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Premier Sun visits four African countries

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• Publication Date:05/01/1980

President Marais Viljoen decorates Premier Sun. (File photo)

With smiles and friendly words, he 'brightens corners' in South Africa, Malawi, Swaziland and Lesotho. Mrs. Sun also makes an impression to remember

Premier Sun Yun-suan and Mrs. Sun spent mid-March in Africa visiting four countries: the Re­public of South Africa, Malawi, Lesotho and Swazi­land. The Premier exchanged views with the leaders of all four countries, inspected the Chinese embassies in each of them, met with Chinese overseas leaders and technicians and signed several important agreements.

In South Africa, agreements were entered into regarding civil aviation, marine transportation, tax exemption of air and sea transport, and scientific and technological cooperation. The Republic of China obtained 4,046 metric tons of uranium for the nuclear power plants of the Taiwan Power Company at a cost of approximately US$400 mil­lion. The South African government pledged itself to carry out measures to improve the status of the overseas Chinese community.

In Malawi, the agreement on agricultural and technical cooperation was extended for another two years. The Republic of China will assist in the training of additional farmers and cooperate in the development of new rice strains. Since 1965, Malawi has been helped to carry out a training program for 7,000 farmers. Sixty-four hundred hectares of farmland have been developed, and Malawi has become a rice exporting country.

Lesotho's development programs will be given Chinese assistance in agricultural and industrial sectors. The Republic of China may help in the construction of an international airport.

Agricultural and industrial ties with Swaziland received new impetus. Prime Minister Prince Mbandla agreed to visit the Republic of China this year.

Accompanying Premier and Mrs. Sun on the flight to South Africa in a 707 jetliner provided by the host government (the return was aboard a special plane dispatched by China Airlines) were:

- K.T. Li, minister without portfolio and former minister of finance.

- Lin Chin-sheng, minister of communications.

- Admiral Soong Chang-chih, chief of the general staff.

- Y.T. Wong, vice minister of economic affairs.

- Edward Y. Kuan, vice minister of foreign affairs, and Mrs. Kuan.

- James Soong, director general of the Government Information Office.

- Liu Pang-yen, chief of protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

- Feng Yueh-tseng, director of African affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

- Wang Chin-yi, counselor, Ministry of Communications.

- Mao Ying-tsu, director general of the Civil Aeronautics Administration.

- L.K. Cheng, chairman of the board of the Taiwan Power Company.

- Wang Chi-wu, head of the International Division of the National Science Council.

Chinese farm demonstration teams in Malawi help to grow the lush stands of rice that Premier Sun saw on his visit to this country in East Africa. (File photo)

Joining them in their respective countries of as­signment were Ambassador to South Africa H.K. Yang, Ambassador to Malawi Chao Chin-yung, Am­bassador to Lesotho Liu Ta-jen and Ambassador to Swaziland Chou Tung-hua. Vice Minister of Economics Y.T. Wong returned to Taipei after the visit to South Africa and was replaced by Vice Minister Chang Hsuin-shuen for the other three visits.

Returning to Taipei the morning of March 24, Premier Sun was met by former President Yen Chia-kan and other dignitaries. At a press con­ference, he said friendship and understanding had been promoted between the Republic of China and the four African states. He said he had invited South African Prime Minister P.W. Botha to visit the Republic of China and that the date probably would be set for next autumn. The first joint con­ference of the new ROC-South Africa Economic Council and South Africa-ROC Chamber of Economic Cooperation will be held in Taipei in October or November. The ROC-South Africa Economic Council elected C.K. Koo, chairman of the Chinese National Association of Industry and Commerce, as chairman and named two vice chairmen: L.K. Chen, chairman of the Taiwan Power Company, and Chao Chang, deputy board chairman and president of the China Union Lines. Trade between the countries increased 37.5 per cent last year with exports of US$77.3 million and imports of US$214.4 million.

Speaking in Taipei, South Africa's Ambassador Louis Vorster said his embassy has received many inquiries about commerce and investment in his country. He also predicted rapid growth of tourism when direct flights between Taipei and Johannesburg begin.

