Lu Peixin, former acting director of the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, talks with international students after delivering a lecture on protocol at Yangzhou Polytechnic Institute on March 5. [Photo provided to english.jsjyt.gov.cn]

Students at Yangzhou Polytechnic Institute (YPI) started their new semester learning campus civility and courtesy on March 5.

The lecture was given by Lu Peixin, former acting director of the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and attracted more than 6,000 Chinese and some 200 international students wishing to broaden their visions and develop in an all-round way. 

In terms of his inspirations from over two decades’ diplomatic work, Lu exemplifies the importance and necessity of learning international etiquette, the basic rules that should be followed, specific areas to take care of when getting along with foreigners, and the cultural differences between the East and the West. 

Lu also extended best wishes to the students, hoping they will develop their own moral beliefs and protocol standards, and become outstanding youth in the future. 

His fluent English and Russian aroused a warm response among the students. A Kazakhstani student, Nazarov Khkaim, said he was very touched to hear Russian at YPI and felt honored to talk to Lu. 

“Though it is not easy to get all the points of the lecture, I’m inspired from the protocol knowledge and stories in international exchange,” Khkaim said. 

Khaing Su Thitsar from Myanmar said she got the importance of courtesy in campus life and was impressed by the disparities among different cultures. 

“I will respect the differences and observe the customs when talking to my Chinese friends,” she said. 

Yangzhou Polytechnic University contributed to this story.

Lu Peixin talks with international students. [Photo provided to english.jsjyt.gov.cn]

Students and teachers attending the lecture pose for a group photo. [Photo provided to english.jsjyt.gov.cn]

The lecture is attended by over 6,000 Chinese and some 200 international students. [Photo provided to english.jsjyt.gov.cn]