China's 'two sessions' have global significance: voices(2)

DIALOGUE 3

Xinhua: If you were to deliver a message to the Chinese delegates attending the two sessions, what would you like to say?

Pierre Picquart, a French China expert who has visited China more than 40 times, told Xinhua at his home in the 13th arrondissement of Paris: "If I were a delegate at the Chinese two sessions, I would tell my colleagues: It is the wind of reform, not revolution, that is passing by us."

"Now, when we formulate new laws and regulations, we have to consider our people -- those working in the field, those without a job and those struggling in poverty," he said.

Ernesto Fernandez Taboada, executive director of the Argentine-Chinese Chamber of Production, Industry and Commerce, told Xinhua in Buenos Aires: "China and Latin American have economic complementarity and the two sides have enjoyed smooth cooperation."

"I hope the delegates will leave more time for discussion about Latin America, which is very relevant for China's development," he said.

"The Chinese people are hard-working and peace-loving," he said. "Their dream to pursue happiness should be understood and supported by the whole world."

"I hope the delegates will achieve great results at the meetings, and I will cheer for you in Argentina," he said.

David Quammen is a contributing writer to National Geographic Magazine. He traveled to China's Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Guilin three years ago.

"China's future is important to all of us," he said. "I think it's very important what the Chinese government decides to do on, for instance, carbon emissions, climate change."

"With the air like in Beijing on a bad day, we don't want all of China to be like that."

"I think they should listen to the very knowledgeable Chinese conservationists, Chinese environmentalists who are saying yes we can have modernized China, yes we can have China that everyone has a good standard of living but we need to do it in a careful way."

"It can be done. It's not easy and there are always opponents. I think it can be done," he said.