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Al Etihad
15 hours ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
TRENDS hosts symposium exploring prospects for China-Middle East relations
20 June 2025 10:45 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD) TRENDS Research & Advisory, through its Virtual Office in China, kicked off its participation in the 31st edition of the Beijing International Book Fair 2025 by organising a research symposium titled 'Prospects for China–Middle East Relations in Light of Global Transformations', held at the centre's booth at the China National Convention in the seminar—moderated by Farida Bai Yi Nan, Head of the Arabic Language Department at China Today magazine—discussed the role of the Belt and Road Initiative in enhancing Arab–Chinese economic integration, the opportunities and domains of cultural and educational cooperation between China and Arab countries, China's position on key Middle Eastern issues, and how Chinese intellectual elites perceive partnerships with Gulf and Arab Jiyuan, a researcher at the Centre for Arab Studies at Zhejiang International Studies University, emphasised that cultural cooperation is a vital component in China–Arab relations. She noted that the exchange of knowledge and culture between China and Arab nations has reached a solid level. For example, over 48 universities in China teach the Arabic language, and enthusiasm for learning Chinese is rising across the Arab world. The UAE and Saudi Arabia have both incorporated Chinese into their national education curricula, and there are currently more than 20 Confucius Institutes across the Middle Al Shehhi, Senior Researcher and Deputy Head of the Scientific Research Sector at TRENDS, stated that China–Arab relations represent a unique model of civilisational interaction, merging the authenticity of tradition with future aspirations for prosperity. What unites Arab nations and China, he said, is a shared vision for a prosperous future that does not come at the expense of history or cultural Shehhi added that recent years have witnessed significant developments in bilateral relations—not only in trade but also in deep cultural and educational cooperation, which serves as the cornerstone of building bridges of mutual understanding between pointed out that it is impossible to speak of Sino–Arab cooperation without mentioning the UAE model, as the UAE is not only China's top trading partner in the Middle East and North Africa, but also the most advanced in cultural collaboration. The UAE has announced investments totaling $10 billion in joint cultural and educational projects with China over the next ten Yuxin, a researcher at the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, explained that both the UAE and China are committed to playing positive roles in achieving peace and defusing regional and global conflicts—especially in the Middle East, a region of central importance to the entire world. Yang added that China is the top trading partner of the UAE, while the UAE is the largest market for Chinese exports and a key investment destination for China in the Middle East. In recent years, cooperation in renewable energy, photovoltaic power plants, and wind energy has witnessed significant growth. The UAE is also the primary destination for Chinese tourists in the region, with more than one million tourists last year, alongside over 100 Chinese schools in the UAE—further enhancing educational and cultural exchange.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
China Today: China-EU Screen Dialogue
BRUSSELS, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Over the past decade, the EU-China Film Festival has grown into an important platform promoting cultural exchanges and international communication. For Yuan Mengqian, secretary general of the EU-China Film Festival (EUCNFF), one of her most enduring memories of her career is the senior Europeans who told her the festival was the first time they watched a Chinese movie. "They said that even if the language is different, the emotions in the films are common and touching. The sincere feedback made me feel that what we are doing is meaningful and can bring different cultures closer," Yuan told China Today. Since its inception in 2015, the EUCNFF has been held six times at the EU headquarters in Brussels, with over 50 Chinese films screened. It now has become an important platform for cultural dialogue between China and Europe. Yuan compared the film festival to an international electric plug adapter, meaning that in the context of different cultures and cognitive systems, the film festival allows everyone to plug in and make a connection. "We hope this platform can allow more audiences to truly see each other," Yuan said. Platform for Cultural Exchanges Based on the Chinese film market and the European audiences preferences, the EUCNFF Committee annually selects the best films that have been shown on the Chinese mainland during the past two years, covering a variety of genres and themes. It allows European audiences to appreciate the diversified features and artistic charm of Chinese films, and also pursue a deeper understanding of the profound Chinese culture and the development of contemporary China. Due to cultural differences between Eastern and Western countries, the committee has adhered to one film selection criteria: the inspiration of empathy. Beyond languages, the films must carry the commonalities