Africans and Chinese People are More Like Brothers and Friends

Having previously studied Economics, Chinese, and Linguistics systematically at the University of Zambia, he enrolled in the Contemporary Chinese Studies program at the Silk Road School in September 2025. This marks his first time in China. Under the School’s training model of "Core Competence Curriculum + Social Practice," he has engaged in structured study of Chinese culture, gained a deep understanding of China’s development path, models, and experience, and participated in social practice activities across various regions of China, observing firsthand the country’s development and transformation.

The full text of the letter is now published as follows:

Dear Mom and Dad:

First of all, I wish you all a happy New Year! As I write these words, I am sitting in a dormitory at a university in Beijing, China, wrapped in a thick blanket brought from home. This is the closest thing I can feel to the warmth of home. Tiny snowflakes are falling outside. It’s the first time in my life that I’ve seen real snow. They’re dancing on the windowsill, as if someone is lightly tapping the glass to say hello. I’ve been in China for over three months now. I can still hear the echoes of your laughter before I left, feel the warmth of your embraces, and see the tears in mother’s eyes. I still remember the last handshake with my best friend, Mike. I was filled with excitement, like a child who had finally received his first bicycle after hard work; yet I was also anxious and fearful, unsure of how to ride a bike and afraid of getting hurt.

From the panic I felt when I clutched my plane ticket and stepped out of Beijing Airport in September this year, to being able to effortlessly order a spicy beef noodle soup delivery on my phone. The lessons learned from this journey are invaluable. On the first day, I accidentally left my wallet at Beijing Airport, which contained all my bank cards and some cash. I panicked, thinking it had been lost. However, the Chinese staff were very friendly and helpful. They helped search everywhere and eventually found the wallet and returned it to me. I arrived at Renmin University of China at 3 am, and a woman at the front desk woke up from her sleep to assist me with check-in procedures. She kindly offered me a cup of hot green tea while entering my information into the system.

Most of the people here are very friendly. Once, while I was at a shopping mall, an elderly man stopped me, asked me some simple and everyday questions, and then asked, “Is your blood chocolate-colored?” I couldn’t help but laugh and replied that everyone’s blood is the same color – red. We both laughed. He said something that has stayed with me to this day: “Although we may appear different on the surface, when we bleed, our blood is the same.” This means that despite our outward differences, our inner essence is the same; we are all human beings. This resonates deeply with the African philosophy. During my brief time living in China, I gradually developed some understanding of the Chinese people: Africans and Chinese people are more like brothers and friends. Indeed, our economic and trade relations with China are built on principles of mutual benefit and reciprocity. We have both endured similar hardships and understand the importance of helping each other and advancing together.

Mom and Dad, I miss you so much, as well as my hometown and the food there. But I have also felt the warmth and sense of belonging of home through my classmates, teachers, and the people I encounter every day. I look forward to seeing you soon! Once again, I wish you a happy new year!

Love, Dalitso Ndhlovu (Chinese name: 林靖).

2025, Beijing.