LINE

Text:AAAPrint
Politics

Confucius Temple to build China-Vietnam ties: experts

1
2015-06-11 08:55Global Times Editor: Li Yan

Building a temple in Vietnam that honors Confucius may help the country resist Western cultural infiltration, boost its economic development and establish a better relationship with China, analysts said Wednesday.

Vietnam's government has faced criticism over the construction of the Temple of Literature, which has been built to help the public to worship the Chinese philosopher Confucius, who is widely revered in many countries and regions including Vietnam, -Japan and South Korea.

The Vietnamese Tuoi Tre newspaper reported on Wednesday that the government has been attacked by some for wasting public resources on the project. The temple, measuring over 42,000 square meters in area, is nearing completion in the city of Vinh Yen in northern Vietnam and has so far cost about $12.45 million.

"Chinese culture has had a huge influence on Vietnam. The -promotion of traditional culture can protect Vietnam from western -cultural infiltration," claimed Zhuang Guotu, professor at the Research School for Southeast Asian Studies at Xiamen University, -stressing that Western countries want to achieve their political aims through cultural infiltration.

Zhuang believed that the cultural project will also have huge economic value as a tourist attraction.

This can help the country's tourism industry develop and boost the economy of Vietnam, Zhuang said, rejecting accusations that the project was a waste of state funds.

By building the temple to -worship an ancient Chinese philosopher, -Vietnam is conveying a -message of friendship to China, Zhuang said.

Confucianism has a high status in Vietnam, said Qi -Jianguo, former Chinese ambassador to Vietnam.

"People who know about Confucianism are regarded as knowledgeable and are respected in Vietnam," he said, adding that former president Ho Chi Minh's father was a Confucian scholar.

Related news

MorePhoto

Most popular in 24h

MoreTop news

MoreVideo

News
Politics
Business
Society
Culture
Military
Sci-tech
Entertainment
Sports
Odd
Features
Biz
Economy
Travel
Travel News
Travel Types
Events
Food
Hotel
Bar & Club
Architecture
Gallery
Photo
CNS Photo
Video
Video
Learning Chinese
Learn About China
Social Chinese
Business Chinese
Buzz Words
Bilingual
Resources
ECNS Wire
Special Coverage
Infographics
Voices
LINE
Back to top Links | About Us | Jobs | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
Copyright ©1999-2018 Chinanews.com. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.