From March 24 to 30, the Academy of Chinese culture (The Central Institute of Socialism) and Shandong University (hereinafter referred to as SDU) jointly held and ran the Chinese culture Seminar for international students. Led by the united front work department of SDU Party committee, 19 international students of the College of International Education from 10 countries along the Belt and Road routes gathered at the Academy of Chinese Culture where they learnt and discussed such themes as Chinese Culture, Belt and Road Initiative and a community with a shared future for mankind.
The Academy of Chinese Culture offered a wealth of courses and practical teaching programs. The international students attended many special lectures, such as “Centennial Vicissitudes and the Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation”, “Essentials of Chinese Culture”, “The Historical Tradition of the Politics-Religion Relation in China: Politics as the Main Role Assisted by Religion to Achieve Pluralism and Harmony”, “ ‘B&R’ and A Community with a Shared Future for Mankind”, Scientific and Technological Innovation and Role of Government——Take Zhongguancun for Example”, “International Comparison of China's Development Experience During the 40 Years’ Reform and Opening up”, etc. They also participated in several practical teaching programs in the Forbidden City, the Old Summer Palace, Tsinghua University and Beijing Cultural Creation Industry Promotion Center. Besides, they listened to the lecture "Forbidden City Culture, the Charm of Chinese Culture" given by Shan Jixiang, director of the Palace Museum. All these have deepened their understanding of Chinese culture and their recognition of the value of B&R Initiative and the community with a shared future for mankind.
Keeping up with the times, the lectures and practical teaching programs had proved that reform and opening up have met the historical requirement of the Chinese people to develop, innovate and live a better life. Reform and opening up have not only profoundly changed China, but also profoundly affected the world. Addy, who comes from Indonesia, said with deep feelings, “In 1978, China's per capita GNP was 230 U.S. dollars and it was a low-income country. But things are not what they used to be. I am very surprised at the speed of China's development since the reform and opening up. It seems that a door has been opened and China has been advancing at a speed of 100-meter sprint.” He said that he would share his learning experience in China with his colleagues in Indonesia and jointly build the B&R Initiative to share development achievements. The event was reported both by CCTV News Channel and CRI Online.