Minister K.T. Li, speaking in Johannesburg in the wake of Premier Sun's visit, said the Republic of China and South Africa will be able to help each other increase productivity, cut costs and save time in economic development. Addressing business and industrial leaders, he said: "A strong consensus has emerged that close and intimate cooperation between our two countries must be explored, pursued and acted upon with all deliberate speed, especially in the field of economic cooperation. The overriding objective is to improve the well-being of our peoples and our basic approach is to identify areas where our efforts can be complementary and therefore mutually beneficial."

The agreement for scientific and technological cooperation, he said, calls for the cooperation of technicians and includes provision for sharing rights arising from joint research. In trade, he noted, the Republic of China is committed to the making of customs concessions to 339 South African products. South Africa also will remove barriers to the growth of trade. The South African Council for Industrial and Scientific Research will dispatch senior staff members to the Republic of China to study industrial and scientific develop­ments.

Premier Sun and his party reached Capetown the morning of March 10 to be greeted at the air­port by Prime Minister and Mrs. P.W. Botha, Foreign Minister and Mrs. R.F. Botha, Minister of Transport and Mrs. J.C. Heunis, Chief of the Defense Forces and Mrs. M.A. De J. Malan and Ambassador H.K. Yang. At the Mount Nelson Hotel, Premier Sun was met by Consul General Lo Min-yuan and leaders of the Chinese community. Twenty-five Chinese reporters and photographers were on hand to cover the visit.

Soon after arrival, Premier Sun called on President Marais Viljoen and delivered a personal letter from President Chiang Ching-kuo. He received from the South African chief of state the Order of Good Hope in recognition of his efforts to promote friendship and goodwill between the Re­public of China and South Africa. The Premier later visited Chinese fishermen at the Seamen's Club. Capetown is the biggest provisioning base for Free Chinese trawlers fishing in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. In the evening the Suns were the guests of Ambassador H.K. Yang at dinner in the official residence.

On March 11, Premier Sun visited the South Africa wine industry and attended a dinner given by Prime Minister P.W. Botha. During the day, the two chief administrative officers held the first of their scheduled conferences. They exchanged views on the world situation with special reference to Communist threats to peace and security. Prime Minister Botha recalled the words of the late President Chiang Kai-shek: "If we are weak, friends will become foes, but if we are strong, foes will become friends."

At the evening banquet attended by 250 guests, Prime Minister Botha described the visit of Premier Sun as "a milestone in the development of our relations and the forging of bonds between our two countries." He said: "More and more this is proving to be a mutually rewarding friendship. Your culture is as old as ours is young. We have both traversed difficult paths in our recent history and we have won through. We have much to learn from each other's experiences and much to gain from continued contact. We have seen how fickle the na­tions of the world can be and how transient their relationships with each other. We both know the meaning of integrity in statecraft and integrity in friendship."

Replying, Premier Sun said the Republic of China and South Africa have much in common because they are striving for the common cause of international justice. He said: "The close relation­ship between our two countries is indeed based on this common belief. The Republic of China, for­tunate to have the leadership of President Chiang Ching-kuo, attaches great importance to the friendship between our two nations.

"The Republic of South Africa has taken a firm anti-Communist stand, and you have repeated­ly pointed out the mistaken notion of the so-called 'alliance with the Chinese Communists against the Russians' and warned your people of the peril of such an illusion. I put it categorically that the Communists are the root of all evil in this world.

None of the current turmoil in the world is un­related to the audacious expansionism of the Com­munists. Although certain conflict does exist between the Chinese Communists and the Soviet Communists, their ultimate goal of communizing Asia, Africa and eventually the whole world remains the same. It is gratifying to note that you and your government have not the slightest doubt about the designs of the Communists, be they Rus­sian or Chinese. Your determination and positive action in fighting against Communist onslaught are commendable and laudable.

"Our two countries share the same views of world affairs. In the light of our common interests and with a view to maintaining peace and stability in the world, our two governments should co­operate closely to deter international Communist threats against our national interests and security."

Sun Yun-suan reciprocated Prime Minister Botha's hospitality the following evening (March 12). He announced the Chinese government's decision to sign a contract for purchase of 4,000 tons of South African uranium for about US$400 million to fuel its nuclear power plants. He told Prime Minister Botha and other South African dignities attending the dinner: ''We want freedom, not Communism; we want peace, not violence; we want prosperity, not poverty. Let us work together side by side for these common goals. Let us devote ourselves to the freedom and peace of mankind."

