Podcast Summary

LSE SU China Development Forum 2015: Paths to Modernisation – 17:30 Session

Date: February 7, 2015
Host: LSE Film and Audio Team
Speaker: Professor Zhou Han Min (Vice Chairman, Shanghai Committee, Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference)
Special Segment: Forum closing remarks and reflections

Episode Overview

This final session of the LSE SU China Development Forum 2015 features a heartfelt and forward-thinking closing address by Professor Zhou Han Min. He reflects on the spirit and achievement of the day’s event, extends gratitude to all participants, and outlines his three core expectations for China’s ongoing modernization: maintaining openness, embracing reform, and pursuing development with determination. Professor Zhou’s remarks blend personal anecdote, historical reflection, and a global perspective on China’s role in the world.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Expressing Gratitude

(00:24–03:54)

• To the Organizers:
  Professor Zhou praises the student-run China Development Society for its professionalism, heartfelt arrangements, and a strong sense of responsibility. The event’s volunteer-driven spirit particularly impressed him.

  “Frankly, this is the only one organized wholly by students themselves as volunteers. So the spirit of volunteerism is something we appreciate so highly.” (B, 01:40)

• Memorable Moment:
  Zhou presents a personal gift, a silk-bound collection of Confucius quotations, to a student leader, symbolizing enduring gratitude and the value of wisdom.

  “This is my personal gift to you. This is Silk Maid quotations by Confucius. Silk mate never fade out.” (B, 01:54)

• To the Speakers:
  Commends the diverse contributors, highlighting the constructive and vivid exchange of ideas.

  “We share whatever we could while we live. Disagreements as agreements. So this is a wonderful forum.” (B, 02:56)

• To the Audience:
  Thanks attendees for their enthusiasm and commitment, reflecting on the importance of such “human gathering” for fostering global citizenship and cooperation.

  “Nationalities sometimes are so important. But we all deem ourselves as citizens of the world. We hold the responsibility for peace, development, and harmony for this society.” (B/C, 03:33–03:54)

2. Three Expectations for China’s Future Path

(03:54–10:14)

a. Sustaining Momentum of Openness

“With Passion”
(04:14–05:53)

• Reviews China’s progressive history of opening up since 1978, including Special Economic Zones, joining the WTO, and establishing the Shanghai Free Trade Zone.
• Stresses that openness has been forged “with pressure, not pleasure,” and calls for continued passionate engagement with the world.

• “I do hope China will never lose its momentum of openness to the outside with passion, because passion is something to mean the further step of success.” (B, 05:38)

b. Advancing Reform with International Vision

“With Vision”
(05:53–08:52)

• Notes the importance of participating in multilateral and regional initiatives (e.g., WTO, TPP, APEC), arguing that international integration is essential for national success.
• Quotes Dr. Sun Yat-sen on adapting to the major trends of the world:

  “The founder of the Republic of China, Dr. Sun, used to say the major trend of the world, with its tide moving so fast, if you get along, you will survive. If you go against, you will die. ... We need to get along.” (C, 08:06)

• Underscores China’s aspirations to not just keep up, but to proactively shape new partnerships and frameworks for cooperation.

c. Pursuing Development with Determination

“With Determination”
(08:52–10:13)

• Acknowledges China’s complexities and international perceptions—both positive and negative—but insists that hope and resilience prevail.
• Emphasizes China’s commitment to global responsibility as a founding member of the UN.

  “Just because you are a member of the international community, you should get along with the understanding, sympathy, and recognition by the international community. ... China is a country with hope. The hope is not only for the people of its country. It's also hope of the world.” (B/C, 09:26–10:13)

3. Closing Sentiments

(10:13–10:36)

• Ends by quoting Winston Churchill, emphasizing the ongoing journey of China’s modernization:

  “This is not the end, not even the beginning of the end, but this is the end of the beginning.” (C/B, 10:16–10:30)

• Offers blessings of hope and gratitude to all present.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Volunteerism:

  “Frankly, this is the only one organized wholly by students themselves as volunteers. So the spirit of volunteerism is something we appreciate so highly.” (B, 01:40)

• On Openness:

  “We opened five places in 10 years as special economic zones ... Now we have 14 other alike in China.” (B/C, 04:37–05:12)

• On Vision:

  “China is no longer an isolated island in the world.” (C, 07:37)

• On Determination:

  “China is a country with hope. The hope is not only for the people of its country. It's also hope of the world.” (B/C, 10:13)

• On the Forum’s Importance:

  “Frankly, that's the greatest aim for such kinds of academic forum.” (B, 03:54)

Timeline of Key Segments

• 00:24: Prof. Zhou begins closing remarks, expresses gratitude to organizers
• 01:54: Gift of silk Confucius quotations presented
• 02:51: Gratitude to speakers and audience
• 03:54: Transition to expectations for China’s modernization
• 05:53: First expectation: Openness with passion
• 06:53: Second expectation: Reform with vision
• 08:52: Third expectation: Development with determination
• 10:16: Churchill quote—“end of the beginning”
• 10:36: Blessings and conclusion

Conclusion

Professor Zhou’s closing address provided a fitting capstone to the forum, merging gratitude with a persuasive vision for China’s engagement with the world. His observations blend historical perspective, pragmatic optimism, and a call for international cooperation, offering both inspiration and substantive food for thought to the forum’s participants and listeners alike.