STORY: "Dialogues on China" conference opens in Serbia
SHOOTING TIME: Oct. 10, 2024
DATELINE: Oct. 11, 2024
LENGTH: 00:04:59
LOCATION: Belgrade
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of people entering the conference hall
2. various of the conference
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): MARKO DJURIC, Serbian Foreign Minister
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): MARKO DJURIC, Serbian Foreign Minister
5. SOUNDBITE 3 (Serbian): BRANISLAV DJORDJEVIC, Director of Serbia's International Institute of Politics and Economics
6. SOUNDBITE 4 (Serbian): BRANISLAV DJORDJEVIC, Director of Serbia's International Institute of Politics and Economics
7. SOUNDBITE 5 (Serbian): LI MING, Chinese Ambassador to Serbia
8. SOUNDBITE 6 (English): LI MING, Chinese Ambassador to Serbia

STORYLINE:

A conference exploring China's relations with major global players kicked off on Thursday in Belgrade, bringing together over 80 researchers from 27 countries.

The fourth annual "Dialogues on China" conference addressed the theme: "Harvesting the Winds of Change: China and Global Actors." It was officially opened by Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric, Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming, and representatives from the organizing institutions.

Djuric emphasized that the conference is a platform for dialogue and understanding, citing the participation of scholars from Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, along with a dozen ambassadors accredited in Serbia.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): MARKO DJURIC, Serbian Foreign Minister
"Today's event is the largest European conference this year focused on studying and understanding China. It underscores the commitment of the Republic of Serbia and its institutions to further strengthen the iron-clad friendship with the People's Republic of China."

He also underlined the recent strengthening of ties between China and Serbia through the establishment of the China-Serbia Community with a Shared Future in the New Era, and the signing of a free trade agreement to enhance trade and services.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): MARKO DJURIC, Serbian Foreign Minister
"We are honored to be the first country in Europe to expand our cooperation with China to such an extent, and we remain committed to further strengthening our excellent relations with the People's Republic of China. I want to emphasize that our political ties are extraordinarily characterized by comprehensive strategic partnership and iron-clad friendship."

Branislav Djordjevic, director of Serbia's International Institute of Politics and Economics, noted that this year's conference is centered on China's engagement with key global actors in order to better understand shifts in international relations, and the transformation of the global system.

SOUNDBITE 3 (Serbian): BRANISLAV DJORDJEVIC, Director of Serbia's International Institute of Politics and Economics
"Today, as the world stands on the brink of widespread conflict, with discussions increasingly centered on the right to war rather than the right to peace, humanity needs peace and development more than ever. In such times, respecting the principles of peaceful coexistence becomes vitally necessary for humanity's survival."

He expressed hope that the Serbian-Chinese Community with a Shared Future could serve as an example for other countries to build an international system founded on cooperation, mutual respect, and shared interests, contributing to global peace and stability.

SOUNDBITE 4 (Serbian): BRANISLAV DJORDJEVIC, Director of Serbia's International Institute of Politics and Economics
"I am deeply convinced that this will serve as an inspirational example for other countries striving to build an international system in which cooperation, mutual respect, and common interests play a central role, thus contributing to global development, peace, and stability."

Chinese Ambassador Li Ming praised the conference for addressing a wide array of topics concerning China's foreign relations, expressing confidence that it would help European and international scholars gain a deeper understanding of China.

SOUNDBITE 5 (English): LI MING, Chinese Ambassador to Serbia
"In today's world, we are undergoing profound changes and humanity is encountering complex challenges. Facing a global landscape in which changes and chaos intertwine, China is always committed to world peace, stability and progress."

He reaffirmed China's dedication to reform, modernization, and global development, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative and other global initiatives that have garnered widespread international support.

SOUNDBITE 6 (English): LI MING, Chinese Ambassador to Serbia
"China calls for an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. We are very happy to see that these initiatives have gained very wide support across the world."

The two-day conference features 11 panels covering a broad range of topics, including China's relations with global actors, the impact of China's global initiatives, and trends in artificial intelligence, sustainable development, and connectivity.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Belgrade.
(XHTV)