He pledged that the Republic of China would never turn away from the struggle against Commu­nism and would accomplish the task of restoring freedom to Chinese compatriots on the mainland. "The Republic of South Africa has been likewise the bulwark in the cause of opposing Communism in Africa," he said. "Since our arrival in your coun­try we have witnessed the courage and determina­tion of both your government and people in meeting challenges at home and abroad. We admire your courage and determination. It is our earnest hope that both our countries will cooperate further in time to come and stand up for world peace and security in our common fight against aggression and international Communism."

Prime Minister Botha responded with acknow­ledgement that South Africa is the bastion of anti­-Communism in Africa just as is the Republic of China in Asia. ''This close and harmonious cooperation is a cause of great satisfaction to me and my government," he said, "and I have no doubt that the bonds between us will grow stronger in the future. Although you are halfway round the world from us, we have much in common. Our cultural links are with countries to the north of us and our cultural origins are very different from yours, but in many fields we have a similar outlook. But I must make mention of the law-abiding small Chinese community we have in South Africa serving our country in many ways. I would like to pay tribute to their loyalty to South Africa. I would also like to pause on this thought, for what we have in com­mon is a source of inspiration.

"I believe that we here, and you in your own region, should provide hope for the free world. We shall succeed because our system is better for the ordinary man than the Communist alternative. While the Communists offer a diet of sterile ideology and weapons for destruction, we work for the development of human and natural resources, spiritual strength and goodwill to achieve upliftment, stability and security. South Africa is honored to seek these goals in cooperation with the Republic of China."

The two prime ministers agreed that they would not issue a joint communique at the conclu­sion of Premier Sun's visit, but would let their speeches stand as the record of what was accomplished along with the five agreements on transportation and scientific and technical cooperation.

As his South African stay neared an end March 15, Premier Sun met with more than 600 Chinese Community leaders in Johannesburg. He called on his countrymen to participate enthusiastically in the trade, tourism and cultural relationships between the Republic of China and their country of residence. He pledged assistance in the establish­ment of a Chinese cultural center and assured his listeners that the South Africans were sincerely trying to improve the status of the Chinese community. He called attention to his agreements with Prime Minister Botha and to the anti-Communist cooperation of the two countries.

March 16 was a day off for a visit to Kruger National Park — half the size of Taiwan and a refuge for lions, elephants, leopards and other threatened species. Bidding farewell to his South African friends on March 17 with assurances of further contributions to world freedom and peace, the Premier and his party departed for Malawi.

President Kamuzu Banda is an old friend of the Republic of China. He visited Taiwan some years ago as the state guest of President Chiang Kai-shek and is one of the world's foremost anti-Communist fighters. The Premier was met at the Blantyre airport by Minister of the Southern Re­gion E. Bwanali and leaders of the Chinese commu­nity, including Ambassador C.Y. Chao. In the evening he was the honored guest at a reception given by Ambassador Chao. He was domiciled at Mudi House, one of President Banda's residences.

Meeting with President Banda on March 18, Premier Sun delivered a personal letter from Presi­dent Chiang Ching-kuo and expressed hope that the Malawi leader would make a return visit to the Republic of China. In discussions, the two leaders emphasized their anti-Communist stature and dedication to the free enterprise system. He was the guest of President Banda for dinner in the evening.

A new agricultural technical agreement was signed by Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Chang Hsuin-shuen. The Republic of China is supplying another 20 tractors to Malawi and a credit of US$5 million for the purchase of fertilizer and other agric­ultural materials. Agricultural demonstration teams from Taiwan have been working in the landlocked Republic of Malawi for many years.

Premier Sun contradicts the concept of the Chinese as a reserved people. He likes the crowds and is seen here mak­ing new friends in Lesotho. (File photo)

On March 19, the Premier moved on to the King­dom of Lesotho for an overnight stay as the guest of Prime Minister Leabua Jonathan. Some 4,000 natives from various rural areas came to the airport to welcome the visitor with tribal singing and dancing, the first time in many years that such a reception had been given for a foreigner. The prime minister and his cabinet were present.

