The exchange of cultures and the mutual appreciation of civilizations have deep roots in history, and it is only through this approach can the world dismantle cultural hegemony and foster shared prosperity, historian Li Guoqiang told a Macao forum on Tuesday.
Delivering a keynote speech at the 2025 International Forum on Mutual Learning Among Civilizations, Li who is a member of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and vice president of the Chinese Academy of History, introduced the fruitful achievements of exchanges between Chinese and foreign civilizations in history.
The ancient Chinese system for selecting talents has also influenced many countries abroad. Historically, there has been a continuous two-way exchange of local specialties, technologies, and scientific inventions between East and West.
Furthermore, ancient Chinese civilization frequently sent envoys to various regions overseas, fostering cultural exchanges in a peaceful way.
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Li emphasized that the diversity of civilizations is a fundamental characteristic of the world and a source of human progress. However, the assertion that civilizational differences inevitably lead to conflict, along with the belief that some civilizations are superior to others, is hindering the flourishing of human civilization.
Refuting these arguments, the expert underlined that different cultures can only thrive through mutual respect and learning. “Countless historical examples show that no single nation's wisdom can independently support the progress and development of human society as a whole,” he said.
He also noted that the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, which advocates the respect of diversity of civilizations, provides a Chinese solution to address the common challenges facing human society.
He encouraged the global community to actively embrace the Initiative, which he believes would herald a new pinnacle of mutual learning among civilizations.
