In this congress, oral communications or posters may be presented in the following four thematic areas of great relevance in the relations between Portugal and China:
1. “Belt and Road Initiative”
In 2013, China outlined two new strategies that shape its alignment in global growth and development, and aim to establish cooperation platforms between several continents: the “Silk Road Economic Belt”, which aims to connect China to Europe by land, through Central and Western Asia; and the “21st Century Maritime Silk Road”, which aims to connect China, India, the Middle East and Africa by sea and thence through the Suez Canal to Europe.
Thus, this panel aims to discuss the relevance of this initiative, which completes a ten-year cycle, seeking to understand and assess its impact on the global economy and on relations between peoples, namely between China, Portugal and Portuguese-speaking countries.
2. Dialogues between Languages: Literature, Translation and Teaching
China is present in Portuguese literature, not only in the journeys of the Portuguese navigators, but also in those of the writers who have been especially going to Macao over the last centuries. Therefore, the way in which Portuguese writers have perceived Chinese culture is a subject of investigation. Likewise, it seems challenging trying to understand the vision that the Chinese convey from Portugal.
With this in mind, it is also important to recognize the teaching efforts of the two languages, as well as the two-way translation: Chinese works translated into Portuguese and Portuguese works translated into Chinese.
3. History, Culture and Tourism
The subject of travels has been the central element of Portugal’s relationship with China for several centuries. Traveling has always been one of the main mainstays in linking and consolidating relations between nations and cultures.
The purpose of this panel will be the study of the historical relations between the two countries, as well as the cultural testimonies of the Portuguese presence in China. The forms of tourism and leisure between these two countries, so far apart, but united by secular historical relations, will also be addressed.
4. Artistic Dialogues
China’s opening up to the West and its cooperation with Portugal in particular has enabled the circulation and exchange of knowledge between the two countries, for instance at the artistic and cultural fields, within the spheres of music, theater, dance, audiovisual, multimedia and design.
The aim is to discuss the different forms of artistic interaction between Portugal and China and to raise awareness of the projects developed in these areas.