The friendship between China and Pakistan has stood the test of time. Pakistan, with its geographical advantages, is capable of protecting its environment. In recent years, as global climate and environmental challenges have intensified, Pakistan has been striving to learn new technologies, and China is one of its key partners. This interview was with Professor James from Pakistan, who holds a PhD from China Agricultural University. In previous events, he shared many profound insights into life and work with me, which greatly contributed to my personal growth. This interview was our last before leaving, so I decided to listen to Professor James’s wisdom once more. I first learned why James possesses such philosophical knowledge. His resume is incredibly rich and international: he completed his primary and secondary education in Saudi Arabia, obtained a master’s degree in Pakistan, and also pursued further studies in Sweden. When applying for doctoral scholarships, he received substantial offers from Sweden, Taiwan, and mainland China. Faced with so many choices, he ultimately chose China and returned several times after graduation for further studies, thus affectionately considering it his second home. Today, China not only boasts technological breakthroughs but also serves as an ideal foundation for numerous global intellectual pursuits. “My friends told me that getting a PhD in China not only means a more efficient and productive research environment, but also ubiquitous development opportunities and career prospects.” James, who is dedicated to protecting the entire Southern World, focused on solving immunization and agricultural waste management issues during his trip to China. When I asked him how these technologies could be applied to Pakistan, he revealed a grander vision: “This technology isn’t just for Pakistan; it’s for all developing countries (Southeast Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East). In these places, modernization comes at a heavy price, including widespread poverty, massive amounts of unmanaged food waste, and over-reliance on inorganic fertilizers and pesticides. Worse still, the market is rife with “inorganic fertilizer interest groups” that disregard the environment for short-term gains, as well as inefficient bureaucracy.” Our need for technology is the same: whether it’s rural revitalization in China or agricultural transformation in Pakistan, the bottom line of green development is to preserve soil fertility and deliver healthy, pollution-free food to ordinary people’s tables. I’m not a loser; the process of promoting it back home will inevitably touch the vested interests of certain groups. Those interest groups that have already monopolized the market and the red tape will certainly pave a thorny path for his promotion. But he said, “I came here not to learn to bow to reality or accept defeat. I am not a loser. I firmly believe in the triumph of justice, and I will fight to the end for what is right.” This integrity made me realize that behind technological governance, this kind of unwavering integrity, refusing to yield to vested interests, is needed to truly drive social change.
Before leaving, I asked James for one last word. He told me, “Young man, you are still very young, and you have a long road ahead. Promise me that every night when you lie down to sleep, your conscience will be free of burdens. Make sure you have done the right thing, and it will allow you to sleep peacefully.” Long live the friendship between China and Pakistan! May our generation of young people walk with this clear conscience, upright and steadfast on the long road of life!
Dear Robin: Life isn’t always smooth sailing. We are fortunate to be part of civilized society. But this kind of life places high expectations on us. The people around us, society, the environment—almost everything rests on our shoulders. So embrace the challenge and give it your all, not only for yourself, but also for those who aren’t lucky enough to have all the comforts and conveniences of life.
[Signature] James
Dear Robin: Let’s not talk about the end. Who has ever truly reached the end? A journey is wonderful, a travel companion is wonderful. I’m also quite strange, strangely so to this extent: I ruined myself, yet I don’t even have a shred of regret.
James