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Associated Press
4 days ago
- Politics
- Associated Press
‘My time in Sichuan shows harmony of multi-ethnic unity': Global Times
08/06/2025, Beijing, China // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // Curiosity about China is drawing a growing number of international travelers to visit the country. From walking on ancient stones atop the Great Wall to riding high-speed trains between glittering skylines, many say they've discovered a China they didn't expect to see. In our special series, 'Journey Through China,' the Global Times shares the impressions of international travelers who have recently spent time in China. Their firsthand accounts - ranging from casual observations to thoughtful reflections - shed light on three key aspects of today's China: infrastructure, modernization and traditional culture. In the third article of the series, Global Times (GT) reporter Ma Ruiqian talked to Paul Zilungisele Tembe (Tembe), director at the SELE Encounters Cross-Civilization Communication Strategies in South Africa and recipient of the 18th Special Book Award of China. He recently participated in a cultural tour to Sichuan Province and shared his perspective on China. GT: You mentioned that the experience of harmonious living among the multi-ethnic residents of Sichuan, a convergence of diversities toward a united and unique Chinese culture have left an indelible mark in your understanding of Chinese culture. How is this cultural inclusiveness embodied in the call of China-proposed Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) for respecting the diversity of world civilizations? Tembe: The GCI is rooted in the essence of multi-ethnicity. It starts from local diversity - ethnic, cultural - and expands to national, regional and eventually global dimensions. My time in Sichuan gave me a vivid impression of what unity within diversity can look like. Coming from South Africa - a country with 12 official languages and a complex multi-ethnic society - I saw parallels. We gained our democracy in 1994, and we are still working through the process of building a unified national identity. My experience in Sichuan gave me a glimpse of what South Africa could aspire to in the long term. All the units are perfect and harmonious. I truly wish that one day Sichuan and a province in South Africa could become sister provinces. We could learn a lot from each other, especially given our shared experiences with multi-ethnic societies. GT: During your visit to Siguniang Mountains and the Wolong National Nature Reserve, you've observed a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. What is your view of China's approach to environmental protection and green development? Tembe: President Xi Jinping put forward the idea of 'Beautiful China,' meaning care for the environment. What I took away from my time in Sichuan - beyond the harmony of multi-ethnic unity - was how human development is being balanced with the protection of nature. What touched me even more deeply was my visit to the Wolong National Nature Reserve. It showed that China is able to pursue modernization without sacrificing its traditions or its environment. In addition, I visited the Siguniang Mountains and saw many kinds of precious stones in the museum. Although the region is rich in natural resources, mining is prohibited in order to protect the ecosystem. These are practical models that can be applied to the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Although climate agreements are often signed, implementation remains a challenge. What I appreciate about China is that its environmental efforts are scientific and systematic. These models can be transferred to other countries and still function effectively. I especially hope to see more cooperation within the Global South. Right now, we are a bit behind in terms of climate finance and environmental planning. But if countries in the Global South work together - through South-South cooperation or other multilateral platforms - we could adopt the Chinese model and create a better environmental trajectory. GT: Although China and Africa differ in terms of geography, culture, history and social structures, they share common values such as peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom. As a long-time advocate for China-Africa cultural exchanges, how did your travels and experiences in China lead you to recognize and resonate with these shared values? Tembe: When we talk about values, I believe we should take a step back and look at deeper philosophical roots. For example, if we consider some core tenets of Confucianism, we find values that are deeply relevant both in China and Africa. Africa stands for peace, values harmony, and is committed to hard work. Africa wants tangible and concrete results. It seeks partnerships based on equality and mutual respect. If we look at China's proposals for cooperation with Africa, especially starting from President Xi's 2013 visit to Tanzania, the four-point proposal - sincerity, real results, amity and good faith - aligns closely with African expectations of partnership. These are not just diplomatic phrases; they reflect deeper cultural values that we can trace both in Chinese civilization and in African traditions. GT: There are still some narratives in international discourse that promote the 'China threat' rhetoric. Based on your years of living and studying in China - especially your understanding of its peace-oriented cultural traditions - how would you respond to such claims? Tembe: I will give you both perspectives: The Western one, based on projection and fear; and the Chinese one, based on unity and peaceful development. First, there's a tendency that if someone has done bad things to others, they begin to judge others through that same lens. That's what we see with how the West views China. They fear that China's rise will mirror their own rise during the 15th and 16th centuries. Let's recall - the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) saw China's doors to the outside world shut. Meanwhile, the West was expanding, taking advantage of China's absence from the high seas. That period marked the beginning of Western colonialism. So now, they look at China and assume China will behave