CRI听力:Present Asia Starkly Different from Pre-World War I Europe

Liu Xiaoming gives the speech at Chatham House, a leading British think-tank, rebuffing assumptions that Asia will end up in conflict and war just as Europe did in the late 19th century.

He says that the general situation in Asia today is starkly different from the rivalry between nations in Europe before World War I.

In the speech, Liu alludes to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's recent analogy that likened current China-Japan relations to Anglo-German relations before World War I.

The ambassador says Abe's denial of Japan's aggressive past is evidence of Abe's attempt to challenge the outcome of World War II, and the post war international order.

Liu Xiaoming states that only by truly learning the lessons of history can Japan's relations with its Asian neighbors have a future, and Asian people feel reassured.

"The lessons of Japan's past of militarist aggression and colonial war must be learned. These tribulations of Chinese people and people of other countries caused by Janpanese facism must not be forgotten. Japan should show its sincerity. Japan must willingly admit past mistakes, caused by its militarism, and Japan has to earn the trust of China, Korea and other Asian neighbors through its actions.

Liu says that on balance, peace and development remain the theme of the times.

He describes the current Asia as enjoying "stable" relations, a "shining" economic and financial landscape, and a "solid" foundation for regional cooperation.

According to the Chinese ambassador, Asia is now a meeting place for all kinds of interests and "stakeholders" from across the world, and holds sway in the evolution of global advancement.

The Chinese envoy is calling on countries inside and outside the region to join hands in maintaining peace and stability in Asia.

Liu adds that lasting peace and stability in Asia requires China's efforts, and it is essential that other countries in the region and powers outside the region work together towards the same goal.

The ambassador also calls for a new security concept featuring mutual trust, equality and cooperation.

For CRI, I'm Xie Zhao.