Beijing forum spotlights relevance of Mencius’ wisdom in modern society

Liang Tao, associate dean of the College of Chinese Ancient Civilization Studies of the Renmin University of China, emphasized that in this generation of globalization, Confucianism provides good references with the ideas of running a benevolent government, opposing hegemony, winning people with virtues, and viewing the world as one community.

According to Chen Xiaoxia, president of the Mencius Institute, Mencius' ideas of "being benevolent and loving" and "people-oriented" and the established system of "benevolent government" are of great importance to China's democratic politics, economy, social security and people’s livelihoods.

Zhao Jingang, associate professor of the Philosophy Department of Tsinghua University, argued that respecting cultural diversity is the key to cultural prosperity across the world.

The Forum also read out the Traditional Chinese Medicine Initiative and launched the International Guqin Composing Competition and the 12^th GCC (Global Changsha Guitar) Festival.

The “Oriental Civilization" series forums aim to disseminate the thoughts of Confucius and Mencius, improve understanding of different civilizations, address bias and controversy, expand common ground, and contribute to the sustained peace and common prosperity of the world.

Sponsored by the China Speaker Bureau and Zoucheng Mencius Cultural Research Association, the event was co-hosted by the Mencius Foundation, the China Institute of Ergonomics, and the GCC International Music Competition Organizing Committee.