In the morning of June 5th 2016, a round table discussion on the topic of “The Future of China-Europe Relations” co-sponsored by the SIES and the College of International Cultural Exchange of Tongji University(TJU) was unveiled at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences. This discussion is a part of the China-Europe Youth Communication Program led by Associate Professor Song Lilei of the TJU. The discussion was presided by Vice President Cao Ziheng of the SIES, where nearly 20 scholars and experts(For list of scholars present at the discussion, please refer to the chart below.) from China and Europe had an in-depth communication on topics like China-Europe relations, “One Belt One Road” initiative and European integration.
Chinese scholars, such as Presidentár of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Ikboljon Qoraboyev of Turgut Ozal University of Turkey and other European scholar deeply agreed with the idea brought up by Chinese experts and they thought the “One Belt One Road” initiative should be an inclusive instead of exclusive program. And they also pointed out that China should strengthen its public diplomacy after coming up with the initiative so that countries and people along the route can better understand the great vision. Xu Mingqi, former President Wu Yikang and Vice President Ye Jiang of the SIES, stressed that the “One Belt One Road” initiative is not a strategy of China. A strategy is a product of geopolitical consideration and an initiative can be participated and enriched by all the countries along the “Belt and Road”. It is a win-win cooperation that is built by all and serves the interests of all. Filippo Costa Buranelli of University College London, Ágnes Szunom
Also, Professor Li Lifan introduced situation in countries like Afghanistan to European scholars. Associate professor Xin Hua exchanged ideas with them on the new development on European neighborhood policies. And Vice President Cao Ziheng listened to their views on the root cause of European internal and external crisis. Scholars from both sides also had an extensive discussion on topics like priority of China’s diplomatic strategy, impact of Brexit, effect of the “16+1” mechanism, international identity of Turkey and nationalism in central Asia.
