Spanish scholar highlights AI's role in cross-cultural exchange

Juan Manuel Corchado, rector and AI professor at the University of Salamanca, delivers a lecture titled "From Understanding to Dialogue: The Power of AI to Unite People and Nations" at Tsinghua University in Beijing, May 15, 2025. [Photo by Wang Yiming/China.org.cn]

For two nations with rich cultural heritages and growing technological ambitions like Spain and China, artificial intelligence (AI) offers a unique opportunity to forge deeper ties, said Juan Manuel Corchado, rector and chair professor of artificial intelligence, computer science and cybersecurity at the University of Salamanca.

During a recent visit to China from May 13-15, Corchado led a Spanish academic delegation that met with representatives from some of China's top universities, including Peking University and Tsinghua University, to explore opportunities for educational cooperation and AI-powered cultural exchange.

In an interview with China.org.cn, Corchado elaborated on how AI can facilitate cultural exchange and strengthen academic ties between China and Spain, and his views of AI as a powerful enabler for stronger bilateral ties.

He explained that advanced AI models, such as large language models (LLMs) and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems, have the capability to "analyze the cultural context of a conversation" and adjust their responses to respect local traditions and customs. This contextual awareness helps avert misunderstandings and promotes culturally sensitive communication. Moreover, AI can analyze cultural trends and perspectives, providing valuable insights to support international decision-making.

He also emphasized AI’s ability for "smart translation," which goes beyond simple language conversion by accurately interpreting idiomatic expressions unique to each culture while maintaining their original meaning. Additionally, Corchado pointed out that AI enables "real-time multilingual communication," effectively breaking down language barriers and fostering collaboration and mutual understanding across nations.

Beyond language, Corchado highlighted that AI can identify and understand philosophical concepts unique to certain cultures. For example, AI models can explain the differences between Western and Eastern thought, further bridging cultural divides and enhancing cross-cultural dialogue.

As a concrete example of AI's application in cultural exchange, Juan Corchado highlighted the University of Salamanca's plan to open a Confucius Institute at the end of this month, integrating AI into its teaching approach.

"The Confucius Institute will promote Chinese language and culture," Corchado said. "But now that we offer all our students courses in AI, we believe we can combine AI with Confucius education."

He explained that the university provides AI courses to all students because everyone has the ability to adopt AI to become a better professional. Taking advantage of current AI advancements alongside Chinese language learning, the university plans to use innovative tools such as the latest generative AI models and RAG technology to develop specialized systems for teaching Chinese language and culture.

"We can customize all the information we have about China to meet the needs of each individual user," Corchado noted. "This is a great advantage. By combining the traditional Confucius teaching approach with the power of AI, we aim to create knowledge that reaches far more people, adapting to their specific learning needs."

Reflecting on his visit to China 10 years ago, he said he was struck this time by the country's remarkable progress. "I'm impressed with the level of technology you apply in society to all elements, and how everything is so well thought out and made for the people," he said.

Corchado was also particularly impressed by the close relationship between Chinese universities, society and industry. "I visited several companies that are proud of their cooperation with universities," he said. "And the universities, in turn, proudly speak of how many of their former students are now working at top technology companies such as DeepSeek and Lenovo. This synergy between academia and industry is impressive and shows how education directly benefits society."

Corchado praised China's leadership in AI, attributing it to a powerful combination of investment, infrastructure and talent. "I believe the top power in AI worldwide is China," he said. "You have the funding to develop large language models like DeepSeek and to build the computing clusters they require. But even more important is the human capital to develop these platforms."

"I've studied several Chinese tech firms, and I'm really impressed by the level of knowledge and capability I’ve seen," he said.

Acknowledging China's leading role in AI, Corchado stressed the importance of collaboration. "We need to be closer to those who know more than us, to learn more," he said, emphasizing the critical role academic institutions can play in fostering cross-cultural understanding, especially in the age of AI.

He highlighted the University of Salamanca's longstanding engagement with China. "We are a more than 800-year-old university with one of the strongest Asian studies programs, especially focused on China," he said.

The university hosts around 600 Chinese students annually — roughly one-tenth of its international student body — and receives many more for short-term courses. In addition to academic partnerships, Salamanca's science park is also home to companies doing business with China, strengthening links across education, research and industry.

"Universities trust each other. We are accustomed to collaborating, communicating and working jointly on projects. This kind of cooperation helps us not only to accomplish academic goals, but also to gain a deeper understanding of one another's cultures," he added.