Nigerian sinologist aspires to tell real stories of China

The China-proposed Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) has created a platform for dialogue and exchanges among countries, Uzodinma Chinenye Gerlof, a young Nigerian sinologist, recently said in an interview.

Marking the initiative's third anniversary this year, Gerlof stressed that only by deepening understanding through exchanges and building trust can countries work together to tackle global challenges.

Gerlof, who goes by the Chinese name Li Mingcheng, is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the World Sinology Center and the Belt and Road Academy of Beijing Language and Culture University, where he focuses on cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world.

At the 2025 World Chinese Language Conference held in Beijing from Nov. 14-16, 2025, 61 young sinologists from 51 countries wrote a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping, sharing their experiences gained through studying China. They expressed their commitment to deepening their research on China and serving as bridges for communication among civilizations.

Gerlof was among the sinologists who initiated the letter. Soon afterward, they received a reply from Xi encouraging them to serve as messengers to help connect Chinese civilization with others around the world.

The reply left Gerlof deeply encouraged. "It strengthened my resolve to pursue my research and to foster greater mutual understanding between China and Nigeria — and between China and Africa as a whole," he said.

His fascination with China took root early. "As a child, I watched a lot of Chinese films. What drew me in wasn't just kung fu, it was Chinese culture itself," he said.

Living and studying in China has only deepened that connection. "Being here, I've seen firsthand how an ancient civilization has woven itself into modern life, and how traditional culture is being passed down and protected," he said.

This year also marks the 70th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic relations and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. As both a witness and a participant, Gerlof sees this as an opportunity to deepen China-Africa relations, break down stereotypes and enhance mutual understanding through people-to-people exchanges, putting the bilateral partnership on a stronger, more enduring footing.

For Gerlof, being a sinologist comes with a clear sense of mission: to tell the world real stories of China and to serve as a bridge connecting China with the rest of the world. Toward that end, he expressed hope of helping the world understand China and China understand the world.