Ambassador He Xiangdong accepts an exclusive interview with The Irish Times

Recently, He Xiangdong, the ambassador to Ireland, accepted an exclusive interview with Harry McGee, a political reporter from The Irish Times, and answered questions from reporters on China-Ireland relations, the coronavirus epidemic, Huawei 5G, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong. The main contents are as follows:

McGee:         2019 marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Ireland. Over the past 40 years, China-Ireland relations have made great progress. Last year, the bilateral trade volume reached approximately US$17 billion. What do you think of the relations between the two countries and their future development prospects?

Ambassador He: Many Irish friends told me that China is a big country and Ireland is a small country. Indeed, in terms of size, population, and total economic output, China is larger and Ireland is small, but in terms of per capita GDP and per capita national income, Ireland is “larger” than China. China has always insisted that countries, big or small, should respect each other and treat each other as equals. This is also an important experience in the development of China-Ireland relations. Both China and Ireland have similar historical experiences of pursuing independence and moving from isolation and poverty to openness and prosperity. The people of both countries also have excellent qualities such as diligence, simplicity, courage, and kindness. Although we have differences in development stages, political systems, cultural traditions, etc., it does not affect our two countries’ seeking common ground while reserving differences and deepening cooperation. The trade volume between China and Ireland has increased by nearly a thousand times from just a few million at the beginning of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The results of mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields such as science and technology, humanities and education have been gratifying. Looking to the future, both of us must continue to work together to continue and expand this good momentum. I have full confidence in China-Ireland relations.

McGee:         In recent years, China has continuously expanded its infrastructure investment in Africa and other markets. What is your outlook for China's fonding for investment?

Ambassador He: Chinese companies attach great importance to the Irish market. Direct investment in Ireland has exceeded US$1 billion and continues to grow rapidly. In the first half of this year, Chinese companies’ new investment in Ireland was close to US$40 million, doubling the same period last year. A few days ago, TikTok announced that it would invest 420 million euros in the construction of a European data center in Ireland, which once again demonstrated the strong interest of Chinese companies in Ireland. Chinese companies pay attention to and looking good on Ireland’s investment and business environment, and hope that Ireland will continue to protect and serve the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies in Ireland.

McGee:         The United States accuses the Chinese government of using Huawei's 5G technology and equipment to monitor or steal secrets, and use this as an excuse to strengthen criticism and sanctions against Huawei. What is your opinion on this?

Ambassador He: The fundamental reason why the United States suppresses Huawei is that it does not want to see, let alone accept, that Chinese companies like Huawei have technologies that are ahead of American companies. The U.S. government accused and contained Huawei, but could not produce any evidence that Huawei's equipment had its so-called security risks. It could only fabricate it out of thin air to smear and slander. This is also the consistent way the United States maintains its economic and technological hegemony. From the 1980s to the present, many outstanding non-US companies such as Toshiba in Japan and Alstom in France have had similar experiences. Alstom executives were trapped by the United States, forcing the company to sell its core business to its American rival, General Electric. I send you a copy of "American Trap" written by Alstom executives. He clearly exposed the despicable American methods. Recently, the U.S. has repeated its tricks, slandering TikTok for "possibly" leaking U.S. user data to the Chinese government, but even the CIA has stated that the allegations are unsubstantiated. These examples remind us that we must clearly see the real attempt by the United States to seek economic and technological hegemony, and all countries should also jointly oppose US bullying.

McGee:         What do you think is the source of these criticisms against China?

Ambassador He: Some politicians and media in the West, including the United States, fabricated all kinds of lies and blamed China for no reason. On the one hand, it is because of the large differences between Chinese and Western cultures, but more importantly, some people are unwilling to view or accept China’s development objectively. The resulting changes in the international landscape. These people need to think about how to recognize China's development and how to deal with a developing China.

A few days ago, John Hume, who made outstanding contributions to the peace and stability of North and South Ireland, passed away. The Irish people and all walks of life deeply cherish his memory. Hume once said, "There are no two people exactly the same in the world. Differences between people are inherent, and respect for differences is the primary principle for mankind to achieve peace." I think the same is true of international politics. If everyone and every country in the world is exactly the same, wouldn't our world be dull? Just as biodiversity has created beautiful nature, the differences between countries have created the colorfulness of human civilization. It is precisely because of differences that we have the need and possibility to learn from each other, learn from each other, and have the opportunity to exchange what is needed and cooperate for mutual benefit.

McGee: In 2009, I participated in the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference. At that time, China's environmental conditions and emission reduction measures were still worrying. Ten years have passed, and China has made many achievements in environmental protection and response to climate change. How does China balance development and environmental issues?

Ambassador He: Adhering to green and sustainable development is a key measure for China to balance development and environmental issues. This is essential to improving the lives of the Chinese people, the future development of the country, and the development of the region and the world. In recent years, China has vigorously adopted practical and effective measures in terms of emission reduction and environmental protection, and has achieved remarkable results. However, China is still the world's largest developing country and faces pressure and requirements for continuous economic development. China will continue to work hard to promote green and sustainable development so as to achieve its own development while also benefiting the world.

McGee:         According to reports, the coronavirus epidemic originated in a fresh food market in Wuhan, China. Will China take measures to prevent similar epidemics from recurring?

