Global China Academy

There were three types of events that happened in March. They are: participating in the London Book Fair, which is one of two major events for GCA and GCP; the GCA Council and Chinese Council meetings; and GCA team activities.

Note: The text on this page is to be updated.

10 March

12th March

13 March

14th March

Introduction

In mid to late March, Professor Carsten Herrmann-Pillath from Germany visited Shenzhen, China. He represented the University of Erfurt in signing a carbon neutrality strategic agreement with a Chinese university, research institution, and enterprises. He also visited Jintian Elementary School to observe its green and low-carbon practices and participated in the international symposium ‘Nature-based Solutions (NbS 2.0)’ hosted by the China (Shenzhen) Comprehensive Development Institute.

Timeline 

In recent years, green sustainable development has become a global focus. From integrating carbon emission standards and addressing international carbon barriers to corporate ESG and product carbon footprints, these factors influence national strategies for carbon neutrality and peak carbon emissions. To deepen international cooperation and build an integrated ecosystem of industry, academia, and research, the Zero Carbon Industry Operations Center (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., CNOOC, the University of Erfurt in Germany, Harbin Institute of Technology, and the China Development Institute (Shenzhen) have reached a strategic partnership. Professor Carsten Herrmann-Pillath from the University of Erfurt signed the cooperation agreement, aiming to enhance green and low-carbon industrial development through Sino-European standards and technological innovation cooperation.

On the 18th March, Professor Herrmann-Pillath, accompanied by Director Liu Yu and professors from Harbin Institute of Technology, visited the near-zero carbon campus project at Jintian Elementary School. This project, provided by the Zero Carbon Industry Operations Center, includes design, implementation, platform development, and a dual-carbon education system, making it a ‘Shenzhen City Green and Low-Carbon Scene Demonstration Base.’ Experts were impressed with Jintian Elementary School’s low-carbon practices, recognizing its globally exemplary model of integrating production and education.

Professor Herrmann-Pillath was deeply impressed by Jintian Elementary School’s low-carbon practices. Not only has the school upgraded its hardware to be more environmentally friendly and established a carbon emission management system, but it has also introduced dual-carbon education to the students, which aligns with the core essence of education. From practical demonstrations to theoretical knowledge cultivation and subtle influence in daily life, this integration of industry and education forms a collaborative community for green sustainable development. This advanced and exemplary approach has global significance.

After the visit, experts learned about the achievements of the Zero Carbon Industry Operations Center in assisting enterprises with green low-carbon transitions. The center’s ‘Zero Tan Cloud’ platform, focused on carbon calculation, management, reduction, and elimination, has developed one-stop service capabilities and participated in setting various standards.

In 2022, the Zero Carbon Industry Operations Center and the Longhua District Government established Shenzhen’s first dual-carbon industry public service platform. Professor Herrmann-Pillath praised this innovative and advanced model, expressing his pleasure in becoming the first international expert in the dual-carbon expert pool.

Experts also discussed ESG, EU carbon tariffs, and Amazon Climate Pledge certifications, planning to conduct broader and deeper cooperation from a global perspective in the future.

Source: https://www.dutenews.com/n/article/8056146?from=app&client=1&trace_id=338985778801188&t=1710846370&t=1710850274&t=1710858140&t=1710858370&t=1710858713

On the 19th March, 2024, the China (Shenzhen) Comprehensive Development Institute hosted an international symposium titled ‘Nature-based Solutions (NbS 2.0).’ Professor Carsten Herrmann-Pillath from the Max Weber Centre for Advanced Cultural and Social Studies at the University of Erfurt in Germany delivered the keynote speech on ‘Nature-based Solutions 2.0: Designing Biodiverse Cities.’ Experts and scholars from Tencent, the Shenzhen Municipal Policy Research Office, the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment, Shenzhen University, and other institutions participated in the seminar to share new theories and practices in urban ecological civilization construction.

