产能、基础设施建设等领域的合作？
“Vision 2030” is the guiding principle for Saudi Arabia to push forward the economic transition and comprehensive development，which focuses on the non-oil economy to improve the vitality of economic development. Since the inauguration of Saudi “Vision 2030”, Saudi Arabia has made new achievements in reform and development across many fields, which China appreciates. China is willing to support Saudi Arabia to realize “Vision 2030” and to be the worldwide cooperation partner for the diversification of Saudi Arabia’s economy. China also appreciates Saudi Arabia’s active participation in the construction of the “Belt & Road Initiative”, and welcomes Saudi Arabia to be the worldwide cooperation partner in the co-construction of the “Belt & Road Initiative”. During President Xi Jinping’s visit to Saudi Arabia in January 2016, the two countries signed the cooperation agreement to construct the “Belt & Road Initiative” together. Both sides are making decision to sign an implementation plan to integrate “Vision 2030” and the “Belt & Road Initiative” and both sides agreed to build a series of package deal cooperation mechanisms in the energy field. At present, Saudi Arabia has been striving to develop its industry and push forward the industry development in nuclear energy, renewable energy, science and technologies and investment to build Saudi Arabia into a regional trade and logistics center. China is competitive and experienced in many fields in which Saudi Arabia is interested. Both sides have complementary advantages and huge potential in cooperation. It is believed that the cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia will stride to a new stage with more vitality，more sustainability and more results. The achievements of integrating the “Belt & Road Initiative” and “Vision 2030” will benefit both countries and lead the regional cooperation.
“2030愿景”是沙特推动经济转型、全面发展的总纲领，着力发展非石油经济，提升经济发展活力，自发布以来，沙特各领域改革和发展不断取得新成就，中方对此表示赞赏。我们支持沙特实现“2030愿景”，愿做沙特经济多元化的全球合作伙伴。中方也赞赏沙方参与“一带一路”建设的积极行动，欢迎沙特成为共建“一带一路”的全球合作伙伴。2016年1月习主席访问沙特期间，两国签署共建“一带一路”合作文件；双方还在加紧商签“一带一路”倡议同“2030愿景”战略对接实施方案；一致同意建立能源领域一揽子合作机制。当前，沙方正大力发展工业，推进核能、可再生能源、科技、投资等产业发展，将沙特打造成地区贸易物流中心。中方在沙关心的许多领域都有较强实力和丰富经验。双方优势互补，合作潜力巨大。相信中沙合作将迈向更具活力、更可持续、更富成效的新阶段。中沙对接“一带一路”建设和“2030愿景”的成果不但将惠及两国，更将引领地区合作。
5. On 30th August 2016, Chinese-Saudi high-level joint committee was founded and headed by the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, and by Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli. The committee held its first meeting in China where 17 agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed in economic, trade, and development programs. How would you evaluate this committee? And do you think this committee will push the comprehensive strategic partnership forwards?
5. 2016年8月30日，由中国张高丽副总理和沙特王储穆罕默德牵头的中沙高级别联合委员会成立，高委会首次会议在北京召开，双方签署了经济、贸易、开发项目等17项合作协议和谅解备忘录。您如何评价“高委会”的作用？高委会对于中沙全面战略伙伴关系的发展能否发挥助推作用？
In January 2016 the two heads of state decided to establish China-Saudi Arabia High-Level Joint Committee. Since then the Committee has held two meetings respectively in Beijing, China and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The mission of the Committee is to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, to coordinate and promote cooperation in various fields for both sides. In August 2016，the first meeting of the Committee was held in Beijing, during which Zhang Gaoli and Mohammad Bin Salman signed an Agreement on Forming Chinese-Saudi High-Level Joint Committee between the Government of the Peoples Republic of China and the Government of Saudi Arabia and a Minutes of Chinese-Saudi High-Level Joint Committees First Session between the Government of the Peoples Republic of China and the Government of Saudi Arabia, and witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents in politics, energy, finance, investment, real estate, water resource, quality testing, science and technologies and cultural exchanges. In August 2017, the second meeting of the Committee was held in Jeddah. Both parties agreed that the first Committee has achieved remarkable results, in which the key projects were advanced smoothly. The two sides signed a list of key projects for production capacity and investment cooperation, of which 30 projects were identified. The bilateral trade has developed well and the people-to-people and cultural exchanges have been deeply rooted in people’s hearts. Related cooperation has been deeply favoured by the people of both countries. The two sides have signed the minutes of the meeting and witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in the fields of investment, trade, energy, postal services, communications and media. In the next stage, the Committee will commit to strengthening the alignment of development strategies of the two countries, promoting practical cooperation, intensifying people-to-people and cultural exchanges, advancing mutual benefit and win-win results, and building a new pattern of all-dimensional cooperation in China and Saudi Arabia, so as to continuously enrich the connotation of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Saudi Arabia.
