Singapore: Quake shows a more confident China

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Source: CCTV.com | 05-31-2008 12:16

The 7th Asia Security Summit - the Shangri-La Dialogue - has begun in Singapore. At the opening Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the Sichuan earthquake shows the world a more open and self-confident China, as the Chinese government responded with a relief effort unprecedented in speed and scale.

At the opening of 7th Asia Security Summit, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the Sichuan earthquake shows the world a more open and self-confident China.

Singapore's Prime Minister said the Chinese government's prompt response to the earthquake in Sichuan was impressive: The mobilization of over 100 thousand soldiers, policemen and medical staff for disaster relief, and the visits by the leaders to the quake-hit area.

Lee commended China for accepting help from foreign rescue teams as it faced its worst disaster in decades.

"This is a China the world has never seen before -- a sympathetic view of a country in transition, confronting enormous problems, but also mastering huge energies and unexpected capabilities, as well as displaying a shared humanity."

Lee Hsien Loong said the Sichuan earthquake shows how much China has changed and offered a glimpse of its future: a more open and self-confident nation.

Lee pointed out the overriding priority is saving lives. He said the challenge requires international cooperation -- the provision of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Addressing the Olympic issue, Lee called the Games in August "China's coming out party to celebrate its progress and opening up to the world." He said the disruption of the Olympic torch relay in Europe and the United States last month illustrates how things can go wrong.

Lee told the conference that Asia's growth will contribute to a doubling of the world economy and open up a whole range of opportunities worldwide in the next 25 years. He said "the most important player in Asia is China."

The annual three-day conference is organized by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies. It's brought together defense leaders and experts from 27 countries across the Asia-Pacific region. China's deputy Chief of the General Staff of People's Liberation Army, Ma Xiaotian, is expected to address participants on the future of East Asian security.

Lee Hsien Loong, Singaporean Prime Minister said "This is a China the world has never seen before -- a sympathetic view of a country in transition, confronting enormous problems, but also mastering huge energies and unexpected capabilities, as well as displaying a shared humanity."

Editor:Xiong Qu