Published: 2024-12-04

Hong Kong Baptist University’s School of Communication, supported by the RGC PROCORE-France/Hong Kong Joint Research Scheme, hosted a two-day symposium on digital public diplomacy on November 19-20, 2024, exploring the evolving dynamics between China and France in a post-pandemic world.

The symposium titled ‘Revisiting Digital Public Diplomacy in a Post-pandemic World: Chinese and French Perspectives’, brought together guests from the French Consulate in Hong Kong and scholars from Hong Kong Baptist University, Université Paris Nanterre, Université Gustave Eiffel, and the Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales who offered unique insights into the cross-cultural diplomacy between China and France.

Martin Ding Fat Wong, HKBU Provost speaking at the Symposium

In his opening remarks, Martin Ding Fat Wong, the Provost of Hong Kong Baptist University, highlighted the unique ways that transformative technologies are changing the world in the wake of the disruptive Covid-19 pandemic. He noted that digital technologies have evolved to bridge divide, amplify voices, foster cross-cultural collaboration, transform cross-national engagement, sustain dialogue, foster mutual understanding, and address emerging global issues in an increasingly interconnected, yet fragmented world.

“China and France, two nations with profound cultural heritages and far-reaching global influence, offer valuable perspectives on the opportunities and challenges of digital public diplomacy. This calls for critical conversations on how we can harness emerging technological tools to deepen the understanding and interconnection between the two nations,” Professor Wong stated.

Benjamin Hubin, Deputy French Consul General speaking at the Symposium

Benjamin Hubin, the Deputy French Consul General, in his address, stressed the long-standing cooperation between Hong Kong, China, and France, adding that the symposium serves as testament to their continuing collaboration. Highlighting the revolutionary impact of digital media technologies on French diplomacy, Mr Hubin assured that the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has the second largest institutional Twitter (now X) account in France is committed to using its digital media platforms to drive policies that enable inter-cultural interaction, openness, and alliances.

Martin Ding Fat Wong, HKBU Provost (R) presenting a souvenir to Benjamin Hubin (L) at the Symposium

“This conference served as a platform for trailblazing discussions on digital diplomacy, merging innovative approaches in cross-cultural diplomacy, public perception, and the socio-political impacts of digital technologies to redefine both theoretical and practical approaches,” says Celine Song, Associate Dean of the School and convener of the event.

Some of the guests and speakers at the Symposium

The event drew over 20 paper presentations by Hong Kong and France researchers which delved into how digital transformation is reshaping public diplomacy between China and France, and spotlighted pioneering methodologies and evolving theoretical frameworks. “We are grateful for this opportunity to connect with our French colleagues doing interesting work on digital diplomacy,” Bu Zhong, Dean of the School of Communication remarked, “This symposium signals the continuation of the academic exchange programme of our faculty and students in Paris, and the facilitation of the network of ideas between HKBU scholars and our French colleagues”.