In the heart of Portugal, the home of former Ambassador to China, Jose Tadeu da Costa Soares, is adorned with treasures from the East. Chinese porcelain graces every corner, a magnificent 19th-century traditional folding screen stands proudly, and elegant brushes hint at his deep appreciation for Chinese culture.
"I traveled as much as I could when I was in China," Soares reminisces, flipping through photos of his unforgettable journey camping in the vast deserts. From bustling cities to serene landscapes, he immersed himself in the rich tapestry of China.
Soares first set foot in China in 1985, but it was during his tenure as Portugal’s ambassador from 2010 to 2013 that he truly witnessed the nation’s extraordinary evolution. "The most impressive thing about China is the speed of change," he observes. "Superhighways, ultramodern transportation, hundreds of airports… Everything has changed completely."
The rapid development left a lasting impression on Soares. The transformation from modest beginnings to a global powerhouse was not just in infrastructure but also in the dynamism of its people and the vibrancy of its culture. His experiences reflect the profound shifts that have shaped modern China, offering insights into a nation that continues to influence the world stage.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
