The signing of an agreement on the establishment of the House of Polish-Chinese Journalists, which preceded the deliberations of the Belt and Road Conference, gives new impetus to Sino-Polish relations. The dialogue with media and think-tanks, held at the Chinese Embassy on June 26, was attended by many representatives of diplomacy, journalistic organizations, business and academia. President Xi Jinping’s “One Belt and One Road” initiative, following the idea of the Silk Road, has been the PRC’s flagship economic and international project for the past 10 years.
For thousands of years, the people of the various countries along the ancient Silk Roads have proven that people of different races, creeds and cultures were able to work together for peace and development. Revisiting this idea is extremely important in a modern world gripped by serious conflicts and threats. Establishing close economic relations, deepening cooperation and expanding development opportunities in the Eurasian region has been one of the important ways to heal the situation and improve the living standards of millions of people on several continents.
Participants at the Belt and Road conference discussed the implications of the situation and the need to restore peace in relations between the warring parties so that the New Silk Road can once again become a transmission belt for the exchange of goods, technology and investment development.
The meeting was opened by Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Poland J.E. Sun Linjiang, who referred to President Xi Jinping’s message, speaking of peaceful cooperation, tolerance and mutual understanding that benefits all countries. Prioritizing partnership dialogue over confrontation, ensures nations’ prosperity and civilizational development.
President of the Chinese Public Diplomacy Association, Wu Hailong mentioned the long-standing tradition, cooperation and good relations linking our two countries, and added: – As an EU country, Poland has been China’s largest trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe for 14 years. We are very concerned about the Ukrainian crisis, which in the long run could weaken the relationship. Our attitude to the crisis across Poland’s eastern border is unequivocal. We always advocate its political solution and holding peace talks. Deepening the conflict is not in the interest of either side. The drive to end it is the only chance to restore peace and long-term stability on the European continent.
The complex international situation is reflected in the reduction of trade and investment exchanges carried out under the Belt and Road initiative. Nor can the enormous potential that both countries possess be fully utilized. Indeed, in addition to business exchanges, academic and technological cooperation is extremely important for both partners.
– In addition to infrastructure investments i.e. construction of roads, bridges, ports, airports, much more emphasis should be placed on scientific exchange in the broad sense, he suggested prof. Grzegorz Kolodko, former deputy prime minister and finance minister. – We should focus on joint research and implementation and much more intensive cooperation in the development of modern technologies. China is a global leader in this area. This is confirmed by an Australian report. It evaluates 44 breakthrough technologies, the most important for the functioning of the world. In 37 cases, China is in first place, in 7 the US. No other country is able to take first or second place in this ranking.
Cooperation in the technological field should be a priority in Polish-Chinese relations. Poland is not a powerhouse in this area, but it has a lot of potential. Certain forms of cooperation are already developed between Polish and Chinese universities, so a move needs to be made to make this interaction move in this direction. Politicians will, of course, have the most say in the matter, but the academic world and representatives of think tanks can also be included in these Belt and Road initiatives.
– Technologies are used to increase competitiveness and economic efficiency, so this is what should be the challenge enriching the next 10 years of this initiative,” concluded his speech. Grzegorz Kolodko. – Let’s do joint research. Our scientific community is very interested in this, but it also requires cooperation at the government level.
Direct contacts between people at all levels are no less important than official visits. We have a wealth of experience in this regard, as many Polish and Chinese entrepreneurs have been working together for years, and in many different industries. A good example is the GD China Mall in Wólka Kosowska, the largest in Central and Eastern Europe.
– The Polish economy is primarily small and medium-sized business, which combines potentials with Chinese partners,” stressed Janusz Piechocinski, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, and now an entrepreneur. – This is several decades of good cooperation, which has become even stronger under the giant One Belt, One Road economic and political project. Despite shipping difficulties due to Covid, the uncertain international situation, the war in Ukraine and the embargo on Russia and Belarus, we are increasing exports of some goods to China. Today’s meeting makes me very optimistic and hopeful about strengthening our relationship, because we have more in common than divides us.
Marek Traczyk, president of the Polish Media Association, who signed the agreement with the head of the All-China Journalists Association, assured that the established Polish-Chinese Journalists’ House will perform even more intensively, the role of a liaison in providing information on all initiatives jointly implemented by the two partners. – Our association has been cooperating with the Chinese Media Association for many years. We are conducting an exchange of journalists. We visit China and they visit Poland. We are popularizing our achievements. Each visit shows how it is needed. Only in direct contacts do we understand each other much better. The establishment of the Polish-Chinese Journalists’ House in Warsaw is a symbolic gesture that, like a family home, stands for goodness, peace, tolerance and understanding. The world needs this today, so the media are actively involved in all these activities.
Strengthening traditional relations between nations, which have a long tradition, and open dialogue on any issue always leads to positive change and mutual success.
Jolanta Czudak
