Chinese scholars illuminate whole-process people’s democracy at Athens forum

Chinese scholars are spotlighting the concept of whole-process people's democracy at the ongoing Athens Democracy Forum in the Greek capital, presenting China's tried-and-tested approach to engaging citizens in addressing contemporary challenges.

The three-day Athens Democracy Forum opened on Oct 1, featuring a dialog between Wang Huiyao, the founder and president of the Center for China and Globalization, and Jeffrey D. Sachs, the director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University. Their discussion, titled the Aristotle-Confucius Dialog, explored the similarities and differences between Eastern and Western philosophies.

Wang highlighted the unprecedented challenges posed by the rise of populism and nationalism to globalization, yet maintained that globalization remains a vital and resilient trend. He also advocated for drawing lessons from ancient civilizations to address modern issues.

"I think the meaning of that is very important. We have this ancient philosophy, we seek their wisdom, we seek their ideas. How we can make peace, make our world working and make democracy work," said Wang.

Wang also shared insights on China's successful experience in poverty alleviation.

"A high moral standard, high moral responsibility that the government has really placed [is] a very important task and mandate for officials to perform at all levels. That's why China can lift 800 million people out of poverty and making China the second largest company in just a record time," said Wang.

Mo Jihong, director of the Institute of Law at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, further delved into the concept of whole-process people's democracy and its embodiment of socialist democratic principles suited to Chinese characteristics at the forum.

The Athens Democracy Forum, convened since 2013, aims to serve as a guiding beacon for democracy and societal reorientation.

Chinese scholars illuminate whole-process people’s democracy at Athens forum

Chinese people have been celebrating the National Day, which falls on Oct 1, by belting out songs that express their love for and pride of the nation.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

At the Mingshashan and Crescent Lake, an oasis scenic spot in the Gobi Desert, in Dunhuang City of northwest China's Gansu Province, an electric night concert was staged, attracting tourists from across the country. A 600-square-meter national flag slowly moved up the sand slope with the support of thousands of tourists, marking the beginning of the concert.

The concert attendees either held high glow sticks or turned on the flashlights of their cellphones to jointly create a "starry sea" in the desert and sang patriotic songs to send their blessings to the motherland.

During the concert, fireworks lit up the sky one after another, accompanied by National Day-themed drone displays and sand screen art, weaving a stunning tapestry against the backdrop of the sand dunes and the starry night.

In Ankang City of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, a chorus of over 4,000 people expressed their patriotism through singing while waving national flags.

At Huaqing Palace scenic area in Xi'an City of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, nearly one thousand people from across the country came together to sing and extend their blessings to the motherland.

Chinese people sing patriotic songs to celebrate National Day