Through Their Eyes: 16 Foreign Experts’ Serendipity with China, written by Xu Qingqun, Editor-in-Chief of International Talents magazine (COURTESY PHOTO) 

Why does a person choose to live in a foreign land? There must be profound reasons behind the choice.  

In June 1981, a plane carrying 23 American students landed in Beijing. Laurence Brahm was among them, unaware that he would become a witness to and participant in China’s development.  

Forty years have passed and this American, who has played multiple roles in China, including as a lawyer, economist, writer, and documentary maker, has truly become a seasoned China hand. His story and connection with China have been documented in a book that crosses time and space. 

On December 17, a book launch was held in Beijing for the highly anticipated book Through Their Eyes: 16 Foreign Experts’ Serendipity with China, written by Xu Qingqun, Editor-in-Chief of International Talents magazine. This book, published by the Publishing House of Electronic Industry, not only serves as a platform for sharing China’s perspective with a global audience but also as a distinctive endeavor to present an authentic and multidimensional view of China through the eyes of foreign experts working in China. 

Xu Qingqun, Editor-in-Chief of the International Talents magazine and author of the book, speaks at the book launch in Beijing on December 17 (COURTESY PHOTO) 

Xu, a seasoned media professional with expertise in international communication and social issues, embarked on a five-year journey to conduct face-to-face interviews with 16 distinguished foreign experts. These experts hail from diverse fields, bringing their own unique stories and experiences to the book’s narrative. 

With personal experiences and firsthand observations of China’s remarkable transformation since the beginning of reform and opening-up in the late 1970s, these experts offer captivating narratives that shed light on the country’s rapid economic and social progress. Their accounts encompass diverse aspects, including advancements in education, technology, healthcare and achievements in rural revitalization. 

Chinese and foreign scholars attend the book launch ceremony in Beijing on December 17 (COURTESY PHOTO) 

Many of these experts have dedicated substantial portions of their lives to China, with some having spent over 30 or 40 years in the country. Notably, British expert Michael Crook’s family has resided in China for six generations, highlighting their enduring connection.   

In this book, readers will be able to delve into China’s allure and gain insights into its future. Through the lens of scientists, entrepreneurs, educators, artists, and other knowledgeable individuals, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the country’s journey and its impact on global progress.  

During the book launch, several foreign experts featured in the book expressed their deep affection for China. Brahm, also the recipient of the Chinese Government Friendship Award in 2019, shared his thoughts on conveying China’s stories through culture. He emphasized that nurturing China’s international relations is an ongoing endeavor, requiring the promotion of contemporary Chinese popular culture in diverse forms to foster global understanding and familiarity with the country. 

Konstantin Shchepin, a senior journalist at China Central Television and the recipient of the 2020 Chinese Government Friendship Award, highlighted the significance of translating and publishing the book for foreign audiences. He said he believes that it provides a unique glimpse into the real lives of foreigners who reside, work, and experience life in China, helping to bridge the gap between cultures and fostering understanding. 

Their testimonies and narratives help dispel stereotypes in international public opinion, enabling more people to grasp the true essence of China. 

Li Junru, former Vice President of the Central Party School, noted in a video speech that comprehending China is a monumental task that requires global collaboration. These foreign experts, possessing their understanding of China, share persuasive and credible stories. He hopes that more foreign experts will participate in this endeavor and convey China’s narrative through diverse forms. 

The narratives of these foreign experts are an indispensable aspect of China’s evolving story, mirroring the dawn of a new era in the country. The central theme of the book revolves around the concept of “China Serendipity.” This implies that the book captivates the readers by portraying the kindness and good will of these individuals through a plethora of anecdotes and intricate details, thereby highlighting their ordinary yet noble characteristics. Some of these experts were inspired by their parents to embark on their journey in China, whereas others ventured into this enchanting land of their own accord. Having been privy to the societal transformations and development of the country, their personal accounts radiate a sense of confidence in the country. 

There is a lot of curiosity about China, and these kinds of stories address this curiosity about China’s journey, and particularly its transformation. For this reason, the accounts of foreign experts’ experience in the book are quite powerful for audiences both in and outside China. 

Copyedited by G.P. Wilson   

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