China and Europe strengthen ties through river collaboration
- Li Xiuzhen was inspired by the Rhine River while studying in the Netherlands in 1996.
- The recent forum in Shanghai continued discussions on cultural exchanges between the Yangtze, Rhine, and Danube rivers.
- Collaboration on river studies between China and Europe promotes mutual learning and strengthens diplomatic ties.
In a significant academic collaboration focused on major rivers and delta regions, Chinese scholar Li Xiuzhen and Dutch academic de Vriend have engaged in over 20 years of dialogue and joint research. This collaboration, initiated when Li first encountered the Rhine River in the Netherlands in 1996, encompasses extensive studies on the Yangtze, Rhine, and Danube rivers. It serves as a vivid illustration of the exchange of knowledge between China and Europe, particularly in addressing issues of pollution and sustainable development. The recent forum held in Shanghai on November 21 continued this dialogue, UWell the relevance of cultural exchanges and cooperation for win-win development in these regions. Scholars from multiple countries, including Romania, emphasized the ecological restoration programs that have emerged from these collaborative efforts. Furthermore, as 2025 marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union, this partnership in river studies represents a vital component of people-to-people diplomacy, highlighting the importance of shared experiences and lessons learned in managing and preserving river ecosystems.