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) involve actions that protect, sustainably manage, and restore ecosystems to address societal, economic, and environmental challenges. Since being proposed by the World Bank in 2008, NbS has been increasingly applied to climate change, disaster risk reduction, food security, water security, ecosystem degradation, and biodiversity loss. In the context of building a Beautiful China, a significant theoretical and practical issue is how the cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area can develop a new relationship between humans, nature, and society, promoting the coordinated development of ecology, society, economy, and culture.

Professor Herrmann-Pillath pointed out that NbS is an effective solution to climate change challenges, with biodiversity being the key. Cities play a crucial role in addressing biodiversity loss, despite emitting over 75% of global CO2. Designing biodiverse cities is essential, as emphasized in a recent World Economic Forum report, which suggests that cities should become places where nature thrives. This concept is gaining popularity in Europe, with initiatives such as the biodiversity city tour in northern Italy and the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Urban Nature Index, which assesses cities’ support for biodiversity. Professor Herrmann-Pillath also discussed the practice of NbS in China, such as sponge city construction, and introduced Shenzhen’s Bao’an District Shanghe Park project, highlighting the importance of rewilding cities. He noted that Singapore leads globally, with 29.3% of its urban space covered by trees, providing more space for nature to evolve autonomously.  Finally, Professor Herrmann-Pillath called for a fundamental change in our way of life to address future ecological challenges. He advocated for recognizing the rights of nature, respecting its freedom to evolve, and making nature a significant player in our ecosystems. This approach aims to create cities that are shared and mutually beneficial for both humans and non-humans, ushering in a new era of ecological and biocentric rights.

At the symposium, Wanda emphasized the significance of ecological civilization, biodiversity, and green development for China’s modernization, highlighting the need for strong protection measures to drive high-quality development. Zhai Yongping urged focusing on biodiversity loss and changing economic frameworks to balance profit with ecological preservation. He noted Tencent’s philanthropic support for new technologies but emphasized the need for broader collaboration. Huang Duobin shared Shenzhen’s Nature-based Solutions (NbS) experiences, including pollution control, low-carbon development, human-nature harmony, and valuing marine ecological products. Liu Chang highlighted Shenzhen’s proactive climate adaptation efforts, integrating goals into urban planning, developing monitoring systems, and promoting green infrastructure. Wu Wenyuan discussed integrating human life with natural rhythms in urban design and emphasized the need for management changes to implement NbS.

Professor Yuan Yiming discussed the development-ecology relationship, driving mechanisms for ecological progress, and the importance of institutional innovation, praising Shenzhen’s collaborative success. Liu Yu concluded by emphasizing global NbS exploration, proposing integrated climate and biodiversity solutions, and thanking participants for their insights.

Source:  https://new.qq.com/rain/a/20240321A063D300

• Click here to visit Professor Carsten Herrmann-Pillath FGCA page.
• Click here to visit News section. 

Introduction

In mid to late March, Professor Carsten Herrmann-Pillath from Germany visited Shenzhen, China. He represented the University of Erfurt in signing a carbon neutrality strategic agreement with a Chinese university, research institution, and enterprises. He also visited Jintian Elementary School to observe its green and low-carbon practices and participated in the international symposium ‘Nature-based Solutions (NbS 2.0)’ hosted by the China (Shenzhen) Comprehensive Development Institute.

The Global China Academy (GCA) is pleased to announce that Professor Maria H.A. Jaschok has been elected as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees. This appointment, made on 23rd February 2024 during the GCA Board of Trustees meeting, signifies an important moment for the Academy 2.0. With Professor Jaschok taking on the role of Chair, the Academy looks forward to leveraging her considerable experience and expertise. Her leadership is anticipated to contribute to the Academy’s ongoing efforts to promote academic and cultural exchanges, thereby deepening the understanding and cooperation between China and the global society. Professor Jaschok’s rich research background and dedication to interdisciplinary studies position her well to lead the Academy into its next stage of growth. 

About the new chair

Professor Maria H.A. Jaschok 叶玛丽教授 (PhD, London/SOAS) is a Life Fellow of the Global China Academy. Currently, she is a Senior Research Associate in Contemporary China Studies at OSGA and serves as a Supervisor and Tutor for the MSt in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Oxford. Most recently, she held a Visiting Professorship at King’s College, London, from 2019 to 2021. She was also the Director of the International Gender Studies Centre at Lady Margaret Hall from 2000 to 2018.

