杨洁篪国务委员在法国国际关系研究院的演讲（中英对照）

我还想谈一下南海问题。南海是亚太各国赖以生存发展的海上生命线。维护这片海域的和平、安宁与航行自由，中国看得比谁都重。对于南海问题，我们不应被别有用心的炒作所迷惑，而要依据事实来判断。

I would also like to say a few words about the South China Sea. The South China Sea is a maritime lifeline on which Asia-Pacific countries rely for their survival and development. No country cares more than China about peace, tranquility and freedom of navigation in these waters. On this issue, we must not be misled by ill-intentioned sensationalization; rather, we need to judge the matter on its own merits.

中国是最早发现、开发并管辖南沙群岛的国家。二战结束后，日本根据《开罗宣言》、《波茨坦公告》等一系列国际文件归还窃取的中国领土，中国依法收复被日本侵占的南沙群岛。直到上世纪70年代，国际社会包括南海沿岸国都以不同方式承认或默认南沙群岛是中国领土。之后，由于南海发现了油气，一些国家开始蚕食和侵占中国南沙岛礁，并大兴土木，修建各类设施，包括部署火炮阵地、导弹等进攻性武器。在南海问题上，中国才是最大的受害者。

China was the first country to discover, exploit and exercise jurisdiction over the Nansha Islands. After the end of World War II, Japan returned the territories it had stolen from China in accordance with a series of international documents, including the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, and China recovered in accordance with law the Nansha Islands occupied by Japan. Up till the 1970s, the Nansha Islands had been recognized in various ways, either explicitly or by tacit agreement, as China’s territory by the littoral countries of the South China Sea and the rest of the international community. It was only when oil and gas reserves were discovered in the South China Sea that some countries started to encroach upon and occupy islands and reefs of China’s Nansha Islands. They conducted massive construction there, built various facilities, and even deployed artillery positions, missiles and other offensive weaponry. So when it comes to the South China Sea, the biggest victim is no other than China.

当前，中国在自己管控的南沙岛礁进行建设，不违反国际法。中国对南沙群岛及其附近海域拥有的主权是历史形成的，是拥有充分法理依据的。我们在岛礁上部署了一些必要的防御设施，这是国际法赋予中国作为主权国家的正当权利。别国无权横加干涉，说三道四。我们在岛礁上建设的大部分设施是为了保障各国依据国际法所享有的航行自由，是为了更好履行作为南海最大沿岸国应尽的责任。

China’s construction activities on islands and reefs under its administration do not violate international law. China’s sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters has been formed in the course of history. It is fully backed by legal evidence. We have deployed on the islands and reefs some necessary facilities of a defensive nature. This is the legitimate right China is entitled to as a sovereign state under international law. Other countries have no right to intervene arbitrarily or make unwarranted comments. Most of our facilities there are built to safeguard the freedom of navigation enjoyed by countries in accordance with international law and to enable China to better fulfill its due responsibility as the largest littoral country of the South China Sea.

中国坚持由直接当事国谈判协商解决南海有关争议，这符合国际法和国际关系基本准则。我们不接受、不参与菲律宾单方面强行提起的南海仲裁案，恰恰是依法行事。中菲南海仲裁案实质是领土主权和海洋划界问题。根据《联合国海洋法公约》第298条规定，缔约国有权就海洋划界等问题发表排除性声明。中国政府早在2006年就依法发表了有关排除性声明。许多国家也发表了类似声明。我们呼吁有关国家放弃不切实际的幻想，停止披着法律外衣的政治挑衅，不要借国际法之名，行破坏国际法之实，而应尽快重新回到谈判桌前，切实落实中国和东盟国家共同签署的《南海各方行为宣言》，在尊重历史事实的基础上，根据国际法，通过谈判和协商和平解决有关争端，共同维护南海和平稳定。

