"Cultural revolution" helpful in boosting China-Scotland renewable energy partnership

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said a "cultural revolution" of sorts is needed to promote "real understanding" between China and Scotland.

In a Hong Kong television interview after Christmas day, Salmond told Chinese audiences that greater ultural exchange between both countries must go hand-in-hand with economic ties.

"There is a great economic cooperation, such as Chinese buying Scotch whisky and Scotland buying Chinese goods. We are developing renewable energy together. China has the most onshore renewable energy in the world and Scotland leads in offshore and marine renewable energy.

"These are great alliances but, of course, alliances should be based not just on economics, trade and investment, but also on cultural understanding between the people--as underlined by the giant pandas arriving in Scotland and the cooperation between Scotland and China in digitalising the Eastern Qing Tombs world heritage site together."

He added: "These are things which go beyond economics, beyond politics, and allow real understanding between peoples."

The broadcast came after Salmond's week-long visit to China and Hong Kong early December as part of a Scottish government delegation.