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SCIO press conference on strengthening heritage conservation to carry forward Chinese civilization

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China Media Group:

The world's cultural and natural heritage is an important outcome of human civilization's progress and natural evolution and an important carrier to promote exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations. China is one of the four major ancient civilizations in the world, with a vast territory, a long history, a profound culture, and rich natural landscapes. What major progress has been made in the bidding for and protection of world cultural heritage in China since the 20th CPC National Congress? Thank you.

Li Qun:

Thank you for your question. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the NCHA has thoroughly implemented the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping on the bidding for world cultural heritage. He required that we uphold three principles in the bidding process, that is, it should be conducive to highlighting the value of the Chinese civilization, history, and culture; manifesting the spiritual pursuit of the Chinese nation; and presenting a panoramic and true view of ancient and modern China to the world. In accordance with his requirements, we have comprehensively pushed forward the bidding efforts.

First, in terms of the bidding for world cultural heritage. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, we have successfully inscribed eight cultural sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including "Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City," "Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement," and "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China." The Liangzhu site has exemplified the 5,000-year history of the Chinese civilization. Kulangsu has demonstrated the history of cultural exchanges and integration between China and the rest of the world as well as the deep roots and strong foundation of the Chinese civilization. Quanzhou has witnessed the important role of China in maritime business activities in the ancient world. A few years ago, we successfully inscribed "Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor" on the list. It not only has demonstrated the history of exchanges and mutual learning between the Chinese civilization and other civilizations but also is an important measure to implement the Belt and Road Initiative. We have made significant achievements in inscribing elements on the World Heritage List in the past decade.

Second, in terms of the protection of world cultural heritage. The NCHA has urged and guided all localities across the country to earnestly fulfill their obligations under the World Heritage Convention and improve the protection and display. This year, the NCHA has organized national working conferences on the protection of the cultural relics of the Grand Canal and the Great Wall, systematically assigning recent tasks. We have organized all localities to start the renovation, display, and interpretation of a number of world cultural heritage sites, such as the Mogao Grottoes, the Great Wall, and the Grand Canal, strengthened monitoring and early-warning work at world heritage sites and explored to establish a system incorporating systematic protection, scientific management, and comprehensive display.

Third, in terms of international exchanges and cooperation concerning world cultural heritage. The NCHA has strengthened cooperation with countries including Indonesia and Malaysia, guided Hong Kong and other Chinese cities to join the City Alliance for Maritime Silk Road Heritage Conservation and World Heritage Nomination, and actively promoted the joint bidding of countries along the Maritime Silk Road. Last year, the NCHA and the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government jointly held the Maritime Silk Road International Cultural Forum to promote cultural exchanges among countries along the route and increase the influence of the Maritime Silk Road bid. At the same time, the NCHA has also actively engaged in developing the international governance system and capacity of world cultural heritage and voiced China's opinions on major issues such as climate change and heritage protection as well as the revision of the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention, thereby upholding the cultural interests of our country.

In the next step, the NCHA will continue to do a good job in the bidding for world cultural heritage. This year, we will strive for the successful bidding of "Ancient Tea Plantations of Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er." The site is located in Pu'er city, Yunnan province, and now we are making all-out efforts in our preparations. We are also working with the Beijing Municipal Government in the bidding and protection of "The Central Axis of Beijing." We will also update the tentative list of world heritage in China, and sort out and cultivate potential elements by following General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions and meeting the selection criteria for world heritage sites. Through the update, we will go further to construct a system of Chinese civilization identifications that exemplify the Chinese civilization and the spirit of the Chinese nation and showcase both ancient and modern China. Thank you.