the way they did. But that's not about China; that's about them. They project their own past - colonization and domination - onto China, but they also suffer from historical amnesia. China has always had one consistent focus: unity and development. China has no interest in controlling others. China seeks friendships abroad to create a stable external environment that allows it to survive and thrive in the long run. China has experienced many historical upheavals. So its greatest concern - in development, finance and foreign policy - is preserving a unified China. I would say, as someone who studies and understands China, the West is worrying for nothing. China is not going to become the kind of global threat they imagine. But there's one thing: Nature does not allow a vacuum. In English, we say 'when the cat's away, the mice will play.' In geopolitics, the same principle applies. China needs to have a strong presence globally. But a strong global presence does not mean colonialism or the control of other countries. These things are not the same. Source: Global Times: Company: Global Times Contact Person: Anna Li Email: [email protected] Website: City: Beijing
Korea Herald
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
CGTN: Bridging dialogue: China promotes integration, mutual learning among civilizations
With the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting taking place in Beijing on July 10 and 11, CGTN published an article highlighting how China's Global Civilization Initiative is offering a constructive platform for bridging differences, promoting people-to-people exchanges, and building a more inclusive, cooperative international community amid rising global uncertainties. BEIJING, July 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the world marked the first International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations on June 10, calls for mutual respect, inclusive development and cultural exchange resonated across the world – from the UN headquarters to tea ceremonies in Mauritius, from porcelain showcases in Italy to academic forums in Athens. The day, designated by the UN General Assembly in 2024 following a resolution proposed by China and co-sponsored by over 80 countries, comes amid rising global tensions and pressing challenges – making civilizational dialogue not just timely, but imperative. In a congratulatory letter to the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting on Thursday, held in Beijing from July 10 to 11, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that in a world where transformation and turbulence are interwoven and humanity stands at a new crossroads, there is an ever-pressing need for civilizations to transcend estrangement through exchanges and to transcend clashes through mutual learning. Themed "Safeguarding Diversity of Human Civilizations for World Peace and Development," the two-day meeting attracted over 600 guests from 140 countries and regions. Why China proposed the Global Civilization Initiative Xi proposed the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) in 2023 after proposing the Global Development Initiative in 2021 and the Global Security Initiative in 2022. The three initiatives have earned international support as important public goods provided to the world by China. With a vision of building a world where civilizations don't collide but converse, the GCI responds to the international community's call for promoting dialogue and exchanges among civilizations and gathers forces to eliminate misunderstandings and barriers, injecting positive energy into human solidarity in responding to common challenges. In his keynote speech, Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, said the GCI, which is deeply rooted in China's fine traditional culture, has received enthusiastic responses and positive echoes from the international community. Noting that the path to global peace and development remains long and challenging, Cai called for joint efforts to explore diverse development models, strengthen cultural inheritance and innovation, advance cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and build a diverse and multi-dimensional global network for dialogue and cooperation among civilizations. Over the years, China has established a series of multilateral exchange platforms, such as the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations and the Conference on Dialogue Between Chinese and African Civilizations, and held a series of activities, including the China-ASEAN People-to-People Exchange Year and the Liangzhu Forum, building a platform for equal dialogue among different civilizations. According to a recent CGTN poll, respondents widely recognize inter-civilization exchanges and mutual learning as a crucial driving force for advancing human civilization and promoting world peace and development, adding that the GCI has evolved into a broad consensus for addressing global challenges. How China practices the Global Civilization Initiative China, as a practitioner of civilizational exchange, has grown from a participant in "dialogue with the world" to an advocate of "world dialogue," actively expanding space for cooperation among civilizations. Thanks to joint efforts from China and other countries, rich and diverse international people-to-people and cultural exchanges have become a widely recognized phenomenon, fostering mutual understanding and closer ties among peoples around the world. From joint archaeological projects with partner countries of the Belt and Road Initiative to a slew of events like art festivals, expos, exhibitions and the Luban Workshop, these exchanges have delivered tangible results and gained widespread popularity. China now has unilateral visa exemption for 47 countries and transit visa exemption for 55 countries and provides a more convenient payment and travel environment for inbound tourists. Xi pledged in the letter to the forum that China will work with other countries to champion equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness among civilizations; implement the GCI; and build a global network for dialogue and cooperation among civilizations in a bid to provide fresh impetus for advancing human civilizations and promoting world peace and development.