of human emotions, such as family bonds, personal growth, and respect for nature. These shared emotions can transcend cultural differences to create resonance among the audience. Yuan said that in previous screenings, European audiences were particularly interested in themes such as natural relationships, individual growth, and family affection. "For example, after watching the Snow Leopard, a story of how Xizang's herdsmen live in harmony with nature, many European audiences said that a life of living with the wild world and animals reminded them of their childhood in the countryside. The film even introduced new thoughts on environmental protection and ecological issues. This is why we insist on choosing films that are full of emotion and have the common characteristics of all humankind. Despite cultural differences, we can always understand each other with shared emotions," Yuan said. In the feedback the committee receives each year, Yuan said they have seen the European audiences' acceptance of and expectations for Chinese films increase with each passing year. They started out being curious and trying to understand, and now look forward to watching more Chinese films. Yuan said that after the screening of Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms, the first part of China's first mythological epic trilogy, many audiences discussed the background music and costume designs in the film, showing their understanding for the Eastern aesthetics. They also appreciated the improvement in technology, and paid attention to the cultural connotations. "The European audience generally hopes to see more diverse themes, not just commercial films, but also stories on real Chinese society and daily life. They are very interested in traditional culture, such as films related to the Spring Festival, tea culture, handicrafts, and rural life. Some audiences even made suggestions to screen more mythological movies. Their enthusiasm for Chinese culture really surprised us," Yuan said. Innovations for Industrial Development In order to further promote cultural and artistic exchanges between China and Europe, the EUCNFF Committee has organized many events about modern China. Last year, it held two special Meet China events in Brussels and Paris, screening various genres such as documentaries, animation, and short videos to present China in a more realistic way. During the events, many co-produced films were screened, including China on Track, The Digital Adventure of China Travel, and Living in China. The stories of Chinese life and human-nature interaction from the perspective of foreigners received positive feedback from European audiences. "Many viewers thought that this type of content was easier to approach, because it presented a tangible contemporary China without grand narratives. The stories such as a winter in a small town, a craftsman's persistence, and a young group's choices living in a city, showcase a multi-dimensional, warm, and lively China," Yuan said. In addition to diverse forms of communication, the EUCNFF has become a collaborative platform. Yuan said that some European production companies proposed cooperation with Chinese directors after watching their films. Some young Chinese directors connected with international distribution companies to help their works enter overseas markets. Some projects have also been launched to create joint productions and hold overseas exhibitions. The EUCNFF Committee also found some European universities to promote multilingual translation projects for young Chinese and European creators' videos. Another event for the youth organized by the committee, the EU-China Youth Film Festival, is also held annually. It invites youth and high school students in China, European countries, and around the world to submit original videos. Through selection, screening, and awards, it provides a stage for young creators to showcase their talent, encouraging them to record their life through video and pursue cross-border dialogue. Since its inception in 2014, it has been successfully held for 10 years, with over 6,000 short films submitted. To inspire more creative projects, the committee has held dialogues between filmmakers and universities in recent years, inviting directors, producers, scholars, and students to discuss topics such as cross-cultural narratives and images in cities. "These events make the film festival not only a platform for watching movies, but also an incubator for cross-cultural cooperation," Yuan said. Turning her eyes toward the future development of the EUCNFF, Yuan said she hopes to bring more Chinese films to more European cities, in order to attract larger numbers of Europeans who are interested in Chinese culture to participate in watching and communicating. The committee can learn how they see China and what types of films they want to watch. At the same time, Yuan plans to bring more European films to China, so that more Chinese can understand the expression and artistic exploration of European films. Through such mutual interactions, the China-EU cultural exchanges can continue to develop. "I am looking forward to more films telling stories about Chinese mythology and traditional culture in the future. They are not only treasures of China, but also cultural wealth shared by all humankind. The film festival will become an important platform for carrying these stories to the world. It is not a short-term project, but a long-standing cultural bond that connects people, fosters understanding, and looks to the future," Yuan said. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE China Today Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
