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My Account on China: China Greece: Bridging CivilizationsDate: 2022-07-24    Source: CGTN

Greece was in the direct contact with China via the ancient silk road more than two thousand years ago. Today, Greece and China have also developed strong economic ties through the Belt and Road Initiative. Natalie Carney travels to Greece to find out how the dialogue continues between the two civilizations. 

That friendship dates back millennials. According to President Xi, the great civilizations of Greece and China have much to offer each other. Mutual friendship is not only about the cooperation between two countries, but also the dialogue between two major civilizations.

XI JINPING Chinese President "We agree that profound cultural heritage is the source of nourishment for China-Greece relations. As outstanding representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations, the two sides are willing to uphold the concept of openness and inclusiveness, advocate cultural exchanges, and promote mutual learning and common prosperity among different civilizations."

Lying over the ruins of Roman and early Byzantine Athens, the Acropolis Museum houses artefacts from Greek antiquity, a rich period between the 8th century BC and the 6th century AD, from which many of the fundamental principals in Western politics, philosophy and science were derived.

Although Chinese civilization exhibits different artistic expression, President Xi applauded the profound influence ancient Greek culture still has on Western civilization today. That influence is due to the continuation of history says George Manginis, the Academic Director of Athen's Benaki Museum.

George Manginis Academic Director Benaki Museum "We have to establish a common ground in order to be able to move forward and this common ground has to be solid. Culture and history, provide this solidity."

While direct contact between Greek and Chinese civilizations is well documented in the many magnificent artefacts that travelled back and forth along the ancient silk road, in direct influences have also been noticed.

George Manginis Academic Director Benaki Museum "Very often, when you look at a Byzantine, roughly medieval Greek works of art, you see a beautiful Lotus scroll. Now, the Lotus is not a Mediterranean Motif. It's not indigenously Greek. However, it is very Chinese, which is a wonderful example of how art travels beyond borders and connects cultures."

George Manginis Academic Director Benaki Museum "Silk existed in some form or another in the Greek world before the opening of the silk route. However, the technology of weaving really elaborate silks, the silks that had beautiful designs in the weaves, that caught the light in delicate ways. This technology came from China and became from at least the early Christian period, the ultimate symbol of luxury. And we owe that to China."

As the two countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations this year, their mutual cooperation dates back millenniums. The dialogue that has continued throughout that time has led to a better understanding of what each other needs to flourish.

I leave Greece feeling humbled by what appears to be a transparent honesty between the two ancient civilizations. But helping each other steer through the rocky waters while providing greater channels to bring more civilizations together for a more accepting and prosperous world.