October 10: 2016 China Path European Forum (Spain Session) Held in Barcelona
On October 10, 2016, the "2016 China Road Europe Forum (Spain Venue)" was held in Barcelona, 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 Marxism Studies, and the Marxism Editorial Office of the Social Sciences in China Press. The theme of this forum was "The Five Major Development Concepts [1] and the China Road."
The Chinese expert delegation was led by Deng Chundong, Director of the Institute of Marxism Studies at CASS. The nearly 40 members of the delegation hailed from more than 30 Chinese institutions, including CASS, the Shandong Academy of Social Sciences, the Anhui Academy of Social Sciences, Tsinghua University, and Renmin University of China.
Approximately one hundred Spanish professors and prominent figures attended the meeting, representing various institutions such as Casa Asia, the Observatory of Chinese Politics (OPCh), the Public University of Navarra, the Autonomous University of Barcelona, the Open University of Catalonia, as well as the "Dialogue with China" project and the Henkuai (Spanish Network of Sinologists). Tang Heng, the Chinese Consul General in Barcelona, was also invited to attend the meeting.
At the opening ceremony, Ángel Martín, 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 enhance the Spanish people's understanding of the achievements of development in socialism with Chinese characteristics.
Consul General Tang Heng, in his speech, fully affirmed the importance and necessity of the forum. 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 is highlighted in three aspects: first, it assists in further understanding China. The Chinese representatives present 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 interpretations and introductions will facilitate a deep understanding of the five major development concepts of "innovation, coordination, green development, openness, and sharing" proposed at the Fifth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee [2], as well as the essential characteristics of the China Road. Second, it facilitates mutual learning and exchange between China and Spain. Currently, both countries are at important stages of reform; China is actively promoting supply-side structural reform, while Spain is also stepping up the implementation of economic structural reforms. This forum will build a platform for exchange between the two sides. Third, it helps in viewing the world from a new perspective. The current global political and economic situation is complex and volatile; finding a cure for the world's ills [3] requires the collective wisdom and efforts of all [4]. The G20 Hangzhou Summit held recently contributed "Chinese wisdom" to global economic governance, and it is believed that this forum will also help everyone broaden their thinking.
Director Deng Chundong introduced the original intention and development history of the China Road Europe Forum to the guests. He emphasized that both China and Spain are actively exploring reforms and face risks and challenges on their respective reform paths. Intellectuals from both sides should strengthen communication, deepen understanding, and learn from one another to achieve common development. He emphasized that it is hoped China and Spain will strengthen cooperation in international affairs, reinforce 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 issues 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 that the discussions by Chinese and Spanish scholars on the China road, Chinese theory, and the Chinese system were very profound, enhancing mutual understanding and reaching many points of consensus. The forum clearly reflected the candor, friendship, and goodwill of scholars from both sides, laying a solid foundation for further cooperation and exchange.