#China #Shanghai #Yangtze River #Rhine River #Danube River

Exploring Cultural Exchange Across Major Rivers

The recent academic forum titled "Yangtze-Rhine-Danube Regional Dialogue" has opened a new chapter in the intellectual exchange between China and Europe, focusing on the significance of major rivers. Notably, the Yangtze River in China, the Rhine River in Europe, and the Danube River are being examined as conduits for cultural, economic, and ecological interactions. Scholars, government officials, and industry experts gathered in Shanghai to share their perspectives and insights on river management, sustainable development, and the importance of grassroots diplomacy.

A Personal Connection

Chinese scholar Li Xiuzhen vividly recalls her initial encounter with the Rhine River during her studies in the Netherlands in 1996. The river's clear waters reminded her of the Yangtze, establishing an unexpected bond between the two scholars, despite geographical distance. In a similar vein, Dutch scholar Huib de Vriend shared his first impression of the Yangtze during his visit to Nanjing in 1998, where he was struck by its vastness. Their chance meetings blossomed into a two-decade-long collaboration between their respective institutions, East China Normal University and Delft University of Technology.

The Forum's Purpose

Co-organized by ECNU and the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (SPAFFC) on November 21, the forum aimed at fostering deeper cultural and sustainable development between the involved river basins. President Chen Jing of SPAFFC emphasized that the goal was to cultivate mutual development and strengthen China-Europe friendships.

During the event, experts highlighted several similarities and differences between the rivers. Both the Yangtze and the Rhine serve as essential economic arteries for their respective regions, showcasing their integral roles in local economies. Yet, differences shape distinct approaches to river management and ecological preservation, offering invaluable opportunities for shared learning.

Learning from Each Other

As keynote speaker de Vriend explained, the Yangtze's significant sediment transport can foster land stability akin to the Rhine. However, the number of dams and flow rates on the Yangtze opens avenues for collaboration. Both Li and de Vriend acknowledged that sustainable practices from the Netherlands, like pollution remediation from the Rhine, could benefit their Chinese counterparts, while China’s centralized policy enforcement, like its fishing bans, presents innovative models for cooperative governance.

Romanian scholar Iulian Nichersu, attending the forum for the first time, pointed out that areas such as wetland management and nature conservation can serve as fruitful collaboration points between China and Romania. Established ecological restoration programs between both nations signify broader cooperative efforts in preserving river health.

The Bigger Picture

This forum was part of the broader "Mega-Delta Programme," endorsed by the United Nations and focused on addressing environmental changes in delta regions globally. He Qing, director of the State Key Laboratory at ECNU, noted that this program illustrates the crucial role rivers play in human civilization and cultural exchanges and reiterated the need for scientific responsibility to protect these vital ecosystems.

Furthermore, with the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations approaching in 2025, conversations about mutual cooperation continue to gain traction. The increased dialogue between different river basins reflects the potential for expansive collaboration that transcends geographical boundaries.

Bridging Cultural Gaps

During panel discussions, various representatives voiced on mechanisms that promote wider exchanges between China and Europe, particularly stressing the cultural connectivity provided by shared experiences around rivers. Both Hungarian and German representatives discussed the historical significance of rivers in their traditions and how festivals like Mainfest serve as cultural crossroads, enhancing knowledge and understanding across cultures.

Through these efforts, it becomes evident that rivers are more than just bodies of water; they are lifelines that unite people and cultivate friendships across borders. Whether through ecological research or cultural exchanges, the understanding that flows between the Yangtze, Rhine, and Danube represents a new frontier in international collaboration. Indeed, as participants noted, the future will likely be enriched through these shared endeavors on the banks of some of the world’s most significant rivers.