Beijing, China / TimesNewswire / June22, 2023 – Human history moves forward with the encounters and interactions of diverse civilizations. Among them, the Chinese civilization has one of the longest histories in the world, and understanding its rich culture and civilization becomes increasingly essential for fostering global harmony and cooperation. What are prominent features of Chinese civilization? How does the world understand Chinese civilization, both from a historical perspective and in the context of present day? In a panel hosted by CGTN, titled “Civilization and Imagination: A Glimpse of China’s Path,” distinguished statesmen, cultural figures, and experts convene to discuss the profound dimensions of Chinese civilization, and explore its implication for the world today.
At opening of the panel discussion, Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan said that Azerbaijan and China were both situated along the ancient Silk Road, which fostered diverse and multi-ethnic societies. He emphasized the importance of preserving a country’s cultural heritage and welcomed more connectivity projects that will enrich culture and society through people and trade between Azerbaijan and China .
President Mahmoud Abbas of the State of Palestine noted that “China not only has a long history and splendid civilization, but it is also constantly achieving its own development, with its national strength on the rise. China not only possesses a storied past but a dynamic present and a promising future.”
Mikhail Piotrovsky, Director of the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, shared his belief that all the cultures in the world are interconnected, and they would mutually benefit from exchanging with each other. “There are differences in understandings, and that difference makes us beautiful.”
Advancing cultural prosperity and developing modern Chinese civilization have been stressed as part of China’s development goals. Five prominent features of Chinese civilization include its continuity, originality, unity, inclusivity and its peaceful nature.
Chinese civilization stands as one of the world’s oldest and most enduring, spanning millennia. Former President of Slovenia and current President of Club de Madrid, Danilo Türk, finds the continuity of Chinese civilization particularly intriguing, as it showcases an exceptional ability to adapt. Türk points to China’s remarkable innovation over the past two decades as evidence of its potential to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.
Djoomart Oftorbaev, former Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, emphasizes the importance of fostering understanding and connections between civilizations beyond intellectual discussions. Oftorbaev advocates for direct interactions and cultural exchanges between people from different backgrounds, as these personal experiences facilitate deeper understanding and appreciation.
Peter B. Ditmanson, an American professor from Yuelu Academy, resonates with the inclusiveness of Chinese civilization, which he believes holds valuable lessons for today’s world striving to create more diverse and inclusive societies. Through studying Chinese history, Ditmanson has recognized the country’s rich diversity and the continued presence of various subcultures.
International students from China’s top universities also shared their observations on cultural exchanges from their seats in the audience. Young scholars from the Kingdom of Tonga and Egypt expressed that cuisine, clothing, music etc. all serve as excellent means of sharing one’s culture with others. They believe special shows like this provides an ideal platform for diverse cultures to interact and communicate with one another.
With the participation of French scholar Pierre Picquart, Malaysian pianist Claudia Yang, American linguist David Moser, Chinese analyst Han Hua, Pakistani researcher Zoon Ahmed Khan, the panel encompasses diverse perspectives and experiences, enriching the exploration of Chinese civilization and fostering a broader understanding of its impact on the world.
