President Xi’s reply to the Central Asian students- Having personally experienced China’s development, I hope more people will understand China – My memories of China

In a recent interview, Rahman Bayramdurdyyev, who has been honored with the Wang Tao Outstanding Talent Award and serves as a teaching secretary at the International Education College of China University of Petroleum (Beijing), shared his inspiring journey of studying and working in China. As the 75th anniversary of New China approaches, he reflected on his experiences in light of President Xi Jinping’s letter, which expressed hope that he and his peers would act as ambassadors of friendship and cooperation.

Rahman recounted a pivotal moment from 2023 when he helped organize a letter from Central Asian students at China University of Petroleum (Beijing) addressed to President Xi. The thrill of receiving a response from the President was unforgettable. “I was so happy! I could hardly find the words to express my feelings,” he said, recalling the exhilarating moment with a smile.

The letter conveyed the students’ experiences studying in China and their dedication to hard work, fostering cooperation, and contributing to the establishment of a China-Central Asia community with a shared future. “We wanted to express our gratitude to President Xi for providing us with such excellent opportunities and learning conditions, and to share our growth stories during our time here,” Rahman explained.

Having spent 14 years living, studying, and working in China, Rahman has witnessed remarkable transformations in the country. He remembers when he first arrived in Beijing in 2010, when cash and credit cards were the primary payment methods. Now, mobile payments via WeChat and facial recognition technology dominate everyday transactions. “Even after 14 years in China, I feel there’s always more to learn,” he remarked.

Throughout the interview, Rahman expressed his deep admiration for Chinese culture. “China’s history is incredibly long, and its culture is immensely rich. Even if I learn something new every day, there isn’t enough time in a lifetime,” he noted. He hopes that more people from around the world will have the opportunity to experience Chinese culture and participate in cultural activities. He highlighted the rise of digital museums and libraries in China, thanks to rapid technological advances, which make it easier for people globally to access and appreciate the country’s rich heritage.

Rahman also shared his experiences as he pursued a doctoral degree and worked at China University of Petroleum (Beijing). He has developed a profound affection for Beijing, viewing it as China’s cultural hub, and noted the significant increase in cultural activities in recent years.

“I hope to participate in more cultural events in the future, and I wish for more foreigners to join as well. This way, they might gain a deeper understanding of China, just as I have, or perhaps even more,” Rahman concluded.