Premier Sun and Prime Minister Jonathan dis­cussed world affairs and the furtherance of ROC-Lesotho cooperation. At a reception, the Prime Minister introduced the Premier to some 300 leaders of Lesotho. Mr. Sun also met with Chinese community leaders and visited some of the business activities that have been encouraged by the Lesotho government. At a reception given by Queen Mamohao, the regent, the Premier conveyed a personal letter and greetings from President Chiang Ching-kuo to King Moshoeshoe II.

Prime Minister Jonathan called for the further assistance of the Republic of China in Africa's freedom struggle. He expressed hope that help would be forthcoming in trade, industry, transpor­tation and the development of energy. Lesotho hopes to install hydroelectric facilities in its high-lands. Minister of Communications Lin Chin-shen and Director General of the Civil Aeronautics Administration Y.T. Mao said the Republic of China may be able to share its airport construction experience with Lesotho, which hopes to build an international airport at Maseru.

Swaziland's Prince Mbandla will visit Taiwan soon. (File photo)

Premier Sun's final stop on the four-state African tour was Mbabane, the capital of Swaziland. Greeting him at the airport were Prime Minister Prince Mbandla, other leaders of the kingdom, Am­bassador Chou Tung-hwa and other members of the Chinese community. The country's Chinese leaders were hosts at a dinner the evening of March 20. The Premier urged them to contribute generously to Swaziland's progress and development. He also reported on the prosperity of the Republic of China and pledged his support to friendship and cooperation with African countries.

On March 21, Premier Sun and the members of his party met with Prince Mbandla and the members of his cabinet to discuss increased cooperation in agriculture, handicrafts and other industry. The two prime ministers exchanged promises of in­creased friendship and cooperation in upholding international justice and maintaining freedom and peace in the world.

Premier Sun presented President Chiang Ching-kuo's personal letter to King Sobhuza and received from His Majesty an informal appointment as "grand counselor" of the country.

Agreement was widespread m South Africa as well as the Republic of China that Premier and Mrs. Sun had done an excellent job of representing their country. One commentary summed up the trip and its results this way:

There's an old Christian Sunday School song about "brightening the comer where you are." That is what Premier Sun has been doing on his trip to southern Africa.

Unfortunately, Premier Sun cannot travel to the United States, Western Europe, Japan, Australia, Canada and many other countries. The list of states with which the Republic of China has formal diplomatic relations is down to 21, and some of these admittedly are small and not exactly populous.

So Premier Sun chose to "brighten the comers" that he could reach. These are not unimportant. South Africa is a rich and powerful land. If it has problems, who doesn't? Apartheid is fading from the human scene. If South Africans can solve their racial problem uniquely, their Republic has the potential to become one of the powers of the world.

The other countries visited by Premier Sun — Malawi, Lesotho and Swaziland — can use the technical assistance that the Republic of China is extending or prepared to extend. Our relations with these three will be observed by other Africans who have recognized the Chinese Communists. Ex­perience teaches that those who run with the Com­munists are sooner or later disillusioned with them. It is our hope that all countries will look to the Republic of China as the example of what China and the Chinese can be.

If Premier Sun were not so valuable as this country's chief administrative officer, he could well be designated as our unofficial roving ambas­sador and sent all over the world. He makes an excellent impression, not only because he tries but also because he is naturally friendly and outgoing. People like him, and they quickly discover that he likes them.

He is fluent in English: As an engineer, he speaks the language of the modernizing world. These are important attributes, because they pro­mote communication and mutual interests wher­ever he goes.

This has been a constructive and rewarding trip for the Republic of China. There are other corners Premier Sun can brighten, and we hope he does so as often as his duties at home will permit, taking his wife with him as he did this time. Mrs. Sun, who shares her husband's friendliness and penetrating intelligence, made a fine impression in Africa.

Aside from the bilateral agreements signed or contemplated as a result of this visit, Premier and Mrs. Sun were "showing the flag" in a distant part of the world. They were attesting publicly and with a flourish that the Republic of China is alive, well and still intent on putting its best foot for­ward as the model province of China and the way of the Chinese future.

To a large extent, the friendship between na­tions depends on what the people think of each other. Governments can do little if there is no liking and trust. Premier Sun has done as much as anyone in our country to make friends and influence others. He is a good man of good deeds and deserves the commendation of both government and people.