Editor's note: Yang Chaoming, Dean of the Confucius Institute made a keynote speech in the 6th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations. The views are concluded here for readers.

China's way of governance is the fruit borne from Chinese civilization, the embodiment of the spirit of Chinese civilization, and also the essential foundation for the continuation of Chinese civilization in the new era. Focusing on the present, China's way of governance, as a new type of national governance system, embodies the Chinese wisdom in resolving common problems faced by mankind endowed with Chinese strength, Chinese characteristics, and Chinese style.

On the stone monument in front of the UNESCO headquarter, it is inscribed in multiple languages: "since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed." The strength of Chinese civilization is based on thinking about human mind. The Chinese sages proposed to guide human mind with Taoism, restrain the "human desire" with the "principles of the heaven", so human thoughts can be directed towards the right direction and released through the right outlet. It could build a true civilization, which suits the entire human society.

People have different minds and "human hearts are unfathomable", so the unity of people’s minds is especially important. Chinese thinkers in early ancient times particularly emphasized "united as one", which means commonality. China has a vast territory and different ethnic groups live together in harmony. In this regard, the perception of "united as one" not only conforms to history, but also complies with reality. The uniqueness and wisdom in the thoughts of the Chinese nation lies in the unity of opposites between "unity" and “diversification”. We seek unity in the striving goals, and diversification in specific practices. We seek unity in the mainstream values, and diversification in its interpretation and embodiment.

The successful prevention and control of the Covid-19 epidemic and coping with the complicated and ever-changing situations home and abroad show that China's way of governance has brought stability and harmony to the Chinese people, and China's institutional system has attracted attention of many people of insight in the world. In terms of international relations, China has its own unique core pivot. Peace and development, prosperity and strength are the aspiration and pursuit of the Chinese people, as well as the common pursuit of all countries in the world, which can be referred to as " united as one". Every nation has its own historical tradition, cultural heritage, and basic national conditions, so its development path has its own characteristics. Therefore, China's way of governance does not "import" foreign modes nor "export" Chinese modes. China respects self-determined options of each country and "diversification", and it is committed to building a community with shared future for mankind.

In the interaction between "unity" and “diversification”, the "principle of community " and "subject consciousness" are well noted. China's way of governance is rooted in China, upholds the cognition and thinking inherent in the Chinese civilization and embodies the values, pursuits, moral sentiments and will of the Chinese nation. "Our vast territory has been exploited by all ethnic groups. Our long history has been written by all ethnic groups. Our splendid culture has been created by all ethnic groups. Our great spirit has been cultivated by all ethnic groups." Towards the new era, China’s way of governance will build the Chinese nation towards a community with shared future with more inclusiveness and solidarity.