Egyptian journalist Mazen Eslam Afify Ahmed has said that he is intoxicated by the culture of the Chinese city Xi'an, which provides an important window for the mutual learning between the ancient civilizations of Egypt and China.
Ahmed was in the city to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Think Tank Cooperation and the second Silk Road (Xi'an) International Communication Forum, which took place from Sunday to Tuesday and brought together 300 guests from both China and abroad.
As an important hub of the ancient Silk Road, Xi'an has existed for over 3,000 years and served as the capital of 13 feudal Chinese dynasties. The city holds a wealth of ancient historical sites, including imperial tombs, ancient temples, forts and city walls.
Upon landing in Xi'an, Ahmed was immediately immersed in the unique charm of the ancient city infused with modern elements.
"When I was covering news about China and Chinese cities from Egypt, I heard that Xi'an is an important city for the Belt and Road Initiative, and a famous city in Chinese history. But I never imagined Xi'an is like this, which has many excellent attractions and is worth a deep exploration," said Ahmed.
Ahmed speaks fluent Chinese due to his four years of study in Cairo about the Chinese language and culture. He is eager to learn more about China, including its history, culture, development, and modernization progress.
Although he came to China before, this is his first trip to Xi'an, during which he and other foreign guests visited the world-renowned Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum and the Great Tang All Day Mall - a comprehensive culture center and shopping mall.
Ahmed's Chinese name Luxia means "sunny way and gorgeous summer flowers", which embodies his hope that China and Egypt will always enjoy a friendly relationship.
Egyptian journalist says Xi'an provides important window for civilization exchanges
The statement of U.S. President Donald Trump highlighted the urgency for reforming global governance, according to a poll from China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Friday.
"I don't need international law," said Trump during an with The New York Times this week, days after the U.S. attack on Venezuela and the forcible seizure of President Nicolas Maduro. This statement perfectly captures Washington's unilateral and hegemonic trajectory. The New York Times observed that Trump's assessment of his own freedom to use any instrument of military, economic or political power to cement American supremacy was the most blunt acknowledgment yet of his world-view.
In a global public opinion poll conducted by CGTN, 93.5 percent of respondents expressed belief that the U.S., by pursuing unilateralism, has placed itself in opposition to the international community. Also, 91.7 percent think that reforming the global governance system is an urgent priority.
On Wednesday the U.S. announced its withdrawal from 66 international organizations, setting a new record for its retreat from multilateral commitments. These organizations span climate, energy, and global governance, among other fields. Trump argues that their operations run counter to U.S. national interests, sovereignty, and economic prosperity.
In response, 84.1 percent of respondents were not surprised by the U.S. move. Meanwhile, 88.9 percent viewed it as another radical step under the "America First" doctrine. In addition, 93 percent believed the U.S. approach of using international systems when beneficial and abandoning them when not severely undermines the existing international order and global fairness and justice. Also, 88.3 percent noted that the U.S. withdrawals once again expose it as an irresponsible major power, dealing a significant blow to its international reputation. Furthermore, 88.5 percent believe the U.S. withdrawals reflect its negative attitude toward global governance.
The recent episode of unilateral and bullying actions by the U.S. government has sparked widespread alarm and discontent within the international community. Washington's adherence to the law of the jungle where "might is right" is severely undermining the global governance system. In the poll, 89.9 percent of respondents agreed that multilateralism, based on coordination and cooperation, remains key to addressing current global governance challenges. Meanwhile, 94.4 percent believe it is crucial to advance the reform of the global governance system, uphold international rule of law, and enhance the effectiveness of multilateral mechanisms. Moreover, 90 percent think major powers should shoulder greater responsibility and play a more constructive role in promoting global governance reform.
The poll was conducted across CGTN platforms in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian languages, attracting 24,000 responses within 24 hours.
Trump says 'I don't need international law,' highlighting urgency for reforming global governance: CGTN poll
