Scholars call for stronger Chinese voice in global discourse

More than 200 scholars from China's leading universities and research institutions gathered in Shanghai on Oct 23-24 for the first national-level symposium examining the intersection of diplomatic discourse and country and region studies.

The First National Symposium on Diplomatic Discourse and Country and Region Studies, held at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, focused on strengthening China's international communication capacity, diplomatic discourse development and regional expertise.

"International competition is not only a contest of economic and technological hard power, but also a game of discourse power and narrative capability," said Liu Yuanchun, president of SUFE. He emphasized that addressing the imbalance in international public opinion, where Western voices dominate while China's voice remains relatively weak, has become increasingly imperative.

Liu called for breaking down barriers between foreign languages, economics, international relations and communication studies to cultivate well-rounded professionals.

Yu Tao, vice-president of China International Communications Group, urged developing a multistakeholder, multidimensional international communication framework and strengthening the translation workforce.

Through high-quality innovation in international discourse and professional training, these joint efforts would promote exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations and help build a community with a shared future for humanity, Yu added.