The government yesterday expressed regret over the decision by Hollywood movie director Steven Spielberg to quit as an artistic advisor to the Beijing Olympics.
The American announced his decision on Wednesday, citing concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, which he linked to China.
"We express regret (for his decision)," Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said yesterday at a regular briefing.
Responding to recent remarks by some Westerners linking China to Darfur, Liu said China has "noticed these or those discussions and moves on China's stance on Darfur".
"It is understandable if some people do not understand the Chinese government's policy on Darfur," he said. "But we can't accept that some people want to use this as an opportunity to link Darfur to China's Africa and Sudan policies, and even to the Beijng Olympic Games."
Liu said China has been working with the United Nations to resolve the Darfur crisis.
"China is also concerned about the humanitarian crisis there, but we have been playing a positive and constructive role in promoting peace in Darfur."
China has so far offered $11.1 million in humanitarian aid to Sudan, Liu said. Chinese firms have also offered aid.
China National Electric Equipment Corporation has completed 18 small-scale power plants in Darfur and two more are under construction.
In addition, Beijing will send 315 engineering troops to the region, 140 of which have already arrived.
Last year, when Sudan and the UN differed over the deployment of hybrid peacekeeping forces, China sent a special envoy several times to Khartoum to persuade the government to accept the UN resolution.
"On the issue of Darfur, empty rhetoric will not help," Liu said. "What is more important is to do more things to help with the peace process there and alleviate the humanitarian crisis."
Questions:
1. What was the reason Spielberg gave for his decision to quit?
2. What role did China’s foreign ministry spokesman say the nation has been playing to promote peace in Darfur?
3. List 3 practical assistance measures China has provided to Sudan recently?
Answers:
1.Concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, which he linked to China.
2.A positive and constructive role.
3.Offers of $11.1 million in humanitarian aid, construction of 18 small-scale power plants in Darfur and provision of 315 engineering troops.
（英语点津 Celene 编辑）
About the broadcaster:
Brendan joined The China Daily in 2007 as a language polisher in the Language Tips Department, where he writes a regular column for Chinese English Language learners, reads audio news for listeners and anchors the weekly video news in addition to assisting with on location stories. Elsewhere he writes Op’Ed pieces with a China focus that feature in the Daily’s Website opinion section.
He received his B.A. and Post Grad Dip from Curtin University in 1997 and his Masters in Community Development and Management from Charles Darwin University in 2003. He has taught in Japan, England, Australia and most recently China. His articles have featured in the Bangkok Post, The Taipei Times, The Asia News Network and in-flight magazines.
