Washington Street Looks at China: When You Mention China, What’s the First Thing That Comes to Mind?

Voice of America Chinese website randomly interviewed several people on the streets of Washington, asking them what they first think of when they mention China. The interviewees mentioned China's technological development, its strong industrial base, its status as a major goods exporter and a main competitor to the United States, as well as communism. Some respondents also said that China is just an ordinary country with no particular concerns. Those who have been to China or plan to go there associated China with its long history, beautiful scenery, culture, and attractions such as Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall, and believed that China has a huge impact on the world today.

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Superpower. Yeah, well, I just think, you know, China has a lot of development in technology, and we do too, so China is a major competitor to the United States.

Um, factories. I think many of the goods produced in China are sold to many different countries, and the United States is a major consumer of Chinese‑made products.

What I think of is a very strong industrial base. A lot of the goods we import come from China, and many of the things we use at home every day come from China, so it is a huge importing nation.

Communism. Um, communism. Yes, China is a communist country, but they need God. Why? Because God is our savior, He is, you know, the creator of the world and the universe, and He created everything.

What’s the first thing you think of? Honestly, nothing, it’s just a country. I have no worries about them, no other concerns, it’s just another country where people live.

I have been to China, so the first thing I think of is the time I spent there. You can see all those sights there, including Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall, and some very beautiful big cities, like Shanghai.

I want to go see it, I really want to go to China, immerse myself in its culture, and visit all the attractions. Because it has such a long history, I just want a deeper understanding. I’m getting older and I’m also very curious, China has a huge impact on the world today, in trade and manufacturing.

History. It’s a beautiful country. I’m watching a lot of documentaries, wanting to learn more about China because we’re going to China next year. I’m excited, especially excited. From the beginning, all the dynasties, everything, and the scenery there, everything is so beautiful and so unique, every region of China is very different, and I think it’s a great country.