China Today: China-EU Screen Dialogue
BRUSSELS, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Over the past decade, the EU-China Film Festival has grown into an important platform promoting cultural exchanges and international communication. For Yuan Mengqian, secretary general of the EU-China Film Festival (EUCNFF), one of her most enduring memories of her career is the senior Europeans who told her the festival was the first time they watched a Chinese movie. "They said that even if the language is different, the emotions in the films are common and touching. The sincere feedback made me feel that what we are doing is meaningful and can bring different cultures closer," Yuan told China Today. Since its inception in 2015, the EUCNFF has been held six times at the EU headquarters in Brussels, with over 50 Chinese films screened. It now has become an important platform for cultural dialogue between China and Europe. Yuan compared the film festival to an international electric plug adapter, meaning that in the context of different cultures and cognitive systems, the film festival allows everyone to plug in and make a connection. "We hope this platform can allow more audiences to truly see each other," Yuan said. Platform for Cultural Exchanges Based on the Chinese film market and the European audiences preferences, the EUCNFF Committee annually selects the best films that have been shown on the Chinese mainland during the past two years, covering a variety of genres and themes. It allows European audiences to appreciate the diversified features and artistic charm of Chinese films, and also pursue a deeper understanding of the profound Chinese culture and the development of contemporary China. Due to cultural differences between Eastern and Western countries, the committee has adhered to one film selection criteria: the inspiration of empathy. Beyond languages, the films must carry the commonalities of human emotions, such as family bonds, personal growth, and respect for nature. These shared emotions can transcend cultural differences to create resonance among the audience. Yuan said that in previous screenings, European audiences were particularly interested in themes such as natural relationships, individual growth, and family affection. "For example, after watching the Snow Leopard, a story of how Xizang's herdsmen live in harmony with nature, many European audiences said that a life of living with the wild world and animals reminded them of their childhood in the countryside. The film even introduced new thoughts on environmental protection and ecological issues. This is why we insist on choosing films that are full of emotion and have the common characteristics of all humankind. Despite cultural differences, we can always understand each other with shared emotions," Yuan said. In the feedback the committee receives each year, Yuan said they have seen the European audiences' acceptance of and expectations for Chinese films increase with each passing year. They started out being curious and trying to understand, and now look forward to watching more Chinese films. Yuan said that after the screening of Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms, the first part of China's first mythological epic trilogy, many audiences discussed the background music and costume designs in the film, showing their understanding for the Eastern aesthetics. They also appreciated the improvement in technology, and paid attention to the cultural connotations. "The European audience generally hopes to see more diverse themes, not just commercial films, but also stories on real Chinese society and daily life. They are very interested in traditional culture, such as films related to the Spring Festival, tea culture, handicrafts, and rural life. Some audiences even made suggestions to screen more mythological movies. Their enthusiasm for Chinese culture really surprised us," Yuan said. Innovations for Industrial Development In order to further promote cultural and artistic exchanges between China and Europe, the EUCNFF Committee has organized many events about modern China. Last year, it held two special Meet China events in Brussels and Paris, screening various genres such as documentaries, animation, and short videos to present China in a more realistic way. During the events, many co-produced films were screened, including China on Track, The Digital Adventure of China Travel, and Living in China. The stories of Chinese life and human-nature interaction from the perspective of foreigners received positive feedback from European audiences. "Many viewers thought that this type of content was easier to approach, because it presented a tangible contemporary China without grand narratives. The stories such as a winter in a small town, a craftsman's persistence, and a young group's choices living in a city, showcase a multi-dimensional, warm, and lively China," Yuan said. In addition to diverse forms of communication, the EUCNFF has become a collaborative platform. Yuan said that some European production companies proposed cooperation with Chinese directors after watching their films. Some young Chinese directors connected with international distribution companies to help their works enter overseas