#China #Hehe Culture #Taizhou

The 2025 Hehe Culture Forum: A Celebration of Harmony and Cooperation

The 2025 Hehe Culture Forum took place on November 1 in Tiantai County, Taizhou city, located in the eastern province of Zhejiang, China. This notable event gathered over 150 esteemed guests from nearly 20 countries across five continents to delve into the profound significance of Hehe Culture on a global scale.

Hehe Culture, a cornerstone of traditional Chinese heritage, embodies deep philosophical values that center around two crucial concepts encapsulated in its name. The first 'He' symbolizes harmony, peace, and balance, while the second 'He' reflects convergence, unity, and cooperation among disparate groups.

In the opening address, Chang Bo, president of the China International Communications Group (CICG), emphasized the vital role Hehe Culture plays as a fundamental aspect of Chinese civilization. He described it as a pursuit of inclusivity, tolerance, and harmony amidst diversity, demonstrating its seamless integration into modern governance in China. Chang further illustrated Hehe Culture's global relevance by highlighting that it serves as both a national spirit and a reflection of China's developmental path. He pointed out how this philosophy encapsulates the essence of China's modernization while contributing to a collective wisdom aimed at creating a better world for all.

To exemplify these concepts, Chang recounted the story of the durian fruit, originally from Southeast Asia, which has found success in the Chinese market. He attributed this to the principles of respect and mutual accord inherent in Hehe Culture, as well as to the flourishing partnership between China and ASEAN, where both sides have enjoyed being the largest trading partners for five consecutive years. This partnership stands as a strong testament to the efficacy of Hehe Culture in nurturing win-win cooperation.

Zhao Cheng, heading the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Zhejiang, echoed these sentiments, asserting that Hehe Culture encapsulates the essence of traditional Chinese thought while acting as a crucial driver for the region's development. He underscored the importance of inclusiveness and harmony, urging a call for open dialogue and experiential learning across diverse sectors.

Li Zhihui, director general of the Overseas Promotion Bureau under the CPC Central Committee's Publicity Department, added that Hehe Culture holds intrinsic value not only for Chinese identity but also universally. He advocated for a paradigm shift away from zero-sum mindsets, stressing the need for enhanced research and dialogue concerning this cultural heritage to address contemporary global challenges.

Furthermore, Shen Mingquan, secretary of the CPC Taizhou Municipal Committee, pointed out Taizhou's significance as a pivotal site for the dissemination and exploration of Hehe Culture. He reported on how the principles of this culture can invigorate local development through economic, ecological, and governance initiatives, reaffirming Taizhou's commitment to researching and integrating these philosophies to support broader local, national, and global objectives.

Participants included Thun Vathana, the second vice president of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, who voiced strong support for China's role as a trusted partner with ancestral ties. He advocated for dialogue over discord, confident that the Hehe spirit would invigorate mutual understanding, encourage peaceful coexistence, and pave the way for shared prosperity.

The forum also witnessed messages of support from several former ambassadors endorsing Hehe Culture. Yukio Hatoyama, former prime minister of Japan, highlighted its transformative value in turning dissimilarities into opportunities for cooperation through open dialogue. Additionally, former UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova spoke to the importance of mutual respect and understanding grounded in civilizational diversity.

Piet Steel, a former Belgian ambassador and current member of the Special Olympics Board of Directors, offered an ethical perspective on Hehe Culture, illustrating it as a moral principle rooted in compassion, understanding, and respect. Former UN Under-Secretary-General Erik Solheim emphasized the necessity of embracing diversity as a unifying force rather than opting for homogeneity.

The event culminated in the appointment of former UN Under-Secretary-General Pino Arlacchi as a Hehe Culture communication ambassador. It also marked the introduction of significant publications, including the "Hehe Culture International Communication Report" and a book titled "Hehe Culture in the Eyes of Sinologists." This forum, organized jointly by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies under CICG and the Taizhou Municipal People's Government, has now become a vital global platform for cultural exchange since its inception in 2021. This year marks its fifth anniversary, solidifying its status as a key player in the international dialogue surrounding cultural appreciation and cooperation.