A top Chinese information official Monday emphasized the importance of peace and development to the world's most populous country during a trip to London.

 

Cai Wu (L), minister of the Information Office of China's State Council shakes hands with Britain's Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell before a welcoming banquet of Sino-British Media Forum in London April 16, 2007.

 

"Peace is the prerequisite for development, and development is the key to solving all problems. Peace and development are the inevitable choices of China's modernization effort," said Cai Wu, Minister of the State Council Information Office at a welcoming banquet of Sino-British Media Forum.

 

China sticks to peaceful development, which means to develop itself while safeguarding world peace, and boost the world peace through self-development, the minister pointed out.

 

On development, China aimed to build a relatively well-off society during the first two decades of this century, noted Cai, adding that "We plan to quadruple China's year-2000 GDP to about US$4 trillion by 2020, with the per capita GDP reaching about US$3,000."

 

China would try to further develop its economy, enhance the democratic system and improve its science, education and cultural development, so as to make it a harmonious society where people enjoy a better life, continued Cai.

 

Defining building a harmonious society as a domestic goal, the minister then talked about the country's external goal of promoting a harmonious world with long-lasting peace and common prosperity.

 

"Our objective of building a harmonious world is to build a democratic, fair, just, honest, friendly, vigorous and orderly society that is ruled by law and where humans and nature coexist harmoniously," said he.

 

Cai Wu (R), minister of the Information Office of China's State Council meets with British Minister of State for Industry and the Regions Margaret Hodge in London April 16, 2007. 

 

Turning to Sino-British relations, Cai pointed out that the successful settlement of the Hong Kong issue through peaceful negotiations laid a solid foundation for the sound development of the bilateral relationship, evidenced by frequent high-level visits between the two countries.

 

Chinese President Hu Jintao and British Prime Minister Tony Blair met four times in 2005 alone after the two countries decided to establish the comprehensive strategic partnership in May, 2004, elaborated Cai.

 

"After undergoing twists and turns in the past half a century, Sino-British relationship is maturing and is at the best times in history, Sino-British relationship is maturing and is at the best times in history," said he.

 

On the economic front, Britain is China's third largest trade partner in the EU, with bilateral trade volume exceeding US$30 billion by the end of 2006, the minister noted.

 

Cai went on to reveal that the two sides have reached an initial agreement that "China Festival 2008," which will include series of large-scale Chinese cultural activities, will be held in Britain next year.

 

The event followed a Chinese Culture Year in 2004 and Chinese culture seasons in the pursuing years, as well as various British cultural activities held in China, including the display of the collection of the British Museum.

 

Cai Wu (R), minister of the Information Office of China's State Council meets with London Mayor Ken Livingstone in London, April 16, 2007.  

 

Cai then called for more media exchanges between the countries to promote the mutual understanding and friendship.

 

Mass media in the two countries have increased exchanges and co-operation besides expanding coverage on the other country in the past few years, helping strengthen mutual understanding and friendship, noted the minister.

 

The speech followed a meeting between the minister and British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Sunday at the 10 Downing Street, with both sides stressing the importance of media exchanges in promoting the mutual understanding between the two peoples.

 

Cai and his delegation from Chinese major media organizations are in London for bilateral culture and media exchanges.

 

Cai Wu (R), minister of the Information Office of the State Council, speaks at the Sino-British Media Forum in London April 16, 2007. Cai hoped China and Britain will strengthen media exchanges for mutual understanding and friendship.

 

(Chinadaily.com.cn April 17, 2007)