Opinion | Where here's award in Asia-Pacific, there's atrocity in Eastern Europe
By Augustus K. Yeung
Introduction
Spring is here in the Asia-Pacific region; the symbolic wintry ice--that has frozen healthy China-Australia relations over the Aukus pact--is now slowly unfreezing and breaking for the first time.
"Strategic sympathy" or not, can this act of nobility on the part of senior constable, a heroic Australian police constable, rekindle the Olympics fire, inspire the two peoples, and bring out their best human qualities?
The following crude text is a touching description of the high-profile cross-country event, carrying the kind thoughts of two peoples, marking the commemoration-award occasion:
"CANBERRA – Australian senior constable Kelly Foster, who lost her life last year trying to save a Chinese national, was awarded the Gold Great Wall commemorative medal by the Chinese ambassador to Australia on Feb 24," ("Hero Australian cop awarded posthumous medal". Xinhua. China Daily. Thursday, Monday 3, 2022)
Constable Foster was Drowned when Attempting to Help Chinese Woman
The medal, established by the Ministry of Public Security of China in 2020, is awarded to law enforcement officers from foreign countries who have made outstanding contributions toward protecting the safety of Chinese citizens.
This is the first time the gold medal is decreed.
On Jan 2, 2021, 39-year-old Foster was drowned in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales when she attempted to help Chinese woman Jennifer Qi, who had been tipped off her inflatable lilo when it was swept into a whirlpool.
China's Ambassador Officiated the Award Ceremony with Touching Feelings
"To commemorate her heroic act, a decision was made by the Ministry of Public Security of China to award her the Gold Great Wall commemorative medal, the highest honor in this category," said Xiao Qian, Chinese ambassador to Australia.
"Entrusted by the Ministry of Public Security of China, I have the honor today to invest this medal on the late senior constable Foster on behalf of the government of China," he said.
Foster and Qi, who was drowned as well, did not know each other, but at that critical moment, the police officer jumped into the whirlpool without hesitation. Xiao noted that Foster's heroic act "embodies the simple, yet lofty humanitarian spirit".
"From her, we truly feel the warmth of great love and humanity that transcends race, culture and nationality," he said.
Terry Foster, father of the senior constable, said he was proud of what his daughter did.
"She would help anybody that needed help, even growing up when she was at school," he recalled in sorrow. "It was a good way to live…We just missed her so much."
"It was typical of Kelly," said her mother Marilyn, fighting back tears. "She was sensitive, caring and loving."
"This [Medal] is from Another Country": "We Can't Believe it…"
In the interview, she said they were overwhelmed to receive the medal. "This is from another country. We can't believe it. I didn't know that this would happen."
She said they are now good friends with Qi's parents. "They're really lovely people," said Marilyn Foster. "We talk to them quite often."
Karen Webb, commissioner of the NSW Police Force, said at the ceremony that the award bestowed on Foster by China is "a great tribute to Kelly's selfless bravery, and deeply appreciated by her colleagues and the wider NSW Police Force".
Ambassador: "Forster's Action has Helped Deepen the Friendship Between People in China and Australia."
Ambassador Xiao said he believed that Forster's action has helped deepen the existing friendship between people in China and Australia.
"Ms. Kelly's story has once again brought our two peoples closer. Her heroic deeds have been widely spread and highly admired in China, and people in China can feel the warmth, kindness and friendship of the Australian people," he said.
Recognizing the bonds between peoples as key to enhancing state-to-state relations in 1972, there have been frequent exchanges and close cooperation in various sectors, bringing tangible benefits to all parties and making a positive contribution to the development, prosperity and stability of the Asia-Pacific region.
"Healthy and Stable Development of China-Australia Relations Serves the Fundamental Interests and common aspirations of the two peoples" he said.
"Taking the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between our two countries as an opportunity, China is willing to work with Australia to meet each other halfway, review the past and look into the future, adhere to the principle of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and make joint efforts to push China-Australia relations forward on the right track." ("Hero Australian cop awarded posthumous medal". XINHUA. China Daily. Tuesday, March 3, 2022).
Conclusion
In stark contrast: Just as the Chinese ambassador is making his sincere peace overturn in Australia, the Russia-Ukraine conflict goes on raging. And as the world watches--the images of acts of atrocity--in horror, our minds have been greatly disturbed.
In various graphic ways: Some people, notably war correspondents and columnists, have reported the brutal incident in Bucha, a Ukrainian town, claiming that badly brutalized bodies have been found after the withdrawal of the occupation force. Did the Russian army really do this?
"China's ambassador to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, said the claims from Bucha were "deeply disturbing" and attacks against civilians during conflicts were 'unacceptable and should not occur'. But given the disparate accounts, he also made the salient point that all sides should exercise restraint to avoid making unfounded accusations and cooperate to verify and investigate." ("Justice must be served if atrocities verified." Editorial. South China Morning Post. Thursday, April 7, 2022.)
In the name of truth: Facts of brutality must be brought to light, and the UN has a vital role in ensuring a full investigation of the claimed atrocities in Bucha and elsewhere in Ukraine. If the accusations can be proven the perpetrators have to be held to account.
The author is a freelance writer; formerly Adjunct Lecturer, taught MBA Philosophy of Management, and International Strategy, and online columnist of 3-D Corner (HKU SPACE), University of Hong Kong.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of DotDotNews.
Read more articles by Augustus K. Yeung:
Opinion | Amid Russia-Ukraine conflict, the sweet smell of peace in the spring air
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