BEIJING, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- While advancing its modernization, China has made enormous efforts to protect its heritage and achieved significant progress in conservation, Irina Bokova, former UNESCO director-general, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's accession to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Bokova said that throughout the years, China has enthusiastically embraced the main idea of the convention.

Since 1987, when the Great Wall and several other Chinese sites were first inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, China has had a total of 60 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

"China now is one of the top countries on the list," Bokova noted.

More than 30 years have passed since Bokova's first visit to China. She said that through her participation in numerous conferences and exchange activities, she can clearly feel that China is one of those examples where social and economic progress go hand in hand with cultural advancement.

"When we speak about global competence, I think a very integral part is cultural literacy," said the former UNESCO chief.

Noting that China has "achieved great success" in heritage protection, Bokova said she was particularly impressed by China's innovative approach to protecting cultural relics. She mentioned that a few months ago, she had been invited to visit a restoration center in China, where she saw "top expertise" in restoring manuscripts and preserving monuments.

"To protect the common heritage of humanity, I think it's important to train experts," she said, adding that Chinese experts have made great efforts in this regard.

Bokova praised China for actively sharing its experience with other countries, including through capacity-building collaborations on heritage protection with African and ASEAN nations.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Palace Museum in Beijing. Bokova highlighted the museum's active role in global cultural exchange -- from sharing its collections to hosting conferences and seminars, and promoting the exchange of expertise and scholars.

Bokova was also amazed by the integration of creativity and design into cultural products, citing her visit to the sites along the Beijing Central Axis, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List last year, as an example. She noted that China is one of the fastest-growing creative economies, with an increasing number of Chinese cities joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

Bokova expressed her fascination with China's blend of modernity and tradition. She described China as a remarkable example of a country that remains deeply rooted in its history and culture while embracing modernity and creativity.

She also praised the pride that Chinese people take in their culture, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's own history. Bokova said that by knowing and valuing their own past, people can become more open and tolerant toward the histories of others, a message she hopes other countries can also embrace.

In keeping with the principles of the World Heritage Convention, Bokova stressed that all cultures are equal.

"All cultures should be respected, and they permeate and then influence each other. This interaction is how we have today the incredible cultural diversity of humanity," she said. ■