'I Would Be Interested to Speak with Chinese Farmers'

Veronika Smirnova studies China's approach to global food security and has spent a year at Renmin University in Beijing. In this interview with the HSE Young Scientists project, she speaks about Xi Jinping's flagship initiatives, her interest in John Boyd Orr of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and her love for malatang and xiao long bao.  

How I Started in Science

Pursuing a career in science wasn’t a strategic plan; rather, science chose me, as it has many other future scientists who enjoyed studying a variety of subjects in school.

Around ninth grade, I started thinking about the direction I wanted to pursue in the future. I found international relations fascinating, so I began studying Chinese, not yet knowing what lay ahead. That was the beginning of my love for China, and I gradually developed an interest in the country’s culture and politics.

When I enrolled in the master's programme at HSE University, I discovered that internships were available at CCEIS, where I now work, and decided to apply. That’s how my journey in science started. Then I entered a doctoral programme and continued my research.

The Subject of My Research

China's participation in the global food security system. It took some time for my interest in this topic to develop. During my bachelor's studies, my focus was more on culture and soft power. However, during my master's programme, I realised that I wanted to study something more practice-oriented that could contribute to advancing Russian–Chinese relations, and then the topic of food security came along.

While studying at HSE University, you are required to earn several credits for projects. During my master's programme, I selected a project conducted by the School of Asian Studies in collaboration with Azbuka Vkusa, a supermarket chain. We examined how retail was evolving in Asian countries in the context of COVID-19. I was doing research on China. At the same time, one of our instructors mentioned that there was an opportunity for an internship at the United Nations.

I applied for the next intake and was accepted. The internship was conducted online. I assisted in organising a course for UNITAR (the United Nations Institute for Training and Research) and the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). The course was designed for officials from the post-Soviet region and focused on agriculture in international trade agreements.

As relations between China and Russia in the agricultural sphere were growing, I found this topic interesting and decided to explore it further, and then continued my studies on the subject during my doctoral programme.

What My Master's Thesis Was About

I studied Chinese concepts in the sphere of global governance. This topic is closely related to my doctoral dissertation, in which I examine how China promotes its approaches to collective food security at the international level.

I decided to review the theoretical approaches of Chinese scholars and compare them with the statements of Chinese leaders Hu Jintao and Xi Jinping. I observed that Chinese attitudes toward the concept of global governance, as developed in the West, mirrored China’s responses to many other Western concepts and ranged from complete rejection to active involvement.

Initially, China was sharply critical, asserting that the concept was intended to facilitate Western control over global development. Eventually, however, interest emerged in how this concept can be applied to China's specific context. This was followed by gradual testing in certain areas. For example, Chinese scholars separately examined the issues of sovereignty and the involvement of non-profit organisations. At the next stage, they began to propose their own approaches.

During that time, Chinese leader Xi Jinping introduced the concept of a ‘Community of Common Destiny for Mankind’ and the flagship Belt and Road Initiative. Chinese scholars then explored how to develop global governance in collaboration with other countries within the framework of these initiatives.

What is a Community of Common Destiny for Mankind?

Xi Jinping put forward this concept in 2013—incidentally, he mentioned it for the first time speaking at MGIMO in Moscow. At the initial stage, the concept of a Community of Common Destiny for Mankind was quite simple, encapsulated in his words: 'I have you in me, and you have me in you.' The world is interconnected, and we need to work together to manage issues, as one participant's problems—like those we witnessed during the pandemic—can affect others as well.

A more accurate translation of the title is 'the concept of a shared destiny.' 'Common destiny' implies a sense of unification. However, China insists that everyone has the right to pursue their own path of development, and community is expressed in our ability to grow together, albeit in different ways.

Russian–Chinese Relations

Today, our relations are thriving. During the Cold War, Sinologists experienced difficult times. Our relations were tense, and our countries had differing views on what communism should be like. The Chinese reacted strongly to debunking Stalin's cult of personality. There were conflicts on the border. During that time, especially against the backdrop of rapprochement with the United States, China further distanced itself from the USSR.

Prerequisites for the normalisation of our relations began to take shape during the Brezhnev era. Later, border demarcation and delimitation issues were resolved, economic relations progressed, and now our relationship is the best it has been.

