H-J Colston,

Dear friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure for me to join you for the 15th anniversary of the Chopsticks Club. This was the very first voluntary group I came across in Britain. I was immediately attracted to its name, which reflects your interest in and understanding about life in China.

Confucius said that he became aware of the importance of learning at the age of 15. Let me add my congratulations to the chopsticks club on its 15th birthday. I wish you all the best in achieving your goal.

I went back to China for the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics and witnessed the flag hand-over. I received a huge number of letters and emails, congratulating China on the success of the Olympics. People are also asking questions. The most frequently asked question is about the legacies of the Beijing Olympics. The first and most important Olympic legacy for China is its inspiration for nationwide development of sport. I still remembered how the first ever victory for Rong Guotuan at the Table Tennis world championship in 1959 inspired the national passion for Ping Pong, thanks to which many people my age play Ping Pong fairly well.
 
For 16 days, half a million people watched the games every day in China and a hundred million more enjoyed the games on TV. It is well imaginable what the Olympics will do for the young generation of Chinese. I won't be surprised if there is a fitness boom in China. Many marveled at the magnificence of the "Bird's Nest" and "Water Cubic", and wondered what China is going to do about them. Both the Bird's Nest and the Water Cubic will be run on a commercial basis. The Bird's Nest will become the home ground of Guoan football club in Beijing. Plans for post-Olympic use of the Water Cubic were drawn up early 2006. Part of it will become an aquatic park.

Out of the total investment of 20 billion pounds for the Olympics, only 1 billion went into the 12 venues. China's sports facilities are far from meeting the need. The per capita sports area for Beijing residents was only slightly more than 2 square meters. That of Japan is 19 square meters.

The second legacy of the Olympics is on the environment. Beijing made painstaking efforts to realize its 'green Olympics' commitment. This has transformed the city for the past 7 years. More importantly, the Olympics has been an educational process and strengthened environmental awareness among the people. People are now debating among themselves as to whether temporary environmental measures for the Olympics, such as driving on alternative days, should be maintained. Understanding environmental needs is very important for a country in rapid urbanization.

The third important legacy is about changes in perceptions. The Olympics brought the world to China and opened up China to the world as never before. The world saw a real China and the humanity of the Chinese people. And the Chinese people also got to know more about the world. I wrote a comment for the Guardian last Thursday to talk about the impact of the Olympics. I mentioned that hopefully after the Olympics, there would be fewer cases of using old photos or prejudices in covering today's stories. About 60% of the 136 comments were balanced, some very positive. Interestingly, one comment on a Chinese website thought my point was too subtle. It asked "can they get the message?" One Olympics cannot change all prejudices or misconceptions, but at least things are moving forward and the gap in perceptions is starting to be filled. I talked to some journalists who were among the 30,000 in Beijing to cover the games. Their perceptions of China were much influenced by the Olympics. Critical views are welcome and accepted by the Chinese when they are informed and constructive. Recently I saw a report on CNN about the life of people with disabilities in China. The report concluded that their life has got better, but many problems remain. The ongoing Paralympics in Beijing will help generate greater care, support and respect for the 83 million disabled people in China and those across the world.

The past 30 years has seen enormous changes in China. Yet the Olympics has not altered the underlying conditions in China. China remains a developing country, with a per capita GDP 1/20 of that of Britain. The success of the Olympics has only strengthened the government's commitment to reform and opening up in China. China will continue to learn from western countries and develop its democracy and prosperity in line with its history and culture and national conditions. Team GB and Paralympics GB put on fantastic performances in Beijing. Each Olympics is unique. I am sure London will do well in four years' time.

During Prime Minister Brown's recent visit in Beijing, sports authorities of the two countries reached agreement on sports cooperation in areas where each side is strong. I am sure by working together we will take more gold medals from the Americans and Russians. With the first steps taken, the long journey of greater understanding is still in front of us.

This is where groups like the Chopsticks Club have a role to play. H-J's recent article at FT Chinese online was impressive reading. I hope the club membership representing diverse sectors will continue to grow.

 Once again, thank you for inviting me to share all the nice food and performances.