BY ALLA GHAZARYAN
Assistant to the Director, Information and Public Relations Center under the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia
Before learning about China in detail, my impression of the country was mostly based on general information, educational materials, and global media. I associated China with its long and continuous history, rapid economic growth, and its position as one of the most influential countries in the world. Like many people, I perceived China as a place where ancient traditions and modern development exist side by side. At this stage, my understanding is still general and based more on external impressions rather than deeper analysis or personal experience.
One of my first impressions of China is its scale. Everything about the country seems large: its population, its cities, its infrastructure, and its economic presence. Even from a distance, it is clear that China plays a significant role in global affairs simply because of its size and influence. At the same time, what stands out even more is the speed of its development. The transformation that has taken place over the past few decades creates a natural sense of curiosity about how such a process was achieved in such a relatively short period of time.
Another important impression is the contrast between tradition and modernity. China is often described as one of the oldest continuous civilizations in the world, and this is reflected in its cultural identity, historical landmarks, and social values. At the same time, it is strongly associated with modern technology, high‑speed urban development, and global innovation. I think this combination creates the impression of a country that is constantly balancing its historical roots with the demands of a rapidly changing world. For me, this contrast is one of the first things that makes China particularly interesting as subject of study.
My perception of China was also shaped indirectly through the professional environment and the experiences of people around me. In previous years, I have had colleagues who participated in international programs in China as part of exchange, training, or study visits. They shared their experiences of visiting Chinese institutions, engaging with local professionals, and participating in academic and professional discussions in a different cultural environment. They often described these programs as highly valuable opportunities for learning, exposure to new perspectives, and professional networking. In addition, I have also observed colleagues who participated in similar international programs in other countries, and their feedback has also been consistently positive in terms of knowledge exchange and personal development. Although these were not my personal experiences, they made China feel more concrete and closer, rather than something distant or abstract. They also increased my general interest in international programs and cross-cultural learning environments.
When I start thinking about China in relation to global governance, my understanding is still somehow at an introductory level. I associate global governance mainly with international organizations, diplomacy, and cooperation between states. Within this framework, China is one of the key actors participating in global decision- making processes.
At the same time, I began to notice that China is frequently mentioned in relation to global challenges such as climate change, technological development, and global health. Even without detailed knowledge at that stage, it was clear that China is not a passive participant in the international system, but rather an important actor that contributes to shaping global policies and discussions. This realization added another layer to my initial impression and made me more interested in understanding how global governance actually functions in practice.
Another early impression I have is that China’s role in global governance is interpreted differently depending on the perspective. In some contexts, it is seen as a country that significantly contributes to global development, infrastructure projects, and economic cooperation. In other contexts, it is discussed more critically, particularly in relation to geopolitical competition, economic influence, and differing political values. This diversity of perspectives makes me realize that international relations are rarely one- dimensional and that the role of any major global actor is usually complex and multi- layered.
From a broader perspective, what interested me most at this initial stage is not detailed policy analysis, but rather the idea of interconnection. China’s example made me think about how deeply interconnected the modern world has become, and how decisions made in one part of the world can influence many other regions. This understanding gradually led me to think more seriously about global governance as a system that depends on cooperation, negotiation, and mutual understanding among different countries.
This topic also became increasingly relevant to me in the context of global media and communication. Even at a basic level, it is evident that information about China is widely present in international media and that different narratives about the country circulate across various platforms and regions. This connects directly to the broader idea of media transformation amid global changes, where communication systems, digital technologies, and international relations are increasingly interconnected. The way countries are represented in the media, the speed of information flow, and the influence of digital platforms all play an important role in shaping global perceptions. At this stage, I see this as an important area that requires deeper understanding, especially in a rapidly changing global environment.
Overall, my first impression of China is that it is a country that cannot be easily defined in simple terms. It appears simultaneously traditional and modern, familiar and complex, historical and forward-looking. At this stage, my understanding is still developing, and I recognize that it is based more on initial exposure and indirect impressions rather than direct experience or in-depth study. This is why I see participation in programs related to global governance and media transformation as an important opportunity for further learning.
I expect that engaging more deeply with these topics will help me move from general impressions to a more structured and informed understanding of China’s role in the global system. In particular, I am interested in how global governance functions in practice, how international cooperation is shaped, and how media and communication systems influence global interactions. China, as one of the key actors in these processes, provides a meaningful case for exploring these questions.
In conclusion, my first impressions of China are shaped by a combination of general knowledge, indirect professional exposure, and early reflections on global systems. China appears to me as a major global actor with a unique combination of historical depth and modern development. At the same time, its role in global governance and global communication systems is complex and interpreted in different ways. For me, this topic represents not only an interest in one country but also an entry point into understanding broader global transformations and the interconnected nature of today’s world.
*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.