Nation mourns an elegant diplomat

Legacy of Wu Jianmin, former ambassador to France and the Netherlands, recalled after his tragic death

On June 18, I heard the sad news of the death of Wu Jianmin, a veteran Chinese diplomat who served in Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and France.

Wu, 77, who was also a French-language interpreter for the late chairman Mao Zedong and premier Zhou Enlai, died in a car accident in Central China's Hubei province, where he was scheduled to deliver a speech.

In newspapers, on television and on social media, people from all walks of life have shown their deep sorrow and heartfelt respect for this mild, eloquent, visionary and peace-loving bridge-builder, who had continued to speak at functions long after his retirement. Many have shared touching memories of Wu.

I had known him for years, as a diplomat and opinion leader, who always told fascinating China stories. In addition to our interviews, he frequently appeared at events organized by China Daily.

Wu spoke at an international seminar on China's reforms and their implications for the European Union, an event coorganized by China Daily, on April 1, 2014, in the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium, where President Xi Jinping wrapped up a western European tour by giving a speech on China-EU relations.

Joining a host of prominent speakers, Wu urged peace-building at a time when there were geopolitical concerns in several regions. I was deeply impressed by his way of dealing with ordinary everyday matters.

At the time, he was 75 years old, but he was traveling alone. My friends arranged to pick him up and drop him at the airport in Brussels. Shortly after he checked in and sat down to wait for his flight to Beijing, he sent us a thank-you message. When he landed, he emailed us immediately, thanking us again.

In writing to me, he began with nin hao, which is usually a way for the young to address the old in Chinese culture. After that, he sometimes shared with me his articles by email. Hearing of his death, I could not help but read our email exchanges again.

As Xi recently paid his second state visit to Europe within three months, Wu would certainly have commented on the significance of the trip, on how it will bring China and Central and Eastern Europe closer. Or he may have chosen to talk at an event on the sidelines. But we will not hear his voice any more.

Although his passing is mourned, he can rest peacefully for several reasons.

First, for his efforts when he was working as China's ambassador to France: His spirited efforts led to the so-called honeymoon period of Sino-French relations and between China and the EU. Although it didn't last long, the honeymoon is frequently discussed in reference to China-Europe bilateral relations. At present, China-EU ties are not in ideal shape, but you cannot deny that China's relations with some member states is similar to a honeymoon period.

Second, Wu's legacy from his time as president of China Foreign Affairs University, from 2003 to 2008, is tremendous. Many students and graduates have shown their profound respect since Wu's death, vowing to follow the example he set and strive to work as professional diplomats.

Third, after his retirement, Wu became keen on supporting dialogue platforms to boost understanding between China and the rest of the world. In doing so, teams of young people have learned how to push public diplomacy and how to convince others with sincerity and solution-based approaches. Such workshops for "young ambassadors" ensure they will carry on his mission to bridge the gap of understanding and make this world a peaceful place.

On hearing this, I feel Wu can rest in peace.

The author is deputy chief of China Daily European Bureau. Contact the writer at fujing@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily European Weekly 06/24/2016 page11)