Indonesian Sinologist on China's 'One Belt, One Road' initiative

What influences will the "One Belt, One Road" initiative has on cultural exchanges between China and other countries? Do you have any suggestions for promoting such cultural exchanges?

The OBOR surely will enhance the people-to-people contact between China and the countries in the region, and this will surely promote cultural exchanges. The impact can be positive and negative. Cultural exchanges can introduce new values and ideas to a country, but at the same time can bring harmful values and ideas as well, and it may also affect the reputation of the countries involved.

My suggestion is that cultural exchanges should be done in a culturally sensitive way. Not all cultures of China are suitable to be exchanged with all countries, and not all cultures of a certain country are suitable to be introduced to China. Cultural exchanges also should be done voluntarily and with equal quantity for both sides, so that no country will feel dominated culturally by the others.

Do you think the "One Belt, One Road" initiative will enhance the appeal of Chinese culture, and why? What part of Chinese culture has universal appeal that is worthy of spreading to the world?

I think OBOR will enhance the appeal of Chinese culture, as the world is curious on how China transforms itself from a traditional to political to global economic powerhouse status. I think the part of the Chinese culture that has universal appeal is its spirit of hardworking, passion to harmony, optimism.

How should we interpret the significance of "One Belt and One Road"?

OBOR is the 21st century solution China offers to the world based on the ancient trade routes known as the Silk Road. The impacts it will have include easing the traffic of goods, people, culture, ideas, and economic benefits. It will create cooperation and mutual understanding between the countries involved.

Related:

Nigerian Sinologist on China's 'Four Comprehensives'

Nuances of the Chinese culture