It’s not indifference

“China and Europe: indifference, confrontation and dialogue”. This is the topic of the Lectio cathedrae Magistralis which father Gianpaolo Salvini, director of the Jesuits’ bi-weelky will deliver next May 20th in the Political Sciences Faculty of the ‘Cattolica’ University in Miilan, on the occasion of the awarding of the international “Matteo Ricci” prize (1552-1610), in memory of the renown Catholic missionary and scientist who lived in China. Father Salvini received a recognition for having “brought together the political-economic-institutional spheres with an approach based on the great principles which are founded upon Christian inspiration”. We interviewed him.What is Europe’s attitude towards China? “It’s an ambivalent attitude, On the one side there is much interest, the yearning to make good deals and not miss an opportunity. Many European companies (at least 1500 are Italian) delocalized their branches in China, especially since manual labor is twenty to thirty times cheaper as compared to Italy. There are no further difficulties, there is no Trade Union, the existing one is controlled by the government. On the other hand, there is much concern, seen China’s possibility of selling goods below market price. In the past, it seemed to me that European press underlined only Chinese’ abuse in copying our products, in the face of commercial agreements. Now it appears that the general approach is more constructive, with the wish of avoiding such abuse but also of finding ways for mutual cooperation”. And on the front of human rights? “From our angle, there is still much work to be done as relates to human rights in China. I believe it is positive to insist to ensure that in such an important occasion like the Olympics, China meets our standards. However I do realize that this cause, which is obviously praiseworthy, at times appears instrumental, in other words, it is aimed at harming China’s image without respecting times and modalities which are very different from ours. Not even Europe achieved the respect of human rights overnight. While in other sectors, like the economic and commercial one, it made great leaps forward in 30 years. As relates to human rights, it is proceeding at a slower pace. However, there are internal difficulties we are unable to perceive, like the great ethnic and income heterogeneity in the different provinces. The rigid control exerted by the supervising apparatus also serves to keep together a heterogeneous accrual of peoples which might escape all forms of control”. What about the Tibet issue?“It’s very complex. I do hope, that beyond all violence, the path of dialogue will be followed. The Dalai Lama doesn’t see himself as a political leader, he isn’t a member of the Tibetan exiled government, he doesn’t oppose Chinese sovereignty over Tibet. For these reasons he could easily be a counterpart in the dialogue. Provided that the same good will is displayed on the other side. If there were no dialogue, it would be a missed opportunity”. How is China handling the earthquake emergency?“I believe it didn’t act like Myanmar, which refused foreign aid. Probably they want to control its flow and exploitation risks. But no other type of prejudicial closure was displayed. I believe that in moments of pain and tragedy, if there is unity and acceptance of supportive relief, this can represent an occasion of fraternity and world solidarity that can bring peoples together”. In your opinion, have there been steps forward as relates to the presence of the Church in China? “I hope Chinese authorities realize that the Catholic Church has no wish nor will to interfere with China’s domestic affairs. It does however wish to preserve the fundamental structures of its Church. I am under the impression, but I don’t have first-hand information, that informal dialogue has been going on for a long time and solutions were found following “the Chinese way” – but we could also say “the Italian way” – meaning that things are done but it shouldn’t be said, since this could create problems. This translates into the mutual recognition of bishops’ appointments, although this is not valid for all. Every once and a while there are second thoughts and backlashes giving sparks of a backward move, sometime due to domestic problems”. Are you also referring to the state of the talks between China and the Holy See? “As I understood, such talks are under way and I hope these will be productive. I am aware of the small, but extremely significant gestures. For example, the concert offered to the Pope has a strong political and symbolical significance. It complies with the approach to art, culture and communication which is close to the Church and of this Pope especially. I do hope that music diplomacy will be more effective and appropriate”. Therefore, should we exclude Europe-China indifference? “Indifference is excluded by the facts. We cannot ignore a world which is already inside our homes and viceversa. It shouldn’t be only viewed within the logics of trade and competition. I hope this confrontation will take place under the banner of dialogue and mutual enrichment. This is precisely what Matteo Ricci and his fellow-brothers symbolize: they traveled to China and received much credit without expressing any form power other than culture and the testimony of faith. I hope there may be a profound understanding of cultural, historical an stylistic differences, and that this may help create a better future under the banner of mutual understanding”.