Chinese political events draw foreigners' high attention

The election of the new leadership in the just closed 'two session' becomes the focus of attentions, not only for Chinese people, but also for the foreigners who reside in China.

People's Daily Online interviewed some foreigners living in Beijing as below. They shared with us their knowledge about the "two sessions" and concerns about current life in China:

Yan(surname), Asian British, 53, partner of a global consultant company
Jun(surname), 51, American, CPA now resident in Beijing
Philip Blue, 25, American, student in a university in Beijing

People's Daily Online: Have you heard of the two sessions in China (National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference)? Are you interested in the two sessions? Why?

Yan: Yes, I am interested in two sessions, because it's relevant to my work and it's very important for shaping the development of china in the next few years.

People's Daily Online: What proposal or topic may catch your attention during the two sessions?

Yan: I pay special attention to the topic of the economics measures and the proposals against corruption.

Philip Blue: I'm especially interested to see how Chinese governors address the pollution in Beijing and how they address the poverty and education gap.

People's Daily Online: In recent years, some foreign consular officials, executives and experts were invited to participate in the provincial two sessions, how do you see this phenomenon?

Jun: I think this is a great initiative and I believe more foreign experts should be invited. In addition, overseas Chinese should be encouraged to participate.

People's Daily Online: Since you live in China, what do you enjoy the most? What upset you the most?

Yan: I live China for 12 years. I am happy to see the momentum of the growth and development. The country is improving all the time. But I am worried also that environment getting worse, pollution and food safety.

Philip Blue: The thing I enjoy the most about China is the opportunity Chinese people provide me to learn about their culture. Chinese people are very welcome and opening and are willing to tell foreigners about their cultural experience while, at the same time, are eager to hear foreigners' point of view.

The thing that has upset me the most are the loops I have to jump through to do some logistical things, like registering for classes, paying student fees, etc. I'm getting more and more familiar with the internet and how to pay for things online to avoid the hassle.