markets. Some projects have also been launched to create joint productions and hold overseas exhibitions. The EUCNFF Committee also found some European universities to promote multilingual translation projects for young Chinese and European creators' videos. Another event for the youth organized by the committee, the EU-China Youth Film Festival, is also held annually. It invites youth and high school students in China, European countries, and around the world to submit original videos. Through selection, screening, and awards, it provides a stage for young creators to showcase their talent, encouraging them to record their life through video and pursue cross-border dialogue. Since its inception in 2014, it has been successfully held for 10 years, with over 6,000 short films submitted. To inspire more creative projects, the committee has held dialogues between filmmakers and universities in recent years, inviting directors, producers, scholars, and students to discuss topics such as cross-cultural narratives and images in cities. "These events make the film festival not only a platform for watching movies, but also an incubator for cross-cultural cooperation," Yuan said. Turning her eyes toward the future development of the EUCNFF, Yuan said she hopes to bring more Chinese films to more European cities, in order to attract larger numbers of Europeans who are interested in Chinese culture to participate in watching and communicating. The committee can learn how they see China and what types of films they want to watch. At the same time, Yuan plans to bring more European films to China, so that more Chinese can understand the expression and artistic exploration of European films. Through such mutual interactions, the China-EU cultural exchanges can continue to develop. "I am looking forward to more films telling stories about Chinese mythology and traditional culture in the future. They are not only treasures of China, but also cultural wealth shared by all humankind. The film festival will become an important platform for carrying these stories to the world. It is not a short-term project, but a long-standing cultural bond that connects people, fosters understanding, and looks to the future," Yuan said. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE China Today Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
China Today: A Belgian Diplomat's Sustainability Odyssey in China
Captivated by the enduring wisdom of traditional Chinese culture and the country's modern transformation, Patrick Nijs, former Belgian ambassador to China, chose to take root in the country after retirement and bring his visionary green dream to life. BRUSSELS, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In the rugged terrains of Dongchuan, Yunnan Province – a region dubbed China's "Mudslide Natural Museum" – lies an unlikely sanctuary: Kabissa Organic Farm. Here, retired Belgian diplomat Patrick Nijs, former ambassador to China (2009-2013), cultivates not just crops but a vision of planetary harmony. Rejecting synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and machinery, Nijs embraces traditional Chinese farming as humanity's last hope for planetary salvation. Nijs holds a unique distinction as the only European ambassador to choose permanent residency in China after retirement. His decision, announced upon stepping down from his diplomatic role in 2013, stems from a profound conviction: "What happens to China and within China will shape the globe's destiny." Foreseeing the nation's ascent as a global power, he added, "I wanted to remain close to this epicenter of change. Bridging understanding between China and the world is one of the most pressing tasks of our time." A Pull to China Born into a Belgian diplomatic family in Congo, Africa, Nijs forged an innate bond with nature during childhood – barefoot adventures through rainforests fostering a profound reverence for the natural world. This early immersion in Africa's unparalleled biodiversity left an indelible mark, shaping his identity as a lifelong environmental advocate. "I felt profoundly fortunate to grow up surrounded by such ecological richness," he reflected. Witnessing the rapid extinction of species due to deforestation deeply troubled him, igniting a lifelong commitment to planetary stewardship. During his secondary education in Belgium, a serendipitous encounter with the ancient Chinese work Tao Te Ching by the ancient Chinese sage Laozi became a turning point. The text's emphasis on harmony with nature – positioning humanity not as a conqueror but as an integral part of the cosmos – resonated with his African experiences. Here, Laozi's philosophy crystallized into a spiritual compass, propelling Nijs toward a profound yearning for China. "My generation was very interested in China's transformation under Chairman Mao Zedong," he recalled in an interview with China Today. "We tried to understand what these big changes meant for the global development." This intellectual curiosity and philosophical kinship propelled Nijs into diplomatic service in China: first as Belgium's consul general in Shanghai (1997), and later as ambassador in Beijing (2009). When asked to define his cultural identity, he said: "I am a global citizen – a mosaic of Chinese, European, and African influences. My roots now anchor in China, evolving into an 'international Chinese Buddha-being'." Taoist philosophy profoundly structures Nijs' worldview. "Eastern