Xiplomacy: A journey of dialogue among civilizations

BEIJING -- At Mexico's ancient Maya archaeological site of Chichen Itza, the stone pyramids and temples still tell stories of a remarkable civilization that flourished centuries ago.

The historic site, which dates back to the 5th century AD, witnessed a dialogue between civilizations when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited there during his state visit to Mexico more than a decade ago.

In June 2013, Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, toured the site located on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, accompanied by then Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and his wife.

As they walked through the site, including the Pyramid of Kukulkan, the Great Ball Court and the Temple of the Warriors, Xi listened closely to explanations of Maya history and culture.

He asked about the meanings behind the patterns carved on the ruins and showed interest in similarities between certain Maya cultural elements and Chinese traditions, including imagery associated with the dragon.

The encounter reflected a simple yet profound idea -- civilizations may differ in their histories and traditions, but they can learn from and enrich one another through dialogue and mutual respect.

"Different cultures and civilizations, while retaining their uniqueness, should tolerate and coexist with each other with an open-minded attitude so as to achieve common development and prosperity," Xi said.

Over the years, the Chinese president has always called for seeking wisdom and drawing strength from different civilizations, while joining forces with others to tackle the common challenges facing humanity.

"There is a prospect greater than the sea, and it is the sky; there is a prospect greater than the sky, and it is the human soul," Xi quoted Victor Hugo, a prominent French writer, as saying in his landmark United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) speech in Paris in 2014. "Indeed, we need a mind broader than the sky as we approach different civilizations."