Carrying out Humanistic Exchanges and Building a Solid Foundation for BRICS Cooperation

By Wang Jiake,Wu Yan and Chen Xiaowei,People's Daily Reporters

President Xi Jinping points out at a large-scale meeting of BRICS leaders in Johannesburg:The BRICS member countries have nurtured their respective brilliant civilizations,which enlighten each other and have great potential for cultural exchanges and cooperation."From Xiamen to Johannesburg,BRICS has entered the second"golden decade".The peoples of the BRICS countries have similar dreams and pursuits.Looking forward to the next decade, taking "people's connectivity" as the purpose of cultural exchanges and cooperation,and carrying out extensive cultural exchanges in various fields will surely lay a solid foundation for the public opinions of BRICS cooperation,and constantly enhance mutual understanding and traditional friendship among peoples of the BRICS countries.

Linking with China,students have a colorful life

The Johannesburg Declaration of BRICS Leaders states:We emphasize that BRICS cooperation should be people-centered and appreciate the steady progress of BRICS exchanges and cooperation in sports,youth,film,culture,education and tourism.

This summer,Moscow State University in Shenzhen will welcome the second batch of new students.In September last year,both President Xi Jinping and Russian President Putin sent messages to the opening ceremony of Moscow University in Shenzhen.From the end of the year 2013,Moscow University put forward the proposal of jointly establishing a university in China,and then chose Beijing University of Technology as the object of cooperation.By May 2014,under the joint witness of the two heads of state of two countries, the ministers of education of the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Jointly Organizing the"China-Russia University",and by September 2017,the first batch of 113 freshmen were officially admitted. From scratch, this China-Russia Cooperative University has not only set a precedent for educational cooperation between the two countries,but also pushed the cultural exchanges between China and Russia to a new height.

China and Brazil as the largest developing country in the Eastern and Western Hemisphere and important members of the BRICS mechanism, the cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries have stepped up to a new stage,especially in the field of education.In January this year,44 students from Brazil's first Portuguese-Chinese bilingual high school,Joaquin Gomez de Sosa state,graduated on schedule.Three years ago,they were selected from more than 600 candidates and admitted by the bilingual high schools.Over the past 3 years,this high school has successfully held three Chinese language Contests for the"Chinese Bridge"World Middle School in Brazil,organized more than 60 students to visit China for exchanges,and launched two special soccer summer camps.High School President Sosa said that linking with China,students have a colorful life.

The thirst for knowledge and the yearning for the world are deep-seated dreams of many African young people.China helps them to make their dreams come true.China announced the establishment of the China-Africa Development Fund at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2006.In December 2015,President Xi Jinping announced at the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation that China would increase 5 billion US dollars more for the Development Fund.Yang Baohua,Board Chairman of the China-Africa Development Fund,told the newspaper reporters that since its establishment,the China-Africa Development Fund has played an active role as a bridge to promote exchanges and cooperation between China and Africa in the fields of youth,education and other humanistic areas.At present,the project of"Hand in Hand,China-Africa,You,We and Others"sponsored by the Development Fund has jointly established Youth Exchange bases at home and abroad with 11 Chinese enterprises in Africa,having provided space and soil for future entrepreneurship and employment of African youth.Nduwimana,a student from Burundi who studied at Peking University now works in the Sino-African People-to-People Chamber of Commerce.He said that China has provided many African students with the opportunity to receive university education in China,and the participation of young people will help build the China-Africa community with a shared future.

B.R.Deepak,a professor at the Center for Chinese and Southeast Asian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University in India,told the newspaper reporters that the BRICS humanistic exchanges adhere to the people-oriented concept and is an inclusive development concept that promotes common development in all fields.For example,in the field of education,the BRICS Universities League is an important mechanism. The mutual recognition of academic qualifications and professional titles among BRICS countries and the promotion of two-way flow of students are conducive to carrying out joint research among BRICS member countries and to consolidating the foundation of future friendship and cooperation among BRICS countries.

Port construction along the routes in Africa.