China maintains that the disputes in question should be resolved through negotiation and consultation between the states directly concerned. This approach is in keeping with international law and basic norms governing international relations. The Philippines unilaterally initiated the South China Sea arbitration. By not accepting or participating in it, China is acting in accordance with law. The arbitration case boils down to territorial sovereignty and maritime delimitation. Article 298 of UNCLOS stipulates that States Parties have the right to make declarations that exclude the application of compulsory procedures in respect of maritime delimitation and other matters. The Chinese government made such a declaration in accordance with law back in 2006. In fact, similar declarations have been made by many other countries. We call on that certain country to give up wishful thinking and stop making political provocation under the guise of law or undermining international law in the name of upholding it. We urge it to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible, implement in good faith the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) jointly signed by China and ASEAN countries, seek peaceful solution to the disputes through negotiation and consultation on the basis of respecting historical facts and international law, and work with us to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

尽管中国同个别东盟国家存在领土和海洋权益争端，但中国—东盟合作的步伐没有停顿，而是在加快。中国同东盟国家领导人每年都有密切的高层往来。去年，中国同越南、印尼、新加坡成功实现最高领导人在年内互访，老挝、柬埔寨、缅甸、东帝汶等国元首来华出席“9.3”纪念活动。我们同东盟国家的民间往来和人文交流广泛深入，去年双方人员往来超过2300万人次，创历史新高。我们在各领域均开展了务实有效的合作。中国和东盟国家在高铁等领域一批互联互通合作项目相继启动。中国同马来西亚、新加坡、印尼、越南的产能合作、金融合作不断推进。中国—东盟自贸区升级谈判顺利完成。去年我们首次举办了中国—东盟防长非正式会晤和执法安全合作部长级对话。前不久，我们还成功举办澜沧江—湄公河合作首次领导人会议，为中国—东盟合作充实新内容。今年是中国—东盟建立对话关系25周年。我们将继续秉持亲诚惠容理念，深化同东盟国家的友好合作，为亚洲和世界繁荣稳定作出新的贡献。

Despite the disputes between China and several ASEAN countries over territory and maritime rights and interests, China-ASEAN cooperation has not slowed down. On the contrary, cooperation has picked up speed. Leaders of China and ASEAN countries have close high-level exchanges every year. Last year alone saw visits exchanged between China’s top leader with his counterparts in Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore. Heads of state from Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Timor Leste visited China for events commemorating the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. We have extensive and in-depth people-to-people and cultural exchanges with ASEAN countries. Last year, mutual visits between China and ASEAN countries hit a record high of more than 23 million. We have conducted pragmatic and productive cooperation in all fields. We have launched high-speed railway and other connectivity projects. China’s cooperation with Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam on production capacity and financial services are making steady progress. Negotiations on an upgraded China-ASEAN FTA have successfully concluded. Last year, China and ASEAN held for the first time the Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting and the Ministerial Dialogue on Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation. Recently, we successfully hosted the inaugural Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting, adding a new dimension to China-ASEAN cooperation. This year marks the 25th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relations. China will remain committed to the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, deepen friendly cooperation with ASEAN countries and make fresh contribution to prosperity and stability in Asia and the world at large.

女士们，先生们，朋友们，

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Friends,

无论国际形势如何变化，欧洲始终是国际舞台上的一支重要力量。虽然当前欧洲遇到一些困难和挑战，但我们注意到，欧洲正努力排除各种干扰，坚定推进一体化进程，欧洲经济也保持了复苏势头。我们对欧洲发展的前景充满信心，始终把对欧关系作为中国外交的优先方向之一，坚定支持欧洲一体化进程，支持一个团结、稳定、繁荣的欧盟在国际事务中发挥更大作用。

Whatever change may take place in the international landscape, Europe remains an important force on the international arena. We can see that despite the difficulties, challenges and distractions it faces, Europe is making efforts to stay focused and press ahead with its integration process. Its economy has sustained the momentum of recovery. China has full confidence in the future of Europe. China-Europe relationship is always one of our diplomatic priorities. We firmly support European integration and support a united, stable and prosperous EU in playing a still bigger role in international affairs.

