Armenia and China - The New Initiatives for Future Relationships
文章摘要
The Armenian-Chinese relations has a centuries-old history. The Great Silk Road (GSR), the trade road that linked China, Central Asia and Iran to the capital of Byzantine Empire Constantinople, passed through the territory of the Armenian Highland and played a significant role in the development of not only trade and economy, but it also was a cultural, religious, lingual and technological bridge for exchanges and enriched the culture of all participant countries.In 1991 China was among the first countries in the world that officially recognized the independence of the Republic of Armenia. Soon in January 1992 the “Agreement on the Basics of Trade and Economic Cooperation” signed, which was the first legal framework for the further development of bilateral relations. Nowadays, trade and economic relations are dynamically developing between the two states.Every country chooses its own model for governance and the way of development. And every nation has its own history, traditions, way of thinking, and other factors that influence on the development of that country. The model for development is specific for each country.However, it is important to find the right path for development of human civilization. In the keynote speech at the opening ceremony the World Economy Forum Annual Meeting held in Davos in 2017, President Xi Jinping pointed out that: “Mankind has become a close-knit community of shared future. Countries have extensive converging interests and are mutually depended. Although all countries enjoy the right to development, they should meanwhile view their own interests in a broader context and refrain from pursuing them at the expense of other countries.”People’s Daily, Page 2, January 20, 2017.">[1]This year the People’s Republic of China (PRC) marks the 70th anniversary of the founding. Over the past 70 years, China has explored a unique development path and governance model. And China has made remarkable achievements in promoting sustained economic growth, improving people’s livelihood and promoting all-round social development.On October 1st Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan has sent a congratulatory message to President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China on the 70th anniversary of PRC founding. The congratulatory message specifically said: “This remarkable jubilee symbolizes the great achievements stated in building a modern statehood and society by one of the oldest civilizations, the Chinese nation. It is a pleasure for us, the Armenians, to follow the achievements of the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese people in terms of economic progress, innovation and cultural growth. Armenia attaches particular importance to the comprehensive, sustained and consistent strengthening and deepening of the traditional friendly relations with China. The furtherance of multifaceted bilateral relations and exchanges and close cooperation in the international arena stem from the vital interests of our two countries and peoples.”[2]Chinese are hard-working nation, very organized, and they really have achieved success. In recent years, China has resolutely pushed forward economic globalization, expanded the Belt and the Road international cooperation and worked for win-win cooperation among all countries. Economic globalization involves cooperation and mutual development of both parties of the agreement. And the more countries will cooperate, the greater the likelihood that they will develop and live in peace.China’s former minister of Culture Wang Meng wrote, “Chinese culture has a long and brilliant history and has made great contributions to human civilization, in addition to experiencing all types of difficulties, embarrassments, anxieties and pain.”The Chinese way of thinking, China International Publishing Group, 2018, Page 338.">[3]It is obvious that during centuries Chinese culture and way of thinking remains unchanged as Armenian. China with its centuries-old wisdom and civilization can contribute to the development of such relations around the world.
Abstract
The Armenian-Chinese relations has a centuries-old history. The Great Silk Road (GSR), the trade road that linked China, Central Asia and Iran to the capital of Byzantine Empire Constantinople, passed through the territory of the Armenian Highland and played a significant role in the development of not only trade and economy, but it also was a cultural, religious, lingual and technological bridge for exchanges and enriched the culture of all participant countries.
作者简介
Lilit Sarukhanyan:Public Affairs Specialist, the Armenian Center for National and International Studies of Armenia