ZHANG Donggang: Universities Bridges to Understanding

On Tuesday, the 2023 China-US Public Diplomacy Summit took place in Beijing, with participation from over 40 experts. The event was co-hosted by Renmin University of China, China Public Diplomacy Association, and China Daily. Here are highlights from the speech delivered by Zhang Donggang, chairman of the University Council of Renmin University of China.

Universities bridges to understanding

China-US relations are the most important bilateral relations of the 21st century. Currently, the world is undergoing unprecedented changes. China and the United States, as the largest developing country and the largest developed country, have closely intertwined interests. The combined economic output of the two countries accounts for over one-third of the world's total output, their populations represent nearly one-fourth of the global population, and the bilateral trade volume constitutes around one-fifth of the world's total. China and the United States share extensive common interests, and the cooperation and competition between the two countries not only affects their own interests but also has significant implications for peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

In his speech on Nov 15 at the Welcome Dinner by friendly organizations in the United States, President Xi Jinping emphasized once again that the future of the world requires China and the United States to cooperate. China and the US need to handle their relations from the perspective of grasping the overall trend of the world and striving in the direction of the 'Five Pillars' supporting the 'San Francisco Vision' — namely, establishing correct perceptions, jointly managing differences effectively, promoting mutual beneficial cooperation, sharing the responsibilities of major countries, and enhancing people-to-people exchanges.

Universities are where cultural traditions are passed on and where ideas and academia converge. As the first new type of regular university founded by the Communist Party of China, Renmin University of China has always taken on the mission and responsibility of promoting progress for humanity and seeking common ground for the world. We are actively contributing to the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind and the development of a new type of international relations. We focus on cultivating strategic talents with a global perspective and have established the Sino-French Institute, Silk Road School and College of International Organizations. We have also cooperated with 311 universities and international organizations in 61 countries and regions, including 34 American universities, establishing enduring partnerships. Embracing the principles of resource sharing and mutually beneficial cooperation, we have strengthened bilateral and multilateral educational exchanges and cooperation. Furthermore, we strive to enhance the integration and mutual learning of civilizations from different countries. We host high-level forums such as the Tongzhou Global Development Forum, 'China and the World Dialogue' International Forum, and the China-US Student Leaders' Financial Dialogue Forum. Through academic exchanges and dialogues with Chinese and foreign experts, scholars, and youth, we promote academic prosperity.