今年是中欧关系第五个十年的开局之年，回首过去四十年，中欧两大国际力量发生了翻天覆地的变化。最初的欧洲煤钢共同体已经发展成涵盖欧洲28国5亿人口的欧洲联盟，中国也从积贫积弱走向改革开放，实现了巨大发展。四十多年来，中欧关系取得巨大进展，平等互利、合作共赢成为中欧关系稳定健康发展的重要经验。四十年前，中欧政治关系从零开始，最初接触中因意识形态差异而步履维艰；四十年后，中欧已成为全面战略伙伴，双方高层互访频繁，在70多个不同领域、不同层级的对话磋商机制中“无话不谈”。四十年前，中欧双边贸易额不足30亿美元；四十年后，双边贸易额增长200倍达到近6000亿美元，两天就可实现过去一年的贸易额，欧盟连续12年保持中国最大贸易伙伴地位，中国则连续13年位居欧盟第二大贸易伙伴。四十年前，中欧人员往来凤毛麟角，中国对于大多数欧洲人只是一个遥远的东方传说；四十年后，中国与欧盟28个成员国间的双向人员往来规模达641万人次，中欧人员往来便利化稳步推进，中欧关系的民意基础愈发坚实。

This year marks the beginning of the fifth decade of China-Europe relations. Looking back at the past four decades, we see a sea change in both Europe and China, two major forces in the world. The European Coal and Steel Community has now evolved into a union, covering 500 million people of 28 countries, while China, once a weak and poor country, has experienced exciting development since it launched its reform and opening-up program. Over the past 40-odd years, China-Europe relations have come a long way. Equality, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation hold the key to the stable and healthy growth of China-Europe relations. Forty years ago, political relations between us were virtually non-existent and engagement was difficult in the early days due to ideological differences. Forty years on, China and Europe have become comprehensive strategic partners who enjoy frequent high-level visits and conduct wide-ranging conversations in more than 70 dialogue and consultation mechanisms spanning different areas and at different levels. Forty years ago, two-way trade between China and Europe was less than three billion US dollars. Forty years on, the figure grew 200-fold to nearly 600 billion US dollars, which means the annual trade volume in the past is now easily done in just two days. The EU has remained China’s top trading partner for 12 years on end, while China has remained the EU’s second largest trading partner for 13 years in a row. Forty years ago, few visits were exchanged between our people. China in the eyes of most Europeans was merely a remote Oriental legend. Forty years on, two-way personnel exchanges between China and the 28 EU member states top 6.41 million. Steady progress is being made in facilitating the travel of our people, further cementing popular support for China-Europe relations.

当前，中欧关系面临着乘风破浪、快速前行的历史机遇。2014年，习近平主席在访问欧盟总部期间提出，中欧要携手打造和平、增长、改革、文明四大伙伴关系。这为中欧关系发展指明了新的战略方向。上月底，习近平主席成功访问捷克。这是习主席首次以国家主席身份访问中东欧国家，为中国—中东欧合作注入了新动力，传递出中国重视欧洲，愿意推动中欧关系更快更好发展的明确信息。我愿就下阶段如何发展好中欧关系提出以下建议：

Today, China-EU relations are blessed with a historic opportunity for more rapid growth. In 2014, during his visit to the EU headquarters, President Xi Jinping called on China and Europe to forge partnerships for peace, growth, reform and civilization. His vision gives a new strategic direction to the development of China-EU relations. At the end of last month, President Xi paid a successful visit to the Czech Republic. That was the first time for President Xi to visit a central and eastern European country in his capacity as Chinese president. His visit injected fresh impetus to China’s cooperation with Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC), and sent a clear message of China’s commitment to Europe and its readiness to promote better and faster development of its relations with Europe. Here, I would like to make the following observations on how to advance China-Europe relations going forward:

一是夯实中欧政治互信的基础。中欧在发展阶段、意识形态、社会制度上存在一定差异，唯有相互信任、相互尊重，双方关系才能稳步前行，彼此合作才能持久深入。双方应以长远的战略眼光看待和推进相互合作，做大共同利益蛋糕，不因一时一事影响合作大局。奥朗德总统等欧洲及其他国家领导人将应习近平主席邀请赴华出席二十国集团杭州峰会。今年还将举行第18次中国欧盟领导人会晤、16+1里加会议等一系列重要活动，李克强总理将与欧盟及欧洲国家领导人就推进彼此合作深入交换意见。我们要通过这些高层交往和各层级对话机制，就各自关心的问题加大沟通协调，深化中欧政治互信。

