China Focus: Think tank report unveils China’s new civilizational concept

BEIJING, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) — A think tank report on the synergization of civilizations unveiled earlier this week not only critically reflects upon and critiques the “clash of civilizations” and “civilizational hierarchy” theses but also envisions a new form of human civilization.
Titled “On the Synergization of Civilizations — A Chinese Perspective,” the report was issued by Xinhua Institute, a high-end think tank of Xinhua News Agency, at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, the capital city of south China’s Guangdong Province on Wednesday.
The Synergization of Civilizations is a thesis that embodies values centered on humanity, integrity and innovation, mutual learning through exchange, shared destiny and harmonious coexistence. It advocates for the inclusive coexistence of different civilizations while transcending historical, cultural, geographic and institutional differences.
This concept, which is based on the distinctive characteristics and values of Chinese civilization, represents a novel civilizational paradigm for human development, epitomized by Chinese modernization, according to the report.
“China has profoundly recognized that diverse civilizations can coexist, blend, and give rise to higher forms of civilization,” it reads.
The report points out that the concept of harmonious coexistence within Chinese civilization offers significant insights for the global community. It underlines the need to respect each other as equals, to say no to hubris and prejudice, to deepen understanding of the difference between one’s own civilization and others’, and to promote interaction, dialogue and harmony among civilizations.
The perspectives of the report were echoed by foreign participants who shared their views at a symposium on the report on Wednesday.
Tursunali Kuziyev, a former senior culture and sports official in Uzbekistan said that in today’s increasingly tense global geopolitical landscape, the think tank report released by Xinhua News Agency was helpful in addressing the common challenges facing human civilization.
Believing that “every civilization holds a key to something we all need,” Purnima Anand, president of the BRICS International Forum, said that “our differences are not barriers, but bridges.”
“I believe that cultural exchange and mutual learning can help strengthen the bond of friendship between people around the world,” said Kuziyev. ■