Her research interests are in the areas of gendered constructions of memory; feminist and aural ethnography; innovative research methodologies and uses of oral history in the writing of women’s history in Asian contexts. Long years of close research partnerships and friendships in the field engendered interest in feminist theorizing and ethnographic methodology and led to writing on collaborative modes of cross-cultural research and authorship. She is a member of many international academic and professional organizations, serving on steering committees, editorial and advisory boards. 

See more about Professor Maria Jaschok on her webpage at the University of Oxford website: https://www.ox.ac.uk/news-and-events/find-an-expert/professor-maria-jaschok.

Recent publication 

Professor Maria Jaschok is co-editer of the book Ethnographies of Islam in China (2021). In the late 1970s Islam regained its force by generating novel forms of piety and forging new paths in politics throughout the world, including China. The Islamic revival in China, which came to fruition in the 2000s and the 2010s, prompted increases in government suppression but also intriguing resonances with the broader Muslim world – from influential theoretical and political contestations over Muslim women’s status, the popularization of mass media and the appearance of new patterns of consumption, to increases in transnational Muslim migration. Although China does not belong to the ‘Islamic world’ as it is conventionally understood, China’s Muslims have strengthened and expanded their global connections and impact. Such significant shifts in Chinese Muslim life have received scant scholarly attention until now. With contributions from a wide variety of scholars – all sharing a commitment to the value of the ethnographic approach – this volume provides the first comprehensive account of China’s Islamic revival since the 1980s as the country struggled to recover from the wreckage of the Cultural Revolution.

The authors show the multifarious nature of China’s Islam revival, which defies any reductive portrayal that paints it as a unified development motivated by a common ideology, and demonstrate how it was embedded in China’s broader economic transition. Most importantly, they trace the historical genealogies and sociopolitical conditions that undergird the crackdown on Muslim life across China, confronting head-on the difficulties of working with Muslims – Uyghur Muslims in particular – at a time of intense religious oppression, intellectual censorship, and intrusive surveillance technology. With chapters on both Hui and Uyghur Muslims, this book also traverses boundaries that often separate studies of these two groups, and illustrates with great clarity the value of disciplinary and methodological border-crossing. As such Ethnographies of Islam in China will be essential reading for those interested in Islam’s complexity in contemporary China and its broader relevance to the Muslim world and the changing nature of Chinese society seen through the prism of religion.

Recent activities

Professor Maria Jaschok chaired the Reception at the 10th Global China Academy anniversary celebration in conjunction with the conclusion of the 8th Global China Dialogue (GCD8) at the Lords of the House in the UK Parliament on 8th December 2023. At the reception, the launch of the Global China Academy and Global Century Press‘s two new websites was announced and briefly introduced by Professor Xiangqun Chang 常向群教授 FRSA FGCA, President of the Global China Academy; Honorary Professor at University College London (2015-2020); and Distinguished Professor at Nankai University, China.

During the 8th Global China Dialogue (GCD 8), Professor Maria Jaschok, along with speakers and volunteers from GCD 8, visited the university campus and enjoyed tea at the home of Professor Robin Cohen FGCA. The top two photos show Professor Li Xuelin FGCA, an architect, and Professor Jaschok, an anthropologist, engaging in dialogues, enjoying the rich history, beautiful architecture, and academic excellence of the place. They also visited the Dickson Poon University of Oxford China Centre together. The photo at the bottom shows GCA Fellows, speakers of GCD 8, and volunteers with Professor Robin Cohen and his wife Selina Cohen at their home. They enjoyed tea together and had a lively exchange and conversation. Click here to view more details.

Professor Jaschok’s selection reflects the Board of Trustees’ confidence in her ability to steer the Academy towards fulfilling its objectives with a commitment to maintaining high standards and fostering innovation.The Global China Academy looks forward to the invaluable insights and leadership Professor Jaschok will bring to her role as Chair of the Board of Trustees, steering the Academy towards new heights of academic excellence and global impact.

