Zhang Yu

JeniZhang13@163.com

IT is essential to have more foreigners who have come to China, studied, lived, or worked in the country to participate and contribute to promoting communication and exchange in order to dispel misconceptions and help the world better understand China, said Mark Levine, a professor at Minzu University of China and recipient of the 2014 Chinese Government Friendship Award.

Levine, an American country musician, a sociology Ph.D., an author, and a professor, attended and gave a presentation at a conference Sunday during the ongoing fifth World Media Summit in Guangzhou.

A report titled “The Humanomics in the New Era” was released by a think tank under Xinhua News Agency at the conference, shedding light on China’s practice of a new development format that underscores the symbiotic relationship between humanities and economy.

“One of the things that my work focuses on is telling China stories to the world. I was really grateful that Xinhua invited me, and they invited everybody else, so I could speak to them,” Levine told Shenzhen Daily.

According to Levine, the fact that the summit took place is significant. The event saw the attendance of media professionals from various parts of the globe. These journalists can contribute to spreading the narrative of China, which is often subject to confusion and misinformation in Western countries.

“Hopefully, they can take some of what I talked about and tell that to people in their countries,” the Californian said.

Levine believes that it is vital to have more people learn about the true reality of China. While he himself strives to achieve that, Levine also guides his students in understanding how to do so. The focus is often on sharing the reality and real stories of people’s lives, as well as China’s achievements.

“The report can help with that. It discusses people-centered development, which leads to cultural and economic growth. I believe all these aspects are crucial and are clearly stated in the report,” said Levine.

Levine first came to China in 2005 and started as an English instructor in Huai’an, Jiangsu Province. He moved to Beijing to teach at Minzu University of China three years later.

As a talented musician, he tells China stories in the form of American country music, and has composed over 70 songs about China. His monograph, “Stories From My Chinese Journey,” has won acclaim at home and abroad.

Levine looks forward to the establishment of friendly relationships between Chinese media and its foreign counterparts. “I think Chinese media can help clarify misconceptions and provide valuable insights,” he said.