Dear Editor,

       I am writing in reference to the letter entitled "Poverty-made in China?" in Public Eye dated September 16, 2011. Regrettably, the accusations against China in the letter are sensational, empty and misleading. I would like to make a few points in response:

       Firstly, China's relations with African countries, including Lesotho, are based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits. China's aid to or economic and trade relations with African countries aim at enhancing their self-development capacity and improving the well-being of their peoples. Our cooperation has brought tangible benefits to the African people. Just take Lesotho for example, the Chinese Government has provided this Mountain Kingdom with more than 10 aid projects and valuable assistance, helped improve its infrastructure and reduce poverty, cancelled its debts and has pledged zero tariff treatment to over 95% of its exports to China, and sent agriculture experts and doctors to serve the Basotho people. In recent years, China has offered more than a hundred full time Government Scholarships or short-term training courses every year for the local students and officials. Moreover, the Chinese investors and business operators from both sides of the Taiwan Strait are also helping a lot in promoting the social and economic development of Lesotho. Yes, their coming (actually many of them have become Basotho already) might have increased the competition of business, causing some people to lose their jobs, but at the same time, they are creating more job opportunities, helping improve investment environment, service and reducing the cost of living with cheaper and quality commodities, and so on. It is estimated that more than 60,000 local people are employed by the Chinese companies. Obviously, instead of causing poverty as the letter wrongly suggests, China is helping create jobs and alleviate poverty in Lesotho. This is an undeniable fact.

       Secondly, it is true that the impact of globalization, with the present international division of labor, has indeed affected Lesotho adversely. It is a challenge to all nations, particularly developing ones. China is not to blame for that. Besides, the competition confronting Lesotho derives from many sources. The total volume of China's annual direct trade with Lesotho is only about 60 million USD, occupying about 2.2% of total annual trade volume of Lesotho. If the 2.2% caused the poverty here, what about the other 98%? Time has changed. We are now in the age of economic globalization. No country can develop in isolation under such circumstance. Only through sincere cooperation and joint efforts, by raising the nation's productivity and enhancing development capability, could we be able to realize genuine and sustainable development.

       Thirdly, rather than "colonizing the world with inferior quality", China has been providing the world with quality commodities with reasonable prices. The consumers are no fools but the best judges. They know the rule of the market well. No one is forcing anyone to buy products he doesn't like. If the author's point holds any water, how could you explain that "made in China" has become so popular around the world? As a matter of fact, Chinese products have not only helped save the limited capital of the local government, but also served to reduce the cost of living for the local people. Of course, there is no denial that like those from many other countries, some Chinese products are still not up to the standards. China has been working hard to improve them. It is unfair to accuse it across-the-board.

       As to the price increase of some Chinese commodities, it is only natural. I advise everyone to recall how much a barrel of oil was a few years ago, and how much it is now? As the costs of raw materials, transportation and labor and so on have all gone up by a big margin, double or even more, how could you expect to maintain the same price as of a few years ago? The prices of commodities all over the world are increasing. It is puzzling that only China is singled out for blame.

       Finally, I would like to thank the author for her "care" about the life of the Chinese people. I can happily and proudly tell her that the Chinese Government has always attached utmost importance to improving the living standard and well-being of her people by adhering to the principles of "putting people first" and "governing for the people", and have won outstanding achievements. Over 250 million Chinese people have been alleviated from poverty since the reform and open-up 33 years ago. China is the first country in the world that has met the poverty reduction target set in the UN MDGs. The Chinese people have never before lived a better or happier life than at present.

       Thanks for your attention.