Insights | French historian: Sino-French dialogues need explore commonalities and disparities to deepen mutual understanding

(ECNS) -- While China and France share some similarities, they also have significant differences; To foster meaningful cooperation, both nations must strike a balance between their commonalities and disparities, said Jean-Claude Ruano-Borbalan, professor at the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers and director of the European Institute of Education and Social Policy, said in an interview with China News Network.

Borbalan highlighted that both China and France have rich, diverse cultures. He said that French culture is shaped by European civilization, while Chinese culture has been influenced by Indian Buddhism and Western religions.

He also emphasized the importance of understanding the institutional and political cultures in both countries.

He pointed out that China and France both have long histories of institutional development. According to Borbalan, gaining insights into China’s institutional and political systems is crucial to understanding the country as a whole.

He underlined the significant role of Confucianism in shaping Chinese political culture, saying that Confucianism was “essentially to select the people who were at the administration”.

Despite the shared cultural elements, there are also notable differences between the two nations.

Borbalan used religion to illustrate his point, saying that the French view of religion is deeply connected with Catholic churches, and many French people mistakenly believe that China’s Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism follow a similar pattern. This is not the case, he clarified.

To bridge these differences, Borbalan stressed the need for ongoing dialogues between China and France. He suggested that both countries should engage in meaningful exchanges about their shared cultural values and mutual interests, particularly in areas that impact global development and human progress.

The year 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-France diplomatic relations. From Nov. 12 to 14, the 6th Sino-French Culture Forum was held in Deauville, France, jointly organized by Western Returned Scholars Association and the Foundation Prospective et Innovation, with China News Network as a co-organizer and the China Internet Development Foundation offering support.

Borbalan believes that the Sino-French Culture Forum is “a very important forum for the common understanding, common critical thinking, and common willing of good future” for the peoples of China and France.