A giant bronze statue of Karl Marx has been unveiled in his hometown of Trier in Germany. The statue was donated by China to mark the 200th birthday of the philosopher and historian. Exhibitions, concerts and other events were also held in Trier to commemorate the influential thinker. China's Ambassador to Germany, Shi Mingde, talked to CGTN on the statue's significance.

XI JIA "Good afternoon Mr. Ambassador, so why does China give Trier a statue of Karl Marx to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Karl Marx birthday? "

SHI MINGDE CHINA'S AMBASSADOR TO GERMANY "We didn't just begin the commemoration of Karl Marx's birth today. Three years ago, the former Mayor of Trier visited China, saying that Trier will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Karl Marx in 2018. He invited China to join the event. China gladly accepted the invitation. We decided to give Trier a statue as a gift. Until now, Trier didn't have any statues of Marx except for the one in Karl Marx's former home. We told them our idea and they liked it."

XI JIA "What do think the significance of the statue especially to the relationship between the two countries? "

SHI MINGDE CHINA'S AMBASSADOR TO GERMANY "The unveiling of the statue is of great importance to the city of Trier, Germany, and China s well as the whole world. It's been 200 years since we had Karl Marx. A poll shows that Marx was one of the greatest men of the 20th century. He changed the fate of the world, humanity, and the fate of China. His significance will be increasingly important as time goes on. Many reports and politicians' speeches show that Marx's thought still has great practical significance nowadays. I was reading the newspaper yesterday, and it said the sales volume of the book "Das Capital" increased by 20%. We can see from this that Marx as a political figure, economist and philosopher is well respected by people. His theory is still full of life."

XI JIA "And as far as you know, are there any other activities that commemorate Karl Marx in Germany? "

SHI MINGDE CHINA'S AMBASSADOR TO GERMANY "To my knowledge, there will be more than 600 events that commemorate Marx across Germany. They are the countrie's largest activities with broadest participation after the unification of the country. The federal government, parties, and foundations all supported the events with the bulk of its funding. They also understand Marx more deeply and comprehensively."