「Armenia Through The Eyes of Chinese — Armenians are friendly and intelligent people」

:chinatodaymagazine continues talks with Yerevan’s Chinese community members. In the second part of our special topic called «Armenia Through The Eyes of Chinese — Armenians are friendly and intelligent people» we were interviewed Chen Baowen (editorial — English  name is  David Chen), who teaches Chinese at Confucius Institute in Armenia.

David Chen

Mr. Chen, how long have you been in Armenia and what is your expressions on Armenia and Armenian people?

Chen: I have been in Armenia more than two years. I like the country very much because of  the long and splendid history and kind, friendly and intelligent people. The deepest impression on me since I came here is that the country is safe, harmonious, clean and beautiful.

Do you find any cultural similarities among Chinese and Armenian people? Or similar traditions?

Chen: Since China and Armenia both belong to the countries in Asia, they share almost the same culture and traditions. Moreover, with the Chinese Silk Road 2000 years ago, it has connected these two countries together and we can still find some traces made by Chinese centuries ago. Today, with the globalization, China and Armenia communicate frequently and have set relationships in many fields.

What is your point on Confucius Institutes role in China-Armenian cultural relations?

Chen: Confucius Institute, as a special Chinese organization, has played important role in China-Armenia cultural relations. With the aim at Chinese teaching and culture spreading, Confucius Institute has great influences on Armenians. Now more and more Armenians like to learn Chinese. And Chinese cultural activities held by Confucius Institute have made Armenians get more and more information about China and Chinese culture.

How would you describe China-Armenian general relations? And what is missing to make them warmer?

Chen: Since the foundation of the Republic of Armenian in 1991, China has set diplomatic relationship with Armenia and now both countries have communicated and cooperated in many fields. But due to some reasons, the publics in these two countries have not known each other better. The causes are that the public media in these two countries do not bring more information to each other efficiently and timely. In order to make the relations between two countries warmer, the public media have the responsibility to promote it and at the same time, strengthening the non-governmental exchange and communication is a efficient way to make people of two countries know each other better.