China's ASEM Senior Official Appealing to Exert Religion's Unique Positive Effects to Promote World Peace
and Human Progress
July 26, 2005

H. E. Ambassador Wang Xuexian, ASEM Senior Official of China, stated at the ASEM Inter-Faith Dialogue that we should fully respect the diversity and distinction of various ethnicities, religions and civilizations, and we should uphold the principles of equality and mutual respect and seeking common ground while reserving differences.  He also pointed out that we should work for compatibility rather than discrimination, exchange rather than exclusion, dialogue rather than confrontation, co-existence rather than conflict, and we should enable religion to play its unique and positive role in promoting world peace and human progress.

Mr. Wang stated that China was a country of pluralistic faiths and cultures, and religions and faiths, which were embodiment of diversity, tolerance, inclusiveness and love for peace, had always been a contributing factor to harmony in China. "Traditional Chinese culture advocates fraternity, trustworthiness, harmony, common good and love for peace. Looking back at Chinese history, we find no major armed conflicts or bloodshed between different faiths or between religious believers and non-believers. Nor has China waged any war under the pretext of religion. All religions in China are strong advocates of service for society and well-being for humanity. Religions and faiths play an active role in building a harmonious society in China." Wang said.

Mr Wang expressed that ASEM embraced both eastern and western civilizations and it encompassed the world's major religions and faiths. Dialogue among various faiths of Asia and Europe in the principle of mutual respect and harmony without unanimity would not only help enhancing mutual understanding and expanding common ground, but also contribute to world peace and harmony.

The ASEM Inter-Faith Dialogue was held on 21-22 July in Bali Island, Indonesia. Government officials, religious leaders, intellectuals and representatives of the media from all the ASEM members attended the dialogue. Susilo, President of Indonesia, attended the opening ceremony. The Dialogue, theming "Building Interfaith Harmony within the International Community", discussed such issues as education, culture and the media's effects and passed the Bali Declaration. The 2nd ASEM Inter-Faith Dialogue will be held in Cyprus in 2006.