The World Conference on China Studies Belgium Forum took place in Brussels on June 20th, with nearly 60 experts and scholars from China and Europe having in- depth discussions and exchanges centering on Chinese Studies and the European View of China. This forum is held in the context of the 210th anniversary of the birth of European professional Sinology.
Professor Quan Heng, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, delivered a speech at the welcome dinner and a keynote speech at the conference. According to Prof. Quan, China studies is the important foundation for the formation of China's view in various countries. China studies in Europe is not only the key carrier for the transmission of Chinese culture to the West but also an important medium for the flow of Western knowledge to the East. A new chapter of Chinese modernization is gradually unfolding, and the prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Europe are broad, laying a more solid foundation for the prosperity and development of China studies in Europe and bringing more opportunities.
He emphasized that China studies should respect the diversity of world civilizations and contribute more wisdom and strength to world civilizations; it should be based on the exchange and mutual learning of civilizations to promote mutual understanding, learning, and achievement between China and Europe; at the same time, it should not forget its original intention of practical application, using academic research to support China-Europe cooperation in addressing global challenges.
Participants believe that China and Europe have common ground in dealing with climate change, artificial intelligence and many global issues, and that the two sides should reach pragmatic cooperation in a more stable, manageable and balanced way to work for global development and stability. Scholars also mentioned at the conference that China is the first major country to achieve economic growth and sustainable development without resorting to war. China's prosperity and progress are built on the foundation of promoting world peace and advancing global development. Described as an open book, China is increasingly studied by European sinologists, who are now emphasizing research approaches grounded in the Chinese perspective, valuing civilizational diversity, and drawing insights from China’s unique path to modernization.
