Experts participating in the seminar. (Photo by GDUFS)
The academic seminar on Building a New Type of International Relations was held on Saturday at the Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. The seminar discussed the rising challenges in current international relations, especially between China and the West, with esteemed Chinese experts sharing their latest observations.
"Western powers are blurring the boundaries between domestic politics and diplomacy," said Cui Hongjian, a professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University's Academy of Regional and Global Governance. Cui explained that it has now become a convenient pattern in the West to blame foreign parties for its domestic problems.
Prof. Cui Hongjian speaking at the event. (Photo by GDUFS)
China-Europe relations were highlighted during the seminar. China is the European Union's biggest trading partner, and the two have enjoyed a long and profitable trading history. However, the rise of protectionism and a tougher stance towards China have threatened to undermine such economic relations.
Prof. Cui Hongjian (Photo by GDUFS)
"The EU has been downplaying the influence of economic cooperation in EU-China relations," Cui pointed out a worrying phenomenon. "And the bloc has intentionally shifted the focus of bilateral ties towards political security."
Prof. Ding Chun (Photo by GDUFS)
Ding Chun, the director of the Center for European Studies at Fudan University, expressed certain optimism concerning the prospects of China-EU relations.
"There is still a lot of room for cooperation between China and the EU, especially in digital and green areas," said Ding. "Besides, the two have kept in place multiple functioning mechanisms for dialogue and negotiation, which could help curb disputes."
Reporter: Xachary Xie
Editor: Nan, Monica, James
