On April 18, on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bahrain, Chinese Ambassador to Bahrain Ni Ruchi was interviewed by Bahrain's Daily Daily, reviewing the development of China-Bahrain relations and the achievements of practical cooperation in various fields, and introducing China's position on regional and international hotspot issues. The interview is as follows:
1. China-Pakistan Relations:
1. On the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, how do you evaluate the political relations between the two countries?
The traditional friendship between China and Pakistan has a long history and endures. As early as the 7th century, the prosperous Maritime Silk Road linked the two countries, and the trade in goods such as silk, spices and porcelain brought the two peoples to each other. Over the past 35 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the two countries have always trusted and supported each other, and bilateral relations have developed steadily and healthily. President Xi Jinping and King Hamad successfully met on the sidelines of the China-Arab States and China-GCC summits at the end of 2022, reaching a broad consensus on further deepening the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries, leading bilateral relations into a new era. Political mutual trust has been deepened, and the two sides have always understood, supported and treated each other as equals, setting an example of peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit for countries of different sizes and social systems. Economic and trade cooperation has progressed steadily, and China has maintained its position as Pakistan's third largest trading partner and largest source of imports for many years. The "Chinese language fever" in Bahrain University and other institutions continues to heat up, more and more Bahraini students are studying in China, and Gulf Air is about to open direct flights between China and Pakistan, and Bahraini friends have an increasingly in-depth understanding of China.
Bahrain is a good friend and partner of China. China has always attached great importance to the development of relations with Pakistan and is ready to work hand in hand with Pakistan to further strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, deepen cooperation on international and regional issues, and promote the continuous development of bilateral friendly and cooperative relations.
2. The economic and trade relations between the two countries are the most prominent in bilateral relations. China is one of Bahrain's top five trading partners. What is the trade data for 2023?
The total non-oil trade between Bahrain and China in 2023 is US$2.186 billion, and China is Bahrain's third largest trading partner. Among them: Bahrain imports 2.15 billion US dollars from China, and China continues to be the largest source of imports for Bahrain.
From January to February this year, the economic and trade volume between China and Pakistan was US$390 million, a year-on-year increase of 13.4 percent, of which Pakistan imported US$387 million from China, a year-on-year increase of 12.1 percent, of which vehicles increased by 17.3 percent, and exports to China reached US$10 million, a year-on-year increase of 107.8 percent.
3. How do you see the alignment between China's Belt and Road Initiative and Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030?
China's Belt and Road Initiative aims to promote economic cooperation and development among countries along the route, while Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 is a blueprint for the development of the Bahraini government, which aims to achieve economic diversification and sustainable growth. China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 are mutually aligned with each other, and many of their goals are in common.
In terms of infrastructure, the Belt and Road Initiative focuses on infrastructure development, while Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 also includes infrastructure development as one of the key areas. China's investment and technology can help Bahrain improve its infrastructure, improve its transportation, energy and other fields, and provide support for economic development.
In terms of economic diversification, Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 aims to diversify its economy by reducing its dependence on oil. The Belt and Road Initiative can bring more investment and cooperation opportunities, promote the diversification of Bahrain's economy, and expand the contribution of manufacturing, financial services, tourism and other industries to the national economy.
In terms of regional cooperation and trade, the Belt and Road Initiative encourages cooperation and trade among countries along the Belt and Road, while Bahrain, as an important economic center in the Gulf region, can strengthen trade with China and other countries along the Belt and Road Initiative by participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, expand markets and promote economic growth.
In terms of people-to-people exchanges and talent development, the Belt and Road Initiative emphasizes people-to-people exchanges and talent development, while Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 also focuses on talent training and education. The combination of the two can promote people-to-people exchanges, cultural exchanges and educational cooperation between the two countries, and provide talent support for the economic development of both sides.
4. In October 2023, Pakistani Minister of Industry and Commerce Fakhru led a delegation to visit China, which strengthened economic cooperation between the two countries, attracted investment opportunities, and signed a number of cooperation agreements. What are the prospects for economic cooperation between the two countries?
During his visit to China, Minister Fakhru signed a letter of intent to jointly prepare a "Belt and Road" cooperation plan and strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the fields of tourism and intellectual property. I believe that the economic and trade cooperation between China and Pakistan has broad fields and great potential. In the near future, we will vigorously promote cooperation between the two countries in the fields of tourism, infrastructure, green economy, digital economy and finance.
