Exploring the Environment of China 2011

Beijing: Perspectives & Cultural Interactions

by Yosip V. Pineda Vargas

I’m a master student in the Environmental Science and Management program at Duquesne. I arrived to the US in March 2010, and since then I have tried to get familiar with the culture in the United States. For me the opportunity to travel to China was really important since that would also help me see the world from a different perspective. I had wondered whether the government in China makes its decisions in a similar way that the US government does or even the government back in my country, Panama.

During our visit, we had the opportunity to go to different places, talk to some of the students and even ask people on the street. I really don’t know if my impression would actually be certain about some of the topics, but from my personal perspective I figured that cultural difference and ideologies really separate our countries a lot. Similarly, to European countries and the US, the Chinese government seems to make decisions looking forward to improve the quality of living of the people in China regardless of what some outsiders say.

I witnessed how the Chinese government has tried to bring and innovate in technology for some of the largest cities in the China, which is one of the things that we could say directly or indirectly the United States, Panama and China have in common. However, what really fascinated me about the whole thing was the fact that institutions that normally are run by the industry in other countries such as wastewater treatment plants, water treatment plants, and waste management actually have accomplished major technological advantages and are kept upgraded according to the needs of the population. This last point is certainly one of the things that in countries like mine or the United States seem to work slower due to the political issues and regulations.

Finally, I could say that, it was not only the Chinese government who impressed me, but also the way the people in China are. They are always willing to help, and although you kind of get that sense of shyness at the beginning, they certainly are nice and trustworthy.