IN March this year, China President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI), advocating respect for the diversity of civilisations, common values of humanity, importance of inheritance and innovation of civilisations, and robust international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation.
The GCI is in the mould of the previously announced Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative.
Respecting diversity of world civilisations is an important prerequisite for exchanges and mutual learning among different civilisations.
Mencius, the great philosopher in ancient China, said, "Things are born to be different." Civilisations are only unique, and no one is superior to the other.
Our world has more than 200 countries and regions, over 2,500 ethnic groups and many religions with different histories, national conditions and customs that have made this world a colourful and diversified "garden".
Certain countries' egocentric view of belittling other civilisations would push human society to the brink of conflict and confrontation.
Championing the common values of all mankind provides the basic foundation for exchanges and mutual learning to prosper among different civilisations.
Countries may differ in history, culture, national conditions, systems, and levels of development. Yet, they share the same desire for a better life, peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom.
Nonetheless, some countries asserting their views as "universal", force others to accept, and poke their noses into others' internal affairs. This will bring only harm and damage.
As an old Chinese saying goes: "All living things should flourish without harming each other; all ways of life should thrive without hindering each other."
Countries need to keep an open mind in appreciating the perceptions of values by different civilisations, and refrain from imposing their values on others and avoid stoking ideological confrontation.
Carrying-on and enriching civilisations with innovation provides strong motivation for exchanges and mutual learning to flourish among different civilisations.
All good principles should adapt to the changing times to remain relevant. For a civilisation to endure and prosper, it must be open to embrace new things, so that it can grow and keep up with the times.
The success of Chinese civilisation, which enjoys thousands of years of history, lies in its inclusiveness and adaptability.
Today, China is advancing on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernisation by integrating with it's fine traditional culture.
China is also active in learning about the cultures of other nations. Basing on its own heritage and enriched from others, China presents a new form of human civilisation which is different from the West.
Strengthening international cultural communication and cooperation is the sure way for exchanges and mutual learning among different civilisations.
Today, we live in the global village in which different civilisations integrate with and learn from each other. This inter-connective activity is the inevitability of history, a requirement of the times and wishes of the people.
There has to be more exchanges and dialogues among civilisations and development models, so that each country could draw on the strengths of others and thrive by mutual learning which will lead to the results of common development.
Let us promote exchanges among civilisations, build bridges for better people-to-people friendship, advance human progress and ensure the world experiences peace and stability.
Malaysia is a multiethnic, multireligious and multicultural country.
On this beautiful piece of land, different ethnic groups live in harmony, enjoying a unique and diverse culture.
Malaysia sets a good example of inclusive coexistence of different civilisations.
With support of all parties, the "Islam-Confucianism Leadership Dialogue" was successfully held in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 29, graced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who advocated making exchanges and mutual learning between Islam and Confucianism.
Another popular Chinese saying goes: "Delicious soup is made by combining different ingredients."
Diversity spurs interaction among civilisations, which in turn promotes mutual learning and their further development.
The GCI proposed by China aims to enhance the goodness of all and needs the support of all as well. Let us continue to advocate and promote dialogue between different civilisations, oppose drawing ideological lines or driving up division and confrontation.
Let us champion peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, which are the common values of humanity. Let us open up a new prospect to enhance exchanges and understanding among different peoples, and promote further interactions and integration.
Together, we will make the garden of world civilisations more colourful and vibrant.
The writer is China's ambassador to Malaysia
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
