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As the world’s second-largest economy, China’s diplomatic endeavours are not only crucial to national development but are also closely linked to Hong Kong’s future. To inform University members about the knowledge and skills in Chinese diplomacy needed to thrive in a globalised world, a seminar themed “Exploring the Theory and Practice of China’s Diplomacy” was held at the Chiang Chen Studio Theatre on the PolyU campus. The event featured two former ambassadors from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as keynote speakers and attracted over 230 PolyU staff, students, alumni, and members of the public.

 

The distinguished speakers were Ambassador Luo Linquan, former Director-General of the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the PRC in the Hellenic Republic and in Ireland, Consul General (Ambassadorial Rank) of the PRC 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 PRC, and former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the PRC in the Republic of Mauritius.

 

Jointly hosted by the 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, the seminar provided valuable insights. The ambassadors shared 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.

 

“Insights into Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs: First-hand Diplomatic Experiences”, Ambassador Luo

In his keynote speech, “Insights into Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs: First-hand Diplomatic Experiences”, Ambassador Luo recounted China’s large-scale evacuation of citizens from Libya in 2011, when he helped 13,000 Chinese citizens return home via Greece. He highlighted the swift, decisive actions that embodied the principles of diplomacy for the people – putting people first and valuing life above all.

Ambassador Sun emphasised Africa’s importance as a key partner for China in his speech “The Theory and Practice of Building a ‘China-Africa Community with a Shared Future’”.

Drawing on his extensive experience in African diplomacy, Ambassador Sun emphasised Africa’s importance as a key partner for China in his speech “The Theory and Practice of Building a ‘China-Africa Community with a Shared Future’”. He noted that China-Africa cooperation contributes to a fairer international order, benefitting the global community.

Dr Lam Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman, remarked, “The 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.” He also noted that Hong Kong, with its unique advantage of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, should serve as a bridge between the Chinese Mainland and the world, acting as a “super-connector” and “super value-adder” to contribute to the Nation’s diplomatic efforts.