On September 2nd, the 2nd Tongji Forum of International Dissemination with the theme of Understanding China-International Communication of Chinese civilization’s symbols is held by the university, in which leaders, experts, and scholars gathered to discuss approaches to disseminate Chinese civilization in the international society. The forum is organized by China Public Relations Association and Research Center for National Discourse and Global Communication in Tongji University and undertaken by School of Foreign Studies of Tongji University. Zheng Qinghua, President of the university, attended and addressed the opening ceremony. Lv Peiming, Executive Vice President of the university, also attended the ceremony; the ceremony is held by Zhang Xiaoying, Vice President of China Public Relations Association.
Prof. Zheng said that now in an era of information international dissemination faces new challenges. How to improve this dissemination in ways popular among young people is an urgent problem to be discussed and this gives this forum great significance. International dissemination needs to strive for cooperation and communication in fields like technology, education, economy, and trade on the basis of languages and cultures. Tongji features diversity in disciplines and richness in environments with its forte in engineering and its strength in humanities. Thus interdisciplinary cooperation and coordination is imperative, and meanwhile the value of humanities can be fully realized.
Issues under discussion included “Symbols of Chinese Civilization”, “Essences of Chinese Civilization”, and “Efficiency in International Dissemination”. Experts from multiple universities and institutes made thematic presentations.
Xia Jixuan, Vice President and Director of Academic Board of China Public Relations Association made a closing speech. He expressed that since the 18th CPC National Congress President Xi Jinping has put a strong emphasis on international dissemination and has made important speeches and comments on strengthening international dissemination capabilities, telling Chinese stories, and striving to strengthen China’s voice in international affairs so that it is commensurate with China’s composite national strength and international status. Speeches of experts were visionary while focusing on the big picture. All of these made this forum fruitful. In the future, constant efforts should be made in building China’s voice, improving capacities in new media, and cultivating high-caliber talents. Meanwhile, fields like industry, research, and university should be combined to seek new breakthroughs in international dissemination of Chinese civilization’s symbols.