Exchanging needs for each other and promoting the sharing of civilization achievements

"Cultural exchanges and mutual learning is an important driving force for the progress of human civilization and the peaceful development of the world".In retrospect of looking back at history,the fruits of civilization enjoyed by mankind today are the crystallization of various civilizations drawing on each other's strengths and learning from each other through exchanges.The people of the BRICS countries,with a confident,modest,self-esteem and tolerant mind and manner,get things needed from each other through non-governmental exchanges,and promote the sharing of civilized achievements.

Kulikova,a senior researcher at the Far East Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the first vice-chair of the Russia-China Friendship Association,said in an interview with this newspaper reporters that she highly appreciates President Xi Jinping's repeated emphasis that "state-to-state diplomacy lies in people's friendship".Cultural exchanges and people-to-people exchanges like adhesives firmly connect countries and peoples together,which is not only the traditional basis for the development of friendly relations between two countries,but also the greatest driving force for the lasting friendship between them.In recent years,Russia and China have successively held large-scale activities at national level such as the"Year of the Two Nations","Year of Tourism","Year of Youth Exchanges","Year of Local Cooperation and Exchanges".The momentum of cultural exchanges and people-to-people exchanges has become stronger.The"China Hall"of the Far East Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences,where Kulikova works,often hosts Chinese literary and artistic performances,introduces Chinese literary and artistic works,and promotes Chinese movies,which is one of witnesses of the frequent and enthusiastic cultural exchanges between Russia and China.These activities are supported by the government and enthusiastic private participation,and have been very fruitful.Meanwhile, traditional people-to-people contacts have entered a high-level stage of cooperation,including opening of the first Sino-Russian University,talent training in the field of art,and strengthening of co-production planning of film and television projects.

Paul,a professor at the Center for BRICS Policy at the Catholic University of Brazil,believes that cultural exchanges between the two countries began in 1812 when the first Chinese tea farmers brought tea to Brazil.At present,the cultural exchanges between Brazil and China within the BRICS mechanism are becoming more and more enthusiastic and popular,and the cooperation between the two sides in education,tourism,media,think tanks and other fields is becoming closer.The Curitiba International Biennale in Brazil is one of the most influential art exhibitions in Latin America.In September 2017,China was invited to be the guest of honor.In a special Chinese pavilion,Chinese contemporary art works were presented to South America for the first time.During the biennial exhibition,the Curitiba Municipal Government also had a large Confucius statue erected in the local"China Square",which opened another window for the Brazilian people to perceive Chinese culture closely.

The Johannesburg Declaration clearly proposes the establishment of a working group on tourism.Elizabeth Tabet,South Africa's Deputy Tourism Minister,said the BRICS cooperation mechanism is a good opportunity for South Africa's tourism industry.Taking advantage of the meeting of BRICS leaders,South Africa is planning to adopt new visa policies on Chinese tourists,and launch a"ten-year BRICS business visa"to facilitate long-term entry for diplomats and business people.

Continuously providing strong impetus for development of the entire BRICS.

On July 17,the Third BRICS Games opened in Johannesburg.More than 300 athletes from five BRICS sports delegations participated in the event.At the opening ceremony,accompanied by the African song Sosoroza,the athletes walked into the center of the venue together,hand in hand,and celebrated the holding of the sports event in dancing.

India-China Economic and Cultural Promotion Association Secretary General said to the paper reporters that in the past two years,Indian films have attracted more attention in China and have created box office miracles several times.India-China Economic and Cultural Promotion Association and Beijing Second Foreign Studies University will hold the Indian Film Culture Festival at the end of October to build a platform for communication between the film industry practitioners of the two countries and promote more cultural programs to show in two countries.Deepak said that currently more and more Chinese books are translated and disseminated in other BRICS countries.He is coordinating the development of a memorandum on mutual translation between Indian and Chinese classics and contemporary works,translating into Hindi language the Four Books and Five Classics,and the Four well-known novels as well as the works of contemporary Chinese writers such as Mo Yan and Jia Pingao.

Ronnie Lins,director of Brazil's China Research Center,told this newspaper reporters that while cooperation in the economic,trade and investment fields between Brazil and China has been accelerating,cultural exchanges have also become an important part of bilateral cooperation within the BRICS framework.For Brazilians,it is a good experience for them to have a contact with Chinese culture of long history.

