Civilizations Move Forward Along the Same Path and Thrive Together
----Consul General Qiu Xuejun’s remarks at the Seminar:
Dialogue Between Chinese and Western Civilizations – China Meets Bavaria
June 10, 2026
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,
Good day, everyone!
In this lovely season when all plants grow, and on the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations, a special occasion for all humanity, we are honored to meet with representatives and friends from all walks of life in the state of Bavaria. Through dialogue and exchanges, we build consensus, consolidate the foundation of civilization for building a community with a shared future for mankind, and contribute stability into world peace. On behalf of the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Munich, I extend a warm welcome to all of you! Civilizations are enriched through mutual learning, the world becomes more inclusive via dialogue, and the friendship between China and the state of Bavaria grows deeper amid exchanges. We look forward to listening to your insights and wisdom!
I. Diversity and disparity are fundamental features of the world and the source of charm for human civilizations
As Confucius put it, “A gentleman seeks harmony amid diversity.” Chinese and Western civilizations differ from one another yet have respective merits, enabling mutual learning, complementarity and common progress. Philosophical reflections nurtured along the Danube River and the contending schools of thought emerged beside the Yellow River alike are all treasures of human wisdom. Cultural divergences should not breed conflicts, but instead serve as driving force for human progress. The Chinese civilization has always valued harmony without uniformity, seeking common ground while reserving differences, being inclusive and pulling together in times of hardship. It has consistently keeps its arms open and advances inter-civilization dialogue and exchanges, shares the splendor of human civilizations with peoples around the world.
From the ancient Chinese schools of thought and the Four Great Inventions lighting the early sparks of the European Renaissance, to the introduction of Western science, technology and Enlightenment ideas into China in modern times; from the Sinicization of Marxism that has profoundly transformed China, to the rising trend of "#becomingchinese" and "#chinamaxxing" among international netizens, youth in particular— over the course of thousands of years, openness, inclusiveness, exchange and mutual learning have always been the secret enabling civilizations to develop and gain renewed vitality with the passage of time. Dialogue and exchanges among civilizations have always served as bond for peace, driving force for development and bridge for friendship. Eastern and Western civilizations have kept moving toward one another, learning from each other, jointly composing the magnificent epic of the advancement of human civilization.
II. The Global Civilization Initiative aligns with the shared aspiration of people across the world to carry out inter-civilization dialogue and promote human progress.
In 2023, President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Civilization Initiative, which advocates respecting the diversity of civilizations, promoting the common values of humanity encompassing peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, valuing the inheritance and innovation of civilizations, and strengthening international people-to-people and cultural exchanges and cooperation. As a global public good, the Global Civilization Initiative transcends ideological confrontation and replaces clash of civilizations with equal dialogue among civilizations. It not only offers a brand-new paradigm transcending the "clash of civilizations" theory for the enduring coexistence of human civilizations, but also establishes an epoch-making value benchmark affirming that diversity of civilizations constitutes the foundation of human progress in the history of human thought.
Since its inception, the Global Civilization Initiative has won broad endorsement and support from the international community. In 2024, the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly adopted by consensus a resolution sponsored by China and 82 other countries, designating June 10 as the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations. This is an important measure to deliver on the Global Civilization Initiative, signifies that replacing confrontation with dialogue and resolving differences through inclusiveness has become the greatest common divisor of the international community.
On July 10, 2025, in a congratulatory letter to the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting, President Xi Jinping wrote,"Against the backdrop of intertwined shifts and turbulences in the international landscape, humanity stands at a new crossroads. There is an ever-pressing need to transcend estrangement and clashes through exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations." From the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative to the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative, efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind have injected precious stability and positive energy into a turbulent world. These efforts have won extensive recognition across the international community and demonstrated China’s willingness to shoulder responsibilities as a major country committed to global peace and development.
III. Civilization dialogue between China and Bavaria: an unfolding journey
Exchanges and mutual learning between China and Bavaria date back more than 400 years ago when the House of Wittelsbach ruled Bavaria. As early as in the 17th century, the Wittelsbach family established ties with China via missionaries as intermediaries. Funded by the royal household, these missionaries introduced Western culture to China while bringing Chinese porcelain, silk and other goods back to Europe. In the early 20th century, the visit to China by Crown Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria, stands as a landmark event in the history of cultural exchanges between China and Bavaria.
All of you present here are witnesses and shapers of the cultural exchanges between China and state of Bavaria. Confucius Institutes have consistently served as bridges for cultural exchanges and foster mutual understanding between the Chinese and German peoples. The cooperation between Nanzhanglou Village in China’s Shandong Province and the Hanns Seidel Foundation has become a model for Sino-German cooperation on land consolidation and rural development, planting the seeds of friendship deep in the hearts of Chinese people. First launched in 1928, the Dietfurt Chinese Festival has been held for nearly a century and is now officially inscribed on the intangible cultural heritage lists of Germany and the state of Bavaria. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital in Bad Kötzting has introduced TCM therapies and culture to the German public and enhanced exchanges and complementary development of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine. Back in 1984, in the early days of China’s reform and opening-up, the Bavarian State Opera blazed a trail as the first major Western European opera house to perform in China and brought the melodies of classical music to Chinese audience. 41 years later in 2025, the Bavarian State Opera returned to China, composing another splendid movement in Sino-German cultural exchanges. Such examples abound and the cultural dialogue between China and Bavaria has set an exemplary model for mutual learning between Chinese and Western civilizations, a source of our pride that inspire us to press ahead with our joint efforts.
As a German proverb goes: "Berg und Tal kommen nicht zusammen, wohl aber die Menschen" (Mountains and valleys never meet, yet people always cross paths). An ancient Chinese poem likewise reads: "A single flower does not make spring; a hundred flowers in full bloom bring spring to the garden." All of you are builders bridging China with Bavaria as well as the East and the West. Let us work together to dispel misunderstanding through exchanges, to pursue common progress via mutual learning and to contribute to long-term peace and stability in pursuit of a community with a shared future for mankind.
China is continuing to refine its visa policies and has further extended the 30-day visa-free stay arrangement for visitors from Germany and other countries. The #ChinaTravel enthusiasm has also come to Bavaria. We sincerely invite all friends from Bavaria to visit China and experience its charm firsthand. Among us are journalists who have just returned from trips to China, and I am convinced that the trip has left you with profound impressions.
Look forward to in-depth exchanges with all of you. Thank you!