Cision Canada
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
CGTN: Bridging dialogue: China promotes integration, mutual learning among civilizations
With the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting taking place in Beijing on July 10 and 11, CGTN published an article highlighting how China's Global Civilization Initiative is offering a constructive platform for bridging differences, promoting people-to-people exchanges, and building a more inclusive, cooperative international community amid rising global uncertainties. BEIJING, July 11, 2025 /CNW/ -- As the world marked the first International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations on June 10, calls for mutual respect, inclusive development and cultural exchange resonated across the world – from the UN headquarters to tea ceremonies in Mauritius, from porcelain showcases in Italy to academic forums in Athens. The day, designated by the UN General Assembly in 2024 following a resolution proposed by China and co-sponsored by over 80 countries, comes amid rising global tensions and pressing challenges – making civilizational dialogue not just timely, but imperative. In a congratulatory letter to the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting on Thursday, held in Beijing from July 10 to 11, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that in a world where transformation and turbulence are interwoven and humanity stands at a new crossroads, there is an ever-pressing need for civilizations to transcend estrangement through exchanges and to transcend clashes through mutual learning. Themed "Safeguarding Diversity of Human Civilizations for World Peace and Development," the two-day meeting attracted over 600 guests from 140 countries and regions. Why China proposed the Global Civilization Initiative Xi proposed the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) in 2023 after proposing the Global Development Initiative in 2021 and the Global Security Initiative in 2022. The three initiatives have earned international support as important public goods provided to the world by China. With a vision of building a world where civilizations don't collide but converse, the GCI responds to the international community's call for promoting dialogue and exchanges among civilizations and gathers forces to eliminate misunderstandings and barriers, injecting positive energy into human solidarity in responding to common challenges. In his keynote speech, Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, said the GCI, which is deeply rooted in China's fine traditional culture, has received enthusiastic responses and positive echoes from the international community. Noting that the path to global peace and development remains long and challenging, Cai called for joint efforts to explore diverse development models, strengthen cultural inheritance and innovation, advance cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and build a diverse and multi-dimensional global network for dialogue and cooperation among civilizations. Over the years, China has established a series of multilateral exchange platforms, such as the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations and the Conference on Dialogue Between Chinese and African Civilizations, and held a series of activities, including the China-ASEAN People-to-People Exchange Year and the Liangzhu Forum, building a platform for equal dialogue among different civilizations. According to a recent CGTN poll, respondents widely recognize inter-civilization exchanges and mutual learning as a crucial driving force for advancing human civilization and promoting world peace and development, adding that the GCI has evolved into a broad consensus for addressing global challenges. How China practices the Global Civilization Initiative China, as a practitioner of civilizational exchange, has grown from a participant in "dialogue with the world" to an advocate of "world dialogue," actively expanding space for cooperation among civilizations. Thanks to joint efforts from China and other countries, rich and diverse international people-to-people and cultural exchanges have become a widely recognized phenomenon, fostering mutual understanding and closer ties among peoples around the world. From joint archaeological projects with partner countries of the Belt and Road Initiative to a slew of events like art festivals, expos, exhibitions and the Luban Workshop, these exchanges have delivered tangible results and gained widespread popularity. China now has unilateral visa exemption for 47 countries and transit visa exemption for 55 countries and provides a more convenient payment and travel environment for inbound tourists. Xi pledged in the letter to the forum that China will work with other countries to champion equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness among civilizations; implement the GCI; and build a global network for dialogue and cooperation among civilizations in a bid to provide fresh impetus for advancing human civilizations and promoting world peace and development.