Results and Achievements I Take Pride In

I spent the entire last year in China and returned in July. I was accepted into the New Chinese Studies doctoral programme. It focuses on developing new approaches in the field of Chinese studies and fostering connections that allow scholars to examine their subject up close. I chose Renmin (People's) University of China, one of the largest in Beijing. My academic supervisor was Professor Song Wei, who developed the theoretical framework I used in my work.

My other achievements are not specifically in the field of science. At CCEIS, I am actively involved in joint projects between Russia and China.

We organised a Russian–Chinese summer school for students and the 'Chinese Perspective' project, where students from our faculty met with experts on China and discussed how to build careers in collaboration with the PRC.

My Dreams

I am interested in gaining more field experience. For example, I would like to visit Chinese villages and speak with farmers. In China, most agricultural products are still produced by small farms.

Who I Would Like to Meet

Relevant to my dissertation topic, I would like to meet Sir John Boyd Orr, the first Director General of the FAO, and discuss in detail some of the initiatives he was unable to implement. My current research focuses more on international cooperation, while he specifically examined how certain solutions could reduce global malnutrition.

A Typical Day for Me

Right now, my typical day is packed with work: I’m in the final year of my doctoral programme, completing my dissertation, and preparing for my preliminary defence. So, I wake up, have breakfast, go to work, and spend a long time there. I tackle work issues, and whenever I have a free moment, refine the text of my dissertation.

My Interests Beyond Science

I enjoy yoga. It helps me maintain my fitness routine during intense work periods. I also enjoy digital drawing, and occasionally create designs. At the launch stage of our 'Chinese Perspective' project, I produced posters to promote it for a group on VK.

Where I Recommend Starting to Explore China

I would recommend checking out groups on VK that focus on China. In our Russian-speaking community, for example, there is a group called Grey Mocha (Серый мокко) that posts cultural notes about China. The HSE Chinese Club also shares plenty of useful information.

China has its own social networks. If you want to watch Chinese videos, you should go to Bilibili and Kuaishou instead of YouTube. You definitely need WeChat to communicate with your Chinese colleagues. They have Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, which is a social media platform that somewhat resembles a combination of Instagram and Telegram. It proved incredibly helpful for me during my travels in China. However, to fully immerse yourself in the Chinese blogosphere, you need to understand how it functions and to know the language. If you come to China speaking only English, it will be more challenging.

Differences between Western and Chinese Cultures

Such differences exist and can be quite strong. In China, people tend towards collectivism rather than individualism. Here, we have a concept of conscience, whereas they have a concept of shame. This is a broad topic that is difficult to address briefly; it can be described through a series of illustrations by the Chinese artist Yang Liu.

Advice for Budding Scientists

Join the scientific community early, as engaging in conversations with colleagues can help you understand what developments to follow and discover new and interesting perspectives on the problems you are studying.

Try to publish your work and speak at conferences. The sooner you gain this experience, the easier it will be to progress along this path. It is especially important for a Sinologist to have their own knowledge base and to know exactly where to find specific materials. Maintaining order promotes self-discipline and helps in scientific work.

My Favourite Location in Moscow

The All-Russia Exhibition Centre, or VDNKh. In my first year of master's studies, I lived nearby and often took walks there. My early fond memories after moving to Moscow are associated with this place.

My Favourite Locations in Beijing

First on the list is Beihai Park. Chinese parks are quite different from Russian ones. When I visited this park for the first time in the evening, I felt as though I had stepped into a fairy tale. I also love Houhai, a recreational space in central Beijing that surrounds Lake Houhai. And then there's Qianmen Street, which is quite lively and filled with Chinese eateries and street food vendors.

Chinese Cuisine

I love it. While in China, I often enjoyed xiao long bao (steamed meat dumplings), malatang (a spicy soup where you select your own ingredients), and various types of noodles with beef. There are also a few places in Beijing where you can enjoy Russian cuisine. When I started to crave meatballs with mashed potatoes, it was easy to find them.

Places I Would Visit in China

I would explore the natural attractions near the cities of Chengdu and Chongqing. It's best to go there as a group and plan everything in advance. There are two major national parks located near Chengdu, and Wulong Karst Geology Park located near Chongqing. There is also Zhangjiajie, a beautiful place where you should spend five days or so, preferably with a tour group and a guide.