Chinese School of Classical Studies inaugurated in Athens

An inauguration ceremony of the Chinese School of Classical Studies, the first research institute of classical civilizations in Greece by an Asian country, was held Thursday in Athens, capital of Greece.

The grand inauguration, which brought together two of the world's oldest civilizations, welcomed an array of high-profile attendees, including Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People’s Congress (NPC), who is visiting Greece from Wednesday to Saturday, and Lina Mendoni, Greek Minister of Culture.

The inauguration of the Chinese School of Classical Studies also showcased many cultural objects from China, from intricate Chinese artifacts to books on science and history, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage on what the countries bring to this collaborative initiative.

Representatives from both Greek and Chinese cultural organizations highlighted how this school is not just about Greece and China, but a global opportunity for cultural exchange and mutual learning.

"The institute will fully showcase the distinctive characteristics of Chinese civilization to the world, foster exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese civilization and the civilizations of other countries, and play an active role in advancing the development and inheritance of human civilizations, as well as in promoting the building of a community with a shared future for humanity," said Gao Xiang, president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and also director of the Chinese Academy of History.

To help bring this vision to life, the Greek government has committed to ensuring the school's smooth operation, highlighting the importance of this partnership.

"It is significant there is a guarantee provided by the support offered to the Chinese School of Classical Studies by its parent organization, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. That's why, the Ministry of Culture of the Hellenic Republic will support and assist the School in its inception," said Lina Mendoni, Greek Minister of Culture.

She said, "The presence today here in Athens of the President (Chairman) of the National People's Congress, Mr. Zhao Leji is proof of the great importance China places on the School of Classical Studies, serving as an exceptionally good omen for its future."

Situated in the heart of Athens, the school offers a unique platform for exploring the connections between two of the world's most influential ancient cultures.

With courses, workshops, and events on topics like Confucianism, Daoism, Greek philosophy, and mythology, it invites everyone from scholars to curious learners to explore these rich traditions.

Guests at the inauguration praised the effort, but noted that greater investment could take this collaboration even further.

"The Chinese have embraced cultural expansion by uniting two ancient civilizations, Chinese and Greek. We must do more to match their efforts, and invest further to deepen our ties across all sectors," said Panos Laskaridis, head of Chinese Language School in Piraeus.

With its doors now open, the school marks another step in Athens' growing cultural and economic ties with China. It aims to celebrate ancient wisdom while inspiring even stronger connections for the future.

Chinese School of Classical Studies inaugurated in Athens

Chinese tourists are returning to Thailand in large numbers, providing a welcome boost to the country's tourism sector, as holidaymakers from China to the Southeast Asian nation are up by nearly 30 percent.

After a decline in Chinese travelers to Thailand over the past two years, numbers have surged this year, offsetting a slump in arrivals from the Middle East due to conflict, higher fares and fewer flights.

In the first week of May, which included China's May Day holiday from May 1 to 5, arrivals from China were up by 28 percent year on year, with a total of almost 135,000 visitors, an average of more than 19,000 per day, according to a report released by Bangkok financial consultants FSS Investment Securities.

Chinese travelers accounted for 22 percent, more than a fifth of all foreign tourist arrivals, approaching figures not seen since before COVID-19.

Rena Yu, a Chinese tourist, said she is drawn by the "many different cultures" and local cuisines in Thailand.

"More and more people around us visit here and they had a very wonderful experience. So, it makes we (us) go (come) here to visit," said Liu Xiaojing, another Chinese tourist.

While the number of non-Chinese visitors was down by nine percent overall, primarily due to unrest in the Middle East, those from China outperformed the market, providing a major boost to Thailand's tourism sector.

"It's very helpful for the tourism industry in Thailand because of the situation in the Middle East. And lately, we're really improving in numbers from Chinese tourists. Because last year, we faced declining in the Chinese market of around 30 to 40 percent from the previous year," said Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, executive director of the Thai Hotels Association.

Thai officials have worked to reassure Chinese visitors that the country is a safe destination after concerns over security and reports of illegal employment scams.

"After the visitation of the royal family, I mean the king, to China last year, late of last year, that is the turning point of the coming-back of the Chinese tourists, because they thought about the relationship is stronger than before, I mean, in every level, not only the government, but also the people-to-people [level] as well," said Sirigesanong Trirattanasongpol, executive director of East Asia at the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

It seems to have been successful, with Chinese visitors expected to remain a key driver of growth in the Thai tourism sector for the rest of the year.

Surge in Chinese tourists provides major boost to Thai tourism sector