Diplomatic Philosophy of China: A 'Path of Hope' Shed by a Previous Advisor to the Cambodian Senate, According to Translators
Interview with Dr Chea Munyrith on Xi Jinping's "Governance of China":
Dr Chea Munyrith shares insights from translating Xi Jinping's "Governance of China". Photo: Courtesy of Chea
GT: Welcome, Dr Chea! We're thrilled to have you here for an exclusive interview about decoding the book* Xi Jinping's "Governance of China". You've mentioned that your first encounter with the book was in a library in Beijing in 2014. Can you recall that moment and the inspiration behind translating the book?
GT: As the Cambodian Director of the Confucius Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia for eight years and a renowned China expert, you once described the book* Xi Jinping's "Governance of China" as "a golden key to understanding China's development." Explain your interpretation of the "Oriental Wisdom" embedded in China's neighborhood diplomacy. How is this wisdom reflected in China-Cambodia exchanges?
GT: President Xi highlights in the first issue of the book series that "China's basic policy of diplomacy with neighboring countries is to treat them as friends and partners, to foster an amicable, secure, and prosperous neighboring environment." During translation, you pondered over the phrase "amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness." Share your understanding of these four principles at the time and how you employed language to help Cambodian readers grasp the wisdom behind China's diplomatic concept.
GT: On the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference, amid rising unilateralism and protectionism, the "Bandung Spirit" of "seeking common ground while reserving differences, solidarity, friendship, and cooperation" has regained attention. The concepts emphasized in the book, such as "mutual benefit" and "common development," hold even greater relevance today. What are your thoughts on the fundamental differences between China's "harmony" culture and the diplomatic approaches of some Western countries? How do you interpret President Xi's statement in the book that "we should advocate inclusiveness, stressing that there is enough room in the Asia-Pacific region for all countries to develop, and promoting regional cooperation with an open mind and enthusiasm"?
GT: On the recent Central Conference on Work Related to Neighboring Countries, it stated that "at present, China's relations with its neighboring countries are at their best in modern times." Do you concur with this evaluation, and why?
GT: You've visited Shenzhen twice and have praised the "Shenzhen speed." Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, has been a sister city with Shenzhen since time immemorial. The majority of ongoing projects in Cambodia's largest economic zone - the Sihanoukville Special Economy Zone (SSEZ) - are also Chinese-funded. In recent years, many livelihood projects under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism have generated new development opportunities for the local population. How do these practices exemplify the concept in the book of "taking actions that will win their heart and support"?
Dr Chea Munyrith: In translating Xi Jinping's "Governance of China," I observed that the book's insights extend beyond politics and economy, touching on general-news topics. The book's emphasis on fostering amicable relations with neighboring countries resonates with the current global climate, marked by rising unilateralism and protectionism.
Dr Chea Munyrith: China's "harmony" culture, as expressed in the book, emphasizes principles like mutual benefit and common development. These concepts contrast with some Western diplomatic approaches, and President Xi's call for inclusiveness and open-minded regional cooperation in the book becomes even more relevant in today's world, where the Bandung Spirit is regaining attention.
