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Copyright © 2024 CGTN. 京ICP备20000184号
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466
Editor's Note: Engagement with China doesn't end after leaving office and former leaders still nurture the political will to close the culture gap and foster dialogue and understanding between their country and China. In this edition of Leaders Talk, CMG's Zou Yun sat down with former Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme on his recent visit to find out what brings him back to China. What does he make of the recent developments between Belgium, the European Union and China? What are his views on China's development and path toward modernization? Still overwhelmingly impressed by China's infrastructure development and increased standard of living, Leterme continues to advocate cooperation and dialogue between East and West. Transitional problems and challenges should be addressed in a cool-headed way, he remarks, noting that interconnectedness, as exemplified by China's Belt and Road Initiative, is of paramount importance. At this critical juncture in China-EU and China-U.S. relations, he says that "decoupling" is not a solution and that the EU should be less dependent on the U.S. for its security. He praises China for respecting cultural diversity and warns not to believe in media "misrepresentation" of China, noting that more exposure to Chinese culture in the West is needed. And he finally pays homage to the Chinese who gave their lives during the First World War at Ypres, near his hometown. A token of solidarity, Leterme reckons.