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Qingdao-based journalist promotes exchange between China and Germany | |
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"If I could get another chance, I would still choose to major in Sinology in college," said Peter Tichauer, who first learned Chinese in 1980 at Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany. Since then, he has forged a deep bond with China.
In 1984, Tichauer had the opportunity to study at Peking University as an exchange student for one year. The stay was short, but it was enough to spark his interest in working in China in the future. Not immediately landing an opportunity to work in China, Tichauer found related work at home. His first job after graduation was to coordinate scientific and technological cooperation with China in the German Ministry of Science and Technology. In 1995, he joined the Berlin OWC publishing house as an editor. After the publishing house founded a new business magazine, ChinaContact, which specializes in reporting on China's economic and market conditions, Tichauer was responsible for its publication. He later became its editor in chief and remained on the post for 22 years. In 2006, when the publisher proposed him moving to work in Beijing, to stay closer to the environment they report on, he readily accepted. For him, it was undoubtedly a "dream come true." In 2006, he returned to Beijing, this time staying for 12 years. In 2018,when Qingdao Sino-German Ecopark, also known as Qingdao International Cooperation Zone, the first sustainable development cooperation demonstration project jointly launched by the Chinese and German governments in Qingdao, a coastal city in Shandong Province, was looking for a dedicated consultant for communication with Germany, Tichauer emerged as an ideal candidate. He accepted the offer and relocated from Beijing to Qingdao. A coastal life Tichauer still vividly remembers his first visit to the Ecopark 10 years ago. "It was a desolate wasteland. The staff was waiting for me next to a small wooden house, and that was the only building I could possibly see," he recalled. Today, however, the once-barren landscape has been transformed into an expanse of lush greenery, and the park has taken on diverse functions. "Such drastic changes can be achieved in a decade, which is unbelievable in Europe," he told Beijing Review. ![]() (Left) Peter Tichauer walks by the sea in Qingdao City, Shandong Province, on November 13, 2024 The Qingdao Sino-German Ecopark on November 12, 2024 (ZHANG TAISHAN)
Located in the Qingdao West Coast New Area, the park serves as a major platform for Qingdao's opening up and international cooperation. "Now, more than 500 companies have settled here. We anticipate increased investments from both Chinese and international enterprises. The park has implemented a low-carbon development strategy. With a population exceeding 20,000 residents, as well as educational institutions at multiple levels, medical facilities and subway services, it is already a small city by German standards," he said. Tichauer has an extensive understanding of the park, akin to an expert's familiarity with their specialized field. This knowledge stems from his role at the park. "One of my key tasks is to introduce the park to overseas entrepreneurs and investors to enable them to conceptualize its existence and potential," Tichauer said. To better achieve this goal, the park published a magazine, China insight, with Tichauer as its editor in chief. In addition to the park itself, the publication also provided comprehensive coverage of the investment and business environments in Qingdao, Shandong and China at large. ![]() The Qingdao Sino-German Ecopark on November 12, 2024 (SUN YUANPENG)
According to Tichauer, despite the park now successfully attracting many investment projects, some challenges remain. Currently, Qingdao is not a prime candidate for foreign-funded projects as it remains less known to many potential investors. "Most Germans are only acquainted with China's major metropolises such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. To effectively showcase Qingdao's strengths and attract more foreign investment, localized communication strategies would serve as a powerful means," he said. Therefore, when producing China insight, he paid special attention to adapting the discourse to the German audience. "Plus, it is essential to highlight the unique characteristics of each city. While many regions hold investment promotion meetings and highlight similar content such as technological and workforce resources and development opportunities, it is difficult to discern what sets each region apart. For example, Qingdao features a significant amount of German-style buildings, which may strike many Europeans as sympathetic," he added. Through his efforts, China insight became a helpful window through which German entrepreneurs can better understand Qingdao and the park. A cross-cultural life In addition to his language skills, what really empowers Tichauer to achieve successful communication as a bridge to promote exchange and cooperation between China and Germany is the deep respect he has for different cultures. "I think the key to mutual understanding is to respect one another. Before examining a new subject or visiting a new country, I often make an effort to set aside my European perspective and adopt the cultural context and ways of thinking of the other side," he said, adding that one cannot claim there's only one set of values and everyone must adhere to it. "We must accept that different countries have different histories and traditions. However, it is equally important not to overemphasize cultural differences before starting communication. Fundamentally, we are all human beings sharing common emotions. In conclusion, the awareness of cultural differences should serve as a basis for seeking common ground when communication problems arise, rather than an excuse to avoid dialogue," he elaborated. This philosophy is well reflected in Tichauer's daily life. His residence features an extensive collection of Chinese furnishings and artworks, including intricately carved wooden chairs, exquisite porcelain pieces, and traditional ink paintings. But his obvious love for China doesn't stop him from enjoying authentic German breakfast every morning. "I never intend to pigeonhole my lifestyle. I simply choose to live in a manner that brings me joy and comfort," Tichauer said. "I am very happy to be a person who lives between many cultures." (Print Edition Title: Cultural Connector) Copyedited by G.P. Wilson Comments to kangcaiqi@cicgamericas.com |
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