H.E. Mr. Qi Qianjin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Croatia, visited the UNIRI Rectorate on Monday, 9 December 2024, where he graced the annual meeting of the Croatian-Chinese Friendship Society Rijeka (HKDPR). The Ambassador was welcomed by the members of the Society, its President Ante Simonić, as well as the Rector of the University of Rijeka, Prof. Snježana Prijić-Samaržija, Ph.D., and the Vice-Rector for Science and Arts, Prof. Gordan Jelenić, Ph.D.
The members of the HKDPR briefly reported on their work and activities throughout this year, after which Ambassador Qi gave a short lecture on the current global situation and Croatian-Chinese relations. Referring to the conflicts in Syria and the war between Ukraine and Russia, which has lasted for more than two years, the Ambassador expressed his concern wondering what is happening to humanity. In conversations with other diplomats, he often encounters the same views: the basis of all global problems lies in the selfish desire of individuals to take care of themselves and their interests. Therefore, he believes that in work and life, we must be moral and take into account the interests of all countries and people.
Thanks to cultural exchanges and the circulation of ideas – both between Croatia and China and the rest of the world – it is possible to find a common ground, i.e. a starting point for joint projects and activities. As examples of good cooperation between Croatia and China, the Ambassador mentioned the construction of the Pelješac Bridge, as well as the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant (UPOV) built in Rijeka (Delta), which is being developed by China Energy Engineering Group Jiangsu Power Design Institute Co., Ltd. (JSPDI), whose representatives also attended the lecture.
Drawing on the fundamental values of Confucius’ teachings, the Ambassador emphasized that all of us – individuals and states – must first pursue what is right and proper, following the moral law. In the words of Scottish economist and philosopher Adam Smith, man is selfish by nature, and selfishness is the foundation of capitalism. But if all people in the world can curb their selfish desires, everything will go back to benevolence. “If my principles prevail in the world, it is the will of Heaven; and if they fall to the ground, it is also the will of Heaven,” the Ambassador concluded with the words of the great Confucius.
Ambassador Qi delivered the lecture in Chinese, and Ms. Lihua Zhao, First Secretary at the Embassy, translated into Croatian.
