Experts call for more international exchanges to promote Chinese culture

More than 100 experts and scholars from 12 countries called for more international exchanges to promote Chinese culture and mutual learning among civilizations at a forum held in Beijing on Thursday. 

The International Communication Forum on Chinese Culture was jointly hosted by the Center for International Cultural Communication under China International Communications Group (CICG), the Academy of International Communication of Chinese Culture of Beijing Foreign Studies University, and the Research Center of Chinese Culture under the Academy of Chinese Culture. 

Wang Xiaohui, editor-in-chief of China Internet Information Center under China International Communications Group (CICG), speaks at the International Communication Forum on Chinese Culture in Beijing on Nov. 10, 2022. [Photo/CICG]

Wang Xiaohui, editor-in-chief of China Internet Information Center under CICG, said that translation plays a foundational role in telling China's stories to the world and promoting Chinese culture. He pointed out that, throughout history, translation has helped to enrich China's philosophies, ethics, art, and languages, and to introduce new technologies and new ideas. He called on high-caliber translators and interpreters who excel in foreign languages and Chinese and foreign cultures to play an active part in promoting Chinese culture.

American Sinologist Guy Alitto speaks via video link at the International Communication Forum on Chinese Culture on Nov. 10, 2022. [Photo/CICG]

Attending the event via video link, American Sinologist Guy Alitto said that the influence of Chinese culture has reached far and wide. As time goes by, much of the fine traditional culture has integrated with other cultures around the world while injecting vitality to the global economic growth. 

At the forum, experts and scholars also discussed the significance of mutual learning among civilizations, calling for more international cultural exchanges.

Zhang Xiping, a professor from Beijing Foreign Studies University, speaks at the International Communication Forum on Chinese Culture in Beijing on Nov. 10, 2022. [Photo/CICG]

Zhang Xiping, a professor from Beijing Foreign Studies University, said that diversity is an essential feature of human civilizations, and mutual learning is the driving force for civilization development. He pointed out that in the history of human civilization and the pursuit of modernization, China has demonstrated the diversity of modernization with its own path, achievements and systems, and showcased the diversity of contemporary civilizations. 

Keiichi Uchida, a Sinologist from Japan, speaks via video link at the International Communication Forum on Chinese Culture on Nov. 10, 2022. [Photo/CICG]

Keiichi Uchida, a Sinologist from Japan, said that while conducting exchanges between different cultures and languages, all sides should recognize the difference and respective strength of each other. He said the respect for each other's culture and values should be a basic attitude in human interactions.