China: campus reactions to the NATO bombing in 1999

Contemporary Review, Feb, 2003 by Garreth Byrne

At lunchtime I hear on the BBC that Guangzhou applicants for visas to the USA will have to wait an extra two weeks because of the interruption to consulate business caused by the demonstrations. Lots of frustration there: getting to America is part of the youthful Chinese dream.

In the late afternoon on Saturday I wander slowly around the contours of the East Lake with the pleasant tree and shrub landscaping. I take in the view of the sickly green water with swimming ducks and jumping fish. Students amble around, some with books underarm, and relish a carefree weekend without classes. Those with relatives in Guangzhou will enjoy homecooking, especially the soup done slowly in earthenware pots over gas fires, and will rest in the space of their own bedrooms.

Again towards teatime the campus tannoys relay patriotic songs, minus the interruption of news commentary. The broadcast concludes with two renditions of The Internationale.

On Sunday mid-morning after Mass, my foreign teacher friends and I repair to a nearby MacDonalds fastfood restaurant and spend as per usual an unhurried time drinking coffee and swapping campus protest stories. Around us is constant buzz of conversation from the Chinese customers. Children squeal with delight as they play in the 'Kiddy Corner' set aside for them near the entrance. Belgrade and its troubles could be in Timbuctoo, for all they care.

Garreth Byrne returned to Ireland in the summer of 1999 after teaching in China for two years. He has also taught English in secondary schools in Africa and the Middle East.