After the intensive preparations and the successful hosting of the 8th Global China Dialogue and the 10th anniversary celebration of the Global China Academy, we decided to schedule the team-building activities for early February 2024.  Our team consists of the following members: Xiangqun Chang (GCA President), Alan Fang (Legal Adviser), Katie Zheng (Administrative Manager), David Liu (Domestic Manager), LI Li, and Xi Shen (GCA8 Volunteers).

The first day of GCA’s two-day team-building event was scheduled for February 3rd, a time when people usually look forward to Chinese New Year celebrations. However, our team of six broke with convention and chose The Real Greek in Covent Garden for a culinary exploration. The restaurant was adorned with delicate flowers, adding a touch of Greek aesthetic that is quite different from the bold reds and golds of Chinese celebrations. The Mediterranean ambiance provided a fresh contrast to the red lanterns and decorations typical of Chinese New Year. The food was presented on tiered trays, a vibrant arrangement that stood in contrast to the communal style of Chinese dining where dishes are usually placed in the center of the table for everyone to share.

We ordered Greek Flatbread and Crudités, as well as a variety of dishes including Yellow Fava, Hummus, Tzatziki, Spicy Feta Dip (Htipiti), Melitzanosalata, Chicken Skewer, Loukaniko Beef & Pork Sausage Skewer, Pork Skewer, Halloumi & Vegetable Skewer, Lamb Meatballs, Gigandes with Spinach, Falafel, Grilled Aubergine, Vegan Meatballs, along with shared sides such as Mediterranean Rice, Aegean Slaw, Chips, Pourgouri – Bulgur Wheat, New Potatoes, and Greek Salad. For dessert, we shared Baklava, Orange Cake, and Greek Yogurt with walnuts in syrup.

The flavours of these dishes were diverse and rich, ranging from the refreshing tzatziki to the mildly spicy feta cheese dip, each bite filled with surprise. The smoky taste of the grilled aubergine offered a contrast to the commonly sweet and spicy flavours found in Chinese cuisine, while the falafel, with its crunchy exterior and soft interior coupled with a deep spice flavour, presented a completely different taste from traditional Chinese spring rolls. The various skewers we provided, including chicken, mixed meat sausage, pork, and halloumi cheese with vegetable skewers, were similar to Chinese lamb, grilled fish, and beef skewers, all involving grilling meat or other ingredients on bamboo or metal sticks. However, Greek skewers emphasized the use of herbs and olive oil in their flavours, while Chinese barbecue tends to favour seasonings like cumin and chili to enhance the flavour. The Mediterranean rice and Greek salad brought a refreshing taste that was a sharp contrast to the familiar Chinese rice and mixed vegetable dishes. The sweetness of the baklava and the soft, fluffy texture of the orange cake were delightful complements to Chinese festive sweets.

Through these various flavours and styles, our team not only enjoyed the unique charm of Greek cuisine but also deepened our understanding and appreciation of the differences between Western and Chinese culinary cultures. This visual and culinary journey not only provided a necessary break from our hard work in preparing for both the 8th GCD and 10th anniversary of GCA but also acted as a cultural bridge, connecting our team with the diverse traditions of the world. The shared Greek Flatbread and Crudités, the variety of dips and skewers, and the assortment of sides and desserts provided a communal experience that, although different in presentation, reflected the collective joy found in Chinese dining traditions. This experience was both a cultural immersion and a testament to the universal language of food in bringing people together.

