Comment

Is Beijing international?

By Edward Mills (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-05-05 08:20

Is Beijing already an "international city"? There are, no doubt, hundreds of scientific and pseudo-scientific cultural factors that those who ponder this question will draw on to provide a reasoned answer. The short answer, at least statistically, is seemingly a resounding no.

There are about 110,000 non-Chinese nationals staying longer than six months, the largest proportion being workers and students, at 40,000 and 30,000, respectively. Many of the rest are diplomats and longer-staying tourists, those not on a work or study visa.

According to the most recent figures, the current population of Beijing is 22 million, suggesting non-Chinese make up about 0.5 percent of the population. Compared with the stereotypical international city of London, where more than 30 percent of its residents were born abroad, and New York, estimated at more than 20 percent foreign-born, you could say that Beijing has a long way to go.

Some Chinese experts have suggested that at least 10 percent of residents born abroad is required before Beijing can be tabbed an international city.

Drawing from personal conception of what represents an international city, however, it's certainly clear that Beijing is making great strides toward cultural diversity.

The variety of food available in the capital these days certainly must illustrate a growing integration of foreign cultures.

There are hundreds of restaurants citywide that cater to all culinary styles, from European specialties to Middle Eastern delicacies and authentic African fare. Indeed, it's a challenge to find a restaurant that won't sate your international taste buds.

Residents no longer need to rely entirely on a small number of specialty Western-import shops when they feel like picking up a taste of home, since many local convenience stores and supermarkets now stock "everyday" Western items like proper bread and cheese.

The number of specialty food shops around Beijing has grown, and they're not just catering to the expatriate community. In some cases, the queue at the cash register may have a few Westerners, but it is generally full of Chinese patrons.

Granted the variety of food available in the Central Business District isn't totally representative of the capital and food is just one small indicator of cultural diversity.

Cultural diversity is a good thing. The proliferation of varied foodstuffs is one advantage, but more overarching ideals also bring benefits to any city; cultural diversity can also bring new ideas, thus stimulating further innovation and competition here in Beijing.

This can translate into more choice for the consumer, more jobs and more economic vibrancy, along with a more worldly general view, to name but a few positive points.

There could be drawbacks to a rush toward international city status, however. It is incredibly important to continue to hold onto one's own cultural heritage and promote it while welcoming other cultures. China has a rich and diverse history. It's important to protect it.

Simply aggressively pursuing policies to promote multiculturalism - which seemingly means promoting different cultures without consideration of the indigenous population - has its perils. Welcoming the benefits of other cultures should not mean rejecting national history and ideals.

The British government's pursuit of multiculturalism, as witnessed by a massive surge of immigration, has resulted in discomfort to communities that fear the obliteration of local traditions and increasing ghettoization of immigrants. Diversity became political capital and societal harmony has suffered as a result.

Some commentators directly attribute social unrest and the rise of racist political parties in recent years to the promotion of multiculturalism at any cost. It's completely unacceptable to have policies that have forced some to see negative aspects in the celebration of cultural diversity.

This example illustrates clearly how crucial it is to always keep one eye on cultural history and couple the benefits of diversity with local feelings - something the authorities should always consider.

A visit to The Village of Sanlitun can feel like being in the US at times, almost seeming to belie Beijing's small population of non-Chinese. It is attributed to most foreign business being based in the CBD area.

But the lesson is clear: there should be no rush to become an international city. Slow, but sure, progress on embracing cultural diversity alongside the protection of national heritage is good for all involved.