On July 11, scholars from China and Italy convened in Qufu, Shandong, for the Dialogue on Chinese and Italian Classical Civilizations. The event underscored the enduring value of classical civilizations as repositories of wisdom and inspiration for addressing contemporary challenges.

Massimo Ambrosetti, ambassador of Italy to China, emphasized the unique contributions of both Roman and Chinese civilizations in the realms of aesthetics, culture, and philosophy. He noted that these civilizations not only serve as local exemplars but also hold universal value. In this vein, he advocated leveraging the rich cultural heritage of classical civilizations to better navigate contemporary issues.

Fan Di, a research fellow at the Belt and Road Academy of Beijing Language and Culture University, stressed the universal applicability of exceptional classical civilizations. Fan stated that understanding Chinese culture is not about comparing East and West but rather about seeking common ground to foster dialogue and exchange. Fan advocated for embracing not only Chinese civilization but all outstanding civilizations, learning from diverse cultural traditions worldwide.

Guo Shuyong, dean of the School of International Relations at Shanghai International Studies University, defined shared values not as the promotion of a single culture but rather as mutual appreciation for the commonalities among diverse national civilizations. Guo viewed this process as one of mutual understanding and support. He emphasized that civilizational dialogue underscores the equality of civilizations, rejecting distinctions between advanced and backward ones. This is the foundation for building a new type of international relations characterized by mutual respect, fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation.

The event serves as a testament to the enduring power of cultural exchange in fostering understanding, promoting dialogue, and building bridges between civilizations.