Author: Dong Rongcan -- 2018.05
introduction
In today's world, we are experiencing a great change that has not been seen in a century. The trend of globalization is accelerating, and the exchanges and interactions between different cultures have become more frequent and close than ever before. In this context, global cultural diplomacy and global diplomatic culture have become important issues in international relations. This article will explore the role of global cultural diplomacy and global cultural diplomacy in this great change that has not been seen in a century, with a particular focus on the role and contribution of performing arts in it.
The difference between global cultural diplomacy and global cultural diplomacy
First, it is necessary to distinguish the concepts of global cultural diplomacy and global cultural diplomacy:
- Diplomatic culture: refers to the promotion, dissemination and display of one's own culture, values and interests by a country or government through diplomatic channels. This includes cultural exchange programs, diplomatic etiquette and reception between countries. Diplomatic culture is an important tool for countries to conduct diplomatic relations, aiming to enhance international understanding, friendship and cooperation, and also carries the formation and development of a global cultural community.
- Global cultural diplomacy: refers to governments or organizations enhancing international relations and establishing connections through non-governmental cultural exchanges and cooperation. It demonstrates the use of culture as a soft power, promoting mutual understanding and friendship between countries through cultural exchanges. This form of cultural diplomacy is usually not directly controlled by the government, but is organized by individuals, communities or non-governmental entities to promote cultural interaction and understanding between different countries and regions through cultural activities, art performances, educational programs, etc.
The US-China Cultural and Art Exchange Association, which I personally lead, is of such a nature. For decades, we have been planning and leading the operation of folk cultural, artistic and educational exchanges between the two countries.
In short, diplomatic culture pays more attention to government-led cultural interactions on the international stage, while cultural diplomacy pays more attention to cross-border cultural exchanges and cooperation among non-governmental organizations, civil groups and cultural institutions.
The importance of global cultural diplomacy
Global cultural diplomacy demonstrates the universality and sharing of culture in the process of globalization. In this great change that has not been seen in a century, global cultural diplomacy helps to break down cultural barriers, promote dialogue and exchanges between different cultures, mutual respect and tolerance, and build a more open, inclusive and harmonious international community.
The role of global cultural diplomacy
Global cultural diplomacy has played an important role in the great changes in the world pattern:
1. Establishing connection channels: It provides new channels and ways for countries to communicate with each other, especially those with Cold War mentality.
2. Promote international friendship: Cultural exchange and cooperation can promote the establishment of friendly relations and help solve cross-border problems.
3. Protect cultural diversity: Culture is a common spiritual asset of mankind. Through cultural exchanges, countries can jointly respond to global challenges such as climate change and the spread of epidemics.
4. Shaping the national image: Global cultural diplomacy helps to shape the national image and enhance the country’s soft power. Through cultural arts, films, music and other forms, it can showcase the country’s cultural charm and values to the world and enhance its influence and appeal on the international stage.
The role of performing arts
In global cultural diplomacy and global cultural diplomacy, performing arts play a unique role. Performing arts, such as dance, music, and drama, are important forms of cultural exchange and dialogue. Performing arts can not only transcend language and cultural barriers, convey emotions and ideas, but also show the unique cultural charm and characteristics of each country. The spread of performing arts not only promotes cultural exchange and interaction, but also deepens people's mutual understanding and respect. Through performing arts, we can build a harmonious international community.
In the current world situation, global cultural diplomacy and global diplomatic culture play a vital role. By promoting cultural exchanges and dialogues and promoting cultural diversity, we can build a more open, inclusive and harmonious international society. Performing arts, as an important form of cultural exchanges and dialogues, have also made important contributions to the realization of this goal. In order to establish and improve international relations in the real world situation, we should strengthen the promotion of global cultural diplomacy and global diplomatic culture and jointly build a harmonious international society.
The positive role of cultural diplomacy
In the great changes that have not been seen in a century, the global economic, political, technological and social structures are undergoing profound changes, which have a far-reaching impact on the future of the world and the long-term interests of various countries. In this era of change, the importance of global diplomatic culture has become increasingly prominent.
As the process of globalization accelerates, the links between countries are becoming increasingly close and the degree of interdependence is deepening. Under such circumstances, through diplomatic and cultural exchanges and cooperation, countries can better understand each other's culture, values and interests, thus establishing a cooperative relationship of mutual respect and equality, and jointly responding to global challenges.
In the context of world diversity, there are various cultural differences and historical issues between different nations. Through diplomatic and cultural exchanges, we can narrow the gap, deepen the understanding of each other's culture, eliminate misunderstandings and prejudices, and enhance mutual trust and unity among nations.
Each country has a long history and splendid cultural traditions. These civilizational heritages carry the crystallization of human wisdom and creativity. Through the dissemination and exchange of diplomatic culture, we can promote the exchange and collision of cultures of various countries, promote mutual learning and exchanges between civilizations, and promote the continuous development and progress of human civilization.
Peace and stability are the premise and foundation for the development of all countries, and the exchange and cooperation of diplomatic culture will help enhance mutual understanding and trust among countries, reduce misunderstandings and differences, and help resolve international contradictions and conflicts, and maintain regional and global peace and security.
China's Ways of Carrying out Cultural Diplomacy
I am from China, and for 30 years, I have been working to improve the impression of the Chinese and American governments and societies on each other through cultural exchanges between the Chinese and American people. China, as a country with a long history and rich cultural heritage, has great potential and responsibility for cultural diplomacy. By actively playing the role of cultural diplomacy, China can demonstrate its soft power on the international stage. The following are some channels for cultural diplomacy:
1. Cultural exchange and cooperation: showcase China's excellent cultural traditions and modern cultural achievements through cultural arts, music, film, drama, etc. Establish and expand bilateral and multilateral cultural exchange mechanisms, hold cultural weeks, cultural festivals, art exhibitions and other activities, and promote exchanges and mutual learning between different cultures.
2. Promotion of cultural industries: Support and promote the international development of China's cultural industries, and let the world know more about Chinese culture through the export of cultural products. Support Chinese cultural enterprises to go global, explore international markets, and promote the influence and competitiveness of Chinese cultural products in the world.
3. Language teaching and cultural center construction: Strengthen Chinese teaching as a foreign language and provide more Chinese learning opportunities and resources. Build and support overseas cultural centers to provide a platform for local people to understand Chinese culture and promote exchanges and friendship between people.
4. Protection and inheritance of cultural heritage: Actively participate in international cultural heritage protection and inheritance work, and jointly protect and inherit the world's cultural heritage. Through international cooperation projects, promote the inheritance and innovation of Chinese traditional culture and better integrate it into the world today.
5. Cultural diplomacy and humanitarian assistance: Strengthen cultural diplomacy and humanitarian assistance, and enhance China's image and influence in the international community through projects such as aid-building schools, medical institutions, and cultural centers. Actively participate in international assistance and cooperation to promote global cultural and human development.
6. International cooperation and exchange platform construction: Establish and support international cultural exchange and cooperation platforms, such as international cultural festivals and cultural forums, to provide more opportunities and platforms for cultural exchanges among countries, promote dialogue and understanding between different cultures, and jointly promote exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations.
Through the above series of measures, China can deepen its friendly and cooperative relations with other countries and make greater contributions to world peace and development through the promotion of cultural diplomacy and diplomatic culture in the great changes not seen in a century.