Reform and opening up broadens China’s civilian diplomacy

“The first time I came to Shanghai, China, I was surprised and almost stunned,” said Caroline Maggipinto, an Italian teacher describing her first trip to Shanghai as part of the Shanghai International Youth Interactive Friendship Camp.

Four years ago, Caroline came to China for the first time for the Shanghai International Youth Interactive Friendship Camp. Never having been to China before, she guessed that the transportation would be badly organized in Shanghai, a big city. Like other Europeans who have misunderstandings of China, she wondered whether it was safe to lead five female students to such a big country. However, when she stepped on to Chinese soil, her doubts disappeared.

This year, Caroline was shocked at what she saw along the coach journey from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to the camp.“I remember that the first time I came to Shanghai, many streets were still under construction, and there were not so many trees, lawns or flowers. So I could hardly imagine that a city suddenly has so much greenery in four years,” she said with a surprised look.

Caroline Maggipinto, an Italian teacher who leads students to participate in the 14th Shanghai International Youth Interactive Friendship Camp.