PolyU hosted its third thematic seminar on China’s diplomacy, featuring former ambassadors of China who shed light on the global landscape and diplomatic practice
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Research Centre for Chinese History and Culture (RCCHC), Confucius Institute of Hong Kong and Mainland Development Office, in collaboration with the China Foreign Affairs University, co-organised the third thematic seminar on China’s diplomacy at PolyU Chiang Chen Studio Theatre. As one of the flagship events of the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival, the seminar invited former ambassadors of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Ambassador ZHAN Yongxin and Ambassador HUANG Ping, to deliver keynote speeches on the theme of “Navigating the Current Global Landscape: Insights into the Practice of China's Diplomacy” while sharing knowledge of diplomacy and their first-hand experiences. The event drew the keen participation of over 200 PolyU staff members, students, alumni and members of the public.
In his speech, Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman, remarked, “The world today is undergoing changes unseen in a century. Amid the rapidly evolving international landscape, geopolitical conflicts continue to escalate, bringing numerous risks and challenges to the world. At this complex and fast-changing juncture, we can deeply appreciate the vital importance and pivotal role of major-country diplomacy. National security, economic development, the well-being of the people and world peace are all inextricably linked to diplomacy. Over the years, China has unswervingly pursued the path of peaceful development, actively promoted the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, and adhered to the concept of win-win cooperation, constantly injecting stability and positive energy into a world intertwined with change and turbulence.”
He also noted, “PolyU has always attached great importance to students’ national education, Chinese cultural education and the cultivation of a global perspective. We require all undergraduate students to study a subject related to Chinese history and culture, and organise the ‘PolyU Chinese Culture Festival’ to promote Chinese culture and help students gain a better understanding of our Nation. This seminar is one of the key events of the Festival. We hope that through personal sharing of the two ambassadors, students can obtain a deeper grasp of the Nation's diplomatic policy and global development trends.” He added that next year marks the 90th anniversary of the establishment of PolyU. Having developed into a global top 50 university, PolyU will continue to nurture a strong sense of national pride, a global outlook and the desire to shoulder social responsibilities in students, developing them into talents with an affection for the Nation and Hong Kong, possessing both virtue and competence, who serve society and contribute to the Nation.
Ambassador Zhan Yongxin, former ambassador of the PRC, has served as the Ambassador of the PRC to the State of Israel; Director-General of the Department of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Deputy Commissioner of the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong SAR; Deputy Director-General of the Policy Planning Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Counsellor of the Embassy of the PRC in Canada. He has developed acute insights into the current global landscape and trends in Asia-Pacific economic cooperation.
Ambassador Zhan Yongxin stated: “Since joining the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, China has actively participated in cooperation across various fields, serving as an active advocate and steadfast practitioner of regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific. At this very moment, when the world stands at a crossroads, China has taken the initiative to host this year’s APEC informal meeting—stepping forward at a most crucial and challenging time for global and Asia-Pacific development, guiding the region and the world towards the correct path of openness, innovation and cooperation. This demonstrates its strong sense of responsibility as a major country.” He added that the APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting will be held in Hong Kong this year, expressing confidence that Hong Kong can leverage its unique strengths as a hub connecting the Chinese Mainland and the Asia-Pacific, harness the opportunities of regional cooperation, and inject impetus into industrial development, talent exchange and long-term economic growth.
In addition, Ambassador Huang Ping, former ambassador of the PRC, delivered a keynote speech on “Building Bridges through People-to-People Diplomacy: Actively Advancing US-China Relations”. He has served as the Consul General of the PRC in New York (Ambassadorial Rank), Ambassador of the PRC to Zimbabwe, Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consul General of the PRC in Chicago, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Mayor of Shaoxing City in Zhejiang Province, Counsellor and Consul General of the Embassy of the PRC in Canada, and Third Secretary of the Embassy of the PRC in the United States (US).
Ambassador Huang Ping pointed out that people-to-people diplomacy could build bridges of communication between China and the US, foster friendly communication among citizens and the youth, promote pragmatic cooperation, and enhance people-to-people exchanges. Over his 42-year diplomatic career, Ambassador Huang has been posted to the US three times and actively participated in various forms of city promotion. This included collaborating with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETO New York) to promote Hong Kong’s unique characteristics in New York’s Times Square, and personally participating in dragon boat races organised by HKETO New York, through which he led by example to promote people-to-people diplomacy. He explained: “We hope to develop multi-dimensional people-to-people diplomacy by building more channels of communication and cooperation between the peoples of both sides to enhance mutual understanding and trust, thereby fostering people-to-people bonds and steering bilateral relations towards steady and long-term progress.”
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