thought unifies body, mind, and universe – humans are not separate entities but a vibrational part of the universe," he explained. This holistic paradigm, he argued, prioritizes symbiotic coexistence: "It's a mixture of yin and yang, masculine and feminine energy, which is much softer and much more comprehensive and where man actually has to find its right place in the universe." Inspired by oriental philosophy, Nijs believes we have to find a kind of reconciliation between man and nature, saying, "There was no other way if you wanted to generate happy people and healthy people." In his view, if people want to be in harmony with their surroundings and be happy, oriental philosophy holds the key. "The Taoism is the engine that keeps me alive and feeds me. And this is why I have to get back to the countryside whenever it's possible, to be close to nature." A Chinese Farming Dream Chinese philosophy has also shaped Nijs' daily routine. Nijs rises with the sun, and practices both sitting and standing meditation inspired by the teachings of Zen and Taoism as he faces the sunrise. Being close to nature, he believes, fills him with energy and connects him to the universe. After meditation, he studies and practices writing Chinese characters, fascinated by their etymology. To him, these characters reveal much about Chinese psychology and thought. Before breakfast, Nijs takes a morning walk through his permaculture farm of about two hectares which he runs together with his Chinese wife Deng Minyan. "Our fields are like an edible forest," he explained. "They're composed of multiple layers – vegetables, trees, shrubs – all part of a living ecosystem that produces food." In the early hours, Nijs simply observes, using his senses to understand the farm's rhythms and the growth of new plants. After breakfast, he often works in the fields until dusk. Though a foreigner, Nijs is deeply committed to preserving traditional Chinese farming methods. "Traditional Chinese farming is disappearing, and that worries me," he told China Today. Nowadays, only elderly farmers retain this knowledge, which Nijs greatly values. "They till the land using simple techniques, avoiding those destructive machines that ruin the soil's structure." He finds the traditional practice of intercropping – growing different plants together – particularly fascinating. "This biodiversity is very close to permaculture's principles." Nijs loves being a farmer in China because, to him, Chinese farmers embody the essence of farming. "I adore Chinese farmers – they're wonderfully simple people. You don't need many words; just sitting together feels good." Green China, Green World Nijs is deeply concerned about the looming threats of climate change and biodiversity loss, which he believes are accelerating the extinction of Homo sapiens. In his view, cooperation between China and Europe will be key to addressing this crisis. "We face immense challenges. Yet today, people are so distracted by geopolitics that they overlook the deterioration of our global ecosystems." Europe's tradition of multilateralism, he argued, offers a path forward. "Our history has taught us the devastation of war and colonialism. Now, we must join forces with China to restore multilateralism and steer the world in the right direction." To strengthen global efforts in ecological preservation and green development, Nijs co-founded the Wutong-Acacia International Forum, aiming to "bridge Europe and China in determined, innovative action to prevent the collapse of our planet's ecosystems." The forum brings policymakers, experts, and business leaders to Moganshan (Mount Mogan), a natural sanctuary in Huzhou of Zhejiang Province, to advance the circular economy. "We avoid politics, opting instead for symbolic resonance. The Wutong, a Chinese tree, attracts and protects the phoenix – a mythical bird reborn from ashes. It's a powerful emblem of renewal. The Acacia, from Greek mythology, symbolizes knowledge and longevity. It's a pioneer species, the first to regenerate forests, sacrificing itself to restore biodiversity." At the inaugural forum in December 2023, participants adopted the Moganshan Declaration, affirming: "Our mission is to champion green innovation. As a global power, China's role is pivotal – without its participation, effective solutions remain a mirage. We strive to bring a green China to the world and a green world to China, a vital step toward a shared future for humanity." Nijs praised China's green development achievements, noting its steady progress under the ecological civilization framework. "China may surpass its own targets for carbon peak and neutrality," he said, highlighting the country's strides in ecosystem restoration, expansion of national parks, pollution control, and waste management. "Across China, garbage sorting and recycling efforts are visible, embedding reuse into the circular economy. In green energy and transportation, China now leads globally." "China is emerging as a pilot in green transition, while Europe remains a pioneer. Our task is to align efforts across both regions," he continued, emphasizing Sino-European collaboration to support sustainable development in Africa. "We must explore every possible channel to unite Europe and China – acting, innovating, and creating together to secure our survival on this planet." View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE China Today Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
