On a rainy Saturday morning in Beijing on September 7, 2024, I invited my dear friend, Ms. Yang Fanxin, for breakfast at my hotel. Ms. Yang, an esteemed scholar from Renmin University, is highly respected for her contributions to international collaboration and cross-cultural exchange. She frequently joins the Karachi Editors Club’s annual celebrations of the Communist Party of China (CPC) anniversaries, logging in from China with punctual dedication. Her commitment is inspiring; she often arrives online half an hour early, fully prepared to engage.
As I awoke that morning, I looked out at Beijing’s rain-dampened streets, which added a reflective calm to the city’s usual energy. Although I briefly worried about delays, I knew that Ms. Yang’s punctuality was a reflection of both her own character and the cultural value of timeliness in China. Just as I expected, she messaged me at exactly 7:55 a.m. to say she was already in the lobby. Her reliability never fails to impress me, and as I headed downstairs, I felt a growing excitement for our time together.
Our breakfast setting was lively and welcoming, filled with friends and colleagues eager to meet Ms. Yang. Over the years, I’ve built a close bond with her, and introducing her to my network of journalists and intellectuals felt special. Ms. Yang’s presence sparked meaningful conversation, setting the stage for a morning of camaraderie and insightful exchanges.
Our discussion led us back to the beginnings of our friendship. We first met in 2018 when she was working at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University. I was leading a delegation from my home country to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Ms. Yang was already recognized for her influential work on the BRI’s impact on global cooperation. Since then, she has taken on an even more influential role as the Director of the Forum Department at the National Academy of Development and Strategy, continuing to bridge knowledge and understanding across borders.
In her current role, Ms. Yang has become an advocate for cross-cultural and intellectual exchange, especially in a world that increasingly demands cooperation to address global challenges. She shared her thoughts on projects designed to connect nations and promote a shared understanding. Listening to her describe these initiatives was inspiring; it highlighted how her work plays a critical role in fostering mutual understanding amid a complex, interconnected world.
Among our breakfast companions were prominent members of the Karachi Press Club (KPC), including its President, Mr. Saeed Sarbazi; Secretary General, Mr. Shoaib Ahmed; and Ms. Shazia Hasan. They were captivated by Ms. Yang’s insights into the role of media in fostering understanding and respect between nations. She spoke admiringly of journalists’ efforts to bridge knowledge gaps and create spaces for empathy and open-mindedness. Her reflections resonated deeply with everyone at the table, reminding us of the media’s power to shape perceptions and encourage respect across cultures.
As breakfast drew to a close, we gathered for a photo to commemorate the morning. It was a simple gesture but one that captured the spirit of friendship and intellectual connection that defined our time together. I felt grateful to be surrounded by individuals dedicated to enriching their lives and the lives of others through knowledge and empathy.
Reflecting on the morning, I felt a renewed sense of optimism and purpose. My meeting with Ms. Yang reinforced the value of friendships that transcend borders. Such relationships foster a more inclusive and understanding world, and as scholars, journalists, and diplomats, we each have a unique role in shaping the future. These connections remind us that, just as the influential figures of the past have shaped our world, we, too, can build a more open and collaborative society.
By the time we left, the rain had returned, but it felt different-more like a reminder of patience and persistence, values that underlie progress and growth. As we walked away from the hotel, I felt a profound sense of purpose, as though our breakfast had been more than just a meal. It was a reaffirmation of the power of connection, knowledge, and shared goals.
I am deeply grateful for the chance to spend time with such an inspiring friend. Ms. Yang embodies the spirit of intellectual curiosity and cross-cultural understanding, which she has made the foundation of her work as a scholar and director at Renmin University. Her friendship has been a blessing in my life, and her influence will continue to inspire me and all who know her. Our breakfast was a reminder that understanding and mutual respect can indeed form the basis of every meaningful interaction.
After bidding farewell to Ms. Yang, our group, accompanied by our gracious hosts from the China Economic Net (CEN), including Ms. Wang Kai, Ms. Liao, and Mr. Wilson Xiong, prepared for a day of exploration. Our visit to the Forbidden City, accompanied by the gentle drizzle, was a fitting continuation of our enriching morning.
