“The gentleman aims at harmony, and not at uniformity,” translates the Confucian phrase junzi he er bu tong—a guiding principle in Chinese diplomacy.
Ragnar Baldursson, a seasoned diplomat, notes how Chinese representatives leverage this mindset in international talks. By prioritizing shared interests over strict uniformity, they find common ground while respecting each party's unique perspective.
This approach can ease tensions and accelerate cooperation on global challenges—from trade negotiations to climate action—by leaving room for flexible interpretations and fostering trust.
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, the lesson from junzi he er bu tong is clear: seek harmony through collaboration, celebrate diversity of thought, and remember that true unity doesn’t require everyone to be the same.
Reference(s):
'Harmony, not uniformity': A Confucian key to global diplomacy
cgtn.com
