“China has 56 ethnic groups and each ethnic group has its own unique cultural characteristics. The Chinese government and Chinese people always attach great importance to building a harmonious society and striving to promote ethnic unity. This plays a vital role in establishing national stability and development…”
Zheng Dui, director-general of the Chinese Tibetology Research Center and head of the Chinese cultural exchange delegation, made the above remarks when delivering a lecture in the International Relations
Institute of Kiev National University, Ukraine on May 23.
In recent years, ethnic conflicts in Ukraine have intensified, even leading to bloodshed. China’s Tibetan cultural exchange delegation came here to share their ideas on the harmonious coexistence of ethnic groups, striking a responsive chord amongst the teachers and students of Ukraine.
A journalism student at the Kiev National University, told reporters that Ukraine, like China, is a multi-ethnic country, so when it comes to ethnic policy, Ukraine can definitely learn from China and its experience in building a harmonious society.
During the Q&A part of the lecture, a Ukrainian scholar wanted to know about the changes that took place after the peaceful liberation of Tibet in 1951. Ding Yong, a member of the delegation and deputy secretary general of the Tibet Foreign Cultural Exchange Association, replied that three major changes had taken place since 1951. One is the end of serfdom system in Tibet as Tibet entered a new stage of historical development; the second is that Tibet’s economy developed greatly and has caught up with the trend of the times; and thirdly is the unprecedented flourishing culture as Tibet’s cultural traditions are effectively passed down and promoted.
At the same time, many teachers and students believe that the information they have been receiving from various channels on China’s Tibet has been messy and that it is a really rare opportunity to come into direct contact with Chinese authoritative figures and scholars from Tibet. The scholars’ lectures have helped clarify some ambiguous concepts and enhanced their understanding of Chinese culture and ethnic policies.
After listening to a report from Li Jian, assistant researcher at the China Tibetology Research Center, Karina, a third-year student at the university showed interest in the art of Thangka painting, which has a history of over 1300 years. She said that the lecture had expanded her knowledge about Chinese art, and that Thangka has many similarities to Ukraine’s icon paintings. She exclaimed, “I’m really surprised that this kind of ancient art has been so well protected and passed down in Tibet, and it is constantly being updated, bringing new life to the art.
