Türk speaking at the Global Geopolitical Outlook sub-forum at the 2024 BFA annual conference

On March 28, diplomat and former president of Slovenia, Danilo Türk, said in an interview with Global People and HIMC in Boao that today, the world’s development depends on Asia and that “China is the most powerful source of power for Asia's growth and development. This is something of which everyone should be aware."

He stated that China is an important partner of Europe. “European Union officials have mentioned many times that the interests of the United States and the European Union are not identical. Europe has its own interests ... and [it] has to have the necessary autonomy to deal with China in a way which is European, not somebody else's."

Continuing, Türk expressed, "Talk of 'de-risking' in China-EU cooperation is something we don't like to hear. Some people want to create the impression that (China-EU cooperation) is 'dangerous.' I think the most important thing is that we can find a platform to move forward together. I hope that China-EU relations can go further."

Türk, an international legal scholar, called the "rules-based international order" promoted by certain countries a "bad concept."

"When somebody says rules-based order, I'm not happy because that's ambiguous and invites further questions. All right, which rules? Made by whom?"

In contrast, Türk believes that the "Community with a Shared Future for Mankind" proposed by China presents a better vision - establishing an international society where countries can share views and build a common future.

"In this community, there are no 'rules' without consensus because we already have well-established international law. At the same time, this community provides sufficient space for participants in the international arena to develop a vision ... that is common and shared."

Slovenia was one of the first European countries to participate in the joint construction of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and China is the country's largest trading partner in Asia. "I hope Slovenia can play a more important role in promoting China-EU relations," Türk said.

"The EU and China have worked together in the past, for example, on the reform of the dispute settlement system of the World Trade Organization, and now there are new cooperation opportunities. Now, China seems to be very strongly committed to high-quality development. There are many areas in technological development, in the protection of the environment and managing the question of climate change (for joint China-EU cooperation). We have to build (the China-EU) partnership really quite courageously and ambitiously. "

Türk in an exclusive interview with Global People and HIMC during the BFA annual conference

Türk encouraged countries around the world to seek opportunities in China: "There is a saying: the proof of the pudding is in the eating, (and within that) the new status of Hainan is an interesting opportunity. and I hope more people can come to China to explore and establish a close cooperative relationship with China.”

"Only if you participate in China's economic opening process can you understand China's opening up."

(Photos: Global People (环球人物) official WeChat account)