In a recent conversation with CMG's Zou Yun, former Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme shared his perspectives on China's rapid development and the evolving dynamics between Belgium, the European Union, and China.
Leterme, who has maintained a strong interest in fostering dialogue with China even after his tenure, expressed admiration for China's impressive infrastructure growth and the rising standard of living its citizens enjoy. He emphasizes the importance of cooperation and open communication between East and West in addressing transitional challenges.
Highlighting initiatives like China's Belt and Road, Leterme underscores the significance of global interconnectedness. He warns against the notion of \"decoupling\" in China-EU and China-US relations, advocating instead for the EU to cultivate greater autonomy in its security matters.
Celebrating cultural diversity, Leterme commended China for its respect towards different cultures and cautioned against media misrepresentations. He calls for increased exposure to Chinese culture in the West to bridge understanding gaps.
In a heartfelt gesture, Leterme paid tribute to the Chinese who sacrificed their lives during the First World War at Ypres, symbolizing solidarity between Belgium and China.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
