China-France intercultural dialogue held in Dalian

An intercultural dialogue between China and France was held in Dalian, northeastern China's Liaoning province on Oct. 20, gathering over 100 government officials, experts, and scholars from both countries to discuss cultural exchange and educational cooperation. 

Yu Tao, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), delivers a speech via video link at a China-France intercultural dialogue on Oct. 20, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

Yu Tao, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), delivered a speech via video link. Yu noted that both countries should take the 10th anniversary of China's Belt and Road Initiative as an opportunity to expand cooperation and enhance mutual learning among civilizations, adding that more creative cultural activities are expected to be held next year to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between China and France, the Year of Culture and Tourism between the two countries, and the 2024 Paris Olympics.

CICG will deepen cooperation with colleges and research institutes to build more platforms to facilitate mutual learning between the two countries, said Yu. 

Liu Hong, president of Dalian University of Foreign Languages (DUFL), praised the event for boosting cultural exchanges among the youths of China and France, saying it's a great platform for them to explore the beauty of civilizations while contributing to build a harmonious world with diverse civilizations.

French Sinologist Joel Bellassen speaks at a China-France intercultural dialogue in Dalian, northeastern China's Liaoning province, on Oct. 20, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

French Sinologist Joel Bellassen pointed out that, during Chinese language teaching, relevant parties should lay more emphasis on the intrinsic motivation of learners and promote the positive role of Chinese characters in cultural communication. 

A China-France intercultural dialogue is held in Dalian, northeastern China's Liaoning province, on Oct. 20, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

During panel discussions, over 20 young scholars from China and France shared their views on educational cooperation and cultural exchange between the two countries. 

The event was jointly organized by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies under CICG and the DUFL.