Exploring Chinese modernization: Insights from an interview with Kirill Kravtsov
Nov 10, 2023
Peking University, November 10, 2023: In the Youth Forum titled "My Story with Chinese Modernization" held on Nov. 4 during the 2023 Beijing Forum, Kirill Kravtsov, a student from the School of Journalism and Communication at Peking University, provided a thought-provoking analysis from various perspectives, including historical context, academic experts' evaluations, viewpoints of young sinologists, and media coverage. He shared his observations on Chinese modernization through the lens of Russian audiences.
Kravtsov, currently pursuing his master’s degree at Peking University, displayed remarkable fluency in Chinese despite his short stay in China of just over two months. With a background in Oriental Studies during his undergraduate years, he had actively participated in online exchange programs with institutions such as Fudan University and Wuhan University, and adeptly balanced the dual roles of teaching Chinese and English while immersing himself in his own academic pursuits.
When discussing his choice to enroll in journalism and communication studies at Peking University, Kravtsov highlighted his deep-rooted research interests in the dynamic interplay between politics, media, and international relations. He actively participated in a research team that extensively investigated the relationship between politics and media in Eastern countries. These invaluable experiences motivated him to embark on further academic endeavors at Peking University, where he seeks to delve deeper into his study fields and engage in meaningful exploration.
Regarding his personal perspective on Chinese modernization derived from his firsthand experiences, Kravtsov highlighted the profound impressions he gleaned from visiting cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, and Tianjin within the span of two months. The rapid modernization evident in these cities left an impact on him. For instance, he compared the travel time between Beijing and Shanghai, which takes just over four hours by high-speed rail, with the five-hour journey from St. Petersburg to Moscow, even though the latter is only half the distance. Furthermore, he marveled at the juxtaposition of modern skyscrapers and elegant cultural heritage sites in Chinese cities, exemplifying the fusion of modernity and ancient traditions in Chinese modernization.
As a young scholar, Kirill Kravtsov's distinctive viewpoint and dedication to comprehending Chinese history and culture play a role in the cross-cultural dialogue and international exchange fostered by Peking University's School of Journalism and Communication.
Written by: Chen Lei