Cultural exchange is an important way to promote a people-to-people connection.It is the common aspiration of BRICS countries to strengthen cultural exchanges and mutual learning,promote pragmatic cooperation in the field of culture,foster the value concept of BRICS on the basis of pluralistic sharing,and a common wish to consolidate the foundation of public opinion for BRICS cooperation.Carrying out all-round friendly exchanges and cultural exchanges will surely benefit people with the fruits resulted from cooperation and provide a strong impetus for the overall development of the BRICS.

Welcoming the forthcoming second"Golden Decade"

At the evening party in honor of the BRICS leaders during the BRICS Summit,South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called on all parties to welcome the second"Golden Decade"with real efforts

The world today is facing a change that is unseen for a century.How to bring into play the BRICS cooperation in the historical process of evolution of the international landscape?How can we seek development of BRICS countries in the historical process of both World development and the common development of BRICS countries?In a series of speeches during the BRICS Summit,President Xi Jinping made profound reflections and accurate judgments on the world moving direction in 10 years to come.President Ramaphosa responded emotionally to President Xi Jinping's speech that the speech is very forward-looking.

The next 10 years will be a critical decade for the transformation between the old and new dynamics of the world economy.This BRICS Summit focused on the theme of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.Recalling the G-20 Hangzhou Summit,the leaders put New Industrialization in Africa one of the topics on the agenda.Time is running out.The speed of the fourth industrial revolution and the power it has given birth to new patterns of business and to new industries,currently,are related to the future of all countries.Leaders interpreted their policy ideas from different perspectives.At the BRICS Summit on the 26th,President Ramaphosa emphasized the comprehensive use of resources to become innovators.Brazilian President Temer was concerned about strengthening the competitiveness of science and technology.Russian President Putin stated the strategy of promoting digital economic growth.Indian Prime Minister Modi was determined to become a creator of employment rather than a seeker. President Xi Jinping, from the perspective of economic development mode renewal, considers and grasps this dynamic wave of the times,and emphasizes that with the mega-trend coming,if one can't keep up,you will fall behind and will be eliminated.What we can and should do is to seize opportunities,increase investment in innovation,vigorously cultivate new economic growth areas and transform the old drivers into new drivers of growth.

The next 10 years will be a decade of accelerated evolution of the international landscape and balance of power and a profound reshaping of the global governance system.The international situation is rapidly changing,and the growing unilateralism and protectionism as an external murmur of the Johannesburg Summit inspire the largest common denominator in the venue.President Xi Jinping makes clear China’s preposition:A trade war is not advisable because there will be no winner.Economic hegemonism is all the more undesirable because it will harm the common interests of the international community,and will eventually throw a heavy stone at its own feet.

A responsible attitude to uphold the rules and a constructive attitude towards cooperation have won sustained applause at the meeting and reverberated around the world.Some foreign media commented that we must say'no'to the trade war".There are also foreign media quoting lifting a stone only to drop on its own feet, saying that China has played an irreplaceable role in alleviating global anxiety.We need to open up and not close down,we need mutual benefit and win-win outcome,and not take our neighbors as beggars,adhere to multilateralism and oppose unilateralism…….These have become the common position for the BRICS members.President Ramaphosa said BRICS countries need to strengthen cooperation,maintain the multilateral order,safeguard the central position of the United Nations and uphold the rules of the World Trade Organization.President Temer said BRICS countries should strengthen solidarity and jointly respond to the current risks and challenges. President Putin said BRICS countries should unite and collaborate,adhere to multilateralism and international rules,and work together to safeguard the world economic order.Prime Minister Modi said that in the face of rising protectionism and challenges facing the multilateral system,we should actively participate in improving global governance,promoting multilateralism and promoting free trade.The Johannesburg Declaration,the BRICS countries unanimously adopted on the 26th, says that we recognize that the multilateral trading system faces unprecedented challenges,and emphasize the importance of building an open world economy so that all countries and peoples can share the benefits of economic globalization.The BRICS countries have a heavy responsibility to prevent the global economy from sliding into a trap of closure.

