August 11—Many in Germany today feel that there is a lack of forward-looking, open discussion on the existential issues of our time. This is one reason for the tremendous enthusiasm of the approximately 70 participants in an August 4, Munich symposium: “The Implementation of the Four Major Global Initiatives and the Building of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind,” which was jointly organized by the Chinese Consulate General in Munich, Germany and the Schiller Institute–Germany.

In his keynote address, Consul General Qiu Xuejun outlined the Chinese government’s political perspective, noting that through its four global initiatives—the Global Security Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative—it has presented a comprehensive framework for stabilizing international relations. The world is currently experiencing upheavals unlike any seen in over a century. He quoted President Xi: “The countries of the world are not sitting in more than 190 small boats, but in one large ship on which they share a common destiny. Small boats cannot withstand wind and waves—only a large ship can brave the mighty storms.” The Consul General emphasized that humanity’s shared future must guide the direction of policy.

China is offering the world its successful development model, which has lifted millions of people out of poverty, and has invested $1.92 trillion in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in recent years. As a result, trade between countries has increased dramatically. Despite its size, China has never sought power, and Qiu expressed his hopes that the two largest economies in Europe and Asia—Germany and China—will not allow themselves to be deterred from cooperation by a few voices in Europe. In this regard, the joint symposium with the Schiller Institute offered a positive contribution to the future of humanity.