CHINA’S GCI GAINS MOMENTUM AMID RISING GLOBAL DIVISION

KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) -- China’s Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), proposed by President Xi Jinping two years ago, has gained increasing relevance amid rising global uncertainty, turbulence and division, according to an article by China Global Television Network Corporation (CGTN).

The article highlighted China’s efforts in implementing the initiative, emphasising its commitment to cultural diversity as a key factor in promoting global peace and stability, according to a statement.

GCI, introduced in March 2023, advocates respect for cultural diversity, the promotion of shared human values, the preservation and innovation of civilisations, and stronger international people-to-people exchanges.

State University of Rio de Janeiro Faculty of Economic Sciences, professor Elias Jabbour praised China's inclusive approach to diversity, which contrasts sharply with nations that enforce mass deportations and repatriations. He commended GCI for fostering coexistence among civilisations without imposing one nation’s values on another.

China’s commitment to intercultural dialogue was further recognised when the United Nations (UN) designated June 10 as the International Day for Dialogue among Civilisations, following a resolution proposed by China. Chinese envoy to the UN, Fu Cong, said the initiative aimed to refocus global attention on cultural understanding amid rising intolerance, extremism, and populism.

A CGTN survey of 15,574 people across 40 countries in March 2023 found that 80.3 per cent saw multiple civilisations as beneficial to global development, while 89.6 per cent called for greater dialogue and openness.

China has also promoted cultural exchange through international forums such as the World Conference of Classics, the Nishan Forum on World Civilisations, and the International Chinese Language Conference.

In cultural preservation, the Beijing Central Axis was listed as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in 2024, while the Chinese Spring Festival was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

China has also strengthened people-to-people exchanges, with student delegations from the United States visiting China under a pledge by Xi to invite 50,000 students over five years.

The country has expanded its visa-free entry policy to 29 countries, including France, Germany, and Italy, to facilitate cultural and tourism exchanges.

-- BERNAMA