Korea Herald
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
The Orchid Awards Ceremony 2025 Held in Beijing
BEIJING, July 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 10, the Orchid Awards Ceremony 2025 was held in Beijing. The Orchid Awards aims to actively implement the Global Civilization Initiative. The awards recognize and honor international individuals or institutions that have made outstanding contributions to promoting the common values of humanity, advancing exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, and strengthening the cultural foundation for building a community with a shared future for mankind. This year's winners include Irina Bokova from Bulgaria, Rashid Alimov from Tajikistan, Maxime Vivas from France, and the Philadelphia Orchestra from the United States, among ten distinguished international individuals and institutions. The award recipients believe in today's world of intertwined turbulence and uncertainty, where humanity faces a common future, peace and development are the common aspiration of all. Enhancing mutual understanding and friendship among peoples and building consensus on international cooperation are widely shared expectations. There is an urgent need to encourage more cultural envoys to collectively contribute to the beautiful tapestry of human civilization. The winners stated that harmony must be upheld as a core value to foster a shared civilizational consensus for peace and cooperation; that all should advocate seeking common ground while reserving differences to shape an open and inclusive civilizational paradigm; that mutual learning should be strengthened for advancing dialogue and cooperation among civilizations, and that both preservation and innovation are essential for building a civilizational ecosystem based on extensive participation and shared benefits. They expressed their commitment to making new and greater contributions to forging civilizational consensus, promoting cultural prosperity, enhancing people-to-people ties for more progress of human civilization. The Orchid Awards Ceremony 2025 was hosted by China International Communications Group (CICG) and organized by the Orchid Awards Secretariat. Over 300 participants attended, including representatives from Chinese government departments, international organizations, diplomatic missions in China, Chinese and foreign think tanks, and the media. From July 9 to 14, the visit programs of the 2nd Orchid Awards - "Travelogue of China" - will also take place in Beijing and Harbin.
The Wire
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Wire
The Orchid Awards Ceremony 2025 Held in Beijing
BEIJING, July 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 10, the Orchid Awards Ceremony 2025 was held in Beijing. The Orchid Awards aims to actively implement the Global Civilization Initiative. The awards recognize and honor international individuals or institutions that have made outstanding contributions to promoting the common values of humanity, advancing exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, and strengthening the cultural foundation for building a community with a shared future for mankind. This year's winners include Irina Bokova from Bulgaria, Rashid Alimov from Tajikistan, Maxime Vivas from France, and the Philadelphia Orchestra from the United States, among ten distinguished international individuals and institutions. The award recipients believe in today's world of intertwined turbulence and uncertainty, where humanity faces a common future, peace and development are the common aspiration of all. Enhancing mutual understanding and friendship among peoples and building consensus on international cooperation are widely shared expectations. There is an urgent need to encourage more cultural envoys to collectively contribute to the beautiful tapestry of human civilization. The winners stated that harmony must be upheld as a core value to foster a shared civilizational consensus for peace and cooperation; that all should advocate seeking common ground while reserving differences to shape an open and inclusive civilizational paradigm; that mutual learning should be strengthened for advancing dialogue and cooperation among civilizations, and that both preservation and innovation are essential for building a civilizational ecosystem based on extensive participation and shared benefits. They expressed their commitment to making new and greater contributions to forging civilizational consensus, promoting cultural prosperity, enhancing people-to-people ties for more progress of human civilization. The Orchid Awards Ceremony 2025 was hosted by China International Communications Group (CICG) and organized by the Orchid Awards Secretariat. Over 300 participants attended, including representatives from Chinese government departments, international organizations, diplomatic missions in China, Chinese and foreign think tanks, and the media. From July 9 to 14, the visit programs of the 2nd Orchid Awards - "Travelogue of China" - will also take place in Beijing and Harbin. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). This is an auto-published feed from PTI with no editorial input from The Wire. Advertisement Make a contribution to Independent Journalism
