PolyU hosts thematic seminar on “Exploring the Theory and Practice of China’s Diplomacy”, featuring keynote speeches by former ambassadors of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Research Centre for Chinese History and Culture, Confucius Institute of Hong Kong and Mainland Development Office, in collaboration with the China Foreign Affairs University, today hosted the thematic seminar “Exploring the Theory and Practice of China’s Diplomacy” at the Chiang Chen Studio Theatre on the PolyU campus. The event drew a full house, attracting over 230 PolyU faculty members, students, alumni and members of the public. Two former ambassadors from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were invited as keynote speakers: Ambassador LUO Linquan, former Director-General of the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China in the Hellenic Republic and in Ireland, Consul General (Ambassadorial Rank) of the People’s Republic of China in San Francisco, and current Vice President of the China Public Diplomacy Association; and Ambassador SUN Gongyi, former Director-General level Counsellor of the Department of African Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, and former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Mauritius.They shared their insights and first-hand diplomatic experiences while exploring the theory and practice of building a “China-Africa Community with a Shared Future”, guiding the audience through the development of China’s foreign policy.

Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman, remarked, “Through reform and opening-up, China has developed into the world’s second-largest economy. China’s diplomatic endeavours are not only crucial to the Nation’s development but are also closely linked to Hong Kong’s future. With the unique advantage of the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle, Hong Kong should leverage its role as a bridge between the Chinse Mainland and the rest of the world, fully embracing its role as a ‘super-connector’ and ‘super value-adder’ to contribute to the Nation’s diplomatic efforts. PolyU is committed to nurturing socially responsible students with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective, equipping them to drive societal progress and contribute to the Nation’s development. Today’s seminar is a key event of the ‘PolyU Chinese Culture Festival’ and we are grateful to the ambassadors for sharing their experiences, which will deepen our students’ understanding of China’s diplomatic work and strengthen their sense of belonging, recognition and pride.”

Ambassador Luo Linquan has held numerous diplomatic posts and possesses extensive experience in foreign affairs. In his keynote speech entitled “Insights into Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs: First-hand Diplomatic Experiences”, he noted that throughout his decades-long career as a diplomat, he had experienced and handled many major diplomatic incidents. During China’s large-scale evacuation of citizens from Libya in 2011, as the then-Chinese ambassador to Greece, with the support of the Greek government, he managed to charter three cruise ships in a few hours, helping 13,000 Chinese citizens evacuate from Libya through Greece and return home. “This was the largest, fastest and most effective overseas protection operation for Chinese citizens since the founding of the People’s Republic of China. We acted swiftly and decisively, embodying the principle of diplomacy for the people, putting people first and valuing life above all,” he said.

Another keynote speaker, Ambassador Sun Gongyi, studied at the China Foreign Affairs University and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, and has rich experience in African diplomacy. Speaking on “The Theory and Practice of Building a ‘China-Africa Community with a Shared Future’”, he highlighted the importance of launching this initiative. “Amid great changes unseen in a century, marked by strategic competition and multilateral struggles, Africa is a key partner China can rely on. For example, in international organisations and multilateral forums, African countries are often the strongest supporters of China’s proposals and assertions. The significance of the China-Africa Community with a Shared Future extends beyond bilateral relations — it contributes to the creation of a new and fair international order, which holds great importance for the entire world,” he stated.

During the Q&A session, the response was enthusiastic. One participant Prof. C. C. CHAN, an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Distinguished Chair Professor of the PolyU Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, posed questions and shared his insights. He expressed great admiration for the courage of Chinese diplomats in carrying out their duties without fear for their own safety. He also shared that during his visit to Sweden, local officials praised China’s strong diplomacy, which is backed by robust economic and defence capabilities. Ambassador Sun highlighted that the political concept of “Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind”, proposed by China’s leadership, has been incorporated into UN General Assembly resolutions, reflecting the country’s wisdom in grasping global trends and the trajectory of human destiny.

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