After enjoying a Greek dinner, our team went to the Royal Opera House to watch the ballet Manon. The Royal Opera House, located in London’s Covent Garden, is one of the world’s leading opera houses, renowned for its outstanding opera and ballet performances. It serves as the home of The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet, and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. The building itself is a masterpiece of Victorian architecture, featuring a magnificent auditorium, luxurious public spaces, and state-of-the-art stage facilities. Its history dates back to the 18th century, making it a historic landmark and cultural icon in the UK. Manon is a three-act ballet created by Kenneth MacMillan, with music by Jules Massenet. It premiered by The Royal Ballet in London in 1974. The ballet is based on the 1731 novel The Story of the Chevalier des Grieux and Manon Lescaut by Abbé Prévost. It tells the story of the young and naive Manon who falls in love with the Chevalier des Grieux but is persuaded by her brother to leave him for the wealthier Monsieur GM. The ballet is known for its expressive choreography, emotional depth, and beautiful music, showcasing the talent and technical skills of its dancers. Manon and the Royal Opera House represent the pinnacle of Western classical performing arts, focusing on storytelling through dance, music, and set design.

In contrast, the Chinese equivalent in the realm of traditional performing arts can be considered Peking Opera or Kunqu Opera. Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera embody the essence of Eastern performing arts traditions, emphasizing vocal performance, poetic dialogue, and symbolic gestures. The main difference lies in the cultural expressions and artistic mediums used to convey stories and emotions. Western ballets like Manon typically use the universal language of dance to narrate stories, while Chinese operas incorporate a more integrated approach, combining singing, acting, and martial arts to express complex narratives and characters. However, both offer deep insights into their respective cultures and traditions, showcasing the universal appeal of storytelling through performing arts. Peking Opera is one of the most famous traditional Chinese theater arts, characterized by its unique combination of song, spoken dialogue, and codified action sequences, including gestures, movement, fighting, and acrobatics. It is known for its elaborate costumes, makeup, and the distinctive vocal style of its performers. Kunqu Opera is considered one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera, celebrated for its elegant movements, refined music, and literary excellence. Both forms of Chinese opera have deep historical roots and play a significant role in China’s cultural heritage, similar to the role of ballet and opera in Western cultures.

After watching Manon at the Royal Opera House, we were deeply moved and filled with a sense of appreciation and emotion. The performance in one of the most prestigious classical art venues was an unforgettable experience that resonated with us deeply. The dancers’ exquisite skills, coupled with the thrilling music and the poignant narrative of love and tragedy, transported us into the world of Manon and Des Grieux, allowing us to experience their joy, love, and despair firsthand. The choreography’s blend of classical ballet with richly expressive dramatic movements captured the complex emotions of the characters and the dramatic turns of the story. The grandeur of the Royal Opera House and the production’s lavish costumes and sets added an extra layer of enchantment to the evening, making us feel as though we were part of the opulent world depicted on stage.

This experience was not only an artistic delight but also a cultural enrichment, reminding us of the power of performing arts to evoke deep feelings and connect with audiences profoundly. As we left the opera house, we were in awe of the talent and hard work of the performers and creative team, yet also left with a lingering melancholy from the ballet’s tragic ending. Most importantly, we were grateful for the opportunity to witness such a masterful ballet display, which entertained and emotionally moved us, leaving a lasting impression on our hearts and minds.

Day two, February 4th, our team visited Brocket Hall. We had the privilege of being accompanied by Dr Frances Wood, a historian and sinologist who previously served as the curator of the Chinese Collection at the British Library and is a trustee of the Global China Academy, as well as Dr James Lin, the curator of the Asian art collection at the Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge. Guided by their knowledge and insights, we toured almost every room in the estate, closely examining the furniture, paintings, and various collections. Afterwards, we walked through the lush fields, beside the lake and trees along the bridge.

Brocket Hall, located in Hertfordshire, England, is a classic English country house with centuries of history. The architecture of Brocket Hall is an excellent example of the Palladian style, characterized by symmetry, classical forms, and grand scale. The interior of the estate is equally impressive, with elegantly decorated rooms reflecting the era’s grace and luxury. This magnificent estate was once the residence of two British Prime Ministers, Lord Melbourne and Lord Palmerston, marking it as a site of significant historical and political importance. We explored almost every room, such as the bedroom of Queen Victoria, Lord Melbourne, Lady Melbourne, Lord Palmerston, Lady Palmerston, with each room narrating the stories of its past occupants and their times. Brocket Hall is renowned for its stunning architecture, extensive grounds, and its role in British social and political history.

