News
Grey Cusack / The Dartmouth Staff
Chinese ambassador to the United States Zhou Wenzhong defended the communist party's policies and called on the United States to continue expanding trade between the two countries in a speech Wednesday at the Tuck School of Business.
Zhou framed the speech as marking the 30th anniversary of Chinese-American trade relations and the decades of prosperity that grew from China's decision to engage in world trade.
"Economic and social progress has been enormous," Zhou said, citing increased life-expectancy, annual growth rates averaging more than 9 percent and a tenfold increase in per-capita Gross Domestic Product among other improvements to quality of life in China.
Zhou said he supported his government's policies regarding issues that have recently been contentious between China and the United States, including Tibet, Taiwan and internet regulation.
"Tibet has been part of China for hundreds of years, and the affairs of Tibet are China's internal affairs," he said, accusing the Dalai Lama of trying to split China's territory and calling on him to end his campaign for Tibetan independence.
Zhou also reiterated China's commitment to eventual reunification with Taiwan.
"The One China principle will remain unchanged," he said, referring to China's policy of pursuing a single government.
Zhou also spoke about the increase in internet use in China, but maintained the government's responsibility to control content.
"It should be regulated so the interest of the state and the interest of the user are protected," he said.
The Chinese government is committed to greater oversight and regulation of food and medicine, he said, a major concern within the United States.
Zhou emphasized the importance of the partnership between China and the United States in driving economic growth.
"The economics of our countries complement each other, resulting in rapid expansion and win-win trade," Zhou said.
Zhou applauded the use of bilateral agreements and economic frameworks in solving possible conflicts between the United States and China.