The next 10 years will be a decade in which the development of the BRICS five countries is at a critical stage and faces major opportunities and challenges.The historical achievements of China have also led the world to explore the causes behind it,and more and more countries are eager to understand China.Innovation,coordination,green,openness and sharing,President Xi Jinping's speech contains the inner logic of China's new development concept.China’s opportunities are also opportunities for the BRICS and opportunities for the world.During the Johannesburg meeting,President Xi Jinping praised the"China Opportunity".At the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Meeting 2018,China announced a series of new measures to expand openness;the first China International Import Expo would be held in November this year,business opportunities will follow.There is also the Belt and Road Initiative,which is based on the principle of extensive consultation,joint contribution and shared benefits.This road of win-win cooperation has come from the depths of history,and is also the latest footnote in the new era for building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Helping Africans with running water system along the routes.

Exploring ways to cooperate both internally and externally

The BRICS has been holding hands all the way to this day in difficulties.Seeing ups and downs of the economic data of individual BRICS countries and the adverse winds to varying degrees of development,some people in the international community have clamored that the BRICS has faded and even said that the BRICS has broken up. Regarding these,President Xi Jinping firmly responds by saying that the potential and trend of BRICS countries'continuous development have not changed.We have full confidence in that. At the Johannesburg Summit,he once again appeals confidently that as long as the BRICS countries work together,they can continue to climb cliffs,find new peaks,reach new heights..."

The significance and value of partners lies not only in the smooth development to prosperity,but also in working hand in hand in adversity."Not moved by the wind-storm and rain-storm,not disturbed by noise,not hindered by difficulties...",President Xi Jinping statements carry far-reaching significance.At the informal meeting to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the BRICS Summit,President Xi Jinping spoke about the two groups of BRICS partnerships.

One group of partnerships focuses on BRICS internal cooperation,upholding the BRICS spirit and deepening the BRICS strategic partnership.Treating each other as equals, seeking common ground while reserving differences, be pragmatic in innovation and cooperative in win-win outcome,and setting up example for others.At the Johannesburg Summit,President Xi Jinping comments that the BRICS cooperation has abandoned the old political and military alliance,rejected the old thinking of ideological demarcation,and surpassed the old concept of your winning meaning my losing,which is an important innovation in international relations and international cooperation.

Another group of partnerships emphasizes BRICS external cooperation, expanding BRICS+cooperation and building a broad partnership. The significance of BRICS cooperation already extends beyond the BRICS five countries. During the BRICS Summit,dialogue with membership neighboring countries and relevant international or regional organizations gradually becomes a mechanism.More and more emerging market economies and developing countries are eager to approach the BRICS.Thus,China has put forward the concept of BRICS+and put it into practice.The circle of friends of BRICS cooperation has continued to expand. Continuing this innovation,the BRICS+Leaders Dialogue is held again during the Johannesburg Summit,bringing together more than 20 leaders from Africa,emerging market economies and developing countries.Many African leaders are talking about the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-African Cooperation and share a common sense that the African continent is focusing on its own development and revitalization,and this summit is just on time.

The openness and inclusiveness help gradually expand the circle of BRICS cooperation.President Xi Jinping points out at the large-scale meeting that the Xiamen Summit has established the 'BRICS +'cooperation concept,the main purpose of which is to continuously extend the BRICS countries'circle of friends'while continuously strengthening the core of the five countries'unity and cooperation and improving the centripetal force and cohesion of BRICS cooperation so as to achieve common development and prosperity with the vast number of emerging market economies and developing countries.

After the Johannesburg Declaration adopted the BRICS Partnership for a New Industrial Revolution,President Xi Jinping,at the BRICS+Leaders'Dialogue,made a proposal to the vast number of emerging market economies and developing countries:China proposes to establish a new industrial revolution partnership for BRICS countries,for both BRICS countries and emerging market economies and developing countries.We shall unleash synergy and achieve innovative,interconnected and inclusive development. At the Johannesburg meeting,President Xi Jinping elaborated on China's actions under the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind: Socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era,meanwhile,China's status as the largest developing country in the world has not changed.No matter how developed China becomes in the future,it always belongs to the developing countries, firmly supports development of the developing countries and continuously works hard to develop close partnerships with major countries.This is China's commitment to the world and China's constant feelings and responsibility.