(Photo: fmprc.gov.cn)

Paris (People’s Daily) - China and France, as two ancient civilizations, should have a broader mind than the ocean and the sky, so that the light of human civilization of equality, inclusiveness and cooperation will shine forever, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a speech at the opening ceremony of the Sino-French Dialogue on Civilization in Paris, France on Monday. 

Wang said, as important representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations, China and France have each created a broad, profound and excellent culture. Cultural exchanges between China and France have a long history. For hundreds of years, the two sides have always appreciated each other, learned from each other, and become a model for exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations. 

"China opposes any forms of 'theory of superiority of civilization' and 'theory of conflict of civilizations', Wang said. "We advocate respect for the inheritance and development of their own civilizations by all countries and nations, and independently choose the development path in line with their own national conditions."

Cooperation has proved to be the only right choice, self-isolation is anachronistic and unilateralism is unpopular. Under the guidance of initiatives such as jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative and building a community with a shared future for mankind, China is willing to adhere to and carry forward the concept of multilateralism, deepen cooperation with other countries, and make unremitting efforts to promote the overall development and progress of human civilization, said Wang. 

The Sino-French Dialogue on Civilization was hosted by the Information Office of the State Council, and sponsored by China Foreign Languages Administration and the French Bridge Think-tank. Jiang Jianguo, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee; Fabius, chairman of the French Constitutional Council, de Villepin and former French prime minister; Bokova, former director-general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, as well as more than 200 guests from Chinese and French government officials, university representatives, experts, scholars, and famous people attended the meeting. Before the opening ceremony, Wang also attended the launching ceremony of the “Analects of Confucius”, co-produced by China Media Group, TV5Monde and Mediawan Film and Television Group of France.