How ancient wisdom fuels China's green partnerships

In this interview segment, former Icelandic diplomat and sinologist Ragnar Baldursson reflects on the geothermal energy collaboration between China and Iceland. He emphasizes how Iceland's expertise in sustainable geothermal energy has made it a valuable partner for China, as the latter prioritizes green development. He further highlights that the mutual exchange of knowledge and the establishment of joint ventures serve as an example of how a large nation like China can collaborate with a smaller one.

Furthermore, Baldursson links China's green transition to its rich philosophical heritage. He suggests that ancient concepts such as "Tian Ren He Yi" (harmony between humanity and nature) may underpin China's commitment to sustainable development. He also points to the significance of "He" (cooperation) and "Xin" (trust) within Chinese culture, rooted potentially in its long history of rice cultivation, which necessitated large-scale collaboration. He believes these deeply ingrained values are key contributors to China's rapid development, global engagement and its capacity to build strong and reliable international partnerships.