YOUNG CHINESE STUDENTS IN THE HEART OF EUROPE TELL US
Let’s speak about Social Credit, CCTV cameras, USA&Europe, China&Europe and Environment
First meeting: Yuwen Gu, PhD student, communication department of VUB university, Brussels
About Social Credit&CCTV
LHCH 1° what do you think about the philosophy of Social Credit in China (CCTV cameras, tracking on smartphones, internet …)? Is it a good way to get more security and harmony in a huge country where a lot of people just want to get wealthy, as some Chinese netizens say ?
Yuwen Gu : I would not say that China is a country where “ a lot of people just wants to get wealthy as soon as possible”. This is not a presumption for security or harmony and should not be a precondition for social credit system. Prosperity is definitely a goal that a nation wants to pursue. However, the path and method of achieving this goal may differ based on a nation’s own historic reasons and status quo.
There is a reason for surveillance cameras in China, especially under the generally growing concern of terrorism on the global scale. However, the balance of privacy and safety is always tricky. And the definition on security and criticism is still currently blur.
2°Do you think nowadays more Chinese people can be suspected of corruption or even political misbehavior? Or this philosophy of Social Credit is over-sensitive?
I think there is a question to be asked here: how much suspected people are actually convicted as corruption? How could this system be proven itself? Is there figures to be transparently compared? Is this number supported by the system? If the figures are clear, then there is more liability of this system.
3° You are studying in Belgium where people are more interested in Freedom than in Security. Are you ok with that? European ideas are open-minded, positive, or too permissive?
I think everyone is interested in security. The question to be asked is maybe: to what extend do we sacrifice freedom to security. It is the percentage and the consequences of sacrifice that may differ between different countries. Based on the historic and geographic conditions of Europe. I understand their belief on this percentage.
It is a bit too general to say a culture is positive or permissive. First and foremost, I believe the similarities of humanity among all different races. They are maybe open-minded in one thing but not on another thing. For a rational state, national interest is the top consideration. Second, if I have to choose an adjective to describe the Europeans, I will say they are sophisticated.
Europe or USA ?
4° You are studying in Belgium, center of Europe. The reason is that you believe Europe is still a good place to find a job or starting a business ? Europe is facing a big crisis after the pandemic situation, do you think a better cooperation between China and Europe will boost European business and economy ?
I have not considered the US as the best place in the world so that everyone has to be there to achieve something. I choose Belgium because of the partnership programme between my home university and VUB.
I think half of the world is facing a big crisis this time since the pandemic is still going on!
I think a better cooperation between China and the EU will boost both sides economy no matter when, be if before or after the pandemic.
Environnement.
5° Europe tries to focus on sustainable and green economy. Here the healthy food, organic food is very important. A lot of people are vegan ! Do you think Chinese people can adapt their lifestyle for a more green World ?
I think it would be difficult to change in China. However, there is a trend already in big cities in China that more bourgeoisies starting a vegan lifestyle. I wonder if this is for a greener world or just to look cool and keep fit though.
6° For example the huge consumption of meat, especially pork. Here, are you tempted to change your way of eating or cooking ?
I do not think people in China eat meat that much either. Meat is necessary, in festivals even more necessary, but not like main dish either. I think I am not going to be vegan but I am not a big meat lover either.
Relations between China and Europe
7° To conclude : From Amsterdam to Shanghaï this is the same huge Eurasian continent 亚欧大陆. Is it an inspiring concept for you in the future ? In your imagination Do the great European cultures and astonishing 5000 years-old Chinese history and Culture share the same level of sophistication, blooming and refinement ?
Of course this is an exciting place. That is also why I think more students are coming to Europe to study and exchange. I think both cultures share similarities and I look forward to contribute to the cultural and educational exchange between China and the EU.
