China-Greece Classical Dialogue Conference Highlights Cultural Exchange as Strategic Tool
Event summary
- The second World Conference of Classics was held in Athens on June 9-10, 2026, bringing together scholars from China, Greece, and other nations.
- Dr. Rodanthi Hatzopoulou, a Greek lecturer at Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, published an article in People's Daily emphasizing the contemporary value of China-Greece cultural dialogue.
- The conference discussed how classical wisdom can address modern challenges like technological change and geopolitical uncertainty.
- Key topics included virtue and education, moral communities, culture-based global order, and humanistic values in the digital age.
The big picture
The conference underscores China's strategy of using cultural heritage as a bridge for international relations, particularly in an era where technological progress raises ethical dilemmas. This aligns with broader trends of soft power diplomacy, where nations seek to differentiate themselves through historical and philosophical narratives. The deepening of China-Greece exchanges also reflects a growing recognition of the need for cross-cultural solutions to global challenges.
What we're watching
- Cultural Diplomacy
- How China leverages classical dialogue with Greece to strengthen geopolitical ties amid global uncertainty.
- Digital Ethics
- Whether classical humanistic values can effectively guide modern technological advancements.
- Academic Collaboration
- The pace at which China-Greece partnerships expand beyond classics into fields like archaeology and tourism.