On October 31, the Now and Beyond Special TV Forum, organized by CGTN and supported by iGCU, was successfully held. Senior practitioners and renowned scholars from Armenia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Norway, South Africa, Spain, the U.K., and the U.S. were invited to the forum, giving their views on Chinats onward journey as charted by the 20th CPC National Congress, and its impact on the world. "Ihe forum was moderated by Ms. Liu Xin (Senior Host of CGTN).
At the beginning of the event, the recorded videos of five state leaders, namely Montenegro, Guyana, El Salvador, Indonesia, and Laos, were played. Their expectations upon the conclusion of the 20th CPC National Congress were shared.
Following the comments of the state leaders, Amb. Siyabonga Cyprian Cwele (South Mrican Ambassador to China) shared his view on the 20th CPC National Congress, noting that the Congress happened at a time of significant global challenges that required real leadership.
"There was a lot of hope that this meeting, of the leaders will give a clear direction on how, in a progressive way, we can deal with these challenges. Because these challenges need cooperation and leadership," the Ambassador added.
Talking about the Western media reports of the Congress, Prof. Jeffrey Sachs (Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University and Invited Expert of iGCU), noted that the U.S. has "deliberately, dangerously and provocatively" raising tensions with China. "We don't need these tensions," said Prof. Sachs, "We need, first of all, multilateralism under the U.N. Charter." Prof. Sachs suggested that in the report of the 20th CPC Congress, China has explicitly conveyed the message that it wants a multilateral world and a peaceful environment, instead of seeking for domination. Quoting from Prof. Sachs, "What we need is dialogue, we need better understanding, we need the leaders of China and the United States to meet routinely. We don't want these tensions, we don't want new cold wars, we don't want a divided world. We actually need cooperation to solve climate change, poverty, and other instabilities in the world today."
"I think President Xi's central message to the rest of the world is that, China does want to commit itself to a peaceful world, and China pursues peaceful coexistence," said Prof. Xie Tao (Dean of the School of International Relations and Diplomacy at BFSU and Invited Expert of iGCU). Prof. Xie highlighted that while China does not impose or export its values and institutions to other countries, neither does China like being told what to do. "China will achieve national rejuvenation through a Chinese mode or road to modernization. "
Agreeing with the Prof. Sachs and Prof. Xie, Prof. Martin Jacques (former Senior Fellow at the Department of Politics and Int'l Studies, Cambridge University) further pointed out that in President Xi's speech at the Congress, the proposal of promoting a new kind of modernization was raised, aiming to address inequality. Quoting from Prof. Jacques, "By making this a priority, not just growth, as a central part of China's approach is really important, as it's not just relevant for China. If China can create a much more equitable environment in its own country, it would also have a very big impact around the world, it creates a new kind of harmony, not just disharmony."
Talking about China's position on Russo-Ukraine conflicts, Prof. Zhang Weiwei (Dean of China Institute at Fudan University) stressed that China's position is apparent, which is in favor of a "negotiated solution to the crisis." Prof. Zhang further pointed out that "against this overall uncertainty and crisis worldwide, China today provides capability and certainty. "
In his speech, H.E. Erik Solheim (President of the Green Belt and Road Institute) suggested that the world should celebrate China's poverty alleviation achievement, support for peace, and remarkable progress in ecological civilization. Western arrogance is preventing the U.S. and Western countries from accepting China as equals, counter forces did exist, like businesses and other nations' refusal to choose sides between China and the U.S.
Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan (Chairman at the Center for Political & Economic Strategic Studies in Armenia) shed light on the widespread concern among the smaller countries towards the great power geopolitical rivalry. "We are very concerned when we see the attempt of dividing the world into black and white, and to say to the middle and small countries, you should be either against us or with us," noted Dr. Poghosyan. He pointed out that the 20th CPC National Congress sent a clear message that "China does not see the world through confrontational lenses," which is very significant for middle and small powers.
H.E. Djoomart Otorbaev (Former Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan and Senior Visiting Fellow of iGCU) stated that is ready to work with China on high-quality development, and that the high-quality development is extremely important for both China and Central Asian countries. "We are ready to be part of the 'Asian Silicon Valley' where discoveries and new inventions will come in, and we will move together to the 21st century," said H.E. Otorbaev.
H.E. Arancha Gonzales Laya (Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs at Sciences Po) proposed that the most important message from the 20th CPC National Congress was common prosperity for China and the world. "It is important that what works for China, works for the rest of the world, and vice versa." She believed that the economy is a big part of ensuring "no one would be left behind," and thus it is crucial to continue reforming and opening up China's economy.
"We in Nepal are delighted to know the emphasis of President Xi on global governance and cooperation; this is exactly what countries like Nepal need at the moment," said Mr. Bhaskar Koirala (Director at the Nepal Institute of Int'l and Strategic Studies and Invited Expert of iGCU). Talking about possible dilemmas for countries caught between the rivalries of major powers, he emphasized that there is a way out for small countries, but it requires enormous dexterity for both the small and big powers. "Small developing countries like mine seek to connect themselves to the development achievements and the extraordinary success stories, especially of a country like China, " which will require regular contacts and dialogues among nations.
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