Photo: Xinhua

A total of 23 young sinologists from 21 countries are taking part in an exchange training program in Urumqi, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which organizers hope can help strengthen communication among young scholars. 

The program, which is set to last for three weeks, combines mentoring, academic lectures and field trips, enabling these sinologists to observe the region and have a deep understanding of Xinjiang. 

It enables the sinologists to work together with Chinese experts and instructors to study policy systems, including product supply, typical projects and the global significance of the Belt and Road Initiative, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2023.

The young sinologists will also carry out investigation and research on the theme of the "Cultural Silk Road," and go to Urumqi, Kashi and Turpan to investigate the core area of the Silk Road Economic Belt in Xinjiang, as well as the history of the development of the Silk Road in ancient times, organizers said. 

Peng Yubin, a senior official with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, said the program could facilitate mutual exchanges and understanding. 

"The program will be conducive to the continuation of the cultural genes and historical undertakings embedded in the Belt and Road Initiative," said Peng, the deputy director-general of the Bureau of International Exchange and Cooperation, Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

"The promotion of the Silk Road spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual appreciation as well as mutual benefit will further promote the exchanges and mutual understanding between China and foreign countries."

Khilola Ochilova of Uzbekistan, a Chinese teacher at Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages, said she would cherish the opportunity this training provides and be a good messenger for friendly relations between China and Uzbekistan.

Founded by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2014, the Young Sinologists Training Program aims to build a global platform to support young overseas sinologists in conducting China studies and create opportunities for young talents in the field of sinology in various countries.

It also helps carry out exchanges and cooperation with outstanding Chinese academic, cultural, educational, and tourism institutions, as well as social groups, enterprises, and scholars, providing convenience and substantive assistance for their academic research.

Through these young sinologists, the establishment of long-term and stable exchanges between foreign academic institutions and Chinese research institutions and think tanks can also help promote mutual exchanges and understanding and jointly promote the development of global sinology research.

The 2023 program, the first time the program has been held in Xinjiang, will also be held in East China's Shandong Province as well as Shanghai, organizers said. 

Yan Naimin, deputy director of the Department of Culture and Tourism of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, said that encouraging young overseas sinologists and think tank scholars to strengthen their knowledge and understanding of Chinese culture will help the world to better recognize and understand the country. 

"We hope that during the training period in Xinjiang, all young sinologists will get to know Xinjiang, understand Xinjiang and fall in love with Xinjiang through exchanges and mutual learning, and jointly promote the dissemination and development of Chinese culture."