In a recent interview, former Icelandic diplomat and sinologist Ragnar Baldursson dives into the dynamic green energy collaboration between China and Iceland. He highlights how Iceland's expertise in sustainable geothermal energy has made it a valuable partner for the Chinese government as it accelerates its green development agenda.
According to Baldursson, the partnership goes beyond technology transfer. Joint ventures and knowledge exchanges showcase how a global powerhouse like China can effectively team up with a smaller nation to build robust and reliable green infrastructure. It’s a model for international cooperation in an era when sustainability is vital.
Baldursson also connects China’s green transition to its rich philosophical heritage. He introduces the ancient concept of "Tian Ren He Yi," or harmony between humanity and nature, as a guiding principle underlying the country's commitment to sustainability. Alongside this, deeply ingrained values of "He" (cooperation) and "Xin" (trust) have roots in China’s long history of rice cultivation, which demanded large-scale teamwork and mutual reliance.
These cultural touchpoints, Baldursson argues, are more than historical footnotes. They form the backbone of China’s rapid development, global engagement, and capacity to forge strategic partnerships. By blending timeless wisdom with cutting-edge geothermal technology, the China-Iceland alliance offers a fresh blueprint for sustainable collaboration worldwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
