Ekaterina Antonova, a lecturer at Saint Petersburg State University of Economics, shared her experience of living in China for 20 years during an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), expressing her deep affection for the country.
Antonova has a beautiful Chinese name -- Ma Lan. Born in St. Petersburg, she has been studying Chinese since childhood. After her first visit to Beijing during university years, she was inspired with a strong desire to study in China.
"Hello, everyone. My name is Ma Lan. I'm from St. Petersburg of Russia. I have been in Beijing for more than 20 years. In 2003, I became a graduate student at Tsinghua University. After graduating from Tsinghua, I stayed in Beijing, and I've been working here ever since. So, I feel I'm inseparable from China and Chinese language. I can't live without my Chinese friends. Even as a child, I studied Chinese, so I already had some understanding of China before coming here," she said.
Antonova's journey to China is a story of deep connection and lasting admiration. Having nurtured a deep appreciation for Chinese culture from a young age, her first visit to Beijing marked a powerful milestone in her connection to China.
"I can recall the first time I saw photos of Tian'anmen Square, and I was thinking that surely one day I would be able to go to Beijing and stand in Tian'anmen Square. When I finally arrived there -- it was in 2001 -- I was incredibly excited. To this day, I still remember how I felt at that moment. I was overwhelmed with excitement. I thought that I had truly fulfilled a childhood dream. I have a deep affection for China. I love Beijing, and I love China," she said.
Russian lecturer in Beijing reflects on 20 years in China, deep affection for country
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
