A Foreigner, But Not an Outsider
“I never imagined I’d become the youngest recipient of the Chinese Government Friendship Award. I may be a foreigner, but I don’t feel like an outsider,” said Erik Nilsson, a senior reporter for “China Daily,” during his speech at the 2024 China Cyber Civilization Conference held in Chengdu on August 28. Nilsson, who has spent 18 years living in China, shared his unique journey as a foreigner who has embraced the country as his second home, driven by a mission to tell China’s stories to the world.
Acknowledged by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (王毅) at a press conference earlier in 2024, Nilsson’s recognition reflects his dedication to strengthening the bond between China and the global community. His experiences over nearly two decades have transformed him into a storyteller committed to portraying the real China—a place, he says, “where dreams can always come true.”
Nilsson’s journey began in 2006 when he moved from the United States to China, opening the door to a series of life-changing experiences. “China gave me the chance to do things I’d never imagined before—whether it was covering earthquake zones, celebrating my birthday in a small town, or helping electrify remote schools in the Tibetan Plateau (青藏高原),” he recalled. Through his work, Nilsson has witnessed China’s ability to turn challenges into triumphs, making it his life’s mission to share these stories with the rest of the world.
A Witness to Resilience and Rebirth
One of Nilsson’s most memorable experiences was during the aftermath of the devastating 2008 Sichuan earthquake. He traveled to the disaster-hit region of Yingxiu (映秀镇) 15 times, chronicling the remarkable reconstruction efforts that followed. “What amazed me the most,” Nilsson shared, “was the way the government and people in Sichuan created a true miracle out of the devastation. The speed and efficiency of the recovery were unparalleled.”
In recounting his time in the disaster zones, Nilsson spoke of how witnessing both the physical rebuilding and the emotional recovery of the people cemented his decision to stay in China. “I realized that no other country could respond to a disaster in the way China did, and that’s when I knew I wanted to remain in China long-term,” he explained.
Nilsson’s travels have taken him to all corners of the country, from bustling cities to some of the most remote and impoverished regions. His dedication to understanding China’s diverse landscapes and people has led him to places where few others venture, such as the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, where he encountered local children living in harsh conditions.
In one particularly poignant moment, Nilsson recalled visiting a school where nearly 80 children were crowded into seven tents, enduring freezing nights on the Tibetan Plateau with only thin wooden planks as beds. Moved by their plight, Nilsson initiated a volunteer program to install solar panels in the region’s schools, bringing electricity to classrooms and dormitories. His efforts brought light and warmth to the lives of thousands of children, a contribution he views as one of his proudest accomplishments.
Sharing China’s Story with the World
Nilsson’s commitment to telling China’s story didn’t stop at his journalism. He authored a book titled *The Sun Rises: An American Witness to China’s Poverty Alleviation Miracle*, available in both English and Chinese. His work struck a chord with readers across the country, with the book’s related topics even trending on Weibo. In the book, Nilsson captures the real-life experiences of those living in China’s poorest areas and the government’s efforts to lift them out of poverty.
Reflecting on his years in China, Nilsson said, “As someone who has witnessed these changes firsthand, I feel it’s my responsibility to share China’s progress with the world. It’s about fostering greater understanding and showing how China’s development connects with the global narrative.”
Nilsson has seen the transformative power of China’s poverty alleviation programs up close. His stories, whether about electrifying remote schools or sharing the hopes of those affected by natural disasters, emphasize the human element behind the statistics of China’s rise. As the youngest recipient of the Chinese Government Friendship Award, he sees this recognition as not just a personal achievement but a sign of the important role that cross-cultural storytelling plays in today’s world.
During his speech at the China Cyber Civilization Conference, Nilsson emphasized the need for open, inclusive dialogue between civilizations, particularly in the digital age. He expressed his hope that through his work, he could contribute to promoting mutual understanding and shared prosperity between China and the rest of the world.
Nilsson’s story is one of bridging cultural gaps, embracing new opportunities, and dedicating himself to something larger than himself. “China has been a place where I could pursue my dreams, and I hope to continue sharing its stories with the world for many more years,” he concluded. His journey reflects the spirit of global cooperation and the belief that, regardless of where we come from, we all have a role to play in shaping a brighter, more interconnected future.
As China continues to rise on the global stage, Nilsson’s contributions highlight the value of those who tell its story with passion, accuracy, and empathy. His work serves as a reminder that true friendship transcends borders and that through storytelling, we can bring the world a little closer together.