Lord Palmerston served as the British Prime Minister during the First Opium War and was the Foreign Secretary at that time, playing a significant role in initiating and managing the conflict. He supported the use of force to protect Britain’s opium trade interests and advocated for a tough stance against China, leading to the outbreak of the conflict. The war ended with China’s defeat and the signing of the Treaty of Nanjing, which forced China to cede Hong Kong to Britain and open several trading ports, having a long-term negative impact on China. Palmerston’s policies expanded Britain’s global influence but also marked the beginning of a humiliating period in modern Chinese history, having profound effects on both China and world history.

The gardens of the estate are a testament to the British tradition of landscape gardening, featuring expansive fields, neatly trimmed lawns, and mature trees, all set against the backdrop of picturesque lakes and bridges. This landscape provides a tranquil and pastoral setting where one can enjoy leisurely strolls and the natural beauty of the English countryside. This land and lake later became home to two golf courses, named after Lord Melbourne and Lord Palmerston, the two British Prime Ministers.

The horticulture and history of Brocket Hall can be compared to those of classical Chinese estates, which are typically designed according to Feng Shui principles to harmoniously integrate architecture, gardens, and water elements. Similar to Brocket Hall, these estates were once residences of high-ranking officials and centers of cultural and political activity. Classical Chinese gardens, such as those in Suzhou, are famous for their intricate designs that include pavilions, ponds, rockeries, and meticulously arranged plants, creating serene landscapes that reflect the philosophical and aesthetic ideals of traditional Chinese culture.

Brocket Hall embodies the heritage of English country estates, symbolizing political history and architectural beauty, while China’s classical estates represent the Eastern philosophy of harmony between man and nature, showcasing the art of garden design and the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. Both traditions provide us with a window into their respective cultures, emphasizing the importance of history, nature, and architecture in shaping the identity and legacy of these remarkable estates.

During our visit to Brocket Hall, we deeply felt the profoundness of British history and the significant role these historical figures and locations played in world history. The explanations provided by Dr Frances Wood and Dr James Lin not only gave us a deeper understanding of the Hall’s history and architectural style but also offered a comprehensive view of Lord Palmerston’s role in the First Opium War and its impact on Sino-British relations. This journey was not only a visual and intellectual pleasure but also an opportunity for deep reflection and understanding of past events.

The natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere of the estate momentarily took us away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, as if we were transported back to an era filled with historical stories. Walking through the expansive fields and beside the lake, we couldn’t help but ponder the course of history and how it has shaped today’s world.

This visit not only broadened our horizons but also deepened our understanding of the complexities of historical exchanges between China and Britain. Such cross-cultural learning and exchange are invaluable, encouraging us to cherish our own cultural heritage while remaining open and respectful towards other cultures. The trip to Brocket Hall was an unforgettable experience, offering new insights and appreciation for the power of history and the beauty of natural landscapes.

Finally, after enjoying a buffet meal at the nearby Chinese restaurant, ‘The Real China,’ we noticed an interesting phenomenon: although the restaurant’s name sounds very Chinese and mainly serves Chinese cuisine, we couldn’t find its Chinese name. Additionally, we noticed that all the staff were Indian, and it’s said that the restaurant’s owner is Chinese. This unexpected discovery added a layer of multicultural richness to our experience. It reminded us of the global nature of cuisine and culture, how food can transcend geographical and cultural boundaries to bring diverse people together.

Our team-building activity began at a restaurant named ‘The Real Greek’ and concluded at one named ‘The Real China,’ a coincidence that carries several interesting meanings or symbolic significances, adding intriguing implications to the event, such as:

