What should Iran, China do to promote social-cultural ties?

Although Iran and China have a strong and prominent political and economic relation, the people of the two countries do not know much about each other; so, what should the Iranian and Chinese governments do to elevate such bilateral knowledge?
To receive some perspectives and answers to this question, the Tehran Times conducted an interview with Shen Shiwei, China Global Television Network (CGTN) reporter, and research fellow on international relations and the BRI cooperation, which comes as follow.

Although Iran-China trade and political relation is outstanding, people of the two nations do not know about each other as much as it should be. What’s your opinion in this regard, and what should be done to improve relations between the two countries in this field?
Actually, China and Iran are old friends and good partners, and the two countries have known each other since ancient times. For centuries, the land and maritime Silk Roads have closely connected the two ancient civilizations, and they have lived in harmony. The Silk Road strengthened exchanges between the two sides in the fields of trade, art and culture.

In modern times, language, culture and education play an important role in mutual understanding between the people of the two countries, especially the younger generation. China is one of the earlier countries to launch Persian language teaching and education. At present, more than a dozen universities in China have established Persian language and culture education centers and Iranian research centers. An increasing number of Iranian students are studying Chinese at local Confucius Institutes or studying for degrees in China. According to the Iranian Embassy in China, there are currently more than 3,000 Iranian students studying in China.

As China becomes the world’s second largest economy, more and more Chinese companies are undertaking local landmark projects in Iran, and the image of China and Chinese people in Iran is gradually changing. There is an old Chinese saying that says seeing is believing. Through more on-site visits, especially exchanges between the younger generations, the people of the two countries will have a more vivid understanding of each other.
What measures should be taken in terms of expanding tourism ties between Iran and China, for example visa-free visits, etc?

Implementing a visa-free policy and increasing direct flights are undoubtedly good ideas to promote visits between China and Iran. Taking the Persian Gulf countries and Caucasus countries as examples, a visa free policy, either unilateral or bilateral, together with increasing economic cooperation and direct flights with China have boosted more travel, both for business and tourism purposes. China and Iran have already established a visa-free policy for diplomatic and public affairs passports, and Iran has unilaterally granted visa exemption to Chinese tourists, a move that has already attracted Chinese visitors.
In terms of direct flights, in addition to Mahan Air’s direct flights to China’s major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Urumqi, Air China and China Southern Airlines will soon add direct flights to Tehran.

Social media, especially short videos, has a great influence on the younger generation’s understanding of each other. I’m very glad to see that the Iranian Tourism Bureau (original has Iranian travel authority) and airlines have begun to invite Chinese influencers to have a real travel experience in Iran and share travel tips with social media users. I hope the Iranian Tourism Bureau and others can further expand their promotional plan and that Chinese tourism authorities and agencies will also try this kind of initiative.
How holding cultural event can improve the knowledge of Iranian and Chinese people about the other side?

In recent years, people in China and Iran have become more familiar with economic cooperation, whether it is landmark projects or daily goods. Therefore, by organizing a variety of cultural events in each other’s country, art and historical artifact can become examples that transcend contemporary boundaries. Over the decades, the two countries have organized many cultural activities in each other’s country, especially for the younger generation. The exhibition titled “The Glory of the ancient Persia: Exhibition of Iranian cultural relics,” held at Beijing’s Palace Museum earlier this year, was a great example of allowing the Chinese people to have a more vivid understanding of Iran, the birthplace of the ancient Persian civilization. In recent years, China has organized art, cultural and film events in Iran. By highlighting such events and promoting similar endeavors, we can further enrich the understanding between the people of Iran and China. Events like these illuminate the shared history and close ties between civilizations, encouraging a mutual respect and curiosity that goes beyond diplomatic and economic engagements.

What are the most outstanding social and cultural characteristics that the Iranians and Chinese have in common?
The people of China and Iran are proud of their thousands of years of great civilizations, cherish traditional values and embrace modern development.

What measures should the two countries’ governments take to improve Iran-China social-cultural ties?
Cultural activities are essential for people to have a better understanding of each other. Tourism is an important way to promote cooperation and mutual understanding. In the area of social and cultural exchanges, bilateral and multilateral platforms and mechanisms can strengthen China-Iran social and cultural exchanges. Both governments have signed agreements, MoUs and legal frameworks, which have paved the way for cooperation in cultural activities.
How will the expansion of social-cultural relations between the two sides develop trade and economic ties between them?
Social and cultural exchanges can provide “lubricant” for win-win economic and trade cooperation. The development of China-Iran relations requires both the “hard” support of economic and trade cooperation and the “soft” support of cultural exchanges.

There are indeed similarities between the Chinese and Iranian people, but they are also different in terms of historical and cultural backgrounds and business mentality. Through more cultural exchanges and cooperation, we can better understand each other and strengthen mutual trust, thereby better strengthening economic and trade cooperation.