From 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on November 9, 2022, the Russian Language Department of the School of Foreign Studies, Jilin University invited Mr. Wang Dajun, former Education Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Ukraine, to give a lecture on "Motherland is always be by Your Side: experience of evacuating overseas Chinese in Ukraine". This lecture aims to enhance students' understanding of the work of diplomats, raise students' patriotic awareness and teach students how to protect themselves overseas. The lecture was hosted by Ms. Li Li, director of the Russian Department of Jilin University, and attended by teachers and students from the Russian Department and the School of Public Diplomacy of Jilin University.

In this lecture, Counselor Wang Dajun recounted the whole process of the evacuation of Chinese students, migrant workers and other compatriots in Ukraine by the diplomatic staff of the Chinese Embassy in Ukraine after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on February 24, 2022, as well as various difficulties and warm moments encountered in the process. After the outbreak of China-Ukraine conflict, the Russian Embassy in Ukraine immediately started the emergency evacuation work, and organized Russian citizens in China to return to the motherland through a third country. Facing the unpredictable situation and the threat of artillery fire, how to get in touch with every evacuee and organize evacuation routes and vehicles has become a difficult problem for embassy staff. Finally, with the efforts of all the staff of the embassy, the evacuation work was completed successfully. Students from Lviv Conservatory of Music also spontaneously wrote songs to thank the embassy for staff’s contribution.

Later, in the question and answer session, Counselor Wang Dajun gave detailed answers to the students' questions. When asked about the most important qualities of a diplomat, Counselor Wang Dajun said, "Be loyal to the Party, the motherland and the people. Obey orders, be committed to your duties and be equipped with good professional skills " Counselor Wang Dajun also explained to the students the basic principles of diplomatic work and shared his own journey and experience of being a diplomat, which benefited the teachers and students present a lot.

This lecture made the students realize the hardships and difficulties of diplomatic work, as well as the quality of diplomats' dedication to their duties. It also inspired their enthusiasm and determination to engage in diplomatic work.

Written by Zhu Xinkai

Photography by LiJuntong

Department of Russian, School of Foreign Studies, Jilin University

November 9, 2022