Kazakh student finds unexpected fame in China

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03:09

Doing good can bring people of different countries and cultures closer. Take the case of Ruslan Tulenov, a student from Kazakhstan who has been donating blood in China since 2009.

Ruslan has Rh-negative blood, whereas only an estimated three out of every thousand Han Chinese has this type. Its rarity has seen Rh-negative being termed as "panda blood."

VCG Photo

Ten years in China isn't a short time: from first making his way to Hainan Province at age 16 to learn Chinese, to doing his undergraduate studies, and eventually moving to Beijing for a Master’s degree.

To top it all off, Ruslan now has a family of his own in China; his daughter was born in Beijing.

Ruslan said his interest in the Chinese language was spurred by firstly, his fascination with the Chinese movie "Journey to the West."

"In Kazakhstan, we never had these kinds of fantastic cartoons with animals flying and fighting," he said.

Monkey King from "Journey to the West". /VCG Photo

"Also, I remember turning on the TV one day and came across our President’s speech. He said the Chinese language is very important; God gave us a very good neighbor, China, and many young people have this chance – they need to catch it."

More students from Kazakhstan are opting for China as a study destination. In 2016, the numbers grew by 6 percent to 13,996 (from 13,198 in 2015) – making Kazakhstan among the top 10 countries with the most students in China.

"It used to be many American and European companies that were exploring the oil fields [in Kazakhstan]. But now many young people understand that there are many Chinese companies also coming up," Ruslan said.

"Secondly, the Chinese government each year provides many scholarships – which is very good for students like me from a poor family. This provides two sides with a win-win."

The biggest progress Ruslan has observed as a youth is how the Belt and Road Initiative has improved livelihoods in his home country, including his mother’s very own business of selling wigs.

"We used to need to wait for a month for your order before it arrives at my hometown, but right now with OBOR and modernization of railroads, it only takes 10 to 15 days."

A train on its way from China to Alma-Ata. /VCG Photo

Looking ahead, Ruslan said he still sees opportunities in his home country in the agriculture sector, logistics as well as natural resources.

Ruslan's blood donation may have garnered him fame, but he deems it as a good opportunity to also promote his home country Kazakhstan – in its traditions, culture, food, and way of life – to the Chinese.

And when asked why – in his view – it is important for China and Kazakhstan to maintain a good friendship, he said: "Because we are very good neighbors. I think cooperation will continue to grow, not only economically but also, more cultural and people-to-people exchange."