Communicating “Harmony” to World: Implementing Global Civilization Initiative and Promoting Global Coexistence

On March 15, 2023, during the “High-level Dialogue between the CPC and World Political Parties”, President Xi Jinping introduced the “Global Civilization Initiative” for the first time. This initiative represents a significant public good provided by China in the new era. Rooted in the Chinese ethos of “harmony and coexistence” and “great harmony under heaven,” it builds on China’s exploration of a new form of human civilization through Chinese-style modernization. The initiative aims to promote harmonious development among civilizations, fostering friendly exchanges among peoples and guiding the world toward peaceful coexistence and collective response to global challenges.

Harmony and Integration: Essence of Chinese Culture

President Xi discussed the profound cultural heritage of China in his book “Zhejiang, China: A New Vision for Development,” where he argues, among these cultural treasures, the concepts of “harmony” (和) and “integration” (合) are pivotal. Initially appeared in ancient Chinese oracle bone script and bronze inscriptions, these characters symbolize harmony and concord. Over thousands of years, “harmony” evolved to mean peace and balance, while “integration” came to signify unity and cooperation. Together, these concepts encapsulate the ideals of harmony in diversity, understanding, and win-win cooperation. Historically, these ideas, together with the concept of “universal harmony,” have permeated Chinese thought, emphasizing brotherhood among all peoples and fostering neighborly relations. Today, harmony and integration reflect the deep wisdom and insights of the Chinese people for individual survival, social development, and national governance, retaining significant theoretical, historical, and practical value.

"Global Civilization Initiative”: Embodying Values of Harmony

The principle of “harmony” forms the bedrock of China’s exploration of modernization paths and underpins the “Global Civilization Initiative”. Being diverse in essence, there are no superior or inferior civilizations. Diversity of civilizations is a fact of human society, and exchange between civilizations propels human progress. The traditional Chinese philosophical concepts of “all things grow without harming each other” and “seeking common ground while reserving differences” reflect respect, tolerance, and openness. These ideas are crucial for overcoming civilizational barriers and promoting global cultural prosperity, representing valuable assets for humanity.

As humanity stands at another historical crossroads, the “Global Civilization Initiative”, as an initiative rooted in China’s rich cultural soil, has emerged. This initiative pronounces “Four Advocates”: respect for civilizational diversity, promotion of shared human values, emphasis on civilizational heritage and innovation, and enhanced international cultural exchange. These principles jointly advocate for diverse modernization paths tailored to each country and region, transcending national, ethnic, religious, cultural, and ideological differences. Embodying the wisdom of Chinese traditional culture, the initiative contributes significantly to world peace and development. Together with the “Global Development Initiative” and the "Global Security Initiative”, it provides a robust framework for building a community of shared future for mankind.

Harmony and Integration: Upholding True Multilateralism

In recent years, President Xi has emphasized “harmony” on various international occasions, advocating for global solidarity and coexistence. In the context of globalization, “harmony” expresses the hope for peaceful coexistence and joint development among nations.

“Harmony” embodies the ethos of peace and mutual learning between Eastern and Western civilizations. Historically, Chinese “harmony” has emphasized peaceful international relations. Over 2,000 years ago, ancient Chinese opened the Silk Road, promoting equal and mutually beneficial cooperation and cultural exchange between East and West. Six hundred years ago, Admiral Zheng He led the world’s most powerful fleet and conducted seven voyages to over 30 countries in Asia and Africa, fostering peace and friendship without occupying one inch of foreign land, rather, seeds of peace and friendship were sown among nations. Today, the philosophy of “harmony” advocates resolving international disputes peacefully, reflecting the underlying value of peace in contemporary world affairs, as well as the trend of our times. This philosophy suggests that civilizational diversity, like biodiversity, is a fundamental feature of human society. Different cultures, ideas, and values can coexist harmoniously and enhance their collective efficacy without necessitating uniformity. This inclusivity defines Chinese civilization and positions it as a mediator of global cultural diversity.

“Integration” represents the principle of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation among nations. China adheres to a path of peaceful development and advocates for shared growth and cooperation. Throughout history, China has been addressing universal human issues with its unique wisdom, advocating man-nature symbiosis, global harmony, social diversity, and moral integrity. By pursuing peace and development, China has always been a global contributor pushing for cooperation, expanding common interests through openness and sharing opportunities through collaboration. Despite the trends of multi-polarity, economic globalization, cultural diversity and an information-driven society, the international order and the global governance system face the challenges of unilateralism and power politics. Worse still, the absurd notion of “civilizational clash” is gaining popularity. In this context, the spirit of “harmony and integration” can guide different civilizations toward peaceful coexistence and cooperative development, laying a foundation for a world of lasting peace and common prosperity, where true multilateralism is practiced, the common human values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom can flourish, the common ground of humanity can be expanded, and developmental bottlenecks can be solved.

“Harmony and integration” jointly offer the Chinese perspective on global challenges. In 2023, Yukio Hatoyama, former Prime Minister of Japan, and Irina Bokova, former Director-General of UNESCO, both of whom are ambassadors of the “harmony and integration” culture, highlighted the relevance of “harmony and integration” in guiding a world torn apart by war and conflict towards peace and stability. “The spirit of win-win cooperation and humanism embodied by ‘harmony and integration’ is in full alignment with the purposes of UNESCO”, said Bokova. Cypriot Ambassador to China, Martha Mavrommati, noted the significance of “harmony and integration” in improving global governance and addressing regional conflicts, while American commentator and Senior Researcher at the Taihe Institute Einar Tangen emphasized that “consensus is far more sustainable than coercion. People all across the world need security, development and respect, and this could serve as the starting point of building consensus.” The recent “Sino-French Dialogue on Promoting Civilizational Exchange”, themed “Civilizational Dialogue and Friendly Cooperation,” reflects the international community’s hopes and expectations. Former French presidential advisor Valérie Trierweiler emphasized that civilization needs dialogue and cooperation, not isolation. These global voices underscore the crucial role of “harmony and integration” in international relations.

Building Modern Chinese Civilization through Principle-based Innovation

Civilizations must evolve with the times and continuously incorporate contemporary essence. Chinese civilization, spanning 5,000 years, is a living culture that grows through harmony and integration. This philosophy has historically guided relations among people, nations, and nature. From “universal harmony” to “dialogue and consultation,” and from “common good” to “cooperative win-win,” these concepts have consistently adapted, enriching their meanings through practice and playing a vital role in Chinese civilization. Similarly, the great practice of advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-style modernization has endowed the culture of harmony with modern strength. The continuous infusion of new ideas propels Chinese culture through the crucible of modernity, achieving innovative transcendence.

Civilizations in harmony will lead to a peaceful world. Only by implementing the “Global Civilization Initiative” and deepening intercultural exchanges can humanity inject more certainty into an uncertain world. The culture of harmony and integration originates from China, but belongs to the world. In the future, through more frequent cultural exchanges and closer interactions, the world will be turned into a “garden of harmony” characterized by mutual understanding, solidarity, and shared prosperity.

(Authors: Zhao Qing, Assistant Researcher at the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, China Foreign Language Publishing Administration; Fan Daqi, Vice President of the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, China Foreign Language Publishing Administration)