（下边有中文翻译请继续看到底。 谢谢。）

The Beijing Culture Forum, held from September 18 to 21, 2024, once again showcased China’s rich cultural heritage and its growing global influence. This year’s forum, with the participation of over 200 foreign delegates from more than 70 countries, stood out as a unique platform to exchange cultural knowledge and foster understanding of Chinese traditions. Notably, many foreign participants were fluent in Mandarin and had a deep grasp of Chinese culture, marking the event as a significant step in the global promotion of Chinese soft power.

Pakistan and China: Similarities of Culture

An essential, often overlooked, element in the strong relations between Pakistan and China is the deep cultural connection that both nations share. Having had the privilege to study in China from 1980 to 1987 and later serve as a Pakistani diplomat in China from 2010 to 2016, I have witnessed firsthand the many cultural values common to both countries. From respect for elders, and a strong sense of family, to the importance placed on hospitality and community, both Pakistan and China exhibit remarkable similarities in their cultural frameworks.

These shared values have cemented the foundation of China-Pakistan relations, often referred to as an “iron brotherhood.” The mutual respect and understanding that come from similar traditions and customs make cooperation between the two countries smooth and natural. My command of the Chinese language and deep understanding of Chinese traditions have further strengthened my belief that the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China is as much cultural as it is strategic.

The Strength of Chinese Traditions and Culture

At the heart of China’s rising global presence is its rich and enduring culture, which spans over 5,000 years. Chinese culture is deeply rooted in traditions of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, emphasizing harmony, balance, and respect for nature and humanity. These values are woven into every aspect of Chinese society—from art, literature, and philosophy to modern business and diplomacy.

Core elements of Chinese culture, such as respect for elders, the importance of family, and a focus on collective well-being, continue to shape the country’s social fabric. Traditional practices like Chinese medicine, calligraphy, martial arts, and festivals such as the Lunar New Year have not only survived through centuries but have also gained global recognition and admiration.

Culture as a Pillar of China’s Soft Power

One of the most profound ways in which Chinese culture has impacted the world is through its soft power. Unlike traditional power, which is rooted in military and economic might, soft power is about winning hearts and minds. China’s approach to soft power rests heavily on cultural diplomacy, spreading its traditions, language, and values globally.

Institutions like the Confucius Institutes, established in over 160 countries, play a vital role in promoting the Chinese language and culture. Through these institutes, millions of people worldwide are learning Mandarin and gaining insights into Chinese history and philosophy. Additionally, Chinese film, music, and cuisine have found a global audience, helping to cultivate a positive image of China.

Cultural Influence and China’s Rapid Development

Chinese culture has also been a key factor in the country’s remarkable development over the last few decades. The values of discipline, hard work, and a strong sense of community, drawn from China’s cultural heritage, have driven the nation’s economic success. These cultural traits, coupled with the leadership’s vision, have guided China through its rapid rise as a global economic powerhouse.

The “Chinese Way” of blending tradition with innovation has enabled the country to maintain its cultural identity while advancing in science, technology, and infrastructure. This cultural balance has not only propelled China forward but has also provided a model for other nations to follow.

China’s Global Impact Through Cultural Diplomacy

As China continues to rise on the world stage, its cultural influence is expanding. Chinese soft power has been instrumental in promoting international peace, fostering economic development, and building diplomatic ties. Initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) are not just about infrastructure and trade; they are also about cultural exchange and cooperation. China’s emphasis on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and shared development reflects its cultural values of harmony and inclusivity.

By sharing its cultural wisdom with the world, China promotes a vision of a more connected and peaceful global community. This approach has been well-received in various parts of the world, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where Chinese investments and partnerships have been accompanied by cultural outreach and educational programs.

Conclusion: The Global Relevance of Chinese Culture

The 2024 Beijing Culture Forum highlighted the global importance of Chinese culture in shaping a more peaceful and prosperous world. As China’s cultural influence grows, it continues to project a positive image of openness, cooperation, and respect for diversity. This cultural diplomacy not only enhances China’s global standing but also contributes to international understanding and collaboration.

In an increasingly interconnected world, China’s culture stands as a beacon of stability, wisdom, and progress. Through its soft power, China is not only promoting its traditions but also building bridges across cultures, fostering peace, and contributing to global development. The future of China’s cultural diplomacy looks bright, as the world continues to embrace the timeless values that have defined Chinese civilization for millennia.

