************************************************************** IFCSS Headquarters News Release No. 5078 Nov 23, 1993 ************************************************************** Independent Federation of Chinese Students and Scholars (IFCSS) 733 15th Street, N.W., Suite 440, Washington, D.C.20005 Tel. (202)347-0017 Fax: (202)347-0018 Email: ifcss@wam.umd.edu Reaching Out to Chinese Foreign Minister ======================================== On November 19, 1993, the Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen appeared twice in the Briefing Room in the International Media Center. The first time was APEC Ministerial Press Conference from 10:45 to 11:45 which is open to the press coverage. Secretary Christopher made the opening speech, and then took questions. The press was asked to specify whom the question was directed to. Many journalists presented their questions to Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen. The IFCSS Executive Director Liu Xiaozhu was still waiting in line for his turn to present his questions, when Secretary Christopher announced the closure of the briefing session. As all those ministers walked to the reporters to answer their additional questions or exchange greetings, Liu Xiaozhu tried to get through the dense crowd to talk to Mr. Qian Qichen. However, Mr. Qian walked directly to a restricted area without speaking to any one. As Liu Xiaozhu was approaching Mr. Qian, he was stopped by two US security guards within the enclosed area. Liu Xiaozhu told the guards that he would like to talk to the Chinese foreign minister who was standing three meters away. The guard looked over his shoulder and replied politely that if His Minister would like to talk to the press, he would be out there. But this is a restricted area. Indeed, as Liu noticed, everybody was conversing with reporters outside, including Secretary Christopher, Secretary Ron Brown, and all ministers from other APEC countries. Mr. Qian, his interpreter and two officials talking on a cellular phone constituted the only group in the restricted area. Mr. Qian appeared a bit exhausted, and was looking into another direction. Thus the IFCSS representative failed for the first time to reach out to the Chinese Foreign Minister. On 5:15 p.m., Mr. Qian held a news briefing to the press. He began with a prolonged introduction over the day's events and his conversation with Secretary Christopher. But he took only four questions and then left for other duties. His position was taken over by Mr. Wu Jianmin, the spokesman of the Chinese delegation. Thus when it was IFCSS Executive Director Liu Xiaozhu's turn to present questions, he could only do so to Mr. Wu Jianmin. Liu Xiaozhu said in English: "Mr. Wu, I have three questions for you. The Independent Federation of Chinese Students and Scholars has called for more political reforms, which should be compatible with China's economic reforms. From our reading of the events in China, corruption is rampant, and it is beginning to harm China's long-term stability and development. Please let us know your comment on IFCSS's suggestion for more political reforms. That is my first question. The Federation would also like to organize a delegation to visit China for purpose of observance and learning. I would like to know the government's view on this. That is my second question. We also view that the overseas Chinese student and scholar community should be represented in the People's Congress. How would you respond to this suggestion? This is my last question. Thank you very much." Mr. Wu Jianmin waited for the interpreter to translate these words in Chinese, and then replied in Chinese: "IFCSS is not a media press. However, I am still willing to respond to your questions. (Pausing for the interpreter to translate into English and then resuming). China's economic reforms are conducted simultaneously with political reforms. The Chinese government has taken a series of measures to build an honest and clean government (Lian2 Zheng4 jian4 she4). We also fight against corruption. These struggles will be carried on in long term. As to your last two questions, I think I have answered them yesterday. And I have nothing more to add." Clearly, Mr. Wu responded to one of the three questions raised by Liu Xiaozhu this time. The IFCSS also failed to reach out to the Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen for questioning. ********************************************************************* * IFCSS Headquarters Office * *-------------------------------------------------------------------* * President: Lin Changsheng Vice President: Shi Heping * * Exec. 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