A Chinese economics professor in the United Kingdom has written a children's book in English that tells ancient legends and myths of China, in contributing to building bridges of communication and mutual understanding between China and the West.
Professor Wang Xiaobing, a lecturer of economics at the University of Manchester, is the author of "Myths of China," a book to share Chinese mythologies with English-speaking children. The ancient stories, according to Wang, shaped Chinese culture and convey universal values shared by all peoples.
"It reflects human nature, our pursuit for happiness, our pursuit for freedom, for love. This is common. It is shared among Chinese people, and many other people. And many of those stories reflect that," Wang said.
The book explores human virtue through the mythologies. The tale of Pangu, the creation god who split chaos into sky and earth, symbolizes the importance of balance. And the tale of Nuwa, who repairs the sky and saves the planet from natural disasters sparked by a battle between fire and water gods, glorifies sacrifice and mercy, and tells the fragileness of nature.
But the stories are not about lecturing Wang said, but for young people to discover their own meanings.
"You cannot just tell them, 'Do this, do that'. No, the first thing is that you love the story. You enjoy reading the story, or you enjoy your parents telling you the story. And then you feel your imagination has been broadened," Wang said.
These ancient stories are still finding new audiences. And Wang said, with his book, he is trying revitalizing the myths, and bringing the timeless messages from ancient China into the modern world.
Children's book about Chinese myths published in UK, sharing universal values
The White House is planning a leaders' meeting for the Board of Peace on Feb 19, U.S. media outlet Axios reported Saturday.
"It will be the first Board of Peace meeting and a fund-raising conference for Gaza reconstruction," an anonymous U.S. official was quoted as saying.
The meeting is planned to be held at the U.S. Institute of Peace, and the Donald Trump administration began reaching out to dozens of countries on Friday to invite their leaders, Axios reported.
The plans for the summit are still in the early stages and could change, Axios said, adding that the White House declined to comment.
Some major global powers and traditional U.S. allies have declined to join the board.
In an interview with Italy's ANSA news agency on Saturday, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that Italy "cannot participate" in the U.S.-proposed Board of Peace as its charter conflicts with Italy's Constitution.
The board's charter posed "insurmountable" legal conflicts with Article 11 of the country's Constitution, which precludes Italy from joining organizations unless there are "conditions of equality with other states."
The charter fails to meet constitutional requirements as it names U.S. President Donald Trump as chairman with veto power over some of the body's decisions.
Tajani said Italy is "always available to discuss initiatives concerning peace," and stands ready to play a constructive role on the Gaza issue, including through efforts such as training Palestinian police forces.
Trump formally launched the so-called "Board of Peace" on Jan. 22 at a charter-signing ceremony during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Some observers argue that the United States intends to develop the Board of Peace into an organization parallel to the United Nations, a move that could further undermine the UN's authority and disrupt its working mechanisms.
White House plans first Board of Peace summit on Feb 19: report