5. What are the highlights of the cooperation between the two countries on construction or infrastructure projects? Seef Properties, one of Bahrain's leading real estate development companies, has signed an agreement with China's Panda Industrial Management (Shenzhen) to build a new shopping mall in Bahrain. What other construction or infrastructure projects are in the pipeline in the future?
China and Bahrain have a long-standing relationship in the field of construction and infrastructure, as early as 2007, the Chinese company undertook the construction of the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Hotel project in Bahrain, and in 2008, the Era Tower project, both of which were completed and put into use in 2011. In 2019, the Adu Phase II power station project undertaken by the Chinese company has been put into commercial operation in 2023, and the first phase of the Sitra affordable housing project undertaken in 2019 has obtained the handover certificate, and the third phase of the project will start construction on March 31 this year. In addition, the Chinese company also participated in the construction of the Bahrain Aluminum Captive Power Station Project and the 220KV Cable Route Project for the 400KV Substation in Jasra District, Bahrain.
With the comprehensive development of China-Pakistan relations, the fields of bilateral economic and trade cooperation have been continuously expanded, and more and more Chinese enterprises have come to invest in Pakistan. In addition to the cooperation between Panda Industrial Management (Shenzhen) and Seef Properties in the field of commercial retail, a number of powerful Chinese enterprises are applying for bidding for projects such as light rail, waste-to-energy, affordable housing construction, and solar power generation in Pakistan.
6. Huawei Bahrain is its headquarters in the Middle East and Central Asia, and Bahrain has also built a 5G network very early. Would you please comment on the cooperation in the field of digital computing?
As a global ICT leader, Huawei has participated in the construction of 5G networks, implemented the "Seeds for the Future" project, held ICT competitions, and cultivated the ICT ecosystem, becoming an important partner in Bahrain's digital transformation.
China and Bahrain can cooperate in the digital field in many ways in the future:
First, 5G and communication technology: Chinese enterprises have rich experience and advanced technology in the field of 5G technology and communications, and can cooperate with Bahrain to promote the construction and application of 5G networks. This will facilitate Bahrain's digital transformation, improve the quality and speed of communication networks, and provide better digital services to businesses and residents in Bahrain.
The second is e-commerce: China is one of the largest e-commerce markets in the world, and Bahrain can learn from China's experience to develop its own e-commerce capabilities. The two sides can cooperate in the construction of e-commerce platforms, payment systems, logistics and distribution, etc., to promote the development of cross-border e-commerce and trade facilitation.
The third is artificial intelligence: China is a leader in the field of artificial intelligence, and Bahrain can cooperate with Chinese enterprises to promote the application of artificial intelligence technology in various fields, such as smart city construction, medical health, financial technology, etc. The two sides can jointly carry out research cooperation, talent training and technical exchanges.
Fourth, digital payment and fintech: China's mobile payment platforms such as Alipay and WeChat Pay have become global leaders, and Bahrain can learn from China's payment experience to develop its own digital payment system and promote the innovative application of fintech to improve the efficiency and convenience of financial services.
Fifth, big data and cloud computing: Big data and cloud computing are important foundations in the digital era, and Chinese enterprises have accumulated rich experience in this regard. Bahrain can work with China to build data centers and cloud computing infrastructure, share and enhance data analytics capabilities, and drive data-driven innovation and decision-making.
7. Will the two countries open direct flights?
Bahrain's national airline, Gulf Air, will launch direct flights from Bahrain to Shanghai and Guangzhou, achieving direct flights between the two countries, with the first flight expected in May. After the opening of the new route, the personnel exchanges between the two countries will be more convenient, which will not only boost the tourism between the two countries, but also bring new opportunities for economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
2. Regional issues
1. China consistently supports the right of Palestine to establish a state and calls for a ceasefire and a peace conference in the Gaza Strip. What can China offer in light of the humanitarian catastrophe and displacement that the Gaza Strip is experiencing?
More than six months after the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza, more than 30,000 innocent civilians have been killed in the fighting, and millions of people are desperately struggling in the face of an unprecedented humanitarian disaster. A few days ago, with the joint efforts of China and other countries, the Security Council adopted Resolution 2728, which explicitly calls for an immediate ceasefire. China urges Israel to immediately implement the requirements of the resolution, halt its military offensive against the Gaza Strip, stop its collective punishment of the people in Gaza, immediately lift the blockade on Gaza and the artificial obstacles to the access of humanitarian goods, and fully cooperate with the opening of all land crossings to ensure rapid, adequate and safe access for humanitarian goods. At the same time, China calls on major countries that have important influence on the parties concerned to play an active role in promoting the implementation of the resolution. Only by fully implementing the two-state solution, realizing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, and correcting the historical injustice suffered by the Palestinian people for a long time, can we completely break out of the vicious circle of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. China firmly supports Palestine becoming a full Member State of the United Nations and supports the Security Council in taking action as soon as possible. China will continue to work with the international community to restore peace, save lives and uphold justice.