First, we need to cement the basis for political mutual trust. China and Europe are different in development stage, ideology and social system. For our relations to grow steadily and our cooperation to be sustainable, we must trust and respect each other. The two sides should view and promote cooperation with a long-term and strategic perspective in order to expand common interests. We must not allow individual incidents at particular times to affect our overall cooperation. At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, President Hollande and other European leaders will join leaders from other countries at the G20 Hangzhou Summit. This year, we will have some important events such as the 18th China-EU Summit and the 16+1 (CEEC-China) Summit in Riga, during which Premier Li Keqiang will have in-depth discussions with leaders of the EU and European countries on enhancing cooperation. We must use these high-level exchanges and dialogue mechanisms at various levels to increase communication and coordination on issues of respective interest and deepen our political mutual trust.

二是坚持不懈推进中欧务实合作。中欧经济体量加起来占世界经济总量的三分之一，中欧经济发展好了，对全球经济复苏就具有重要的稳定作用。世界经济形势越是严峻复杂，越是要坚持开放合作，共同抵制各种形式的贸易保护主义。我们应加快中欧投资协定谈判进程，早日开启中欧自贸区联合可研，释放双边经贸和投资的潜力。要实现中国“一带一路”倡议、国际产能合作与欧洲发展战略的对接，加快打造中欧共同投资基金平台，实现高铁、核能等各领域项目尽快落地、运营。要深化中欧财金合作，加大中欧财金、货币政策的沟通，扩大本币结算规模，深化双方在亚洲基础设施投资银行和欧洲复兴开发银行框架内的合作。要全面推进中国与欧盟机构、欧盟成员国、次区域等不同层面合作，形成中欧关系积累深厚、均衡发展的局面。

Second, we must continue to enhance practical cooperation. Combined, China and Europe account for one third of the world economy. Sound economic development in China and Europe is crucial for a steady recovery of the world economy. The increasingly grave and complex global economic situation requires greater commitment to openness and cooperation and more firm opposition to trade protectionism of all forms. We should speed up negotiations on the China-EU investment agreement and launch at an early date joint feasibility study on a China-Europe FTA to tap into the potential of bilateral trade and investment cooperation. We need to explore synergy between China’s “Belt and Road” Initiative, its international production capacity cooperation programs and Europe’s development strategies. We should step up efforts to set up a joint investment fund and bring into early operation such cooperation projects as high-speed railway and nuclear energy. We should deepen financial cooperation and increase communication on financial and monetary policies, scale up the size of settlement in local currencies and deepen cooperation within the framework of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). We should enhance China’s multi-tiered cooperation with EU institutions, EU member states and sub-regions in Europe to enable China-EU relations to grow on a solid basis and in a balanced way.

三是加强在全球治理层面的合作。当前，欧洲面临重大恐怖主义威胁，中方愿与欧方就反恐事务加强工作交流，在信息情报分享等领域推进合作。去年底，在中欧特别是中法两国的共同推动下，各方达成气候变化《巴黎协定》，开启了全球合作应对气候变化的新进程。中方愿继续与欧方一道，推动落实《巴黎协定》，使全球气候变化合作取得新进展。中欧作为全球治理的重要参与者，还应在维护世界和平、改善经济治理、可持续发展、网络安全、反腐败等领域深化合作，特别是围绕今年二十国集团杭州峰会加强协调与合作，确保杭州峰会取得成功，为推动世界经济发展发挥积极作用。

Third, we should strengthen cooperation on global governance. As Europe is facing a serious terrorist threat, China is ready for more counter-terrorism communication with Europe and closer cooperation on intelligence sharing. Last year, thanks to the joint efforts of China and Europe, especially France, the Paris Agreement was reached, ushering in a new process of a global response to climate change. China will work with Europe to push for progress in implementing the Paris Agreement and for that matter, progress in global climate change cooperation. As important participants in global governance, China and Europe should deepen cooperation in upholding world peace, improving economic governance, sustainable development, cyber security and anti-corruption. On a particular note, we should strengthen coordination and cooperation on this year’s G20 Summit in Hangzhou to ensure its success and play a positive role in promoting global growth.

