As time goes by, the world and China meet again at the 8th World Conference on Sinology.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Over the past decade, countries along the Belt and Road have achieved tangible results in infrastructure construction, trade, investment, and cultural exchanges, bringing the world closer together. At this critical juncture of the past and future, as a platform for the “Knowledge Belt and Road Initiative,” the World Conference on Sinology will continue its efforts to promote scholarly exchanges, knowledge sharing, and talent cultivation.

Across the previous seven World Conferences on Sinology, the theme of “Understanding China” has consistently resonated. This is because universal values, which are shared among diverse civilizations, serve as the foundation for mutual understanding. However, achieving such understanding remains challenging in our current era of persistent conflict and turmoil.

Amidst the unprecedented changes we face, what should scholars and ordinary people strive for? In Western philosophy, the humanitas carries a dual significance: philanthrōpía (or “loving people and all things”) and paideía (or “educating and cultivating individuals”). Its ultimate objective is none other than “understanding”—in the words of Zhuangzi, it means acquiring knowledge, mastering the essence of things, transcending the vices of human conduct, and transcending the dualities of “yin and yang.” It involves finding fulfillment in one's circumstances and resolving various internal and external challenges “between heaven and earth.”

From the humanitas emerges the study of humanities. As Cicero once eloquently stated, “these pursuits are the food of youth and the charm of age … they are with us by night, upon our journeys, at our country seats.” Within the realm of humanities, Sinology distinguishes itself with its abundant resources, profound knowledge, and extensive coverage. Meanwhile, China Studies, with its focus on social sciences, encompasses a broad spectrum of subjects and employs cutting-edge research paradigms. These two approaches complement each other, forming a diverse field known as Sinology. Sinology, with its mission of “understanding China,” naturally extends to a diverse realm of humanities and social sciences with the goal of “understanding the world.”

China has a rich history of global interconnectedness. During the Ming Dynasty, Li Zhuowu composed a poem titled “To Matteo Ricci of the Far West,” which vividly expressed the profound friendship shared between Chinese and Western scholars. This poem stands as a testament to a significant moment of exchange between China and the West. The opening lines of the poem liken Matteo Ricci to the giant bird Peng, as described in Zhuangzi’s writings. This eloquently captures the romantic fusion of history and imagination, where the realms of East and West converge.

Descending in xiao-yao fashion through the Northern darkness,

Through long and twisted wanderings marching toward the south:

Like the Kshatriya you announce your [new] clan and personal names,

And like a visitor from the Immortals’ island you record the watery stages.

Thanks to the diligent efforts of generations of scholars, we have made significant progress today. Matteo Ricci, who once described himself as a “man of paradox,” someone who “cherishes humanity" and aspires to live a simple life while remaining aloof from worldly affairs yet in harmony with Heaven. This ideal continues to define sinologists today.

China and the world are destined to share and collectively shape the future. Among all living beings, only humans possess the ability to perceive time, allowing them to anticipate the future. Ancient philosophers believed that both the past and the future emerge from the “eternal present” (Augustine). However, modern philosophers argue that “original and authentic temporality” resides in the “future” (Heidegger) because the shared hope and faith in the future are universal among humanity.

Humanity shares interconnected roots from the past, has entered a globalized present, and is poised to stride together into a common future. As Zhuang Zi wisely noted, “Things that are joined together can be separated.” Starting with the reality of “you in me and me in you,” we should transcend the complexities and conflicts of politics, economics, culture, and blood ties to work towards creating a community of shared destiny and a collective future.

In this journey, Sinologists, who have fully embraced globalization and benefited from it, possess a unique advantage, and bear significant responsibility in shaping the future.

As autumn graces Suzhou, the air turns crisp, the waters pristine, and the landscape paints itself in a myriad of colors. The World Conference on Sinology extends a warm welcome to scholars from every discipline. Let us gather in the spirit of academic pursuit and dialogue, fostering mutual exchange and thoughtful reflection as we contemplate the multifaceted world of Sinology.

In conclusion, allow me to draw inspiration from the closing lines of Li Zhuowu’s poem “To Matteo Ricci of the Far West”:

Behind you is a hundred-thousand-li voyage,

And now you raise your eyes upon the nine-walled capital.

Have you seen the glory of our country yet, or not?

From the middle of heaven the sun shines directly down.

[English translation of the poem comes from Haun Saussy, Translation As Citation: Zhuangzi Inside Out (Oxford University Press, 2017), 47.]

[Drafted by ZHAO Jing, translated by MI Aolan]