• Cultural Diversity and Inclusion: The journey from a Greek to a Chinese restaurant showcases respect and appreciation for different cultures (Měirén zhīměi 美人之美 in Fei Xiaotong’s words). This may indicate that our team or organization values diversity and inclusion, willing to explore and celebrate various cultural traditions.
• A Journey from West to East: From a cultural and geographical perspective, Greece is often seen as the cradle of Western civilization, while China represents Eastern culture. The arrangement from ‘Real Greek’ to ‘Real China’ might symbolize a cultural journey from the West to the East (The mini ‘Journey to the East’ in the opposite direction of Journey to the West 与《西游记》反向的迷你“东游记”), reflecting a broad exploration of global cultural heritage.
• Exploration and Connection: Starting and ending our activity in two different but equally ‘real’ cultural venues might mean that our team values deep exploration and establishing cross-cultural connections. This experience could encourage team members to be open-minded, learning to appreciate different lifestyles and traditions (again, Měirén zhīměi 美人之美, in Fei Xiaotong’s words).
• A Culinary Journey: From a culinary standpoint, this arrangement offers a taste journey from Greek to Chinese cuisine. This not only allows team members to enjoy a diverse food experience but may also symbolize the team’s willingness to try new things and explore the unknown (Further Měirén zhīměi 美人之美, in Fei Xiaotong’s words). 
• Symbolic Beginning and Ending: starting with ‘Real Greek’ and end with ‘Real China’ might have its symbolic meaning, such as beginning with the enlightenment of one culture and concluding with the wisdom of another, representing a complete cycle of growth or learning (To achieve understanding of ‘shared beauty’ Měiměi yugòng 美美与共, in Fei Xiaotong’s words). 

Over two days of enriching team-building activities, our team grew not only closer to each other but also became more connected to the broad spectrum of global culture. The delicious dishes from our visits to ‘The Real Greek’ and ‘The Real China’ provided a perfect culmination to our journey, deepening our understanding of history and culture while bolstering camaraderie and satisfaction within the team. These shared experiences undoubtedly brought us closer, enriching our collective memory and fostering a greater appreciation for the diverse cultural heritage we were privileged to explore. Visiting ‘The Real China’ highlighted the beauty of transcultural encounters and opened up possibilities for appreciating the world’s diversity in unexpected ways.

Notes: Later, we met the owner of Real China and learned about some of the reforms the restaurant implemented in response to changes in clientele and staff due to the pandemic. The following is an excerpt from our sixth walking-chatting-eating route (https://globalchinaacademy.org/six-walk-talk-routes-tea-lunch-gca-centre/)

The Real China Restaurant is a chain of oriental buffet restaurants in the UK. It provides over 50 freshly prepared speciality dishes from Sezchuan, Chinese, Cantonese to Sushi and more. The modern and contemporary design of the restaurant and bar creates a great environment to dine and enjoy a cocktail with family and friends.

The Real China Restaurant at the Galleria Outlet Shopping Centre in Hatfield has undergone some reforms:

• The health and safety of customers and staff is the top priority. The floor space has been trained and redesigned to comply with current health and safety requirements.
• There is excitement about introducing the new ‘Table service buffet,’ where dishes can be ordered contactlessly using a QR code, with food delivered directly to tables.
• A new extensive menu offers more choices, with each dish freshly prepared, yet maintains the traditional Chinese buffet experience, allowing unlimited orders.

Other related events

Left photo was taken on February 10th when Dr. Frances Wood signed a copy of her book Betrayed Ally: China in the Great War for Professor Xiangqun Chang. Afterwards, they enjoyed the GCA Centre’s ‘Walk and Talk’ Route 4 on Chinese New Year Day. Coincidentally, Dr. Wood brought lily flowers and a fine China mug with William Morris’s design. He was a British textile designer, poet, artist, writer, and socialist activist associated with the British Arts and Crafts movement in the 19th century. The flowers brought by LI Li from Cambridge were placed at the end of the table near the window, which had more varieties.

