Dongxiwen·Beijing Cultural Forum丨Gao Dawei- Our world needs Chinese wisdom
David Gosset: Our World Needs Chinese Wisdom
As the 2024 Beijing Cultural Forum approaches, David Gosset, a French international affairs expert and founder of the China-Europe Forum, is preparing to engage once again in this vital forum dedicated to fostering cultural exchange and understanding. With years of experience studying China, Gosset recently spoke with the China News Service in Shanghai about the importance of comprehensively understanding China, the necessity of cross-cultural communication in today’s global landscape, and the internal logic behind China’s open approach to rejuvenation.
China News Service: You’ve conducted extensive research across various cities in China, and edited the “Inspiration” series. Your latest documentary, “Inspiration: The Greater Bay Area – A French Sinologist’s Investigation of Southern China,” has just wrapped up. What insights have you gained from your observations of different cities in China?
David Gosset: I appreciate your interest in my “Inspiration” series. I recently completed both a book and a documentary centered on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.
In my view, if our “Inspiration” series effectively conveys the unique nuances of China, then it has achieved its purpose. These nuances are both inspiring and meaningful. A close examination of these details can help us avoid overly simplistic or binary interpretations of complex issues, which can often misrepresent the truth. Details provoke curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of China, which is essential to combatting common misconceptions.
China News Service: The “Inspiration” series features contributions from scholars, government officials, and prominent figures from both China and abroad. Why do you believe this cross-cultural perspective is essential when observing Chinese cities?
David Gosset: Absolutely. Works like “Inspiration: Tianjin,” “Inspiration: Shanxi,” and “Inspiration: Shanghai” utilize a “polyphonic” creative structure, and I find it wonderful that contributors from diverse backgrounds come together to write about China. This blend of different perspectives enriches the narrative. For instance, the way a European perceives Shanghai can differ markedly from an American’s viewpoint; both angles can add layers to one another.
For “Inspiration: The Greater Bay Area,” I personally dedicated a significant amount of time to writing the articles. The region is truly fascinating. With its rich history and cultural heritage, the Pearl River Delta has evolved into a contemporary hub, notably with emerging cities like Shenzhen. Importantly, the Greater Bay Area embodies a new geographic concept uniting 11 cities—a notion that is indeed inspiring.
China News Service: As China’s political and cultural center, Beijing is also rich in cultural heritage. Has it influenced your understanding of China? Are you planning to compile “Inspiration: Beijing”?
David Gosset: I absolutely plan to write “Inspiration: Beijing”; it’s just a matter of time. I’m currently considering the next installment of the series, aiming to encompass all major regions of China.
Regarding Beijing, I’m excited to know that its central axis has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has significant implications on multiple levels. This central axis embodies the ancient Chinese connection between heaven and earth. The notion of “centrality” is foundational to Chinese philosophy and worldview, a concept I explored in my 2018 book, “A Glimpse of Chinese Rejuvenation.” The central axis powerfully illustrates the centrality theme prevalent in Chinese thought and its deep influence on culture and spatial organization.
China News Service: The Beijing Cultural Forum centers around the enduring theme of “Inheritance, Innovation, and Mutual Learning.” Based on your long-term observations of China, what significance do you see in cultural inheritance and cross-cultural exchange for the revival of Chinese civilization?
David Gosset: China is experiencing a “Renaissance.” I use the term “Renaissance” because it denotes China’s reinterpretation of its classical traditions while moving into modernization with distinctive Chinese characteristics. Clearly, China is working to redefine what it means to be “Chinese” in areas like cuisine, fashion, and design.
In this rejuvenation process, engagement with others is crucial. Maintaining an open attitude significantly influences this revival. Without openness, there’s a danger of becoming stagnant and overly self-referential. In stagnant periods, there can be a deceptive sense of comfort; however, the world moves swiftly, and failing to adapt might lead to marginalization.
Being open does not mean losing one’s identity; it represents self-renewal and transformation. I believe that China’s rejuvenation since the 20th century has largely been shaped by its interactions with the West. This relationship is complex and has evolved through various stages, ultimately enabling China to successfully transform and assert itself as a global power.
China News Service: You’ve mentioned that China’s renaissance is significant for the world but it also causes concern among many Western nations. From a historical and cultural viewpoint, how can we navigate this cognitive conflict?
David Gosset: I don’t see China’s cultural renaissance as a threat. There is a genuine curiosity in the West about Chinese culture and a desire to understand its philosophies and aesthetics more deeply. I firmly believe that the world needs Chinese wisdom.
We should encourage Chinese artists, thinkers, and creators to share their insights with the global community; their contributions would enhance our collective experience!
The West must recognize that modernization does not equal Westernization, and China exemplifies this principle.
China News Service: In 2002, you established the China-Europe Forum to promote dialogue between China and Europe, which has had a notable impact. Many of your recent initiatives involve tripartite participation from China, Europe, and the U.S. Why is this diverse and multifaceted dialogue more crucial than ever today?
David Gosset: We live in an interconnected world, and the idea of de-globalization isn’t realistic. What concerns me more is de-civilization rather than de-globalization. Civilization is a continuous endeavor that we must build and rebuild across generations.
In this context, dialogue among civilizations is essential. Our interdependence is undeniable. Without cooperation, how do we address global challenges? Effective cooperation requires mutual understanding.
In other words, cross-cultural engagement is more important than ever. We need to relearn the virtues of patience and humility. Understanding, accepting, appreciating, and coexisting with others takes time.
China News Service: This year marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between China and France. How do you assess the advancements in cultural exchanges over the past six decades? In your opinion, what areas should the two countries focus on to enhance collaboration and mutual progress?
David Gosset: The 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and China is notable indeed. The mutual respect and attraction between our countries create a strong bond. Nonetheless, I believe we can do more to foster peace and shared prosperity. Strengthening collaboration in emerging technology sectors is essential. Intellectuals from both sides need to ensure that today’s powerful advancements serve the dignity of humanity and contribute to global peace.
The year 2024 offers us a historic opportunity to look forward. The United Nations Oceans Conference in Nice in 2025 presents an excellent platform for both countries to continue the spirit of the Paris Agreement and the principles outlined at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15).
I’m an advocate for progress. While progress isn’t always linear—with its challenges and setbacks—I am confident that we are moving forward. I believe that cooperation between China and France can create conditions conducive to progress. When China’s universalism meets France’s universalism, it can foster human advancement.
No matter the urgent challenges we face, we must always retain a broad perspective and long-term vision.
