(3 June 2008, Amsterdam)

Mr. Chairman,

First of all I would like to thank our host the Netherlands for the warm reception and thoughtful arrangements. As the host of the last Interfaith Dialogue and the upcoming ASEM 7 Summit, China remains committed to supporting and actively participating in interfaith dialogue and exchanges among ASEM partners.

Up to now we have had three ASEM interfaith dialogues, which have made important contribution to the establishment of a peaceful and fruitful Asia-Europe partnership. But reality shows that interfaith disharmony still exists and becomes manifest from time to time. I believe that the goal of interfaith dialogue is to build a bridge for understanding, tolerance and respect. Obviously, we still have a long way to go to achieve that goal.

It is the diversity of culture that creates a rich and colorful world. There are nearly 200 countries in the world, each has its own distinct history, social system, development level, cultural heritage and religious belief. We believe that diversity is a basic characteristic of world civilization as well as the motivation of the progress of humanity. Each culture or religion has its own unique value. It is actually bigotry and a form of extremism to claim supremacy or absolute universality of one's own culture and values, and despise and even repel other cultures and religions. We advocate that various cultures and religions should, on the premises of preserving its own characteristics, respect, understand and appreciate cultures and religions of other countries -- to love the commonalities and respect the differences.

Both Asia and Europe are the cradles of civilizations. Both civilizations are the crystalization of human wisdom, and should respect and tolerate each other, open to each other, learn from each other, and carry out exchanges on an equal footing for the good of peaceful coexistence. Asia and Europe should transcend differences of ideology and social systems, learn about and understand each other truthfully and objectively, respect different development roads of their own choice, and settle disputes in a peaceful and cooperative way. Only by so doing, can a win-win solution be found.

Mr. Chairman,

China is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious country. There are a large number of religious believers, around 100,000 sites of religious activities, some 300,000 clergy and over 3000 religious organizations throughout China. Different ethnic and religious communities in China coexist peacefully. Peaceful preaching, multi-religious coexistence and mutual assimilation for mutual benefits are the mainstream of history and today. I think friends who attended the Nanjing Interfaith Dialogue will agree with me on that point.

The Chinese government upholds the policy of guaranteeing the freedom of religious belief, and respects and protects the citizens' freedom of religious belief according to its constitution. It adopts the principle of separation of church and state. It adheres to the principle of mutual respect, unity and cooperation in dealing with religious believers. We firmly believe that the respect for religious freedom is respect for basic human rights, respect for the progress of civilization and respect for the inherent law of social development. Our respect for religious freedom is deeply rooted in the core value for harmony, tolerance and fraternity of the Chinese culture. The Chinese cultural heritage is characterized by tolerance and generosity. It does not have the genes of religious conflicts and hostility. We believe that by fully guaranteeing the citizens' religious freedom, people will be united to realize the national revitalization and build a harmonious country.

Mr. Chairman,

2008 is an extraordinary year for China. It is the year of the 30th anniversary of China's adopting the reform and opening-up policy. It is also the year that we will host two major events--the Olympic Games and the 7th ASEM Summit. The Chinese government and people, inspired by the spirit of peace, unity, friendship and cooperation, is committed to promoting mutual understanding and exchanges between Asia and Europe and the world at large. However, from the unprecedented snowstorm in South China early this year to the Sichuan Earthquake on shocking that has shocked the world, the Chinese government and people, including religious believers have undergone severe tests. Confronted with the calamity, we support each other with love and pool together strength with unity. In front of major disasters, various cultures and religions usually manifest the kindest common human nature, that is, unity and friendship. We are really grateful for the sympathy and assistance from various countries and peoples from the world. We will continue to work with peoples from Asia, Europe and the world at large, with a stronger will, a more open heart and a positive attitude to make unremitting effort for the common progress and development of mankind.

Thank you.