N 1, 2012
New optimistic countdown |
 The long awaited snow has finally arrived on the eve of the New Year. In Australia or Brazil, people may be used to admiring New Year fireworks on ocean beaches but, in our country, we have our own winter way. Within just a few days, the snow has blanketed the earth and city asphalt. As I write, snowflakes reel in a cheerful, circular dance beyond the window. The snow may soon melt but, so far, everything is following the ‘winter schedule’ we know and love. The run of time through winter, spring, summer and autumn has its own ebb and tide. |
Year of great lessons |
 President Alexander Lukashenko summarizes events and lessons of the past yearThe press conference lasted for four hours, with Alexander Lukashenko answering questions for a crowd of journalists using four microphones, installed in the National Library hall. Almost every media edition in the country was represented, with around 400 journalists sent by over 300 electronic and printed editions, alongside correspondents from foreign media accredited in Belarus. Mr. Lukashenko reminded those present that he has never avoided direct questions and always encourages sincere conversation. Moreover, last year, there were many burning issues regarding economy and politics. “It was a very complex year,” admitted the President. “I wouldn’t want it repeated.” The conference itself was more like a discussion, with the President asking journalists return questions, and calling for mutual sincerity. He reasoned his position emotionally, figuratively and, often, with humour, with plenty of soundbite quotations offered for news agencies and social network users. The event at the National Library was certainly lively. President Lukashenko was eager to address those journalists who were sharply critical in their attitude, wishing to respond to their comments, and prove his point. |
Athletes from Zhodino |
 The small town of Zhodino, located 60km from Minsk, has many residents keen on weightlifting… as we shall later explore. Its Silach (Strongman) Health and Fitness Club has a triathlete section and has produced Anastasia Novikova, who captured gold at the World Weightlifting Championship in Paris in November 2011. This seemingly fragile woman managed to lift a 237kg barbell, allowing her to be crowned Europe’s strongest woman for the third time. She also won bronze at the 2008 OlympicsRecently, hundreds of Zhodino residents came to see Kirill Shimko pull a BelAZ heavy duty truck (able to carry 55 tonnes of cargo). Belarus’ record breaker in combined heaving events was awarded an honorary diploma by BelAZ’s Director General as a sign of appreciation for another record. |
Distance is no obstacle |
 Anatoly Tozik, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus and the Co-chairman of the Belarusian-Chinese Commission for Trade and Economic CooperationIn January, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Belarus and the People’s Republic of China. Recognition by such a great power as China was vital for a state newly on the world map. The deep and diverse co-operation of our countries has supported our independence and sovereignty, since economic success is the best way to provide a dignified life for citizens, and earn a worthy reputation. Today, we analyse Belarusian and China relations with Anatoly Tozik, the Deputy Prime Minster of the Republic of Belarus and the Co-chairman of the Belarusian-Chinese Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation. |
Great deeds awaiting |
 “Chinese preferential credits and direct investments running into billions are actively contributing to the streamlining of the Belarusian economy, and the adoption of advanced technology and innovations,” noted the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, speaking of investment co-operation between Minsk and Beijing, on meeting the Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Wu Bangguo, in September 2011 Lines of credit reaching 15 billion US Dollars have been opened by the Chinese government and banks, for the financing of joint investment projects in Belarus. Many of those financed by China are almost complete, while others have just begun. Truly, their scale is unprecedented in Belarus. |
Allures of enlightment |
 Belarus is becoming increasingly popular among the Chinese as a place to obtain higher education In 2011, about 2,000 Chinese students attended higher educational institutions in Belarus, with 1,500 taught in Minsk. Bilateral agreements regarding education and scientific degrees ensure that qualifications issued in Belarus are recognised in China and vice versa. Via joint cultural exchange events and activities, students have been able to share their experience to bring our nations closer. This has further encouraged liaisons, as Victor Buria, the Ambassador of Belarus to China, emphasises. He believes that student exchange projects between our two states are a vital element in strengthening partnerships. |
Belarusians from Under the Heaven |
 Ozhegov’s defining dictionary gives the following interpretation of the ‘diaspora’ term: these are people belonging to one and the same nation who live beyond the country of their origin. I’ve lived in China for as long as 11 years, and the Chinese often call me ‘Lao Beijing Ren,’ which means ‘old Beijing citizen’ (though the ‘old’ part has nothing to do with my age). According to our Embassy, there are, at least, 150 more Belarusians living in China, their numbers annually increasing In fact, China has always held certain attraction for foreigners. Based on the 2010 population census, foreigners, permanently living here, number about 600 thousand people, their major quantities concentrated in big cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. As for Belarusians, they are most numerous in Dalian (Liaoning Province). In September 2010, Belarusians even founded their fellow-countrymen community, comprising 52 people (mainly students). Students, by the way, make up most of Belarusians in China. |
Harmony in Motion |
 When we speck about China we imagine the following image in our mind. Morning. Park. Many people do their morning exercises or dance with slow harmonious and delayed movements. Anyone who knows nothing about China (but how many of such people visit China?) and see the slow movements of “dancers” may decide that they are in a tranceAnyone who knows China traditions will stop and think “It is true! They indeed do it!” and nod his head satisfactorily. It is true Chine. No tricks. The Chinese indeed do their morning (as well as day and evening) exercises which resembles a slow dance. They are sure that it is the exercises that help them to keep energy, mobility and health in their extreme old age. There are many types of such gymnastics and taijiquan is the most popular gymnastics indeed. |
Communicating through the ages |
 Gao Man — translator and promoter of Belarusian literature in ChinaOur country is soon to celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the birth of national Belarusian poet Maxim Tank. A bright and broad-minded person, he travelled widely — with Soviet delegations, and with political and public figures, with fellow writers, and alone. He was invited by the art organisations of other soviet republics and by nations around the world. In his tenth volume of poetry, he mentions dozens of places with which his life was connected. He often referred to China and its writers, having spent 1957 in this distant Eastern country. His Chinese cycle of poetry was inspired by his tour of China, accompanied by young translator and publicist Gao Man. |
Fragile beauty |
 The Chinese porcelain and ceramics collection displayed as part of permanent exposition at the Belarusian National Art Museum provides for a possibility to get to know the immense variety of cultural traditions in this country China has always been world famous for its porcelain, with ceramics and porcelain included into the highest achievements of Chinese civilization. Porcelain products enjoyed great demand not only in China proper, but far and wide beyond its borders. Porcelain fancy articles, which first got into the Medieval Europe by accident, were treated like relics of immense value. The fictile art has a history which is over three thousand years long. Porcelain proper was first manufactured in China approximately in the sixth-seventh century, when the technology and input components selection became improved to the extent that it was possible to obtain articles of pure white colour and excellent finesse. |
Retro-style landmarks |
 Numbers of restored architectural monuments associated with world famous people are ever expandingWhat does it mean — a Motherland? In various Belarusian regions people would sure give different answers to this question. The Culture Ministry jointly with Grodno Regional Executive Committee has launched a contest to select the best design of a monument to Mindaugas, who is believed to be the founder and the first King of the Lithuanian Dutchy. The monument, both by its composition and plastic solution, is required to follow the top classical and national traditions of monumental art. By spring 2012, the ministry will have considered applications by sculptors. Mindaugas was the one who united Lithuanian and Belarusian lands in the XIIIth century, creating a single state, with the Pope recognizing it as a kingdom. History has always been a topic of interest in many Belarusian regions, with much efforts spent on ‘building bridges’ to connect us with past ages and reviving the traditions which unite Belarusians with lots of other European nations. |