That morning, the Great Hall of the People in Beijing stood resplendent in its majestic glory. Inside, only 200 specially selected guests, world-renowned figures, were gathered for this historic event. Each guest was acutely aware of the privilege of being present in such an iconic venue, and as I represented Cameroon, I felt especially honored to be among this exclusive group. The atmosphere in the room, adorned with traditional Chinese artworks, was filled with palpable solemnity. Conversations were hushed, almost whispered, while a discreet security presence quietly oversaw the proceedings, much like in a scene from a suspenseful film where every detail carries weight.
The purpose of this gathering was exceptional: the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 70th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Yet, beyond the festivities, it was the anticipated arrival of President Xi Jinping that held everyone’s attention. Time seemed to stretch, heightening the subtle tension as each guest awaited his entrance.
Finally, the grand doors of the hall opened silently. President Xi Jinping entered, surrounded by his advisors. The entire room’s focus shifted toward him. His movements were measured, his gestures imbued with a calm confidence. He walked slowly, greeting a few guests along the way. Every step he took resonated like a note of suspense, intensifying the anticipation of a unique moment. Then, my turn came.
As President Xi approached me, a surge of adrenaline coursed through me. I was fully aware of the symbolic significance of this moment: I was representing Cameroon at this historic gathering. The President looked at me with a discreet smile and extended his hand. I shook it, deeply conscious of the importance of this moment. He looked into my eyes and, with a calm and dignified tone, asked his first question:
“How are you?”
I responded without hesitation, with confidence: “Very well, Mr. President.” A faint smile appeared on his face, then he continued with the second question, asked with the same measured calm:
“How is China?”
I took a quick breath, then answered with genuine emotion: “Magnificent, Your Excellency.” My voice marked by the privilege of this exchange. Finally, with palpable emotion, I concluded solemnly: “Thank you, sir.”
President Xi Jinping moved on to greet other guests, and at that moment, a profound realization struck me: I had just shaken hands with one of the most powerful men on the planet, perhaps the second most powerful after the President of the United States. The weight of this global recognition suddenly enveloped me. This was not merely a handshake – it was a reflection of my journey, my dedication as a scholar in Sino-African relations, and above all, of the importance China places on these relations.
For me, this exchange represented far more than a moment of diplomatic courtesy. It symbolized a validation of my efforts to build bridges between China and Africa, to promote a mutually beneficial partnership that transcends borders. This handshake was a promise of even stronger collaboration, and it reinforced my commitment to continue this vital work, to build this shared community of destiny for humanity.
PR JIMMY YAB
Jimmy Yab 