Get a True, Multi-Dimensional and Panoramic View of China from Buzzwords
—Amb. Qin Gang Attends Forum on Tourism, Hospitality and Cultural Exchange
2021/10/07 11:00

On October 6, Ambassador Qin Gang virtually attended the Opening Session of the Forum on Tourism, Hospitality and Cultural Exchange co-hosted by the US-Asia Institute and Las Vegas Sands Corp., and delivered a keynote speech.

 

Ambassador Qin shared with the audience seven buzzwords in China and used a host of pictures to vividly and humorously describe China’s latest development and Chinese people’s attitudes towards life. The two buzzwords, “People First, Life First” [人民至上、生命至上] and“Heroes in Harm’s Way” [逆行者], highlight China’s spirit of combating COVID-19, which features putting people’s lives first, nationwide solidarity, sacrifice, respecting science, and a sense of mission for humanity. The three buzzwords, “Lie Flat” [躺平], “Versailles” [凡尔赛], and “Celebrity Fan Clubs” [饭圈], summarize the lifestyle and life philosophy of some Chinese youths, as well as a trendy social media culture and commercialized idol-chasing. The pair of buzzwords, “Involution” [内卷] and “Double Reduction”[双减],reflect by way of contrast the pressure and impact brought by intense competition and commercialization in today’s society, and how Chinese government and society deal with them.

Ambassador Qin pointed out that these buzzwords reflect the changing and unchanging elements in Chinese people’s values when China experiences rapid economic growth and becomes more open and inclusive. Socialism with Chinese characteristics requires both material progress and cultural-ethical advancement. We need to keep fine traditional values, uphold fairness and justice, and not get lost in a market economy. In addition to rule of law, China also practices rule of virtue. Rooted in traditional Chinese values is a concern for the common good of humanity, as shown in a Chinese poetic line, “how wonderful it would be if there could be tens of thousands of houses to shelter those in need, together in joy!” It is unacceptable if capital is allowed to seek profit and monopoly at the expense of public interests.

Ambassador Qin also took the audience on a virtual tour in China, in which he shared several friendly reminders. The tour showcased a fascinating and colorful China and the progress of Chinese society, as well as Chinese people’s enthusiasm towards cultural and people-to-people exchange with the US.

Ambassador Qin emphasized that tourism and cultural exchange between China and the US are the foundation for mutual understanding and correct perception of the two peoples. He hoped that the pandemic would be over soon, so that American friends could go to China for study, work and fun to get a true, multi-dimensional and panoramic view of China.

Chinese Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism Zhang Xu delivered video remarks at the Opening Session. About 500 participants, including Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, Members of Congress, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, as well as representatives from US-China Educational Trust, US Travel, University of Nevada and other organizations, joined the two-day Forum in person or via video link. The host also played video clips featuring China’s landscape and culture as well as Beijing Winter Olympics between sessions.

The American attendees spoke highly of the significance of tourism and cultural exchange in advancing US-China relations, and the huge opportunities brought by China’s reform and opening-up and rapid development to international investors. They said, the US and China, as two major countries, shoulder common responsibilities of promoting world peace, stability and prosperity, and have extensive common interests in areas such as climate change, public health, anti-terrorism and non-proliferation. The two countries should properly handle differences, strengthen dialogue, enhance cooperation and jointly promote the healthy and stable development of US-China relations, to the benefit of the people of both countries and the world at large.


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