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On the occasion of GCA Council’s Co-Chair Dr. Qian Zhenhua’s visit to the UK, in addition to participating in the 8th Global China Dialogue and celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Global China Academy, we also arranged some academic visits and meetings.
On the morning of the 11th December, Professor Martin Albrow (left in the left photo) arranged a meeting with Professor Lord Anthony Giddens (right in the right photo) at Côte, Sloane Square. Professor Giddens gave a copy of his book, The Politics of Climate Change (second and revised edition), to Dr Qian and began to discuss COP 28. He explained that it is the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), which was held in Dubai, UAE, from November 30 to December 13, 2023. The key focuses include fast-tracking energy transitions, revamping climate finance, prioritizing nature and livelihoods, and promoting inclusive participation. The first Global Stocktake of the Paris Agreement’s implementation is highlighted, aiming to assess global progress towards climate goals.
During the meeting, Professor Giddens also provided an reference to both Professor Chang and Dr Qian. It is Nomad Century: How to Survive the Climate Upheaval, by Gaia Vince. It emphasizes the urgent need for global preparation and adaptation strategies in response to climate change-induced migration. Vince argues that as the planet warms, vast populations will need to relocate to more habitable regions, necessitating international cooperation and innovative solutions to ensure these migrations are managed safely and equitably. The book highlights the importance of viewing climate migration not as a crisis to be averted but as an opportunity for societal transformation and resilience building, advocating for proactive measures to support affected communities and foster a sustainable future. Dr Qian mentioned that his company uses environmentally friendly materials for building and refurbishment. They are also digitizing office documents, including accounting and legal documents, to save paper. As President of the Shanghai International Cooperation Association of SMEs, he is promoting environmentally friendly practices and digitalization to all member companies.
On the afternoon, Dr QIAN Zhenhua (left in the left photo) met with Dr Thomas Clarke (middle in the left photo), Treasurer of the GCA Board of Trustees, at the GCA Centre. Dr Clarke expressed his concern about the complicated geopolitical relationship between China and the world. They discussed issues including the status of Taiwan, disputes in the South China Sea, and territorial conflicts with neighboring countries. The South China Sea, an important trade route, is disputed by several countries. Relations between ASEAN countries and China are mixed; some countries are close to China, while others are wary of its influence. China’s rise has shifted the balance of international relations, creating new alliances and oppositions. Dr Clarke continued, saying that the Renaissance and the Enlightenment laid the foundation for human liberty and democracy, yet as democracy has evolved, it now faces numerous challenges such as the resurgence of nationalism, political polarization, economic inequality, global health issues, artificial intelligence, and the problem of fake news in the information age. He asked for Dr Qian’s opinions on how China and the Chinese people can contribute to the ongoing quest for balance and progress in human society. Dr Qian said that he was very impressed that Dr Clarke, as a natural scientist, possesses a global and historical vision. For him, it is difficult for Chinese people to do much given the current situation inside and outside China.
On the morning of the 12th December, Professor Xiangqun Chang and Dr QIAN Zhenghua (left in the right photo) visited the Centre for European Reform (CER) at Great College Street, Westminster. They met the Centre Director Charles Grant (middle in the right photo), Trustee of Global China Academy. According to Mr. Grant, RCR is a London-based think tank that focuses on matters of European integration. It also researches on China and Asia, which explores the complex geopolitical dynamics of the region, including the strategic relationships between China, its neighbours, and the West. Topics cover the impact of China’s rise on global trade, security, and political landscapes, the challenges and opportunities this presents for Europe, and the evolving partnerships and rivalries in the Indo-Pacific. The research emphasizes the need for strategic responses to China’s policies and actions, as well as collaboration between European nations and their Asian counterparts to address shared concerns and promote stability and prosperity in the region. He also told Dr Qian that he visited China many times and maintains good relationship with Institute of European Studies of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). Dr Qian offered to hold a conference on common interests collaboratively in Shanghai.
The farewell event was held in the tranquil Shisha Garden of The Madonna Halley Hotel in Edgware, where Chinese GCD8 speakers, attendees, and the GCA team anticipating delicious Mediterranean fusion cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients, homemade desserts and cocktails rich in authentic flavors. The photo was taken with the AI Smartphone Stabilizer, Insta 360 Flow, by Alan Fang, the GCA legal adviser, who is positioned at each end of the photo.
- Click here to view the photo report of the 8th Global China Dialogue, from which PPTs or speech notes can be downloaded.
- Click here to view the photo report of the Global China Academy’s 10th-anniversary celebration, from which speech notes can be downloaded.
- Click here to visit the GCD 8 Website.
- Click here to visit the GCA News section.
