施寒微：不了解历史就无法读懂当代中国

Group 1 - The core theme of the Second World Sinology Conference is "Historical China and Contemporary China from a Global Perspective," emphasizing the connection between history and modernity in understanding contemporary China [1] - European sinology has a long-standing tradition and has contributed significantly to global discussions about China, but there is a growing trend of diminishing emphasis on historical studies compared to contemporary issues [3] - Understanding historical China is crucial for comprehending contemporary China, as many modern developments can be traced back to historical contexts, including literature, philosophy, and the impact of Buddhism [3] Group 2 - There is a divergence in how Western academia discusses Chinese-style modernization, with some viewing it as a "catch-up" process while others misinterpret China's rising international status as a "threat" [5] - The prevailing "institutional opposition" mindset in the West leads to a misunderstanding of China's unique conditions in its modernization process, often overlooking the challenges China faces that are similar to those of other modernizing nations [6] - The accessibility of data in the digital age presents opportunities for sinology research, but there is a risk that AI applications may replicate existing biases, hindering the emergence of new perspectives [8] Group 3 - The current academic environment in Europe is influenced by a distancing attitude from some media and politicians towards China, which can obstruct in-depth learning and research on Chinese topics [10] - European sinology and Chinese studies are vital for enhancing mutual understanding between Europe and China, requiring both sides to reflect on their unique perspectives and maintain an objective distance [11] - A comprehensive understanding of China should be included in public discussions to raise awareness and foster better recognition of its complexities [11]