Eli Cochrane’s Post

Over the past two weeks, I had the privilege to travel through China’s Guangdong Province as a delegate of the U.S.-Sino Culture Experience Consortium’s Discover China 2025 program. This incredible opportunity allowed me to engage deeply with China’s economy, social life, and political systems through visits to leading universities, tech companies, and cultural and historical sites.

I heard about this program through KU's Trade War Lab, where I research U.S.-China economic and political relations. Witnessing China’s development firsthand will provide invaluable context to my research and broaden my perspective on international relations.

One particularly memorable moment was our visit to Shenzhen University, where I met Professor Jun Guo, an expert in underground engineering and, coincidentally, a fellow Jayhawk. His story from China to KU and back demonstrated firsthand the impressive global reach of KU’s alumni and research networks.

This experience has deeply enriched my understanding of Chinese culture, innovation, and governance, a perspective which I will carry forward into my academic and professional pursuits. I’m grateful to the U.S.-Sino Culture Experience Consortium and all the inspiring individuals I met along the way for such a transformational journey.