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Bloomberg News:

My question is for Mr. Guo Yezhou. Has China's relationship with North Korea deteriorated in the last year, specifically, has China's party-to-party relationship deteriorated? And when was the last time that Minister Song Tao had a high-level meeting with a North Korean counterpart? Thank you.

Guo Yezhou:

China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) are neighbors, and the two countries maintain traditionally friendly and cooperative relations. Maintaining, developing and fortifying the friendly and cooperative China-DPRK relationship is not only in the best interests of both sides, but also bears great significance in regional peace and stability.

You also noted in the question that the communication between the two ruling parties of China and the DPRK plays an important role in the development of bilateral relations. Our Party and the Workers' Party of Korea have a tradition of friendly exchange. As for when and at what level the two sides will carry out exchange between our respective personnel, it depends on the needs and convenience of both sides. That's my answer to the question.

CRNTT:

We know that ethnic affairs have always been both international and regional hotspot issues. Different ethnic policies have various influences in dealing with ethnic affairs. My question is, compared to other countries, how does China deal with ethnic affairs in terms of policies and systems?

Zhang Yijiong:

I would be delighted to answer your question. It is generally known that China is a united and multi-ethnic country created through the joint efforts of the peoples of all its 56 ethnic groups. Therefore, the CPC always attaches great importance to maintaining national stability and improving the livelihood of all ethnic groups. With different historic and cultural backgrounds, various multi-ethnic countries under different national conditions are all exploring their own way to handle ethnic affairs. The CPC has developed the right path for addressing ethnic issues in terms of China's distinctive features, which is common development and prosperity achieved through common endeavors against the background of national unity.

In 1947, the government of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region was founded. This was the first time a system and supporting policies of ethnic regional autonomy were successfully exercised in Inner Mongolia. Now, we have five autonomous regions at provincial level - Inner Mongolia, Guangxi, Tibet, Ningxia and Xinjiang. We also have some autonomous prefectures and autonomous counties.

Zhang Yijiong:

I would like to answer your question from several aspects:

First, abiding by the principle of ethnic equality. The right of ethnic minorities to participate in the management of state and social affairs on an equal footing has to be guaranteed. Any discrimination against and oppression of an ethnic group are prohibited. I would like to give you an example. We make sure that minority groups have a proportionate number of representatives in legislative, administrative and political consultative organs at both central and local levels.

Second, safeguarding the unity of ethnic groups. In addition to respecting and protecting the customs of ethnic minorities and their freedom of religious belief, we have carried out all kinds of educational programs to advocate ethnic unity throughout society. Because of differing historical, cultural and geographical backgrounds, all our 56 ethnic groups have achieved different levels of socio-economic development. Some ethnic minorities have their own special religious beliefs. The central government pays great attention to not only protecting and respecting the culture, history, words, language and traditions of different ethnic groups according to the law, but also requires all ethnic groups to respect, understand and learn from each other.

Third, implementing the system of ethnic regional autonomy. Under the unified leadership of the central government, regional autonomy is exercised and organs of self-government are established for the exercise of the right of autonomy granted to areas where various ethnic minorities live in compact communities. Their political rights protected by law, various ethnic autonomous areas participate as equals in administering state affairs. For example, the head of any autonomous region has to be an elite citizen of the main ethnic group in the region. This applies in Inner Mongolia, Guangxi, Tibet, Ningxia and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regions, as well as autonomous prefectures and counties.

Fourth, supporting the fast development of ethnic minorities and the specific ethnic-minority areas. The state has implemented the strategy of developing the western regions and the actions to enrich border areas and their residents, carrying out paired assistance programs for areas such as Tibet and Xinjiang. Since most of the ethnic minorities live in the northwestern and southwestern regions, for historical reasons, their socio-economic development, in terms of the economy, culture, education, transportation, medical and health care, has lagged behind major coastal and hinterland cities. Hence, since the founding of the People's Republic of China and especially since the reform and opening-up, the Party Central Committee and the State Council have provided powerful support.

For example, in regard to infrastructure as well as improving education, health care, employment and housing, we have been providing extensive support and assistance. At the same time, apart from the help given by the central government, intensive paired assistance from other parts of the country has been provided to Tibet, Xinjiang and multi-ethnic Qinghai Province. All of these things show how the Party Central Committee encourages exchanges and interaction among different ethnic groups, helping them to remain closely united like the seeds of a pomegranate that stick together, with all ethnic groups working jointly for common prosperity and development.

Zhang Yijiong:

Fifth, protecting and carrying forward the culture of ethnic groups. We preserve and protect the intangible cultural heritage of the various ethnic minorities, supporting the development of their traditional medicine, for example. The system of ethnic regional autonomy we have implemented takes protection of traditional culture as one of its major tasks. You may all have enjoyed the cultural shows, exhibitions and costumes of ethnic minorities, and have even developed a taste for the special snacks of various ethnic groups available here in Beijing. All of these are the achievements we made through protecting ethnic culture. Besides, we should also explore and develop the cultural heritage of ethnic groups that are enriching the Chinese culture.

We attach great importance to the culture and history of the ethnic minority groups which reflect the unity of a nation and the protection of the rights of ethnic minority groups. Our endeavor is welcomed and supported by over 100 million people of the various ethnic minorities. With the support of all ethnic groups, the Chinese people will strive for achieving the two centenary goals and realizing the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. Thanks.

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