Ambassador He: The first case of coronavirus reported by China occurred in Wuhan, but this does not mean that the epidemic originated in Wuhan. Some U.S. and European media have also recently reported that before the first case was reported in Wuhan, the U.S., Europe and other places may have had the coronavirus cases, because the coronavirus was found in the cases or sewage samples in these places at that time. Currently, scientists have more and more research and understanding of the coronavirus, but there are still a lot of questions waiting to be answered, including the source of the coronavirus, intermediate hosts, and transmission routes. Researchers from various countries also need to work together to conduct further research, which is very important for the next step in fighting the epidemic and preventing similar outbreaks in the future. More importantly, scientific issues should be studied in a scientific and rational spirit, and should never be politicized or stigmatized.

McGee: In an interview with the Irish National Broadcasting Corporation not long ago, you answered questions about human rights in Xinjiang, re-education camps, and "compulsory birth control" for Uyghur women. You pointed out that the relevant videos and pictures are fake materials. Regarding the forced sterilization of Uyghur women in Xinjiang, some Chinese diplomats said that they would not rule out the existence of cases. Can you further clarify?

Ambassador He:The relevant accusations made by some people against Xinjiang are groundless and purely fabricated. In an interview with a U.S. reporter, a leader of the “World Uighur Congress” was asked where the data on the detention of 1 million Uighurs in Xinjiang came from. He said that it was provided to the media by their organization. When he got the data, he said it was from the media. What is the credibility of this data or argument? Some media used the video of the transfer of prisoners in Xinjiang to tell the story. Any country will transfer prisoners based on actual conditions, linking the normal transfer of prisoners to the so-called ethnic issues or "concentration camps" in Xinjiang. This is not fabricated slander, but what? The so-called "forced sterilization" of Uyghur women is the fact that the total population of China has increased by 40% in the past 40 years, while the Uyghur population in Xinjiang has more than doubled. China prohibits compulsory birth control for women. If there is evidence that such cases exist, the relevant departments will of course launch investigations and hold relevant personnel accountable.

McGee: There is a saying that in the past ten years, the Uighur population in Xinjiang has decreased, but the Han people have continued to move to Xinjiang. Uighurs are Muslims, do they have freedom of religious belief?

Ambassador He: Xinjiang is a part of China. Whether Uighurs, Han people or people of other nationalities have the right to pursue a better life, they have the freedom to live and move between regions and regions in China, including Xinjiang. . According to some people, are they trying to isolate Xinjiang, the Uighur people from other parts of China, and other ethnic groups? People of all ethnic groups in China enjoy freedom of  religious belief in accordance with the law. There are tens of thousands of mosques in Xinjiang, and the number of mosques per capita is higher than in many Muslim countries.

McGee:         Many media criticized China for suppressing Hong Kong’s freedom of assembly and speech, which triggered a large number of political demonstrations. Recently, Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, the boss of Hong Kong's Apple Daily, was arrested. People believe that China is making heavy moves to suppress freedom of speech in Hong Kong. What do you think?

Ambassador He: "One country, two systems" is based on "one country", which is a prerequisite for the existence of "two systems". Some people with ulterior motives selectively ignore "one country" and only talk about "two systems." This is putting the cart before the horse. After Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the democratic rights and freedoms of the Hong Kong people have been fully protected. Assemblies and parades have occurred every year, every month, and sometimes even every day. However, any freedom has legal boundaries. In recent years, especially since last year, some people in Hong Kong have engaged in violent demonstrations under the guise of democracy and freedom, beating, smashing and looting, attacking police and public officials, and beating and burning innocent people who express different opinions. No country will allow democracy and freedom to evolve into such illegal or even violent terrorist activities. This also highlights the importance and necessity of enacting and implementing the Hong Kong National Security Law. After the implementation of the National Security Law, Hong Kong's rights to democracy and freedom will be more effectively protected. The Jimmy Lai Chee-ying case is undergoing judicial procedures, and the Hong Kong judicial department will handle the case according to law. What is certain is that Lai’s arrest has nothing to do with speech and press freedom issues, nor is it because of his media boss status, but because he has engaged in illegal and criminal activities. No matter where it is, neither the media nor reporters can be above the law. Any violation of the law must be punished accordingly.

McGee:         After the United Kingdom, Australia and other countries suspended their extradition agreements with Hong Kong, some people in Ireland believed that the extradition agreement with Hong Kong should be suspended. What is your opinion?

Ambassador He: The Hong Kong-Ireland "Agreement on the Surrender of Fugitive Offenders" aims to cooperate in combating crime and is mutually beneficial and win-win. I don't think the Irish people are willing to love to be a paradise for criminals from Hong Kong or other regions. Some people politicize this judicial cooperation issue for political purposes, which is not in the interests of any party.

McGee:         According to reports, there have been two recent cases of Chinese people being attacked in Ireland. A Chinese woman in Dublin was pushed into the canal and a Chinese man in Cork was beaten. Is this related to the coronavirus?

Ambassador He: We paid close attention to the recent cases of attacks and discrimination against Chinese. Currently, the Irish Police is actively investigating related cases. We hope that the police will complete the investigation as soon as possible and punish relevant personnel in accordance with the law. After the case occurred, the government, public opinion, and people from all walks of life voiced their support for the victims and resolutely opposed racial discrimination. Racial discrimination is the public enemy of mankind. We should stand united against racial discrimination.