Rediscovering the Ancient Routes and Interactions between China and Africa
International Seminar
21 Septembre 2024 - Beijing, China
Co-Convened by AFROSPECTIVES, China World Peace Foundation and supported by UNESCO Silk Roads Programme
AFROPECTIVES co-organised with the China World Peace Foundation an international seminar on ‘ Rediscovering the Ancient Routes and Interactions between China and Africa ’ on 19 September 2024 in Beijing, China.
This seminar, organised as part of the celebration of the International Peace Day, brought together five African scholars and five Chinese researchers to exchange the results of their research on the interactions between the African and Chinese populations.
Recent research has shown that traces of these interactions date back to at least the first century BC. They go beyond the 14th century voyage of the Moroccan scholar Ibn Batuta, the Somali explorer Sa'id de Mogadishu and the 15th century expeditions of the Chinese admiral Zheng He. In addition of analysing the evidence for these historical connections, the seminar also aimed to deconstruct the dominant narratives about the discoveries of the world and the image of a closed and isolated Africa before colonial penetration. It finally aimed to analyse the conditions to deepen and improve China-Africa cooperation in the new international geopolitical context.
Objectives
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Cultural Exploration: Contribute to the development of knowledge on ancient relations between Africa and China, emphasizing the cultural exchanges between Africa and China along the Silk Road.
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Historical Contextualization: Place current relationships between Africa and China in a historical perspective, fostering a nuanced understanding of shared histories.
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Intercultural Dialogue: Better understand intercultural dialogue between Chinese and African peoples throughout history, identifying cultural similarities and differences.
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Foster Mutual Understanding: Contribute to the mutual understanding, and respect between African and Chinese peoples by appreciating their shared heritage.
Amongts the speakers:
Dr. Ali MOUSSA IYE
Afrospectives
Former Head of the History and Memory for Dialogue Department at UNESCO,
writer-researcher
Léon-Marie Nkolo Ndjodo
Afrospectives
Deputy Secretary-General of the Centre for African Studies in Peking University
Prof WANG Jinjie
Deputy Secretary-General of the Centre for African Studies in Peking University
Prof. Augustin HOLL
Afrospectives
Director of African Research Center
University of Xiamen
Prof. Dr. LI Anshan
Director of Institute of Afro-Asian Studies and Center for African Studies, School of International Studies, Peking University
Prof. Huaqiong Pan
Associate Professor, Department of History, Peking University
Li Ruohong
Chairman of the China World Peace Foundation and President of the Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation
Prof Li Hongfeng
Dean of the School of African Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University
Prof Liu Tiannan
Associate Professor and Director at the University of International Relations
Prof. Felix Chami
Archaeologist and professor at the University of Dar es Salaam, specialized on East African coastal archaeology.
Dr Diarra Boubacar Thiemoko
Medical doctor, practitioner and trainer in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Partners:
