2nd World Conference of Sinologists Held
On October 27th, the 2nd World Conference of Sinologists was held in Nanping City, Fujian Province, under the theme "Understanding Chinese Civilization to Jointly Promote Global Modernization." The event was organized by the Chinese Association for International Understanding and the People's Government of Fujian. More than 200 political figures, sinologists, experts, scholars, representatives of non-governmental organizations, representatives of relevant Chinese departments and cultural sectors from 60 countries were present, including Ji Bingxuan, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress of China and President of the Chinese Association for International Understanding; Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee; Zhou Zuyi, Secretary of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of Fujian Provincial People's Congress; Zhao Long, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee and Governor of Fujian Province; Vong Soth, Second Vice-President of the National Assembly of Cambodia; Essam Sharaf, former Egyptian Prime Minister; Colin Mackerras, Australian sinologist and recipient of the Chinese Government Friendship Award; and Carsten B. Thøgersen, Danish Sinologist.
Ji Bingxuan said, in July last year, General Secretary Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the third Dialogue on Exchanges and Mutual Learning among Civilizations and the first World Conference of Sinologists, which reflected the great importance and expectations of the CPC and the Chinese government for sinology and sinologists in the world. The second World Conference of Sinologists is held to actively implement the Global Civilization Initiative and the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important congratulatory letter, and promote exchange and dialogue between Chinese and foreign civilizations. We should join hands to pursue the dream of development and contribute to the cause of world modernization. We should jointly build the foundation of security and contribute to world peace and stability. We should gather the light of civilization and contribute to the inheritance and innovation of human culture. We should work together to build a bridge between the people and contribute to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship among the people. China is ready to work with the international civil society and sinologists around the world to deepen exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and foreign civilizations and contribute to the development and progress of human civilization and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
Liu Jianchao said, at present, the CPC is leading the Chinese people to build a great country and move toward national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization. Chinese modernization is not only a bright path for the Chinese people to pursue a better and happier life, but also a just approach for world peace and development and the progress of human civilization. The key to understanding Chinese modernization lies in grasping the rich heritage of Chinese civilization. The Chinese civilization values harmony, inclusiveness, and the mutual prosperity, and believes that the world is equally shared by all. It advocates and pursues modernization that is characterized by lasting peace, openness and inclusiveness, shared prosperity, and justice. We are ready to strengthen exchange and dialogue with sinologists from all over the world, jointly promote international people-to-people and cultural exchanges and cooperation as well as the high-quality development of sinology in the world, so as to lay a new foundation of openness and inclusiveness for all countries to join hands on the road to modernization and open up new prospects.
Zhou Zuyi said, Fujian, known for rich cultural resources, has made unique contributions to the inheritance and development of Chinese culture and the exchanges with the world. President Xi Jinping earnestly hoped that Fujian would make unremitting efforts to strengthen cultural influence and showcase the province's image during his recent visit to Fujian, injecting new vitality into the continued prosperity of Fujian’s cultural heritage. Fujian will take this World Conference of Sinologists as an opportunity to implement the Global Civilization Initiative, work together with various sides to build a bridge of cooperation and exchange, a bridge of cultural transmission, and a bridge of friendship and communication, promote sinology research and international cultural exchanges for more solid and in-depth development, fully demonstrate the charm and style of Fujian culture in the new era, and jointly write a new chapter in the world civilizations. He warmly invited attendees to explore Fujian, experience Fujian’s cultural diversity, and witness the progress of Chinese modernization in all its dimensions.
The guests extended warm congratulations to the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, saying that the profound Chinese civilization with a long history is the precious treasure of mankind, and is of great significance to the development of China and the world. Vong Soth said, the Chinese civilization has not only promoted the friendly exchanges between the Chinese people and the people of other countries, including the Cambodian people, but also provided useful reference for building a united and modern world. Essam Sharaf said that the world is at a crossroads and it is necessary to save human civilization through major changes, and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind and the values it embodies such as trust, peace and development provide important guidance. Colin Mackerras said, culture plays an important role in the exchanges with other countries. Chinese culture underlines that a strong China will strive for a multi-polar world and advocate peaceful cooperation. Carsten B. Th?gersen said, the major initiatives put forward by General Secretary Xi Jinping are rooted in the excellent traditional Chinese culture, reflecting the values of harmony in differences, diversity and inclusiveness, and are conducive to promoting world peace, development and prosperity.
During the conference, thematic sharing sessions of cross-civilization understanding and exhibitions of intangible cultural heritage were held. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as the profound influence of Chinese civilization on Chinese modernization, the strength Chinese modernization brings to Chinese civilization, jointly pursuing a path to modernization from the perspectives of sinologists. Attendees emphasized the importance of dialogue and exchange among diverse civilizations, especially in today's turbulent world. Sinologists expressed their commitment to actively sharing Chinese culture, promoting intercultural exchange and mutual learning, enhancing understanding and trust, and supporting the implementation of the three major global initiatives for a better future.
Lu Kang, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the opening ceremony. Wu Xielin, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee and Secretary-General of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee, Wang Yongli, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee and Executive Vice Governor of Fujian Province, attended the opening ceremony.
