China News Service, Beijing, November 14. Title: Bokova: Competition should not turn into confrontation, and communication will not automatically bring understanding.
Author Han Yu Cao Xufan Nazi Yerk
"If Europe does not take advantage of the potential of developing mutually beneficial economic cooperation with China, it will miss opportunities." When talking about China-EU relations, former Director-General of UNESCO Irina Bokova told China News Service's "East-West Question".
Recently, Irina Bokova, winner of the Lifetime Honor Award of the second Orchid Award and former Director-General of UNESCO, visited China again. She talked about China-EU economic, trade and scientific and technological cooperation, talked about how to enhance understanding between different cultures, and recalled her first visit to Shenzhen about 15 years ago.
She also said she expected the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) informal leaders' meeting to be held in Shenzhen this month to "become a bridge" to help all parties reduce distrust and find solutions to problems.
Competition should not lead to confrontation
Regarding China-EU economic and trade frictions, Bokova believes that with the changes in the international geopolitical landscape, China's rise sometimes fails to be understood in a non-confrontational manner. There will always be competition between countries, and the key lies in how to deal with it. "In my opinion, the most important thing is not to let competition turn into confrontation."
She listed areas where China and Europe can further cooperate: joint scientific research, exploring two-way technology transfer, and promoting technological innovation. "China has a lot to offer Europe." In her view, China's huge market and developing new technologies may bring benefits to Europe.
She believes that the world is currently undergoing major geopolitical changes, and China and Europe especially need to strengthen cooperation. "China and Europe should strive to become cooperative partners" to avoid further deepening the differences brought about by geopolitical changes in the world.
Bokova noted that there have been some positive signs in cooperation between the two sides, and also admitted that competition makes it difficult to promote cooperation. She said that negotiations may not always be smooth sailing, but both parties should strive to become partners and handle differences through consultation to avoid the resulting rifts.
In October this year, the second regular meeting of the China-EU Trade and Investment Consultation Mechanism and the 17th China-EU Science and Technology Cooperation Steering Committee meeting were held successively. The topics involved economic and trade differences, scientific research innovation and cooperation mechanisms.
Communication does not automatically lead to understanding
"We communicate with each other almost all the time, but that doesn't mean we become more tolerant or understand each other better." She said that frequent communication does not guarantee that mutual understanding will increase.
"Communication will not automatically bring about the results we hope for." She believes that cross-cultural literacy education is indispensable. Cooperation in museums, joint research by historians and scientists, exchanges of visits between university teachers and students, and people visiting cultural sites in different countries can all enhance understanding.
Bokova praised China's visa-free policy for many European countries, and also mentioned China's measures to promote foreign youths to visit China, conduct joint scientific research and attract international talents. She maintains cooperation with many universities and knows this very well. People at all levels also need to get to know each other to reduce possible prejudice and distrust.
“It’s not just the government that plays a role,” she said.
Regarding China's international communication, she recognized the new efforts in recent years, while pointing out that relevant efforts do not always achieve the expected results. "Introducing Chinese culture and China's development achievements to the world is a challenge, but it is also a huge opportunity."
She recalled that she had visited a themed exhibition commemorating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, and believed that the exhibition had achieved good communication effects.
"I think people need to come to China and see with their own eyes." She emphasized that foreign people can directly observe China's development and further understand China's cultural traditions through on-site visits. In her view, personal experience helps people form their understanding of China, rather than relying solely on information presented by some media.
The world focuses on Shenzhen
When she first visited Shenzhen about 15 years ago, Bokova was unforgettable by a lively public reading space: readers were sitting on the floor, there were people reading in the space next to them, and there was an area specially set up for children. She said she still has photos taken at that time.
"Shenzhen is a green city and a learning city." In her eyes, Shenzhen has experienced development since the reform and opening up, and has gathered resources such as universities, technology, culture, and finance. Urban development reflects the emphasis on learning, technology, and inclusiveness.
From the 18th to 19th of this month, the 33rd APEC Leaders’ Informal Meeting will be held in Shenzhen.
Bokova pointed out that the Asia-Pacific region is experiencing active economic development and many countries are actively promoting technological progress. The United States and Russia are also important participants in this region. Facing the complex regional situation, all parties need to find more opportunities for communication and cooperation.
She believes that the current international situation is complex and ever-changing, and the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals is facing difficulties. Issues such as climate change and changes in the international political landscape have also brought challenges to the world. In this context, China's support for multilateralism is of great significance.
"We really need more dialogue." She expected the APEC Shenzhen Summit to "become a bridge" to help all parties enhance mutual trust and find solutions to problems.
"Today, many people around the world are focusing on Shenzhen," Bokova said.