The right photo shows the mug and plate were displayed at the GCA Centre. Both are masterpieces of decorative art, each carrying the uniqueness of its culture and history. The mug’s colors are relatively soft, dominated by greens and yellows, complemented by delicate floral patterns. In contrast, the Canton enamel plate is more vibrant, using a variety of colors, including pink, green, yellow, and blue. William Morris’s designs are typically representative of the British Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century, characterized by complex natural patterns, symmetry, and repetitive botanical motifs. The Canton enamel plate reflects the artistic style of the Thirteen Hongs period in Guangdong Province, China, famous for its rich colors, complex landscapes, and symmetrical decorations. The mug might be a product of industrial pattern printing, whereas the making of the Canton enamel plate might be more complex, involving multiple firings and hand painting. The mug is a daily use item for drinking liquids; the Canton enamel plate is more likely a decorative piece or a vessel for special occasions. William Morris’s designs reflect the socio-cultural background of late 19th-century Britain, emphasizing craftsmanship and anti-industrialization. The Canton enamel plate reflects the trade prosperity and cultural exchanges of Guangdong Province during the Thirteen Hongs period.

During the Chinese New Year period, GCA received some visitors who expressed willingness to support GCA voluntarily in different ways. DOU Qing and her son from Macao (left photo), and Dr. William Zhengdong Hu (right photo), Fellow of The Sociological Review, discussed a broad range of topics within and beyond disciplinary and cross fields.

Professor BING Zheng has been appointed as the Chinese Chair of the Global China Academy Council by the GCA Board of Trustees on 12 January 2024.

Professor BING Zheng 邴正教授 FGCA, Former Executive Vice-President of Jilin University. Currently, Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee of Jilin University, Director of the Northeast Revitalization Development Research Institute of Jilin University, Professor of the School of Philosophy and Sociology at Jilin University. He has served as President of the Jilin Provincial Academy of Social Sciences, Chair of Jilin Provincial Social Science Federation, Vice Chairman, President of the Jilin Daily newspaper. He is a standing member of the Provincial Political Consultative Conference. He also holds positions as the President of the East Asian Sociological Association (Chinese side), Deputy Director of the Academic Committee of the Chinese Sociological Association, Executive Director of the Chinese Dialectical Materialism Research Association, and President of the Jilin Provincial Sociological Association. He is an expert reviewer for the National Social Science Fund Review Committee, a cross-century talent of the Ministry of Education, a decision-making advisory expert for the Jilin Provincial Committee and Provincial Government, and a senior expert in Jilin Province. He has long been engaged in the teaching and research of philosophy and sociology, with his professional direction being cultural philosophy, developmental sociology, and cultural sociology. He is author of 11 academic books, co-authored, contributed to, and edited more than 30 books, and published over 200 journal articles in major academic journals such as Chinese Social Sciences of China and Philosophical Research.

In 2015, at the 2nd Global China Dialogue on transculturality and new global governance, Professor Bing Zheng delivered keynote speech focusing on cultural communication and regional cooperation amidst globalization. He emphasizes the importance of cultural communication in the globalized world, highlighting the challenges and contradictions it faces, such as the tension between globalism and nationalism, idealism and utilitarianism, and masterism and massism. He discusses how globalization affects cultural exchanges, the role of English and Western culture in shaping global culture, and the impact of technological and economic disparities between developed and developing countries. Zheng calls for a resolution to these cultural contradictions, suggesting it as a historic mission for contemporary intellectuals.

Professor BING Zheng delivered a keynote speech (top left); Professor Hugo de Burgh chaired it (top right); Professor Kerry Brown was another keynote speaker, paired with Professor Bing (bottom left); Professor Martin Albrow met Professor Bing (bottom right).

Professor Bing with some speakers and participants at GCD II (front, the left). 

Click here for the Report on the second Global China Dialogue

Professor Bing (4th from the left) also attended a meeting with some organizers of GCD II, including Professor Stephan Feuchtwang (LSE, 4th from the right), Professor Xiangqun Chang (2nd from the right), Ingrid Cranfield (2nd from the left), and Charles Grant (1st from the left).

Professor Bing Zheng (3rd from the left in the top photo) organized the international conference ‘Globalization: Social Change and Cultural Construction’ on August 12, 2016, at Jilin University. The conference attracted over 60 experts and scholars from various countries and regions to discuss topics related to globalization, including social development, cross-cultural research, and cultural exchange. Professor Martin Albrow (in the middle in the bottom photo), Honorary President of CCPN Global, and Professor Xiangqun Chang (2nd from the right in the top photo), President of CCPN Global, made speeches at the conference.