by Yophiandi Kurniawan
Deputy of International Relations of Indonesia Cyber Media Network, News Producer, Indonesia
I first became acquainted with China through books that discussed the marvels of its civilization, the steadfastness of its ethical codes, and its way of life, eventually leading to modern living. My initial interest was in Deng Xiaoping. In the mid-1990s, Deng was still alive and a guiding force in China’s economic and political modernization.
Deng’s role emerged after Mao Zedong. Both of these figures, along with the founders of the Chinese state, had distinct roles. While Mao established China, Deng guided it towards progress. This systematic introduction was revealed in the book “Pemikiran Strategis China” by Rizal Sukma, then the Executive Director of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
Deng envisioned China 50 years into the future, laying the foundation for its astounding economic growth. Today, with various technologies like 5G and a commitment to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, China has become a model for addressing climate change.
John Naisbitt, a renowned futurist, consistently positioned China as a leader in 21st-century Asia. The phrase “Asian Century” became a mantra for the world, prompting a focus on the East and Southeast. This was in the 1990s, before the Asian economic crisis. Despite the crisis, China rebounded quickly, and its economic and technological advancements now rival those of the United States.
My first visit to China occurred in 2013, albeit for just three days. Nevertheless, it was enough to reveal China’s strong capability to progress with a Western framework. Importantly, China has not forsaken its traditions and culture, instead blending them with Western modernity. Discussions and implementations of renewable energy were evident, showcasing how the vast Eastern civilization maintains and presents itself to the world.
In 2016, I spent more time in China, visiting Beijing, Yunnan, and Guizhou. Guizhou is known for its signature drink, Mou Tai. I was there as part of the Jefferson Fellowship, an international exchange program. China was the second country we visited after the United States, organized by the East-West Center in Hawaii, focusing on Asia-Pacific Security and Stability.
Guizhou is now a hub for renewable energy, particularly wind power, alongside solar energy. Similarly, Yunnan hosts one of China’s major big data centers. This trip allowed us to witness cutting-edge technology before the advent of 5G, illustrating how China competes with the United States. A Chinese diplomat who accompanied us in Beijing spoke about Huawei, a leader in gadget technology and the Internet of Things (IoT).
In 2016, as the U.S. presidential election took place, China was also in transition with Xi Jinping succeeding Hu Jintao. This shift in China’s foreign policy and the election of President Donald Trump offered a global perspective on China as a formidable economic, defense, and technology competitor to the United States.
Specifically, in technology, China has showcased its prowess in semiconductor development, rivaling the United States. For Indonesia, President Joko Widodo has consistently sought to strengthen cooperation across various fields with China.
In Yunnan, I observed the growth and management of big data, with infrastructure well-maintained in the cool mountain regions, providing natural cooling for big data hardware. The skills of young Chinese professionals facilitated smooth information flow for society.
In Guizhou, wind power remains central, with giant wind turbines generating electricity for the public. Similar to solar energy in Beijing, wind power exemplifies the renewable energy practices promoted by Europe to mitigate climate change.
Eight years later, I had another opportunity to visit China, this time for ten days. I traveled to Beijing, Tianjin, and Xi’an, experiencing the advanced high-speed rail technology. This development has extended to Indonesia, with the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail project undertaken by a Chinese-Indonesian consortium, KCIC.
Xi’an, guarded by the legacy of Qin Shihuang, China’s unifier, symbolizes cultural preservation. In the film “Hero” by Chinese director Zhang Yimou, the concept of Tianxia, or “All Under Heaven,” represents unity among China’s diverse ethnicities. This idea, portrayed in the film, underscores China’s cultural and political identity. The symbol in “Hero”, the word Tianxia, was written in the sand by the warrior character played by Tony Leung Chai Wai to another warrior played by Jet Li Lien Chieh.
In Xi’an, history is not just the past but a guide to the future. The city’s fortresses and bell towers serve as reminders of significant events. Xi’an also houses an old, grand mosque, well-maintained as both a place of worship and a historical site, highlighting religious pluralism granted by the Qin dynasty. Additionally, St.Francis Cathedral, a site for Vatican Catholic missions in China, is located here.
Both in Xi’an and Beijing, efficient transportation systems significantly aid the mobility of busy residents. From nine in the morning until eleven at night, subways in both cities are always crowded. My commutes across Beijing were facilitated by a punctual and extensive subway system. Similarly, in Xi’an, the subway was my preferred mode of transportation due to its speed, accuracy, and affordability.
Today’s China is an open nation, no longer perceived solely through the lens of ideological differences with the West, particularly the United States. Instead, China is seen as an economic, political, and technological rival.
Given this landscape, China can no longer be called the “Bamboo Curtain” of the 1990s. China’s achievements are now visible to the world, having built the infrastructure to be a leading global nation in politics and culture. Modern China continues to develop not only its present but also its history, with the understanding that “History is made today.” Every step is carefully considered, making China’s internal and external actions transparent. China’s strength lies in its modernity and its commitment to preserving tradition, culture, and history.
*The views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the individual authors and do not reflect the position of the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Journalist Network.