White Papers Present China to the World

China increased the use of white papers to present itself to the world in 2011 when the Chinese Government released more white papers than any previous year.

These documents covered a wide range of topics--from national defense to space activities, from foreign aid to foreign trade, from Chinese laws to China's progress in rural poverty alleviation and policies and actions against climate change, and from peaceful development to the 60th anniversary of Tibet's peaceful liberation.

As their impact grew, they showed the world a real, developing China.

Publicizing progress

White papers are official documents in which the Chinese Government states its positions and policies. The State Council Information Office published China's first government white paper, Human Rights in China, on November 1, 1991, marking the beginning of the country's efforts to present itself to the world through white papers.

Over the past two decades, the Chinese Government has issued 78 white papers on diverse issues. In 2011, in particular, it issued nine white papers, more than in any previous year. The white papers gave an objective and accurate account of the Chinese Government's policies on a series of important issues. They publicized China's progress in economic, political, cultural, social and ecological sectors from various perspectives. The documents, which helped the international community gain a better understanding of China, were widely welcomed and applauded.

"The Chinese Government's white papers are closely related to China's development and progress as well as profound changes in the relationship between China and the outside world," Wang Chen, Minister of the State Council Information Office, told Xinhua News Agency. "China's positive response to the concerns of the international community shows the country's openness, liberal-mindedness and confidence."

Government white papers have become important documents for people at home and abroad to learn about China's basic national conditions, values, development path and domestic and foreign policies, he added.

Addressing concerns

China's rapid emergence has caught the world's attention. Apart from cheers and expectations, it has sparked concerns that the Chinese Government has to address.

The State Council Information Office released a white paper titled China's Peaceful Development on September 6, 2011. It was China's second white paper on peaceful development following the December 2005 white paper, China's Peaceful Development Road.

International media commented the white paper showed China's commitment to the world. It demonstrated the country's growing confidence as well as its determination to pursue development peacefully and not to seek hegemony.

A BBC report said the white paper laid out China's vision for its future. "It says it wants to be a rich, strong nation at peace with other countries," the report said.

The white paper also sparked a heated debate in cyberspace. Chinese Internet users said the official document clarified China's strategic choice of a peaceful development road with accurate statements based on the country's national conditions.

In the run-up to the Durban UN Climate Change Conference in November 2011, the world community took a keen interest in the Chinese Government's positions and role in climate negotiations as well as the measures it will take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in China.

In China's Policies and Actions for Addressing Climate Change, a white paper issued on November 22, 2011, the Chinese Government made a comprehensive response to these international concerns. A BBC report said the white paper included not only specific goals, tasks, policies and measures but also concrete actions China has taken.

In 2011, the Chinese Government also published a white paper titled China's Foreign Aid to dispel international suspicions about the country's international aid and foster its image as a responsible country. As Tibet celebrated the 60th anniversary of peaceful liberation, China released a white paper titled 60 Years since Peaceful Liberation of Tibet. While reviewing Tibet's eventful history in the past six decades, the document showcased the region's remarkable achievements.

Making China heard

The Socialist System of Laws with Chinese Characteristics, released on October 27, 2011, is China's first white paper on the establishment, composition and features of its legal system. It was published after China announced it had put in place a socialist system of laws. The document offered a window through which the outside world can learn about Chinese laws.

"China announced the establishment of a socialist system of laws with Chinese characteristics at the beginning of 2011 after accomplishing the legislative goals set at the 15th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 1997 on schedule," said the Singaporean newspaper Lianhe Zaobao. "The newly released white paper further explained the system's features to the public."

Hong Kong's Wen Wei Po commented, "The establishment of a system of laws with Chinese characteristics is an important milestone in China's efforts to promote democracy and the development of its legal system. It is also a prominent sign showing China's socialist system is maturing."

Apart from the legal system, the Chinese Government made China's progress in many other fields known to the world through white papers in 2011.

The State Council Information Office published China's Foreign Trade as the country marked the 10th anniversary of its entry into the WTO. International media said the white paper showed historic progress in China's foreign trade as well as its determination to follow the path of reform and opening up.

China's National Defense in 2010 is the seventh national defense white paper China has published since 1998. The Financial Times said the document gave a complete picture of China's national defense, from security environment, national defense policy, defense expenditure to arms control.

New Progress in Development-Oriented Poverty Reduction Program for Rural China presented China's achievements in reducing poverty and improving people's livelihoods. The document was carried by a large number of news websites and Internet forums around the world. Only one day after its release, it generated more than 80,000 publications on various websites.

China released the third white paper on its space program at the end of 2011. An AFP report said progress in China's space industry is a symbol of the country's growing global influence.

China is set to draw greater attention from the world in 2012. Wang Chen said the State Council Information Office has begun to make plans for government white papers this year. "In the New Year, we will redouble our efforts to enable white papers to play a bigger role in interpreting government policies and spreading China's voice," he said.


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