Ex-EU protocol chief highlights stability in Longhua APEC lecture

Video by Zuo Shiyu

A special lecture titled “New Diplomatic Trends in the APEC Context” was held at the Shenzhen (Longhua) International Cooperation Center on Wednesday. 

The event was organized by the Office of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Organization Department of the CPC Shenzhen Longhua District Committee, and hosted by the Shenzhen (Longhua) International Cooperation Center (LICC).

Thierry Bechet, former chief of protocol of the European Union and a seasoned diplomat, delivers a session on emerging diplomatic dynamics within the APEC framework at LICC on Wednesday. Photos courtesy of LICC

The lecture featured Thierry Bechet, former chief of protocol of the European Union and a seasoned diplomat, who shared insights into emerging diplomatic dynamics within the APEC framework. The session was attended by representatives from relevant Longhua district departments and 30 multilingual volunteers.

“There’s a lot of disruption by a few actors in the ecosystem of the world order. The result is that people need more cooperation and more coordination,” Bechet told Shenzhen Daily.

He said that stability and predictability are essential for all countries, especially China. “It is very important that you will take the initiative at the APEC meeting to reinforce stability, predictability, and respect for both rules and partners,” Bechet added.

Participants listen to Thierry Bechet, former chief of protocol of the European Union, during a lecture on APEC-related diplomatic trends at LICC on Wednesday.

Bechet also noted that Shenzhen’s selection as the APEC meeting host city was “not by chance,” calling the city “a symbol of trade and technology” where “innovation actually takes place.” He said the meeting helps reinforce Shenzhen’s image as “a place where things can happen.”

Highlighting APEC’s diversity, Bechet said the organization includes many economies around the Pacific Ocean.

“What you will be doing here in Shenzhen is welcoming all these people from different cultures by being open, showing empathy, and showing understanding.”