In order to understand a nation and its people, one needs to be fully immersed in its particular culture and understand its values and mindset. China, for the last five thousand years, has developed as a profound civilization characterized by a rich diversity of philosophical thought, a humanistic spirit and moral values. Chinese culture embraces wholeheartedly the ideas of benevolence (ren仁) and “taking the people as the root” (minben民本), which together shape Chinese understandings of sovereignty, difference, justice, integrity, harmony, and consensus. These ideas have been crystallized into the mindset and behavior of Chinese people over countless generations. At the same time, these universal values are crucial for China’s capacity to cope with various challenges, such as severe environmental issues, wars, and disparity between the rich and the poor.