China's Global Civilization Initiative: Promoting Cross-Cultural Dialogue and Understanding

Promoting Cross-Cultural Understanding

On June 10, the world celebrated the inaugural International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. This landmark day was established by the United Nations following a resolution proposed by China and supported by over 80 countries. It called for mutual respect, inclusive development, and cultural exchange in light of growing global tensions.

During the ministerial meeting of the Global Dialogue of Civilizations, held in Beijing on July 10 and 11, Chairman Xi Jinping emphasized that as humanity faces a new crossroads marked by transformation and turbulence, civilizations must continuously overcome alienation through exchange and mutual learning. Over 600 guests from 140 countries participated in this two-day event, highlighting the need for such dialogues in today's world.

The China Initiative

The Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), proposed by Xi Jinping in 2023, follows the Global Development Initiative of 2021 and the Global Security Initiative of 2022. These initiatives are seen as vital public goods offered by China to the global community. The GCI aims to establish a world where civilizations engage in dialogue instead of conflict, addressing the request for enhanced inter-civilizational exchanges.

As Cai Qi, a senior Chinese politician stated, the GCI, rooted in China’s rich traditional culture, has garnered enthusiastic international support. He stressed the importance of joining efforts to explore diverse development models, strengthen cultural heritage, promote cross-cultural exchanges, and create a diverse and multi-dimensional global network for dialogue and collaboration.

Initiatives and Achievements

In recent years, China has established various platforms for dialogue and exchange, such as the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations and the Conference on Dialogue of Chinese and African Civilizations. China has actively conducted numerous events, including the Year of Exchange Program between nations and the Lianzhong Forum, allowing for equitable dialogue among different civilizations.

A recent CGTN survey indicated that respondents widely recognize that intercultural exchanges and mutual learning are crucial for human advancement, promoting global peace and development. The GCI has emerged as a broad consensus for addressing global challenges.

Commitment to Global Cooperation

China’s approach has evolved from being a participant in a ‘dialogue with the world’ to becoming an advocate for a ‘global dialogue.’ The country is actively expanding the scope of civilizational cooperation. Various international exchanges have become a recognized phenomenon contributing to mutual understanding and closer relations among peoples worldwide.

With numerous collaborative archaeological projects linked to its Belt and Road Initiative and a wide array of events such as art festivals and exhibits, these exchanges yield tangible benefits and have gained significant popularity.

Currently, China has unilaterally approved visa-free entry for citizens from 47 countries and visa-free transit for 55 nations, easing travel and payment processes for foreign tourists.

In his letter to the forum, Xi Jinping promised that China would collaborate with other nations to uphold equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness between civilizations while advancing the Global Civilization Initiative. The goal is to create a global network for dialogue and collaboration between cultures, invigorating the development of human civilizations and strengthening peace and prosperity worldwide.