<aside> 💡 Linda is currently working on legalities, registration & documentation of an organisation in China, alongside her full time job. She says she is not the best representation of Chinese people - "I'm very different", but she understands the young people there having led hundreds of them. The conversation has been written down as it happened.

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<aside> 💭 “Will the world ever get better?” - She texted me this one day. She was overwhelmed with everything that’s happening around us. So I got on a call with her. This conversation was important especially with the context of conflict between both our countries. We both eventually realised that Chinese & Indian people are more similar than we’re different, and that we need to be more empathetic towards each other.

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K: Linda! So long! How are you?

L: I'm good! I was just frustrated with something Trump said the other day when I texted you. I feel like even in my work, people from outside China don't understand Chinese people. Things are different here. It is difficult to make other people see that. That makes me feel more frustrated!

K: I think it takes great courage to do what you're doing, Linda. It is not at all easy. Do you think because of such leaders around the world, the people are more divided? Even here in India, they have banned Chinese apps.

L: It is always like that. It is always the common people who are affected when leaders & politicians act this way. But I also think it is not just them. Politics is also a reflection of the society in some way, they also come from our society.

K: True. Does that scare you? What's your biggest fear right now for the world?

L: I think all forms of governments across the world have failed in some way or another. There is no global form of management that has succeeded fully. I am afraid that logic and rationality has fallen behind. We need leaders who are rational and empathetic, not just someone who gives loud speeches. They don't need to be aggressive, just understanding and tolerating of differences.

K: I agree. This reminds me of something Jacinda Ardern said, very similar to what you just said. What about the young people? What are your fears about young people right now?

L: I think young people are working too hard too fast and we have forgotten how to slow down. Here in China I see my own friends working in internet companies all day long, and by the time they reach the age of 35, they're burnt out. There are so many people facing health problems because of this. It has led to mental health issues in a lot of young people. We should learn how to slow down.

K: I used to think that's only the case here in India. I feel like we're the generation who is much more aware about mental health today but also the generation who is struggling the most with mental health issues because of our work habits. Do you have any fears like these for yourself? Any personal fears?

L: So I used to have a set plan for my life. I had everything mapped out year by year. I was sure that I wanted to be a mother by the age of 27. But I am afraid now! Bringing a baby into this world right now seems scary!

K: Hmm. With everything going on right now, it does seem so. Yet, there's always hope. What's your hope for the world?

L: Yes, I am hopeful. Even after all the challenges I face here every day, I still have not given up hope. The problems we face are a reflection of the society, like I said. I think everyone needs to find solutions and not excuses. Even in my day to day work, I hear people creating negativity and gossip, but not solutions. I think people around the world have also started realising that we need to work together to tackle global challenges like climate change. We need to stop blaming other countries and work together instead.

K: Finding solutions together brings me to my next question, about our own countries! What did you think when India & China were battling on the border last month? I was scared to ask you this because I saw a lot of negativity against China here in India. I am not sure what your media reported, but if you opened social media here, you could see immense amount of hatred and negativity against China. Is it the same case there?

L: Not at all! Chinese people never say Indians are bad. We don't think that way about your people at all. We know the conflict happened but that's not the biggest problem honestly. Our people are struggling with the businesses, the issues with USA, Corona Virus, so many other issues. Amidst all of this, we really do not think bad about Indians at all. I think India already showed their stand though that they will support USA. It is better for them economically. So looking at how the situation is, I don't think the relations between India and China will drastically improve.

K: This just makes me think again about how important it is for Indians to understand Chinese people. Right now, we don't even have a common channel of communication. I have been to China and seen many similarities between us. Do you think in a few years maybe the young people could change this?

L: I think in the long term we need each other. I see Chinese people and Indian people and I feel we're the same in so many ways. We are adaptive, we are courageous to dream big, we are smart, innovative. Both the countries are filled with some amazing young talent and so much potential. If our people worked together, the whole world would be different. Of course, there will be conflict. That happens anywhere when people work together. But some times you just have to be human. It is important that people understand each other. I think it is very important for our people to be empathetic towards each other. I hope Chinese people understand India and how incredible India is, and I hope Indians get to understand Chinese people. For that, physically experiencing each other's countries is very important.

K: Very true. Do you get to interact with any Indians there in China?