Chinese scholars illuminate whole-process people’s democracy at Athens forum

Chinese scholars are spotlighting the concept of whole-process people's democracy at the ongoing Athens Democracy Forum in the Greek capital, presenting China's tried-and-tested approach to engaging citizens in addressing contemporary challenges.

The three-day Athens Democracy Forum opened on Oct 1, featuring a dialog between Wang Huiyao, the founder and president of the Center for China and Globalization, and Jeffrey D. Sachs, the director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University. Their discussion, titled the Aristotle-Confucius Dialog, explored the similarities and differences between Eastern and Western philosophies.

Wang highlighted the unprecedented challenges posed by the rise of populism and nationalism to globalization, yet maintained that globalization remains a vital and resilient trend. He also advocated for drawing lessons from ancient civilizations to address modern issues.

"I think the meaning of that is very important. We have this ancient philosophy, we seek their wisdom, we seek their ideas. How we can make peace, make our world working and make democracy work," said Wang.

Wang also shared insights on China's successful experience in poverty alleviation.

"A high moral standard, high moral responsibility that the government has really placed [is] a very important task and mandate for officials to perform at all levels. That's why China can lift 800 million people out of poverty and making China the second largest company in just a record time," said Wang.

Mo Jihong, director of the Institute of Law at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, further delved into the concept of whole-process people's democracy and its embodiment of socialist democratic principles suited to Chinese characteristics at the forum.

The Athens Democracy Forum, convened since 2013, aims to serve as a guiding beacon for democracy and societal reorientation.

Chinese scholars illuminate whole-process people’s democracy at Athens forum

Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, on Thursday extended Spring Festival greetings to religious leaders and believers across China.

Wang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met with leaders of national religious groups ahead of the Chinese New Year. Heads of the Buddhist Association of China, the Taoist Association of China, the China Islamic Association, the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association and the National Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Churches in China were present at the meeting and delivered speeches.

Wang spoke highly of the work of the religious groups in 2025, urging systematic efforts to ensure that religions in China are Chinese in orientation and ensure law-based management of religious affairs, with the aim of contributing to the realization of Chinese modernization.

He called on the national religious groups to guide religious figures and believers to develop an accurate understanding of country, history, ethnicity, culture and religion, unite more closely around the CPC and the Chinese government, and help religions in China integrate with fine traditional Chinese culture and adapt to the socialist society.

Wang also stressed the importance of strengthening the law-based governance of religious affairs.

Senior official extends Spring Festival greetings to religious groups