VII. China’s Admirable Commitment to Safety and Integrity

During my time in China, I have been most moved not just by the modern cities and rich culture, but by the profound sense of security and integrity that defines the society. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the peaceful and orderly nature of life here. Whether on the streets, public transportation, or campus, there is a deep-seated sense of order that makes you feel genuinely safe. Even walking alone late at night, I feel no concerns for my safety—something that would be unimaginable in the more complex security environment of Africa.

Two personal experiences particularly deepened my appreciation for the honesty and kindness of the Chinese people. The first happened one evening when I was exhausted after class and accidentally left my phone in a taxi on the way back to my dorm. I panicked when I realized it was missing, as my phone contained a lot of important academic materials. I immediately borrowed a friend's phone to call my number, and to my relief, the driver answered instantly. He calmly told me he had found the phone and was already on his way to return it. True to his word, he arrived a short time later and handed it back to me without asking for anything in return. I was incredibly touched by his simple act of kindness.‌ The second time, I was out with my advisor and accidentally dropped my phone while getting out of a car. I didn't notice it was gone until we reached our hotel. I assumed it was lost forever, but when I went back to the same spot, a shop owner nearby recognized me. He had been holding onto the phone for me, and he returned it. This experience reinforced my belief that the trust between people in China is truly authentic.

Beyond these personal anecdotes, China's strong social security is evident in every aspect of daily life. While some people might find the widespread surveillance cameras ‌intrusive, they provide a crucial sense of security, especially for new international students like me. This feeling of safety has allowed me to focus entirely on my studies and daily routine without worrying about my personal belongings or well-being. I was also surprised by the "culture of trust" that exists in Chinese society. Many supermarkets have self-checkout systems where shoppers scan and pay for their items themselves. This high level of trust and self-discipline reflects a collective respect for rules and an inherent honesty. Similarly, electric bikes and bicycles are often left unlocked on the street with very few instances of theft. Coming from a culture where one must always be vigilant about your belongings, this relaxed atmosphere was a refreshing change. The mutual respect and kindness I've observed create a positive social environment, changing my perspective on human interaction. The Chinese friends, and even strangers I’ve met, have almost always been willing to help, whether it's giving directions, returning a lost item, or just starting a friendly conversation on the bus. They’re always so polite and dependable. In this safe and welcoming society, I have gradually learned to let my guard down and trust the people around me.

VIII. A New Era of China-Africa Cooperation: From Dialogue to Shared Development

In August 2024, I had the privilege of attending the 6^th Forum on China-Africa Media Cooperation and China-Africa Think Tank High-Level Dialogue in Beijing. This experience gave me a much deeper understanding of the current state and future of China-Africa relations. The forum served as an important platform not only for exchanging ideas but also for charting a practical course for our shared development. A central topic of discussion among representatives from various countries was the "role of media and think tanks in strengthening bilateral relations." There was a broad consensus that China and Africa must work together to challenge the narrative long dominated by the West, crafting instead a more accurate, positive, and mutually beneficial portrayal of our partnership. A recurring argument was that the media should transition from passive reporting to proactively curating narratives about China, Africa, and cross-continental cooperation. Equally emphasized was the imperative to enhance professional training for African media practitioners. Multiple speakers stressed the urgency of equipping African journalists with skills needed in emerging fields like digital technology and multimedia communication to foster more balanced, diverse, and locally-focused journalism.

Parallel to this, the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), held from September 4 to 6, 2024, further expanded the scope and depth of China-Africa collaboration by focusing on crucial topics like educational development, digital transformation, and sustainable development. China's expanding role in Africa's socioeconomic development—manifested through infrastructure investments, technology transfer, and scholarships for young Africans—was widely recognized as a catalyst for the continent's progress. Notably, these partnerships not only align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also come up with tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of African nations. This was a central theme in the forum, where many African scholars noted that China and Africa should collaborate on the basis of co-design, co-participation, and mutual benefit. They emphasized that Africa should shift from being a "recipient" to a "co-builder," with both sides working together to implement long-term, influential projects in key sectors including agriculture, health, and technological innovation.

These forums transcended mere platforms for policy exchange; they served as crucial arenas where China and Africa collaboratively shape their shared future. By bringing together leaders from media, academia, and government, these events are building a solid foundation for a strategic partnership rooted in mutual respect, trust, and shared success. As an African student in China, I was deeply inspired to participate in these high-level discussions. The experience not only enhanced my comprehension of the China-Africa cooperation framework but also solidified my belief that the future of this partnership hinges on more young Africans like me stepping up to serve as a bridge between the two sides. We must enthusiastically dedicate our expertise and vigor to forging a mutually prosperous future for both China and Africa.

IX. Charting a Course for the Future

My academic journey in China has fundamentally changed the course of my life. It has taught me how to step out of my comfort zone, confront my fears, and constantly adapt to a new cultural contexts—a process that yielded profound self-discovery. This odyssey has pushed me to expand my boundaries, and my growth has extended far beyond academics. While expanding my knowledge base, I've also honed my cross-cultural communication skills, language abilities, and personal resilience, which are essential for navigating today's complex world. My daily life and studies have become an extension of my research—a profound exploration of culture, values, and different ways of living. Through my interactions with Chinese friends and classmates, I've gained a deeper understanding of societal norms, cultural paradigms, values, and lifestyles in China, as well as the ever-strengthening ties and shared vision for development between China and Africa. These experiences revealed how fundamental human values like kindness and respect have the power to cross borders and connect people's hearts. These values have not only influenced how others see me but have also reshaped my own worldview, inspiring me to carry this positive energy back to my home country and share it with my community.

My dream has always been returning to my home country one day and make contribution to its development by applying what I've learned. Now this dream is stronger than ever. My time in China has not only forged my resilience but also helped me develop a more open mindset—a capacity for understanding others, embracing differences, and connecting with the world. I am convinced that these qualities will be my most valuable assets, both in my career and in my personal life!

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About the Author:

Franck Désiré GOGNAN (Chinese name: 郭浩勇) , from Côte d'Ivoire, is currently a Ph.D. candidate in geology at the China University of Geosciences (Wuhan). He specialized in mineralogy, petrology, and mineral deposits. His research focuses on using methods like trace elements, stable isotopes, and fluid inclusions to analyze the formation of ore deposits, the origin of mineralizing fluids, and the source of ore-forming materials. He also applies machine learning to geochemically identify and classify pyrite and sphalerite within SEDEX-type deposits. Franck's exceptional professional skills have been widely recognized. He was named The Best Mineral Exploration Geological Engineer in Côte d’Ivoire by KASSA GOLD SA. He has also excelled in the "Tripartite Symposium"—a collaborative event involving universities, mining authorities, and industry companies in Côte d’Ivoire. Furthermore, his outstanding potential and international vision were acknowledged in China with the award of “The Third C-STAR African Youth Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program”.