四是深化多位一体的人文交流合作。中欧都是推动人类文明发展的重要力量。中方愿在中欧高级别人文交流机制统领下，与欧方统筹规划和梳理整合科技、教育、文化、卫生、旅游、体育、青年、妇女等各领域交流合作，扎实推进重点项目建设，打造一批旗舰工程。今年，我们将重点办好新一轮中欧、中法、中英高级别人文交流对话、“中德青少年交流年”和“16+1人文交流年”等活动。

Fourth, we must deepen multi-dimensional people-to-people exchanges. Both China and Europe are important forces for the development of human civilization. China is ready to work with Europe under the framework of the high-level people-to-people dialogue to make an overall plan for cooperation in science and technology, education, culture, health, tourism and sports and exchanges between youth and women. We should strive for solid progress on key projects and develop a number of flagship programs. This year, we shall focus our efforts on the high-level people-to-people dialogues between China and Europe, between China and France and between China and the UK, the China-Germany Year of Youth Exchange and the Year of China-CEEC People-to-People Exchange.

女士们，先生们，朋友们，

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Friends,

法国在国际上有独特影响，是欧盟建设的领头羊，也是第一个与新中国正式建交的西方大国。长期以来，中法两国本着独立自主、相互尊重的原则，建立了高水平的政治互信，开展了高质量和富有成果的互利合作，为促进中欧关系发展发挥了重要的引领和示范作用，并以其自身特有的战略性、时代性和全球影响力赋予中欧关系更广阔的空间和更深厚的内涵。

France has a unique influence in the world. It is a champion for the development of the EU. It is also the first major western country to officially establish diplomatic ties with New China. Over the years, our two countries, under the principle of independence and mutual respect, have achieved a high level of political mutual trust and carried out quality and fruitful win-win cooperation, setting a paradigm for the broader China-Europe relations. The strategic importance, great relevance and global influence of our bilateral ties have expanded and enriched China-Europe relations.

2014年习近平主席成功访问法国，开创了紧密持久的中法全面战略伙伴关系的新时代。两国元首、总理多次互访，民用核能、航空、金融、人文等领域合作不断取得新的突破。法国已成为中国在欧洲重要的投资目的地，也是中国公民最喜爱的出境游目的地之一，中国赴法旅游人数屡创新高。双方在全球治理、气候变化、反恐、伊朗核等重大国际事务中沟通顺畅，成绩斐然。

In 2014, President Xi Jinping paid a successful visit to France, ushering in a new era of close and enduring comprehensive strategic partnership between China and France. Our Presidents and Premiers have had several mutual visits, and our cooperation in civil nuclear energy, aviation, finance and people-to-people exchange has continued to break new ground. France is now China’s important investment destination in Europe, and a popular destination for Chinese tourists, as evidenced by the new record numbers of Chinese visitors in France. We have also maintained good and productive consultation on major international affairs, like global governance, climate change, counter-terrorism, and the Iranian nuclear issue.

女生们，先生们，朋友们，

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Friends,

未来，在中欧四大伙伴关系建设中，中法关系仍将占据重要特殊位置。我们愿同法国及其他欧洲国家一道，推动中欧相互理解更加深入，各领域合作更加密切，不断完善全方位、多层次、宽领域的中欧对话合作格局，为中欧全面战略伙伴关系注入持久动力，为世界和平与繁荣贡献更多正能量！

In the building of the four partnerships between China and the EU, China-France relationship will have an important and special place. China will work with France and other European countries to deepen mutual understanding, increase cooperation and improve the all-dimensional, multi-tiered and wide-ranging patterns of dialogue and cooperation. This way, we will be able to inject a lasting driving force to our comprehensive strategic partnership and contribute more positive energy to world peace and prosperity!

谢谢大家！

Thank you.