Talking to the superpower – China’s answers to our 16 questions – commented by Ai Weiwei
The People’s Republic of China is the new global superpower. But what do we actually know about the country and the Chinese Communist Party? Is it possible to address a representative of China on more difficult points, get answers to critical questions? Of course, Dr. Zhao Qinghua, the Chinese Consul General in Zurich and for the Principality of Liechtenstein.
He invited 20 minutes to his consulate in Zurich to provide answers. After all, it is in the interests of all of us to understand each other better and more closely. It should show that the trained agricultural scientist speaks fluently, has a quiet, fine sense of humor and is never at a loss for an answer.
With a matter of course it doesn However, Zhao and his communications team realized that the answers would be in writing. The Chinese artist Ai Weiwei and China scholar Ralph Weber have agreed to comment on the consul general’s answers from different perspectives.
You can find the 16 questions, answers and related comments in the link boxes. Trägt dies to your understanding of China? Vote below.
Who is Consul General Zhao and what does he know about Switzerland?
Zhao has been Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Zurich and for the Principality of Liechtenstein since 2018. The agronomist studied in Göttingen and speaks fluent German. He is married and has a son.
Zhao has toured every Swiss canton in the consular district with enthusiasm. “Through my work over the past three years, I have tried very hard to become a ‘Swiss expert and expert’”, he says. «The more you learn about Switzerland, the less you feel that you know a lot.»
For this reason, learning about Switzerland will be a lifelong project for him, in order to better serve as a mediator and practitioner of mutual political trust, as a navigator and accelerator of economic integration, as a catalyst and supervisor of humanistic interactions and as a permanent bridge and connection to strengthen bilateral friendship to be able to serve.