15.00-16.00 Plenary Session of the China-EU High-level People to People Dialogue Forum16.00-16.30 Welcome and registration of participants16.30-18.00 Panel discussion on CultureThe recent launch of the EU-China High-Level People-to-People Dialogue, with its emphasis on strengthening and expanding intercultural exchanges, mutual understanding and long-term cultural cooperation, opens an important new chapter in the strategic partnership between China and Europe. European Commission President José Manuel Barroso has highlighted the need to build a cultural “bridge” between China and Europe to “help us understand and learn from each other,” while Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao says cultural bonds between states can have a longerlasting impact than economic exchanges and an “enduring influence on the way we live.” More regular exchanges between civil society representatives including scholars, journalists, writers, filmmakers, artists, business leaders and young people are certainly crucial in promoting better EU-China understanding a rapidly changing and globalised world. Both Europe and China have potent “soft power” tools they can use to promote their rich cultural heritage and in culture – as in politics and economics – China is becoming an increasingly influential and dynamic global player. Europe has an equally significant cultural outreach but is cultural diplomacy now an integral part of EU foreign policy? Are EU member states working together as efficiently as they should to promote their European cultural interests? Do Chinese and Europeans have sufficient knowledge about each other’s cultures? What are the prevailing cultural stereotypes and misperceptions in EU-China exchanges and how do they impact on other aspects of the relationship? What is the role of traditional and new media in forming and debunking those misperceptions? What strategies can be implemented to improve cultural understanding between the two sides?Invited speakers include: Martine Bulard, Deputy Editor in Chief of Le Monde diplomatiqueChristopher Dent, Professor in East Asia's International Political Economy at the University of LeedsChinese representative to be confirmedChinese representative to be confirmedModerated by Shada Islam, Head of Policy at Friends of Europe18.00-19.30 Concert19.30-20.00 Cocktail reception