2016年1月两国元首决定成立中沙高级别联合委员会以来，“高委会”已分别在中国北京和沙特吉达召开两次会议。“高委会”的任务是落实两国元首达成的重要共识，统筹和促进双方各领域合作，2016年8月，中沙“高委会”第一次会议在京召开，张高丽和穆罕默德签署了《中国政府和沙特政府关于成立中沙高级别联合委员会的协定》和《中国政府和沙特政府高级别联合委员会首次会议纪要》，并共同见证了双方政治、能源、金融、投资、住房、水资源、质检、科技、人文等领域合作文件的签署。2017年8月，“高委会”第二次会议在吉达举行。双方一致认为，首次高委会召开一年来成效显著，重点项目推进顺利，双方签署产能与投资合作重点项目清单，确定了30个项目；双边贸易发展良好，文化交流深入人心，相关合作深受两国人民喜爱。双方签署了会议纪要，并共同见证了有关投资、贸易、能源、邮政、通信、媒体等领域合作文件的签署。下阶段，高委会将致力于强化两国发展战略对接，推进务实合作，密切人文交流，促进互利共赢，打造中沙全方位立体合作新格局，不断丰富中沙全面战略伙伴关系内涵。
6. Cultural exchange between the two states is inevitable at many fronts, how is it possible to deepen it?
6. 文化交流是中沙关系的重要组成部分，未来两国将如何深入开展文化交流？
In recent years, there have been many new highlights in China-Saudi Arabia cultural cooperation. In 2013, China participated in Saudi Arabia’s Jenadriyah Heritage and Cultural Festival for the first time as a guest country. More than 30 Chinese traditional arts and more than 600 exquisite works of art caused great repercussions among Saudi citizens. In February 2017, the premiere of the first animation jointly produced by China and Saudi Arabia, Kong Xiaoxi and Hakim was held in Saudi Arabia and enjoyed by the audience of the two states. In December 2016, Saudi Arabia held the exhibition – Roads of Arabia: Archaeological Treasures of Saudi Arabia in China for the first time. During the visit to China in March 2017, King Salman attended the closing ceremony of the exhibition with President Xi. The King also attended the opening ceremony of the King Abdulaziz Public Library PKU Branch and accepted the award of Honorary Doctorate from Peking University. At the end of last year, China again held the “Chinese Culture Week” in Riyadh and Jeddah after seven years, and it was warmly welcomed by the Saudi public. In April, China will also host the “Happy Spring Festival” dragon and lion art performance in Saudi Arabia. With the gradual implementation of the Saudi “Vision 2030”, the two countries will have more opportunities to cooperate in the cultural field, especially in new areas such as film, theater and entertainment. To strengthen people-to-people bonds is an important part of China’s “Belt and Road” initiative and is also an important task of the two countries’ High-level Committee. The two sides will commit to strengthening exchanges and cooperation in such fields as culture, education, health, science and technology, tourism, and news.
近年来，中沙文化合作有不少新的亮点。2013年，中国作为主宾国首次参加沙特“杰纳第利亚民族文化遗产节”，中方30余项传统技艺、600余件精美艺术品的展演在沙特民众中引起强烈反响。2017年2月，由中沙两国首次联合制作的动画片《孔小西与哈基姆》在沙特举行首映式，受到两国观众喜爱。2016年12月，沙特首次在华举办“阿拉伯之路”——沙特出土文物展。2017年3月萨勒曼国王访华期间，与习主席共同出席了文物展闭幕式，国王还出席了阿卜杜勒阿齐兹国王图书馆北京大学分馆落成仪式，并接受北京大学授予的荣誉博士学位。去年底，中国时隔七年再次在利雅得、吉达两地举办“中国文化周”，受到沙特民众的热烈欢迎。4月，中国还将在沙举办“欢乐春节”龙狮艺术表演。随着沙特“2030愿景”的逐步落实，两国在文化领域，特别是电影、戏剧、娱乐等新领域将有更多合作契机。促进民心相通是中国“一带一路”倡议的重要组成部分，也是两国高委会的重要工作内容，双方将进一步致力于加强文化、教育、卫生、科技、旅游、新闻等领域交流与合作。
7. The “Two Sessions” held recently in China have aroused the attention of the world. What new figures and highlights in respect of China’s economy are included in Premier Li Keqiang’s Report on the Work of the Government?
