Nearly 60 scholars and experts from China and Europe gathered in Brussels on Thursday for the World Dialogue on China Studies · Belgium Forum, to engage in deep discussions centered on the theme of “China Studies and the European Understanding of China”.
Participants at the forum highlighted that China and Europe share common ground on issues such as climate change, artificial intelligence and other global challenges. They called for a pragmatic cooperation between the two sides in a more stable, manageable and balanced manner, aiming to contribute to global development and stability.
The broad prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Europe have brought new opportunities for the flourishing of Sinology in Europe. Academics from both sides were encouraged to deepen their research in Sinology and foster academic exchanges across various fields, promoting a better mutual understanding and accomplishment between China and Europe.
Scholars noted that China is the first major power to achieve economic growth and sustainable development not relying on war. Its prosperity and progress are founded upon promoting world peace and driving global development. Describing China as an “open book”, contemporary Sinologists in Europe are increasingly focusing their research methods from a Chinese perspective, respecting cultural diversity, and drawing valuable lessons from China’s path of modernization.
The Brussels forum is part of overseas academic exchange activities under the framework of the World Congress of China Studies. It was guided by the State Council Information Office and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, co-organized by the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government Information Office and the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, with support from the European Institute for Asian Studies, the Cátedra China and the Brussels Chinese Culture Center.
The forum also unveiled the English edition of “An Introduction to World China Studies” and hosted a book exhibition.
Wang Biye contributed to this story.