A prominent British scholar has urged Western societies to develop a better understanding of Chinese history and culture.

Hugh Bowden — a professor of ancient history in King’s College London’s Department of Classics — told reporters at the International Forum on Mutual Learning among Civilizations 2026 in Macao on Monday that cultural exchange is “the best way” to promote development and resolve conflicts.

He said Western societies continued to show “a lot of ignorance” about Chinese history and culture. “It is by learning about each other that we are able to understand each other better, and the only way to do that is for us always to be talking to each other.”

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For the benefit of the world, he added, more should be done to encourage people to understand one another’s cultures.

The international forum began on Monday, hosting about 300 delegates, representatives from government, international organizations, and academia from over 20 countries and regions, with around 40 discussions over two days.

Contact the writer at wanqing@chinadailyhk.com