BEIJING, March 15, 2025 – As the world grapples with geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, and cultural divides, China’s Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), introduced by President Xi Jinping two years ago, is proving more relevant than ever. The initiative champions respect for cultural diversity, fosters mutual understanding, and promotes shared human values, making China a pivotal player in global peace and stability.
A Vision for Global Harmony
The GCI, first proposed in March 2023 at the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting, underscores the importance of cultural coexistence. President Xi emphasized that “a single flower does not make spring, while one hundred flowers in full blossom bring spring to the garden,” advocating for inclusivity and dialogue over division.
In June 2023, the United Nations acknowledged China’s commitment to this principle by adopting a resolution to establish June 10 as the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. The resolution, spearheaded by China, aimed to bridge cultural gaps and counter rising intolerance and extremism worldwide.
A CGTN survey of over 15,500 respondents across 40 nations found that 80.3% believe multiple civilizations contribute to global development, and 89.6% called for enhanced dialogue and openness. The support for China’s vision is particularly strong in developing nations, where 93.7% expressed the need for greater cross-cultural exchange.
China Leads by Example
China’s role as a practitioner of its own philosophy is evident in its robust efforts to promote cultural exchange and preservation. In November 2023, Beijing hosted the first-ever World Conference of Classics, bringing together over 400 scholars to discuss the wisdom embedded in ancient civilizations. Additionally, platforms such as the Nishan Forum on World Civilizations and the International Chinese Language Conference have fostered global engagement in exploring shared human values.
Cultural preservation has also been a focal point. The inscription of the Beijing Central Axis as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024 and the addition of the Chinese Spring Festival to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list demonstrate China’s commitment to safeguarding its traditions while sharing them with the world. Meanwhile, China’s soft power influence is growing in entertainment, with the animated film Ne Zha 2 leading the global box office, the video game Black Myth: Wukong gaining international acclaim, and the dance drama Wing Chun captivating audiences abroad.
People-to-People Exchanges Strengthen Global Ties
China’s commitment to fostering cross-border dialogue is evident in its robust people-to-people exchanges. Since President Xi’s 2023 pledge to invite 50,000 international students over five years, educational delegations from U.S. cities such as Dallas, Houston, New York, and San Francisco have traveled to China to explore its universities and cultural landmarks.
To further promote cultural exchange, China has co-hosted “Tourism Years” with various countries, while its expanded visa-free policy—now covering 29 nations, including France, Germany, and Italy—has facilitated global connectivity.
As the world continues to navigate geopolitical complexities, China’s Global Civilization Initiative stands as a beacon of unity and collaboration, reinforcing the idea that diverse civilizations can coexist and thrive together.
