Abstract
In this paper, we examine how European systems of thought and action have shaped humanitarian practices in China. After recalling a series of key background elements of European and Chinese humanitarianism, we describe the four historical steps of European influence on Chinese relief practices, and we finish by considering the current role of the European Community Humanitarian aid Office (ECHO) in this context.
Highlights
To define humanitarianism and its related concepts like humanitarian action is a tricky task
After recalling a series of key background elements of European and Chinese humanitarianism, we describe the four historical steps of European influence on Chinese relief practices, and we finish by considering the current role of the European Community Humanitarian aid Office (ECHO) in this context
European culture has always been a major provider of renewal in Chinese humanitarian practices
Summary
To define humanitarianism and its related concepts like humanitarian action is a tricky task. The ICRC put forward seven core principles of humanitarianism, i.e. humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality[4]. This definition has been debated since the 1990s, mainly regarding two aspects. The current humanitarian system is a product of western society, and Europe has played a significant role in its development[8] This is not to say that humanitarian elements such as life saving and suffering relief are not embedded in diverse cultural traditions and different civilizations; modern humanitarianism Just like Hugo Slim once mentioned, “the formal [humanitarian] system has adopted many of the routine practices of modern welfare provision in Western states9.” In addition, most of the big relief agencies have their origins or headquarters in Europe, such as ICRC, Oxfam, MSF, Actionaid International, CARE, Catholic Relief Services, etc
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