China's solutions and strength in climate response in eyes of Central Asian officials

"Seeing is believing. Before we came to China, our understanding of it has been mostly from media and reports. But this time, as we see with our own eyes and experience in person, China is far more outstanding and dynamic than we imagined."

These are the shared sentiments expressed by many participants at the very beginning of the Workshop on Capacity Building for Climate Response in Central Asian Countries in Beijing.

Participants in the Workshop on Capacity Building for Climate Response in Central Asian Countries pose for a group photo at the opening ceremony in Beijing. [The photo is provided by the China Meteorological Administration Training Centre.]

Chinese modernization features harmonious coexistence between mankind and nature

The Central Asian region faces impending challenges such as glacial recession, shortages of water resources and frequent extreme weather. Participants in the workshop said they were eager to find in China the solutions to these practical issues.

"China plays a key role in pushing forward the development of green technology, renewable energy and sustainable investment, and serves as a indispensable partner for Central Asian countries," said a workshop participant from Uzbekistan who spoke highly of China's achievements during the exchanges.

In Beijing, workshop participants learned about the top-level design of China's ecological civilization as well as how China integrated green development concepts into its national strategies.

Participants were also deeply impressed by "MAZU", an artificial intelligence-powered weather warning system named after a Chinese sea goddess, and its principle of putting people and their lives first presented by Chinese experts. It is not only a technological system, but also wisdom for national governance.

In the city of Tangshan, North China's Hebei province, participants witnessed the miracle of its rebirth after a destructive earthquake in 1976. They lauded the change from a coal mining subsidence area to a lake park. Visiting Kailuan Museum, which demonstrates a century-old mining city's determination and practices in green, low-carbon transformation, participants recognized the Chinese modernization drive as a sustainable development path that promotes harmonious coexistence between mankind and nature, instead of a path that comes at the price of polluting the environment.

Participants pose for a group photo at Kailuan Museum. [The photo is provided by the China Meteorological Administration Training Centre.]

China's technological strength brings hope and confidence to participants

"Climate change is advancing far faster than our traditional institutions can respond. The solution is to accelerate our actions," a participant spoke about their shared opinions. Here, they saw technological strength supporting "Chinese speed".

At the China Meteorological Administration, they were astonished by the Fengyun satellite images changing in a timely manner, and a precisely predicted data model. While visiting China Huayun Meteorological Technology Group Co Ltd, they spoke highly of the precision and reliability of the advanced meteorological observation devices independently developed by China.

Participants visit the National Satellite Meteorological Center. [The photo is provided by the China Meteorological Administration Training Centre.]

"At present, my country has 134 meteorological observation stations, but they urgently need technology upgrading," a Kyrgyz participant said.

Participants said that they have learned about the replicable technology standards and workflows through this workshop, and seen broad cooperation potential in the future. They expressed full confidence in enhancing their home countries' capacity for disaster control and prevention due to the unreserved knowledge sharing from Chinese experts. They said they believed that their people would be better protected by China's advanced technology and precious experience.

China's openness and friendship is the most precious takeaway for participants

This journey in China is not only a study trip for participants, but also a trip full of friendship.

Participants felt sincerity, enthusiasm and friendliness from Chinese people at every moment when experts gave patient explanations to their questions and teachers in cultural classes guided them to create auspicious "window flowers" step by step.

In this photo provided by the China Meteorological Administration Training Centre, foreign participants learn how to make the Chinese character "福” (Fu) using paper-cutting techniques.

Participants couldn't forget the workshop where they had in-depth discussions on challenges and opportunities faced by their motherlands. They also remembered Hetou Ancient Street in Tangshan where they felt the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture.

Participants visit Hetou Ancient Street in Tangshan city, North China’s Hebei province. [The photo is provided by the China Meteorological Administration Training Centre.]

After the workshop ended, participants returned to their home countries with not only study materials and advanced concepts and technologies, but also a deep understanding of China's development path, warm feelings towards Chinese people, and a solid commitment to the China-Central Asia community with a shared future.