2016 China Road Europe Forum (Spain Venue) Held in Barcelona on October 10
On October 10, 2016, the "2016 Europe Forum on the Chinese Path (Spain Venue)" was held in Barcelona. The forum was co-hosted by the Institute of Marxism Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and Casa Asia (Spain), and co-organized by the Theory Department of China's People's Daily, the Editorial Department of China's Marxist Studies, and the Marxism Editorial Office of the Social Sciences in China Press. The theme of this year's forum was "The Five Development Concepts and the Chinese Path" [1].
The delegation of Chinese experts was led by Deng Chundong, Director of the Institute of Marxism Studies at CASS. The delegation of nearly 40 members included representatives from over 30 Chinese institutions of higher learning and research, including CASS, the Shandong Academy of Social Sciences, the Anhui Academy of Social Sciences, Tsinghua University, and Renmin University of China.
Approximately 100 professors and prominent figures from Spain attended the meeting, representing various institutions such as Casa Asia, the Spain-China Policy Observation Center, the Public University of Navarre, the Autonomous University of Barcelona, the Open University of Catalonia, the "China-Dialogue" project, and the Spain-China Council Foundation (Henan Lectures). Tang Heng, the Chinese Consul General in Barcelona, was also invited to attend the meeting.
At the opening ceremony, Àngel Dalmau, Executive Assistant of Casa Asia, first introduced the basic situation, main functions, and important role of the organization to the delegates. He emphasized that the institution aims to promote friendly exchanges between Spain and Asian countries, foster the development of governmental organizations and civil society, and help the Spanish people understand the achievements of the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics.
Consul General Tang Heng fully affirmed the importance and necessity of the forum in his speech. He pointed out that the development path China has taken since the reform and opening up has attracted widespread attention from the international community. The significance of this forum was highlighted in three aspects: First, it helps to further the understanding of China. The Chinese delegates are authoritative experts researching the Sinicization of Marxism and the theory of socialism with Chinese characteristics, possessing profound insights into China’s national conditions and the laws of economic and social development. Their authoritative interpretation and introduction will facilitate a deeper understanding of the "Five Development Concepts" of "innovation, coordination, green development, openness, and sharing" proposed at the Fifth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee, as well as the essential characteristics of the Chinese path. Second, it facilitates mutual exchange and learning between China and Spain. Currently, both countries are at important stages of reform; China is actively promoting supply-side structural reform, while Spain is intensifying its implementation of economic structural reforms. This forum will build a platform for exchange between the two sides. Third, it helps to view the world from a new perspective. The current global political and economic situation is complex and volatile; finding a "remedy for the world's ills" requires collective wisdom and effort [2]. The recently held G20 Hangzhou Summit contributed "Chinese wisdom" to global economic governance, and it is believed that this forum will also help everyone broaden their perspectives.
Director Deng Chundong introduced the original aspiration and development history of the Europe Forum on the Chinese Path to the guests. He emphasized that both China and Spain are actively exploring reforms and face risks and challenges on their respective reform paths. Academic circles from both sides should strengthen communication, deepen understanding, learn from one another, and achieve common development. He stressed: It is hoped that China and Spain will strengthen cooperation in international affairs, enhance communication and coordination on major international and regional issues, and jointly contribute to maintaining world peace, stability, and development.
The forum was divided into four sessions. Participating experts and scholars conducted discussions on topics such as China's political system, socialist core values, China's economic reform and cultural innovation, and social development. They engaged in candid, friendly, active, and in-depth exchanges and interacted with the audience.
In his concluding remarks, Director Deng Chundong pointed out: The discussions between Chinese and Spanish scholars on the Chinese path, Chinese theory, and the Chinese system were very profound, enhancing mutual understanding and reaching many consensuses. The forum clearly reflected the candor, friendship, and goodwill of scholars from both sides, laying a good foundation for further cooperation and exchange.