Zhao Ling: In the face of "noise", how should overseas students rationally express their patriotic voices?

Zhao Ling

Recently, affected by the development of the situation in Hong Kong, some noises against China have appeared on some foreign university campuses from time to time, and even blatant provocations by some "anti-China" forces. In this regard, more and more Chinese students have spontaneously stood up to support the motherland in various ways, narrated Chinese views, expressed patriotic feelings, and aroused heated discussions at home and abroad. But at the same time, we are also seeing some cases of fierce confrontation and even conflict between different views, which is worrying. How international students should correctly face the "noise" of overseas has become an unavoidable topic.

Why do they all say "more patriotic after going abroad"? In fact, it is largely because each Chinese once they go abroad, they will feel more deeply and intuitively that the fate of the individual and the fate of the country are closely linked. What kind of impact has China's development brought to the world? What does the outside world think of China? What risks and challenges is China facing? All of these problems affect the daily perception of every overseas Chinese. Therefore, "only if China develops well, and everyone says that China is good, can I be better."

In fact, in this globalized and information-based world, in this new era when China is moving closer to the center of the world stage, it is not only difficult for international students to "ignore things outside the window and only read the books of the sages", but also whenever some sensitive issues related to China are disputed overseas, it is often difficult to find "a calm desk" on campus.

In the face of all kinds of strangeness, doubts and even misinterpretations and hatreds of China in the outside world, not silent, not evasive, in an appropriate way to send out China's voice, clarify facts, increase trust and doubts, not only help students to enhance their ability to cross-cultural exchanges and international thinking, accumulate experience in coping with complex affairs and diversified challenges, but also help to enhance the understanding and respect of Both China and foreign countries, win the recognition and respect of the outside world, and strive for a more friendly and fair external environment for themselves.

As the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, "It is entirely reasonable and reasonable for Chinese citizens overseas, including overseas students, to express their indignation and opposition to words and deeds that vainly attempt to split the country and smear China's image." "Whenever I see international students coming forward to safeguard the dignity of the motherland, the author is all relieved and moved, because this is the responsibility of Chinese young people in the new era, the confidence of China's development, and the hope of China's future."

However, at the same time, we should also see that the current international situation is complex, the social and cultural environment and legal systems of various countries are diverse, and some words and deeds that seem reasonable in the eyes of Chinese may be given to people in some countries and regions, resulting in complex consequences. We should support and praise the righteous act of expressing patriotic enthusiasm for overseas students, but we must give some necessary reminders from the perspective of protecting them.

First of all, be sure to understand the rules and follow the rules. The words and deeds of international students overseas, especially those held or participated in public activities such as assemblies and parades inside and outside the university, should be strictly limited to the laws and regulations of the host country and the school discipline and school rules. What kind of application process does it take to hold a public event, and are there any precautions? How can participants express different opinions about public events organized by others? What can be done, what cannot be done, what can be said and what cannot be said? Many national and school authorities have clear and relatively clear boundaries on this, such as not tearing up or covering promotional materials posted in specific public areas of the campus, obstructing the order of approved activities of others, and using loudspeakers that exceed certain specifications. Local Chinese student organizations should understand the relevant regulations from many parties and publicize them. Before you understand these rules, you must not act arbitrarily, otherwise it is easy to touch the laws and regulations and cause passivity.

Second, act calmly and avoid impulsiveness. "The blood should be hot, but the head should be cold." In the face of noise, especially those "anti-China" forces, we can speak out and refute it, but it is not appropriate to confront it head-on, let alone have a physical conflict. Neither to stimulate the other party, such as insults, personal attacks or destruction of each other's propaganda materials, etc., nor do you easily fall into the trap of others' provocations, and blow up at one point. A few years ago, a student living abroad was disgusted by the propaganda of local "Falungong" elements and kicked the other party's display board to pieces. In fact, it is precisely the consistent tactics of hostile forces to provoke chinese students who are full of blood and blood, to stimulate them to take excessive behavior, and then to move out of the law to fight to the death, first, they can win the sympathy of the local society with the posture of "violent victims", second, they can "kill one and make an example" of patriotic students, and third, they can slander the Chinese government, which can be described as "one arrow and three eagles". I hope that international students will be highly vigilant about this and will not be counted.

Third, rational expression and convincing people with reason. Speaking out is not for catharsis and fighting, but for transmission and struggle. In the face of "noise", it is better than having a loud voice and winning eyeballs, but winning the perception and winning people's hearts, especially in public gatherings, more need for civilized and orderly organization, easy-to-understand expression, concise and clear display, the purpose is to let the local people know more about the real China, listen to the views of the Chinese people. In addition, local voices are good channels for voices through the news media and social networks, writing letters to influential politicians and institutions, and speaking on various public event platforms to express their views. Using a language that the locals can understand and listen to, "laying out the facts and explaining the reason", introducing and publicizing China, and enhancing mutual understanding and friendship are always the correct ways of expression.

Moreover, relying on the collective, solidarity. Patriotism can enhance our sense of belonging and cohesion. In the face of the oncoming storms and rains, international students actively rely on Chinese student community organizations, unite young students, including students from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, help each other, remind each other, pool their wisdom and efforts, and jointly safeguard the rights and interests of the group, which is itself the way to Chinese long-term survival and development overseas.

Chinese embassies and consulates abroad, especially diplomatic and consular personnel engaged in education and consular protection work, should further strengthen the tracking of the situation and system research in the host countries, show concern, support and guide international students to carry out rational patriotic activities, provide corresponding legal advice and safety reminders, and take timely actions when their rights and interests are damaged, take active actions, resolutely safeguard their legitimate rights and interests, protect their patriotic enthusiasm, and let the vast number of overseas students deeply feel that "the motherland is behind you."

On November 24, a large poster appeared on the campus of Pusan University in South Korea to slander Chinese state leaders, and Chinese students urgently contacted the Chinese Consulate General in Busan through the Student and Scholars Association. The Consulate General immediately made solemn representations to the school and the police, and then the principal ordered the removal of all relevant large posters on campus. This is a good example.

"The place where you stand is your China, and whatever you are, China is what it is!" For every overseas student, studying diligently, acting rationally, establishing oneself, telling the Chinese story well, and letting the world listen to the voice from China is the best way to be patriotic and serve the country.

Editor-in-charge: Zhao Jiandong

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