On 14th June 2017, Zhong Yin Law Firm successfully convened the “Sino-American Cultural Exchange Forum” in Beijing, featuring guest speakers including Mr Zeng Guoxiang, president of Beijing Association of Zengzi Cultural Studies; Illinois Congressman Joe Sosnowark; American Rockford High School principal Randy Taylor; and Dr David Koekema, PhD of Princeton University and philosophy professor at Calvin College. The firm’s director Mr Li Ju, management committee member Mr Li Zheng and partner Mr Yang Jinglin all participated in the seminar with fellow staff members, and gave a warm welcome to our guest speakers.

The forum started off with a speech given by the firm’s director Mr Li Ju. He mentioned that as the State promotes the Belt and Road Initiative, there has been increasing exchanges between the countries in the international community, especially in the political, economic and cultural aspects. It is hoped that through this forum we can enhance our awareness of each other’s culture and strengthen future cooperation in different fields.

During the forum, Mr Zeng Guoxiang initiated a discussion on “benevolence” – the core value of Confucianism, and explained the idea through four aspects: what is benevolence, what is virtue and morals, how to acquire it and how to practice benevolence. On the other hand, our American guests discussed with the participants on issues such as the similarities of Chinese and American culture, global economic situation, the legal environment in China and America, and practicing law in America.

The forum was moderated by Mr Yang Jinlin, a partner of the firm. Management committee member Mr Li Zheng said that globalization must first require a resonance on culture. There are indeed many similarities between the Chinese and American culture, and no doubt Chinese culture has become an important part of America’s multiculturalism; Chinese culture has a long and profound history whereas American culture is full of vitality and diversity. This forum has helped us to understand and learn from each other more thoroughly, which will benefit future development on both sides.