future diplomats

The spring semester concludes soon, so I’m reflecting on how things went in my classes and on the Chinese education system in general.

preparing to negotiate

One class I taught was International Communication and Negotiation, a fun and exciting class to teach because I had no prior experience with these subjects.  I now know significantly more than when I started, so I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn new information and expand my understanding.  Teaching a new subject is really energizing; it’s good for me.

This class is part of the International Relations Department, so some of these bilingual students will find jobs in diplomacy.  I’m curious about these students’ world view.  Their understanding of current events and history is filtered through the government and may not match the world view of other countries.  For example, last week was the anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square demonstrations, an event that has been erased from China’s version of history, so whole generations here do not know about it.  If PCVs talk to students about this taboo topic, we get sent home; it’s that serious.  I wonder if, when, and how the government tells its future diplomats and officials about the events of Tiananmen Square. 

 

As part of the final exam for this course, I asked this question:

The conclusion of Negotiation Theory and Practice, A Review of the Literature article says: “By looking at the other side as a partner rather than an opponent and by working together, negotiators have an opportunity to craft a solution that will be beneficial to both sides.”

Do you agree or disagree with this statement.  Give 3 supporting reasons why.

negotiation practice

In disagreeing with this quote, one student gave this reason:

“From my country’s history contracts, it’s not fair.  It’s not beneficial to us.  The invaded countries forced our country to sign the contracts.  Should we look at the other side as a partner? The answer is “NO”!”  

This kind of suspicion, mistrust, or maybe even animosity is common in China; it’s what students are taught and I’m concerned about the effect of this attitude in diplomacy.  My students really like me and enjoy spending time with me, so I don’t take their attitude personally; it’s just part of their culture.  Trying to present a different world view is part of the work Peace Corps does; we put a friendly face to the word “American.”  Maybe down the road, as these students become involved in international relations, they’ll become more worldly and open-minded, I hope.

About a month ago, I was confronted with anti-US attitudes at the library English corner.  In an environment of friendship and cultural exchange, it was a rare negative encounter that left me a little shaken and dismayed.  I was also confused: if they hate the US, why are they practicing English?  Weird stuff comes up at English corner and I take the opportunity to correct misunderstanding, like when someone says 9/11 was a conspiracy.  So that day, a friendly, smiling woman said that she was really happy when she heard about the 9/11 attacks because she hates the US, but then she realized it’s possible to hate a country and like the people.  I don’t understand hate, and that’s about all I could say to her.

More weird stuff came from an older man visiting from Beijing, who said he had started a tourism business and an Internet search engine and also worked for the military.  He explained to me that the US wants to take over China, sending people to work in China who actually work for the C.I.A., implying that I am here as part of the China takeover.  I tried various tactics to redirect the conversation to safer territory, “How do you like Chongqing food?” Nothing worked; he kept at me.  Finally I said, “I’m sure you believe what you’re saying, but it’s wrong.  You’re upsetting me and I can’t talk to you anymore.”  I turned my back to him, giving my attention to other people and he left a short time later.

Do educated Chinese people actually learn about and understand the US, American people, and world events?  I don’t know, I have doubts.  I hope the recent meeting between President Obama and Xi Jinping helps generate some positive dialogue in China, but the reality of that happening might be remote.