In February and March, it was reported that the Houthis had informed China and Russia that their ships could pass through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden without attack in exchange for political support. Do you have any comment on this, and what are China's plans to end the Red Sea crisis?
China calls on all parties concerned to jointly safeguard the security of shipping lanes in the Red Sea waters in accordance with the law, while earnestly respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries bordering the Red Sea. China will continue to play a constructive role and contribute to the early restoration of peace and tranquility in the Red Sea.
3. International issues
Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with U.S. President Joe Biden, how do you see the relationship between the two countries, especially on Taiwan, the South China Sea, and AI-related business activities. What do you think about China's commitment not to interfere in the upcoming U.S. election? What do you think about the U.S. Congress's proposal to ban the TikTok app, but the Chinese Foreign Ministry's rejection?
1. China-US relations are related to the well-being of the two peoples and the future of mankind and the world. No matter how the international situation changes, China has always maintained the stability and continuity of its policy toward the United States, handled China-US relations in a responsible manner with history, the people and the world, and handled and developed China-US relations in accordance with the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation put forward by President Xi Jinping.
The success of China and the United States is an opportunity for each other. China is always willing to strengthen dialogue and communication with the US, promote friendly exchanges between people from all walks of life, build more bridges of mutual understanding, and eliminate unnecessary misunderstandings and prejudices. It is hoped that the US side can resolve the issue of strategic perception of China, work with China in the same direction, implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, and turn the "San Francisco Vision" into a "reality" at an early date, so as to jointly build a better future for bilateral relations.
2. Taiwan is China's Taiwan and an inalienable part of China's territory, and this is the primary task in understanding and handling the Taiwan issue. The Taiwan issue is the most important and sensitive issue in Sino-US relations. The US should put President Biden's positive statement that it does not support "Taiwan independence" into action. At present, the most fundamental thing is to uphold the one-China principle, the most important thing is to abide by the three Sino-US joint communiques, and the most urgent thing is to be consistent in words and deeds to oppose the adventurous provocation of "Taiwan independence."
3. China's indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea has sufficient historical and legal basis. The United States is not a party to the South China Sea issue and should not get involved in issues between China and its neighbors. China has a strong will and determination to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
(4) In recent years, artificial intelligence technology has developed rapidly and become more and more widely used, which has brought great changes to our lives. In 2023, China put forward the Global AI Governance Initiative, which advocates guiding the development of AI in a direction conducive to the progress of human civilization, opposes ideological demarcation or the establishment of exclusive blocs, maliciously obstructs the development of AI in other countries, advocates continuously improving the safety, reliability, controllability and fairness of AI technology, supports discussions on the establishment of an international AI governance body under the framework of the United Nations, and calls for strengthening international cooperation and assistance to developing countries to bridge the intelligence gap and governance gap. As two major countries in science and technology, China and the United States should strengthen dialogue and cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence, and jointly promote the development of artificial intelligence in the direction of science and technology for good, so as to benefit people around the world.
5. The US election is an internal affair of the United States, and China has always adhered to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and will not interfere in the US election. Regardless of who is elected as the next US president, we hope that the US side will work with China in the same direction and promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-US relations in accordance with the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, so as to better benefit the two countries and the world.
(6) TikTok is currently one of the most popular apps in the world, a platform to show oneself and understand each other, and promote the interconnection between people around the world. As far as I know, in Bahrain, there are many friends who are using Tiktok, and everyone can get a huge amount of information in a short period of time at their fingertips anytime and anywhere, and interact with other users through comments and sharing, and everyone can share their lives, show their talents, and find their own life stage on this platform.
The bill passed by the US House of Representatives puts the United States on the opposite side of the principle of fair competition and international economic and trade rules. If the so-called "national security" grounds can be used to arbitrarily suppress outstanding enterprises in other countries, then there is no fairness or justice at all. When you see someone else's good things, you have to find ways to take them for yourself, which is completely robber logic. The U.S. handling of the TikTok incident will make it clearer to the world whether the so-called "rules" and "order" of the U.S. are beneficial to the world or only serve the U.S. itself. China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.