On September 22, 2021, Ambassador Qin Gang attended the online conversation co-hosted by the Carter Center and the George HW Bush Foundation for US-China Relations and delivered a speech. Former US President Jimmy Carter and Carter Center CEO Paige Alexander sent a joint congratulatory letter to the event. Mr. Neil Bush, Chairman of the George HW Bush Foundation for US-China Relations, delivered remarks. Approximately 400 participants from various sectors of the United States attended the online conversation. The event was broadcast live by the CGTN.

Ambassador Qin praised the historic contributions made by Presidents Carter and George HW Bush to the development of Sino-US relations. He praised the efforts of the Carter Center and the Bush China Foundation to promote exchanges and cooperation between China and the United States. He pointed out that thanks to generations of Chinese and American leaders and people, Sino-American relations have made remarkable progress. However, today some Americans define America’s relationship with China as democracy versus authoritarianism, and attempt to stir up ideological confrontation, which has led to serious difficulties in Sino-American relations.

Ambassador Qin stressed that a basic criterion of democracy should be whether people have the right to rule their country, whether their needs are met, and whether they have a sense of fulfillment and happiness. The idea of ​​the human first has been embedded in the genes of the Chinese since ancient times. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was established with the mission of seeking happiness for the people. With the anti-dictatorship, anti-autocracy and anti-oppression slogans, he made the people master of their own country and won the hearts of the people. As a party in power, it has remained true to its founding mission: centered on the people and serving the people with all its heart. What China has today is a global democracy. The people have the right to be elected and they can be widely involved in national governance according to the law. They exercise state power through the National People’s Congress and local people’s assemblies at different levels. China also has a unique political consultation system and corresponding institutions, which are important ways for the people to exercise democracy. All matters that concern people’s vested interests are discussed extensively before important decisions are made to ensure that what people want is reflected in the final decisions. Most issues and conflicts of interest have been resolved and suggestions accepted during consultations, which also facilitates policy implementation.

Ambassador Qin pointed out that in China, talents were chosen on the basis of their ability and merit since ancient times. A Chinese has to pass all kinds of exams during his life. At work, there is additional training, assessments and selections, as well as oversight from supervisors, colleagues, the public and the media. CCP members are also subject to Party disciplines, which are stricter than the law. The top Chinese leaders have all had many years of professional experience, from grassroots to senior levels in different localities. As they worked their way up the ranks, they got to know the concerns of the people at the kitchen table. They deeply love people, care about people, and have become able to handle complexities and get things done for people. At the same time, they are loved, trusted and supported by people.

Ambassador Qin said that whether a system is democratic depends on its ability to represent the general interests of the people and on their satisfaction. Whether it is good or not should not be judged by what we say, but by what we do. As some busy themselves fanning the battle between democracy and authoritarianism and forming an alliance of democracies, absolute poverty has become a thing of the past in China, and 1.4 billion people aspire to common prosperity. China has become the world’s second-largest economy and largest trading nation, and contributes more than 30% of global economic growth each year. Every day, 16,000 companies are set up in China, and more than 120 foreign companies flock to China, one of the world’s largest consumer markets and the world’s leading investment destination. Almost all Chinese have basic health insurance and old age pension insurance. Products from remote areas are sold nationwide through live streaming. High mountain farmers and urban youth take high-speed trains to seek work elsewhere and pursue their dreams. Green, low-carbon living has become a new fad. The Chinese drive 50% of the new energy vehicles in the world, on the largest network of highways in the world. 10% of the Chinese population have visited other countries to open their eyes. Chinese astronauts have returned safely to Earth after spending several months in our space station. The rights and freedoms of the Chinese are fully protected by the Constitution, and they are on their way to the polling stations. Muslims from Xinjiang and elsewhere visit nearby mosques. One billion Chinese internet users connect with the world for information and engagement with the click of a mouse. China has signed 26 international human rights instruments. COVID-19 has been virtually brought under control in China, with 1.1 billion people fully vaccinated. China has supplied vaccines to more than 100 countries and international organizations, and will provide a total of two billion doses by the end of this year. The Belt and Road Initiative, guided by the principle of broad consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, will lift tens of millions of people in other countries out of poverty. More than 2,400 Chinese peacekeepers are serving around the world. President Xi Jinping yesterday proposed a global development initiative. China is working with other countries to build a community of destiny for humanity.

Ambassador Qin pointed out that there are many difficulties and challenges on our way. We are deepening reforms, improving socialist democracy and modernizing national governance. These efforts are aimed at meeting the people’s aspiration for a better life and making a greater contribution to humanity. China seeks peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, which are values ​​common to humanity. China’s socialist democracy could be understood as follows: from the people, to the people, with the people, to the people.

Ambassador Qin said that China and the United States are different in their history, culture and political system. But as President Carter said, the American and Chinese peoples aspire to peace and prosperity, and the leaders of Washington and Beijing share a common goal: to create peaceful and stable conditions for their people to seek happiness. . This is the greatest commonality between China and the United States. Our two countries must not and cannot change each other. Instead, we should break down ideological barriers, reject the zero-sum mentality, respect other countries and accommodate each other without losing our own distinctions, so that we can get along in peace. President Xi stressed that “China and the United States must show a broad vision and assume great responsibility. The two countries must look to the future and forge ahead, and restore the Sino-China relationship. America on the right path to stable development as soon as possible, for the benefit of the peoples of both countries and the world. ” Let us show strategic courage and political determination to chart a new course in Sino-US relations.

Ambassador Qin also exchanged views with the audience on how China and the United States can strengthen communication and dialogue, enhance mutual trust and cooperation, promote people-to-people exchanges and raise together global challenges, and what role China will play in economic integration. Asia-Pacific.

President Carter and Mr. Bush have declared the US-China relationship to be the most important bilateral relationship in the world. Faced with the new situation, the United States and China should take a long-term view, increase mutual understanding and trust through regular dialogue and communication, expand cooperation in various fields and overcome the difficulties and challenges in bilateral relations in order to provide more benefits to the two peoples and promote peace and prosperity in the world. The Carter Center and the Bush China Foundation will engage in friendly exchanges between the United States and China and play a positive role in the healthy and stable development of the United States-China relations.