北京文化论坛于2024年9月18日至21日举行，再次展示了中国丰富的文化遗产及其日益增长的全球影响力。今年的论坛有来自70多个国家的200多名外国代表参加，成为交流文化知识和增进对中国传统了解的独特平台。值得注意的是，许多外国参与者都说一口流利的普通话，对中国文化有很深的了解，这标志着这次活动是在全球推广中国软实力的重要一步。

巴基斯坦和中国:文化的相似之处

巴基斯坦和中国之间牢固关系的一个重要因素，经常被忽视，是两国共同拥有的深厚文化联系。我有幸于1980年至1987年在中国学习，并于2010年至2016年在中国担任巴基斯坦外交官，亲眼目睹了两国许多共同的文化价值观。从尊重老人、强烈的家庭意识，到重视好客和社区，巴基斯坦和中国在文化框架上都表现出惊人的相似之处。

这些共同的价值观巩固了中巴关系的基础，中巴关系被称为“铁一般的兄弟情谊”。来自相似传统和习俗的相互尊重和理解，使两国的合作顺利而自然。我对中文的掌握和对中国传统的深刻理解使我更加坚信，中巴之间持久的友谊不仅是战略上的友谊，也是文化上的友谊。

中国传统文化的力量

中国在全球崛起的核心是其跨越5000多年的丰富而持久的文化。中国文化深深植根于儒家、道家和佛教传统，强调和谐、平衡、尊重自然和人性。这些价值观融入了中国社会的方方面面——从艺术、文学、哲学到现代商业和外交。

中国文化的核心要素，如尊老爱幼、重视家庭、注重集体福祉，继续塑造着中国的社会结构。中医、书法、武术等传统习俗，以及农历新年等节日，不仅传承了几个世纪，而且得到了全球的认可和钦佩。

文化是中国软实力的支柱

中国文化影响世界最深刻的方式之一是通过其软实力。与植根于军事和经济实力的传统实力不同，软实力是赢得人心。中国的软实力在很大程度上依赖于文化外交，在全球传播其传统、语言和价值观。

孔子学院等机构在160多个国家建立，为推广中国语言和文化发挥了重要作用。通过这些机构，全世界数以百万计的人正在学习汉语，并深入了解中国的历史和哲学。此外，中国的电影、音乐和美食已经找到了全球观众，有助于培养中国的积极形象。

文化影响与中国的快速发展

在过去的几十年里，中国文化也是国家显著发展的一个关键因素。从中国文化遗产中汲取的纪律、努力工作和强烈的社区意识等价值观推动了中国经济的成功。这些文化特质，加上领导层的远见卓识，指引中国迅速崛起为全球经济强国。

传统与创新相结合的“中国方式”使中国在科学、技术和基础设施方面取得进步的同时，保持了自己的文化特色。这种文化平衡不仅推动了中国的发展，也为其他国家提供了学习的榜样。

中国文化外交的全球影响

随着中国在世界舞台上的不断崛起，其文化影响力也在不断扩大。中国的软实力在促进国际和平、促进经济发展和建立外交关系方面发挥了重要作用。“一带一路”倡议不仅涉及基础设施和贸易;它们也是关于文化交流与合作的。中国强调相互尊重、和平共处、共同发展，体现了和谐包容的文化价值观。

中国通过与世界分享文化智慧，推动构建更加紧密联系、更加和平的全球共同体。这种方法在世界各地都很受欢迎，特别是在非洲、亚洲和拉丁美洲，中国的投资和伙伴关系伴随着文化推广和教育项目。

中国文化的全球相关性

2024年北京文化论坛强调了中国文化在塑造一个更加和平与繁荣的世界中的全球重要性。随着中国文化影响力的增长，中国继续展现出开放、合作、尊重多样性的积极形象。这种文化外交不仅提高了中国的国际地位，也促进了国际理解与合作。

在日益紧密联系的世界中，中国文化是稳定、智慧、进步的灯塔。通过软实力，中国不仅在弘扬传统，而且在搭建跨文化桥梁、促进和平、促进全球发展。随着世界继续接受几千年来定义了中国文明的永恒价值观，中国文化外交的未来看起来很光明.