People-to-people exchanges strengthen global mutual trust
When the novel coronavirus pneumonia is defeated, many Chinese, whose travel is limited during the epidemic period, might brook no delay to take a trip. And perhaps some of them will choose Japan as their first outbound destination, because they may be eager to express their thanks in person to a Japanese girl.
To raise donations for Wuhan, the outbreak’s epicenter in Central China, a 14-year-old Japanese girl wore a Chinese-styled cheongsam and kept bowing low to passers-by at a lantern festival in Tokyo on Saturday and Sunday.
The video clip of her move has been widely watched on Chinese social media platforms, touching the hearts of thousands of Chinese people.
Like this girl, quite a few individuals and non-governmental organizations in Japan provided China with much-needed supplies.
In this regard, the epidemic has provided us a rare opportunity to observe the vitality of people-to-people exchanges between China and the world.
Over the past years, China has witnessed profound changes in peopleto-people exchanges with other countries, especially among the younger generation.
More exchanges might bring more conflicts, as people in different countries always hold different views. And some historical problems may also crop up, provoking national sentiment.
But one thing is certain: In the era of globalization, countries will inevitably get closer. We need to learn how to get along with long-existing problems if we cannot solve them easily and quickly.
The key to improving people-topeople exchanges is to communicate in an all-round way and by various means. By doing so, different countries can deepen mutual understanding and prevent historical issues from hindering exchanges.
In particular, in dealing with certain issues that may cause fierce opposition among peoples, we should be extremely cautious. We should in no way let a few people dominate our overall perception of a country and our overall exchanges with it.
In this process, media’s role is essential. Each country’s mainstream media should pay more attention to those positive exchanges and to the cultural phenomena that can resonate with the people, so as to further strengthen mutual trust through exchanges and promote a better understanding of historical issues.
For example, many ordinary Chinese have a positive impression of Japan. Many Japanese novels are bestsellers in Chinese bookstores, and Japanese shows, anime, TV series and celebrities are popular among young Chinese.
However, both countries’ officials, mainstream media outlets and scholars are putting too much emphasis on the political, economic, and diplomatic issues.
It is true that these issues are important, but cultural and people-topeople exchanges are equally significant. For instance, it is important for both the Chinese government and people to appreciate and reciprocate Japanese people’s kindness amid this epidemic.
Neglecting people-to-people exchanges exists not only between China and Japan, but also in the entire East Asia, and even outside the continent.
People from all over the world share a common future. Understanding the significance of people-to-people exchanges is conducive to a country’s standing and development in the international community.