Chongqing– "Before I came to China, I would use words like cultural or traditional, after staying here for several years, I would use modern, developed, international, and welcoming to describe China," said Nduwimana Celestin, a student from the school of Economics and Business Administration at Chongqing University(CQU).

The sixth plenary session of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) highlighted the major achievements and historical experience of the CPC's 100 years of endeavors. It was emphasized at the session that the Party made seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese mission its mission since its founding in 1921, and the Party has had a glorious journey over the past 100 years.

Among the numerous foreigners who have witnessed China's rapid development are international students from Chongqing University. They shared their experiences of life and study in China and the great changes they've seen.

Shaping the future of transportation and artificial intelligence

Having been in China for more than five years, Nduwimana noted that the main change he is lucky to experience is the transformation from offline business to online.

He highlighted that purchases were predominantly made with cash when he came to China in 2016, and everything changed drastically within a few years. "Now there's a food delivery and ride-hailing services, and you can do everything on the phone."

Nduwimana also noted that Chongqing had made impressive progress in extending rail transit line 1 from Daxuecheng to Bishan District and constructing the loop line and line 4 within a short period. "Transportation system in Chongqing is one of the most efficient that I was ever able to experience," he said.

Equally impressed by China's remarkable development is Tozik Alena, a law student at Chongqing University. Alena pointed out that she has seen great advances in the robotic industry as robots in Chongqing's subway stations would assist and lead her to designated locations in the station.

Official statistics show that Chongqing has more than 300 robotic companies, including the world's top industrial robotics manufacturers, Kawasaki, Kuka, ABB, and Fanuc. By 2023, the sales revenue of Chongqing's robotic industry has the potential to reach 50 billion yuan.

"Nowadays, China is the second-largest economy globally, and China's light industry products are popular all over the world," Alena added. "I think in the future, more attention will be paid to artificial intelligence, new material, and new energy sources."

"I think that China will advance by leaps and bounds, and it has a great future," said Alena.

Fighting COVID-19 with humanity at heart

"It is a very successful story," said Nduwimana. "No other country has ever managed to do the kind of things that the Chinese government and Chinese people did."

Speaking highly of China's care for international students during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nduwimana elaborated that Chongqing University teachers would always remind him to reinforce the everyday COVID-19 precautions and be aware of any symptoms. The community workers would also come to visit to ensure a sufficient supply of daily necessities.

Their consistent care and consideration confirm my belief that Chinese people love what they do and have humanity in handling the coronavirus outbreak, said Nduwimana.

Alena is struck by China's speed of implementing the preventative measures and feels relatively safe now on the Chongqing University campus. "I think that pandemic had no chance," she said.