On October 25, Beijing hosted a symposium titled “Chinese Humanitarian Traditions and International Humanitarian Principles – A Discussion on Ethics in Emergency Rescue,” bringing together experts, scholars, and frontline humanitarian workers to engage in deep dialogue about the alignment and practical value of Chinese humanitarian traditions with international humanitarian principles.
The event was co-organized by the East Asia Regional Office of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Relief and Rescue Department of the Chinese Red Cross Society, and the National Emergency Medicine Research Center. Participants emphasized that concepts embedded in Chinese traditional culture—such as benevolence, harmony, and balance—along with a pragmatic approach, offer valuable insights for applying international humanitarian law. With 2024 marking the 120th anniversary of the Chinese Red Cross Society and the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, the discussion of integrating Chinese traditional culture into international humanitarian efforts is particularly relevant for fostering cross-cultural integration in the field.
In his opening remarks, Director of the National Emergency Medicine Research Center, Lv Guozhong, highlighted the Confucian emphasis on harmonious relationships and respect for others’ interests, the Daoist principle of aligning with nature and caring for society, and the Legalist focus on the spirit of rule of law and equality. He noted that these elements encapsulate the essence of humanitarianism.
He elaborated that grounded in traditional Chinese values such as harmony, righteousness, and integration, China actively proposes initiatives like building a community with a shared future and the Belt and Road Initiative, contributing wisdom and solutions for global peace and development. As a responsible global player, China engages in international rescue and humanitarian actions, profoundly respecting human life and dignity through its humanitarian principles.
“Chinese traditional views and ethics have played a unique role in the international community,” remarked Ji Borui, Deputy Director of the ICRC East Asia Regional Office. “The values of harmony and balance, as well as compassion and kindness inherent in Chinese tradition, are deeply ingrained. Through its distinctive traditional wisdom and practical efforts, China actively embraces the spirit of humanitarianism.”
During the session featuring keynote speeches and roundtable discussions, experts and practitioners from the ICRC’s branches in China, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, as well as representatives from the Chinese Red Cross Society, the International Red Cross Academy, the National Emergency Hospital, and the Chinese Medical Association’s Humanities Committee, engaged in extensive theoretical discussions and shared practical experiences on topics such as the humanistic spirit found in Chinese traditional culture, the integration of international humanitarian law with Chinese humanitarian traditions, and the development of humanitarian ethics.
As the Minister of the Relief and Rescue Department of the Chinese Red Cross Society, Bian Xiao, noted, “The Chinese Red Cross is the oldest humanitarian organization in China. Founded 120 years ago in the midst of conflict, it has upheld the Red Cross spirit of humanity, altruism, and voluntary service, committed to protecting life and health while maintaining human dignity in both domestic and international disaster relief efforts.”
Bian further asserted that “China is an active supporter, participant, and contributor to international humanitarian efforts. In light of the new global landscape, we continuously contemplate how to integrate Chinese humanitarian traditions with international humanitarian principles. Our reflections and exchanges on this theme will undoubtedly yield fresh perspectives, views, and insights.”
