Dialogue among Civilizations: Chinese tea and costume event held in London

In September 2024, the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to declare June 10 the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. The resolution was introduced by China and co-sponsored by more than 80 countries.

To mark the inaugural International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom and the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology co-hosted a special cultural event titled "Dialogue among Civilizations: Chinese Tea and Costume" in London on Friday. 

A video address from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was played at the event, elaborating on the urgency and importance of promoting dialogue among civilizations in today's turbulent world.

Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang delivered a speech at the event, saying that both China and the UK are representatives of rich and ancient civilizations. He called for mutual respect, dialogue, and deeper cultural exchange while firmly rejecting the notion of a "clash of civilizations" and unilateralism. He encouraged joint efforts to tackle global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and public health, and cited growing people-to-people exchanges as a strong foundation for future cooperation.

The program featured a Tang-style Chinese tea ceremony, offering a multi-sensory experience of traditional hospitality. In a highlight of the event, Professor Alan Macfarlane delivered a captivating comparison of Chinese and Western tea cultures, expressing his hope that tea may serve as a bridge for friendship and harmony.

The "Silk Road Symbiosis" fashion presentation, curated by Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, showcased the rich historical depth and modern creativity of Chinese attire. Attendees were visibly moved by the elegant convergence of tradition and innovation.

The event offered a graceful moment of cultural dialogue, enriching mutual understanding and appreciation between China and the UK through the timeless language of tea and textile.

The Dialogue among Civilizations: Chinese Tea and Costume Event welcomed over 100 guests from China and the UK.