7. 刚刚召开的中国“两会”引起了全世界的关注，李克强总理《政府工作报告》中关于中国经济有哪些新的数字和亮点？
The past few years have witnessed anemic world economic recovery, volatility in global financial markets, and a sharp rise in protectionism. In China, structural issues and underlying problems have become more acute, downward pressure on the economy has continued to mount. In confronting this new environment, with a commitment to the general principle of pursuing process while ensuring stability, the Chinese government has focused on developing new and better approaches to macro regulation, kept major indicators within an appropriate range, and achieved stable, positive economic performance. Over the past five years, China’s economic strength has reached a new high. China’s gross domestic product (GDP) has risen from 54 trillion to 82.7 trillion yuan (approximately 13.16 trillion US dollars), registering average annual growth of 7.1 percent; and its share in the global economy has grown to roughly 15 percent up from 11.4 percent. China’s contribution to global growth has exceeded 30 percent. More than 66 million new urban jobs have been added. The structure of the Chinese economy has seen a major transformation. With the share of the service sector rising from 45.3 to 51.6 percent of the economy, consumption’s contribution to growth has increased from 54.9 to 58.8 percent, becoming the main driver of growth. High-tech manufacturing has achieved an average annual increase of 11.7 percent. Innovation-driven development has yielded fruitful outcomes. China’s investment in research and development has grown at an average annual rate of 11 percent, ranking the second in the world. The contribution of technological advances to economic growth has risen from 52.2 to 57.5 percent. In manned spaceflight, deep-water exploration, quantum communications, large aircraft development, and more, China has seen a stream of major outcomes of innovation. In high-speed rail, e-commerce, mobile payments, and the sharing economy, China is leading the world. Business start-ups and innovation are thriving all over the country, and the average number of new businesses opened daily has risen from over 5,000 to more than 16,000. Living standards have been constantly improving. A number of 68 million of poverty population has been decreased and the poverty incidence dropped from 10.2% to 3.1%. The resident income has been increased by 7.4% on annual average, outpacing economic growth and creating the world’s largest middle-income group. Tourist departures have grown from 83 million to over 130 million. The environment has seen gradual improvement. Both energy and water consumption per unit of GDP have fallen more than 20 percent and the number of days of heavy air pollution in key cities has fallen 50 percent. Forest coverage has increased by 163 million acres (10.87 million hectares), and the area of desertified land has been reduced by close to 2,000 square kilometers on average each year. Encouraging progress has been made in green development. In the year just passed, all main targets and tasks for economic and social development were accomplished and performance has exceeded expectations. GDP grew 6.9 percent and personal income rose 7.3 percent, both beating the previous year’s growth rates. Around 13.51 million new urban jobs were created, and the jobless rate was the lowest in recent years. Industrial growth began to rebound, and corporate profits increased 21 percent. Government revenue grew 7.4 percent, reversing the slowdown in growth. The total import and export value rose 14.2 percent. Inward foreign investment reached 136.3 billion U.S. dollars, hitting a new all-time high. The state of play in the economy was good, with growth and quality, structural improvement, and performance each reinforcing the other.
近年来，世界经济复苏乏力，国际金融市场跌宕起伏，保护主义明显抬头。中国经济发展中结构性问题和深层次矛盾凸显，经济下行压力持续加大。面对这种局面，中国政府坚持稳中求进工作总基调，着力创新和完善宏观调控，经济运行保持在合理区间，实现稳中向好。过去五年中，中国经济实力跃上新台阶。国内生产总值从54万亿元增加到82.7万亿元(约合13.16万亿美元)，年均增长7.1%，占世界经济比重从11.4%提高到15%左右，对世界经济增长贡献率超过30%。城镇新增就业6600万人以上。经济结构出现重大变革。消费贡献率由54.9%提高到58.8%，服务业比重从45.3%上升到51.6%，成为经济增长主动力。高技术制造业年均增长11.7%。创新驱动发展成果丰硕。全社会研发投入年均增长11%，规模跃居世界第二位。科技进步贡献率由52.2%提高到57.5%。载人航天、深海探测、量子通信、大飞机等重大创新成果不断涌现。高铁网络、电子商务、移动支付、共享经济等引领世界潮流。大众创业、万众创新蓬勃发展，日均新设企业由5千多户增加到1万6千多户。人民生活持续改善。贫困人口减少6800多万，贫困发生率由10.2%下降到3.1%。居民收入年均增长7.4%、超过经济增速，形成世界上人口最多的中等收入群体。出境旅游人次由8300万增加到1亿3千多万。生态环境状况逐步好转。单位国内生产总值能耗、水耗均下降20%以上，重点城市重污染天数减少一半，森林面积增加1.63亿亩(约合1087万公顷)，沙化土地面积年均缩减近2000平方公里，绿色发展呈现可喜局面。刚刚过去的2017年，经济社会发展主要目标任务全面完成并好于预期。国内生产总值增长6.9%，居民收入增长7.3%，增速均比上年有所加快；城镇新增就业1351万人，失业率为多年来最低；工业增速回升，企业利润增长21%；财政收入增长7.4%，扭转了增速放缓态势；进出口增长14.2%，实际使用外资1363亿美元、创历史新高。经济发展呈现出增长与质量、结构、效益相得益彰的良好局面。