International Symposium on Governance in Contemporary China Sponsored by the
Tourism Confucius Institute at Griffith University
Experts and scholars in an academic discussion
Dr. Zhao Yongchen, the Consul-General of PRC in Brisbane
On 29th March, the Tourism Confucius Institute at Griffith University held an international
symposium on governance in contemporary China on the Nathan Campus of Griffith
University in Brisbane Australia. Experts and scholars from eight universities in both China
and Australia delivered speeches on the topic of governance in China.
Dr. Zhao Yongchen, the Consul-General of the Peoples Republic of China in Brisbane,
attended the symposium and made a speech. He stated that this symposium was not only
significant to Australia, but also had far-reaching influence on governance in China. General
Secretary Xi Jinping put forward the development concept of innovation, harmonization,
green, openness and sharing, which has been added to the thirteenth Five Year Plan. The
Plan will lead the Chinese economy to a new normal and will promote economic structural
transformation in China, striding toward higher level economic development. General
Secretary Xi Jinping attaches great importance the role of the Communist Party of China in
leading the whole party to carry out the “Three Stricts and Three Honests”. China has been
combating corruption with remarkable results. The strategy of “One Belt and One Road”
promotes cooperation among neighbouring countries and has been warmly received around
the world. The establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank provides robust
financial support to the construction of “One Belt and One Road”. China is a country making
continual contributions to upholding international and regional peace and promoting global
economic development.
Professor Daniel A. Bell from the School of Humanities, Tsinghua University
Professor Daniel A. Bell from School of Humanities at Tsinghua University made a speech
about meritocracy in contemporary China, which is rooted in the country’s long history and
has been influenced deeply by traditional Chinese culture. This political model can make up
for the deficiencies of the democratic political system and also could be used by some
countries for reference. He added that Chinese Confucian culture is complementary to the
Construction of a Clean and Honest Government.
Professor Colin Mackerras, the honorary director of the Tourism Confucius Institute at
Griffith University, delivered a speech about the “One Belt and One Road” strategy. He
stated that “One Belt and One Road” not only advanced the construction of the railways,
roads, and other infrastructure across the Eurasian continent and along the sea-lanes into
East Africa, but also promoted the development of China’s relations with other countries. As
the largest trading partner with Australia and other countries, China has made a huge
contribution to the global economy in both quality and quantity. During the symposium,
other experts and scholars were involved in academic discussion about the modernization
and innovation of governance in China.