The Wisdom in Chinese Characters

The Chinese characters are the DNA of its civilization. Harmony and trust are the foundation of Confucianism and the core of China's development philosophy. Sinologist Ragnar Baldursson, Iceland’s former Minister Counselor to China, shares his interpretation of Chinese wisdom embedded in the characters.

From an imperial kiln, to a modern capital of creativity, Jingdezhen’s fame as China’s ceramic capital has stood the test of time. Here, people can not only create art, but also delve deep into their emotions in the pursuit of inspiration, beauty, and perfection. What makes Jingdezhen’s charm so enduring? Camille Grandaty, a French ceramic artist who has spent a decade in Jingdezhen, shares her creative journey.

What's the “source code” of the Chinese culture? How has China's ancient philosophy and wisdom informed its green transition? Through a deep dive into China's cultural DNA, Vikram Channa, vice president of Production & Development at Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, uncovers the ancient wisdom that underpins the country's journey towards a green future.

The world has witnessed China's dramatic changes for over 40 years since its reform and opening up. In the eyes of Moon Chung-in, former special advisor to South Korea's former president Moon Jae-in for national security and foreign affairs, China has achieved economic and social development while maintaining a peaceful relationship with other countries. As its neighbor, how does South Korea see China's rise? In China Talk, Moon Chung-in will share with you his unique South Korean perspective on China's rise.

“My son’s developed a passion for China, and my six-year-old grandson is learning Chinese,” says Senator Mushahid Hussain, chairman of Pakistan's Senate Defence Committee, reflecting on his enduring affinity with China over five decades. He stresses that connecting hearts and minds is key to form an enduring bond between China and Pakistan. Why is China calling for increased interpersonal bonds? How might the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) shape new lifestyles, especially among women and youth in Pakistan? In this episode of China Talk, Senator Mushahid Hussain gives his answers.

Centuries ago, a Belgian erudite journeyed to China and was given a high position in the court of Emperor Kangxi (r. 1661–1722) of the Qing Dynasty for his contributions to China's development. He is Nan Huairen, a renowned figure in Chinese history. What can his story teach us today? As two vital forces for the world's peace and prosperity, how can China and Europe keep learning from each other and cooperate for a shared future? In this episode of China Talk, Yves Leterme, former prime minister of Belgium, offers his insights.

"In 20 years' time, China is going to be so different from what it is now." Martin Jacques, former senior fellow at the Department of Politics and International Studies of Cambridge University, has borne witness to China's evolution over the past 30 years. How does one understand Chinese modernization, and what sets it apart from Western models? Renowned as a writer and political scientist, Martin Jacques elucidates the distinction between a "civilization state" and a "nation state."

Beavers are known as nature's architects and engineers. They build dams that are instrumental in restoring wetland ecosystems and protecting biodiversity. Chu Wenwen, a young wildlife conservationist from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China, and the founder of the Altay Nature Conservation Association, has raised the rodent's profile on the Internet, and her story has inspired thousands of young people. In this episode of China Talk, you will discover Chu Wenwen's life and work in the wild as she seeks to awaken a passion for ecology in China's young generation.

What kind of country does China want to become? Based on his decade-long experience as a field reporter, CGTN anchor Wang Guan says China promotes a new model of international relations by being a creator of global public goods, a driver of growth and development, a builder of consensus and a champion of equality. A video version of this episode is available at: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2022-11-18/How-China-promotes-a-new-model-of-international-relations--1f4j0y5495S/index.html

What's behind the success of the China model? Ali Al Dhaheri, the UAE's Ambassador to China, explains from his own experiences that China-UAE cooperation, featuring mutual trust and a commitment to multilateralism and international collaboration, will contribute to world peace and global development. As world leaders meet at G20 Summit in Indonesia, China's wisdom and solutions to global governance once again grab the world attention.