Q&A

What have been the major developments in China in the past five years?

We've seen continued investment and improvement in science and technology, business innovation and the internationalization of education, which I know a little bit about because I'm here at Peking University's the Yenching Academy, a new program that is part of this broader policy. This is important for China's opening up and integration in the world.

What has been your personal experience with this development?

I joined the Yenching Academy three and a half years ago. When I was first introduced to this project, I thought it sounded amazing. After coming here and working with the Peking University administration and with my colleagues at the academy, I've been so impressed by how open and flexible they are in designing a program that makes sense for people from around the world and for Chinese students to integrate, to get to know each other, to develop long-lasting friendships and to learn about this fascinating country and civilization.

What's the biggest challenge China faces, and how can it overcome it?

China is a big country and has created a comfortable standard of living for people in big cities. But there are still many people in the country who are not doing so well and don't have the educational opportunities that others have. So it's a big challenge for China to continue to develop the rural areas and build up its second- and third-tier cities, so that people there can have the same quality of life as those in Beijing, Shanghai and other big cities.

Do you believe that some of China's experiences or practices could be used to solve pressing global problems?

Yes and no. China is following its own path, and while some things make sense for China, every country is different. However, it has been so successful in so many areas that any developing country would want to look at China's experiences. There are also things about China that the US is studying, too.

What is your impression of President Xi Jinping?

I've never met Xi, but I hear from friends and diplomats who have met him that he's an impressive man. So I hope to get the opportunity to meet him some day.

(China Daily USA 10/19/2017 page5)