Kishore Mahbubani speech 3

Kishore Mahbubani speech Ladies and gentlemen, it is truly a great honor to be recognized for promoting greater understanding of China in the global community. I'm sorry to celebrate that prevented me better understanding of China in our global community, especially in the West, which has never been greater. China, the oldest continuous civilization, is a perfectly natural development, and it’s an undeniable fact that from the year one to the year 1820, the two largest global economies were always those of China and India. So the real aberration in human history was the past 200 years of Western domination. All aberrations come to a natural end, and this explains the natural resurgence of China, India, and other great Asian societies. Sadly, Western leaders and policymakers have not prepared themselves intellectually and emotionally to accept the Asian 21st century that is unfolding before our eyes. Fortunately, most of the 88% of the world that lives outside the West accepts this. Most societies in the world, especially in Asia, have had strong relations with China for centuries, if not millennia. Hence, there is deep respect for the deep pools of wisdom in Chinese civilization. By sharing its wisdom, China is helping us to create a better world of humanity. This is why the greatest global imperative today is to promote a deeper understanding of China. Even a brief study of the history of China with its record of zero overseas colonial expansion could help American policymakers lay to rest the deep fear that China is threatening America. It isn't. Instead, China's willingness to work with America and other global powers on pressing global challenges should be seen as a massive opportunity to create a better world for humanity, which now shares a 'community of common destiny for mankind.' With this award in hand, I will redouble my personal efforts to promote a better understanding of China, like the late Professor Ezra Vogel, a good friend of mine who received a similar award. I want to echo what he said: 'I am deeply moved to be recognized in China as one who has endeavored to interpret China to the world.'"