Better understanding makes it a less dangerous world

My China Dream | Alistair Michie

Alistair Michie is a keen observer of China. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/China Daily]

He has been a keen observer of China for the last 19 years and he had witnessed its grand transformation from a country of bicycles to motorcars. Alistair Michie believes this nation has fantastic stories to tell, but the message is just not getting across, at least not for now.

The 65-year-old Scot is an adviser to Newland International Communication Group (NICG) and to a number of Chinese government bodies, and he has committed himself to the upgrading of China's communication techniques as international exchange increases over the years.

"I can make contributions in helping China be better understood by the world," says Michie. "And through that process, I want to make the world a less dangerous place. That's my ultimate mission."

Last week, he attended the Conference on International Exchange of Professionals in Shenzhen, Guangdong province at the invitation of Zhao Qizheng, director of the foreign affairs committee of the top political advisory body, his friend of more than 10 years.

It was in 2002 when Michie was working on a media project about Chinese porcelain that he met Zhao, who was then head of the State Council Information Office. The project aborted, but the friendship remained.

"Zhao is one of the few Chinese who believes China has to be a better communicator," says Michie. "I have huge respect for his commitment."

Zhao, too, has high praise for Michie's perseverance.

"We met frequently during the past 10 years and discussed a wide range of topics from economic ties to public relations," Zhao says. "Michie is an outstanding advocate of public diplomacy, and has given the government many detailed suggestions."

Before Michie turned 46, there were little signs to indicate that he would develop a 20-year relationship with China. After graduating from university, he became a speechwriter for British liberal democrat leader David Steel. From 1978 to 1983, Michie also worked at the BBC as a reporter and producer before becoming consultant to a number of multinational corporations such HSBC, Prudential and Standard Chartered in the 1980s.