China's Two Sessions: Resonating with international students

The Two Sessions, China's annual political gathering, serves as a critical platform for setting the country's political, economic and social agenda, making it a closely watched event by global leaders, experts and citizens alike. As it comes to a close, the world's attention remains focused on the motions and policy proposals that were deliberated and discussed. In a timely manner, CGTN host Enoch Wong invited international students currently pursuing their studies in China for a conversation on "The Power of Youth" show. This episode, titled "Gen Z Rising: Beyond Ballots," explores the growing influence and engagement of Generation Z around the world, as they rise to make their voices heard and actively participate in the political process beyond merely casting votes at the ballot box.

These young scholars share topics that interest them and offer unique insights into the implications of the Two Sessions not only for China but also for the international community. Their perspectives highlight how Generation Z is increasingly engaging in discussions about critical issues, challenging the status quo, and actively contributing to the political discourse. By sharing their experiences and reflections, these international students shed light on the complexities and nuances of China's political system and how their generation is shaping the future of politics and society.

Nick, an American doctoral student in electrical engineering at Tsinghua University, focused on proposals that resonated with his academic background and personal observations, particularly the initiative to enshrine the "right to disconnect" in law, which aims to protect employees from exploitation by companies that demand around-the-clock availability through after-hours work, meaning they are never disconnected from work. As an engineering student from one of the top universities in Asia and the World, Nick has witnessed the extremely competitive and high-pressure work culture prevalent in his field and the tech industry. While he acknowledges the potential short-term positive impact on the economy, he argues that the trend of overworking and the mentality of "time is money" are ultimately detrimental in the long run due to its negative effects on employees' health and happiness. Nick emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between employee well-being and business interests, asserting that the silent compliance of workers is harmful to both parties in the long term. Therefore, he sees the Chinese government's efforts to address this issue tangibly during the Two Sessions as a very positive and necessary step towards safeguarding workers' rights, promoting a healthier work-life balance, and urging companies to think twice before asking employees to work overtime without compensation.

Similarly, the proposal to abolish the age threshold of 35 for civil servant applicants brings forth a compelling argument, particularly resonating with individuals like doctoral students who see the current age limit as a looming barrier to their career progression. The original intention behind setting such age limits was to ensure that the civil service remains dynamic, benefiting from the energy and innovative perspectives of younger individuals. However, removing this threshold will not only enrich the civil service with a broader spectrum of talents, including those with substantial experience and specialized skills, but also combat age discrimination, paving the way for a more inclusive and merit-based hiring process. Moreover, the conversation extends to the broader issue of overvaluing formal educational achievements in job markets. There is growing concern among youths about the undue importance placed on academic qualifications, which not only restricts opportunities for skilled individuals who might lack higher education but also perpetuates social inequalities. Hence, a proposal during the Two Sessions called for organizations to prioritize practical abilities and overall candidate caliber over educational backgrounds, aiming for a more equitable and sensible approach to recruitment.

Joseph, a Croatian resident doctor at the Capital Medical University, directed his attention to proposals addressing social welfare and healthcare access, such as the topic of paternity leave extension. This aims to alleviate the childcare burden predominantly shouldered by women, thereby promoting gender equality and family harmony, something that Joseph recognizes is a bedrock in Chinese society. Extending paternity leave is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring that both parents can equally share in the responsibilities and joys of raising children, which supports women's continued workforce participation and contributes to healthier family dynamics.

Additionally, since practicing medicine in China, Joseph has understood the significance of filial piety while learning the challenges that only-child families face regarding eldercare. Hence, it is refreshing to see this problem being acknowledged through the Two Sessions proposal to grant 20 days of annual caregiving leave. This initiative reflects a growing awareness of the need to support family structures in their caregiving roles, emphasizing the importance of well-being and harmony within the family unit. Such measures aim to ease the considerable burdens faced by these families, thus promoting a more balanced and supportive social infrastructure.

Zuzanna, a Polish graduate student in international relations and politics at Tsinghua University, highlighted a significant development in international mobility and diplomacy. Since November of the previous year, China has implemented visa-free policies for citizens of 12 countries. This initiative was further expanded during the Two Sessions, with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announcing the extension of visa-free access to citizens of six European countries starting from March 14. This policy aims to facilitate cross-border personnel exchanges, accelerate the recovery of international passenger flights, enable Chinese citizens to travel more freely, and foster a welcoming environment for international visitors. Zuzanna asserts that these measures will significantly enhance cultural exchanges and economic interactions between China and the world. She proudly points out Poland's strategic importance within the Central and Eastern European region due to its size, population, and economic stature, alongside being the region's sole member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Poland's engagement with the "Belt and Road" initiative and its role in the "16+1 cooperation" framework underscores its pivotal role in fostering China's international collaborations. Zuzanna expresses hopeful anticipation for Poland to become the next nation to enjoy visa-free status with China, which would facilitate personal and cultural exchanges by enabling her to host family and friends in China.

Moreover, Zuzanna's academic pursuits have led her to take a keen interest in the discourse surrounding "South-South Cooperation" and the "Global South," particularly in the context of the changing dynamics of the international order. During the Two Sessions, Chinese Foreign Minister’s response to inquiries about the perceived challenge posed by the rise of the "Global South" to the Western-dominated international order was of particular relevance. Wang Yi articulated that the growth of BRICS countries should be seen as a positive reinforcement of peacekeeping forces and an expansion of the global justice front, rather than a challenge to the existing order. He further emphasized that the expansion of BRICS and the collective ascendancy of the "Global South" reflect a rapidly evolving world characterized by multipolarity. With the "Global South" accounting for a significant portion of the global economy, there is a clear shift in the economic landscape, signifying a move towards greater independence, self-reliance, and unity among these nations. Wang Yi's remarks underscore China's commitment to fostering development, unity, and cooperation among developing countries, highlighting its central role in galvanizing the collective efforts of the "Global South" towards a more equitable and inclusive global governance framework.

Cici, an Australian undergraduate student majoring in politics at Peking University, is profoundly engaged in the environmental conservation discourse, a passion fueled by Australia's vast biodiversity and its significant role in hosting the last United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15). The newly established Environmental Resources Sector, which is now one year old, within the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee marks a pivotal advancement in integrating ecological protection with socio-economic development. This development resonates with the values of inclusivity and respect for Indigenous Australians and their deep connection to the land and biodiversity. It symbolizes an essential step towards co-existence between humanity and nature, which is central to achieving a sustainable future.

The formation of the Environmental Resources Sector addresses the historical challenge of dispersed expertise across various sectors, aiming to consolidate efforts and expertise in a concerted drive toward ecological sustainability. This strategic realignment mobilizes collective intelligence and experience at the forefront of environmental stewardship. The sector, comprising over 80 experts from diverse fields, embodies a collaborative powerhouse with a mission to advance ecological civilization. For Cici, this approach exemplifies a governance model that leverages collective wisdom for the greater good, highlighting the sector's critical role in navigating a path towards sustainable development.

As China continues to play an increasingly significant role on the global stage, the perspectives of young international scholars and professionals studying in the country offer valuable insights into the nation's trajectory and its impact on the world. Their experiences and understanding of China's whole-processes people's democracy, as witnessed through the Two Sessions, contribute to a more comprehensive and balanced discourse on the country's development and its place in the international community. The insights shared by these Generation Z voices underscore the importance of inclusive dialogue, active participation, and a commitment to addressing pressing global challenges as we collectively shape the future.