Alexandra Pozhidaeva firmly follows the principle of "seeing is believing." The 23-year-old Russian journalist, who graduated from the School of Journalism and Communication at Peking University, borrowed this fundamental principle from Chinese President Xi Jinping. She hopes to do her best to introduce a real, three-dimensional and comprehensive China to more foreign readers.

In 2021, while still pursuing her master's degree, Pozhidaeva joined 44 other international students to write a congratulatory letter to Xi on the occasion of the centenary of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

In response, President Xi, in a touching letter, urged the students to discover the real China, travelling through the various regions of this huge country. He also encouraged them to share their perceptions with the international community, in the hope that they will contribute positively to strengthening people-to-people exchanges. Inspired by this call, the young Russian decided to follow his suggestions.

Uncovering Real Xinjiang

Alexandra Pozhidaeva (right) in Shihezi, Xinjiang

In October 2021, Pozhidaeva travelled to northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region with her classmates as part of a research trip organized by her university. For six days, they visited four cities, including Urumqi and Kashgar.

The reality she witnessed on the ground profoundly changed her understanding of this region. "What I saw was an inclusive, open and developed Xinjiang. I was particularly moved by the images of ethnic harmony in the ancient city of Kashgar and children playing in the streets," she says. "We were also able to notice modern schools and hospitals in remote villages. That was really impressive."

Alexandra Pozhidaeva experiments with livestreaming to promote and sell local products in Hotan, Xinjiang

In Shihezi , she noticed a high degree of mechanization in cotton picking. In Hotan, she even had the opportunity to experiment with livestreaming to promote and sell local products. The adoption of this innovative technology has provided the villagers with a stable source of income.

As usual, Pozhidaeva shared her experience on Twitter, posting photos and videos of local food, traditional dances, and living conditions. These travel stories immediately caught the attention of Internet users.

Chinese Voice

Alexandra Pozhidaeva with her friends

After obtaining her master's degree in July 2022 from Peking University, Pozhidaeva joined the Center for Europe and Asia of the China International Communications Group (CICG) as an anchor and journalist.

Even before starting her studies in China, she had already become familiar with one of the group's periodicals, The China, distributed in Moscow, Russia. She was therefore pleased to find a platform to use her journalism and communication skills to introduce China to the rest of the world.

Together with her colleagues, she launched a short video program bearing her name, in which she brought Russian audience to discover the many aspects of Chinese society. She has covered several major events, such as the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the 2022 China International Fair for Trade in Services, and the annual sessions of the National People's Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

She was particularly delighted to have the chance to interview some delegates to the 20th National Congress of the CPC. These meetings allowed her to better understand different professions, such as train driver, bus driver, firefighter and, above all, the role of the secretary of a CPC committee at the local level, a function that has no equivalent in Russia. "I would like to see a similar position in my country, dedicated to serving the people wholeheartedly," Pozhidaeva says.

Cultural Bridge 

Alexandra Pozhidaeva interviews the chief of Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station in Beijing.

During his first State visit as president in March 2013, President Xi first advanced the idea of building a community of shared future for humanity at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations in Russia. This vision of an interconnected world left a deep impression on Pozhidaeva.

A year later, when she was in her second year of high school, she enrolled in evening classes in the Confucius Institute at Novosibirsk State University to learn Chinese. A summer experience in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, organized by the institute, confirmed her desire to study in China.

In 2016, thanks to a scholarship obtained as a winner of the Chinese Bridge Competition, Pozhidaeva began her bachelor's studies in Chinese language and literature at Southeast University in Nanjing, in east China's Jiangsu Province.

At first, she faced language and cultural barriers, but soon discovered many similarities between Russian and Chinese societies. "As Confucius says, it is a great pleasure to have friends from afar and to welcome them into your home. This philosophy reflects the hospitality of the Chinese people," she says.

Pozhidaeva spends her free time reading masterpieces of classical literature, such as Dream of the Red Chamber and Romance of the Three Kingdoms. For her, it is an effective way to better understand Chinese civilization.

The young Russian is also passionate about Chinese cuisine and has a good knowledge of it. "China is a large country with a vast territory and abundant resources, allowing travel enthusiasts to experience the rich culture behind its many specialties," she says.

With the growing popularity of Chinese culture in Russia, especially among the younger generations, more and more Russian students are learning Chinese as early as in primary school.

In 2019, Russia for the first time included Chinese language tests in its unified national examination — the University Entrance Examination.

In this context, Pozhidaeva aspires to play a greater role in strengthening mutual understanding between peoples. "I hope my professional development can be well integrated with the cultural exchanges between our two nations."

Photos from Interviewee

(Source: ChinAfrica/Women of China)