A perspective on the similarities and differences between China and Italy

劉書航

In a relatively long period，there have been frequent contacts between China and Italy.There used to be a very popular video telling how Chinese and Italian are alike.Italians are even said to be the “Chinese in Europe”.Although it is a joke，Chinese and Italians do have many things in common，such as a long history，a glorious past a splendid culture and the value orientation of mature.However，China and Italy have different politics due to the result of World War II，and different culture due to people`s living situation，and different religions due to the locations.

Family is really important in both countries.To build and raise a family is one of the most important missions in a Chinese man`s life，and Italians also believe that a happy family is the best thing in life.In both of these two countries，especially in places that are not so rich and developed，there are still families with three or even four generations living together.The reason for strong family valves is probably the living situation of people.China and Italy both had long and great histories.The policy systems were both developed in these two countries，but with the progress of history，the problem of bureaucracy and income gaps began to worsen.What was more，both countries had experienced a really dark time after the peak of their civilization.Lives for poor people were actually very hard and unstable，so they had to rely on their families.Family values have affected the societies of these two countries heavily.Chinese people are always busy to find someone to marry after they turn 30，even if they themselves do not really care about that.Their parents will be worried and arrange lots of blind dates for them.In Italy，a family`s honor is higher than anything.Italians are always ready to fight for their family，and any fight between two people may lead to war between two families.The heaviest punishment in China is to kill the whole family of a person.The enemies in Italy are those who hurt someone`s family member.

One major difference between China and Italy is their policies.China is a socialist country，while Italy is governed under a bicameral system.China used to be capitalistic after the fall of Qing Dynasty，but its economy and society were ruined during the war against Japan.After the defeat of Japan，most Chinese people were extremely poor.With the affect of the Soviet Union，China chose to follow Socialism，and finally the Communism Party won the Civil War，and established the People`s democratic dictatorship socialist country.Italy，on the other side，dealing with economic destruction and civil war after their failure in World War II，abolished the monarchy，and reinstated democracy，and was adopted and helped by American.Although there were some problems in these two countries，both of them developed well.China has developed very fast after the “Reform and Opening Up”，and become the largest manufacturer in the world.Italy is relatively stable and is supported by the development of middle and small companies.Chinese policies also changed people`s minds somewhat.Chinese are mostly very united，and willing to help and endure others，but there are also problems with people expressing themselves.Italians，however，have been always romantic and known how to enjoy their lives since the Renaissance，and their policies have made them more active and free.

Now，let`s compare the culture between China and Italy.Italian architecture，sculpture，painting，opera have already known by the Chinese people，especial high-end brands and fashion designs of “made in Italy”.Meantime，the Silk Road and The Chinese culture year in Italy have promoted Italians learn more about China and like it more.There are many culture differences between China and Italy in clothing，food，lifestyle，etc.The largest part is certainly religion.Most Chinese people do not have religion now，but China is still affected by Buddism and Confucianism heavily.Of cause，Italian culture has an immovable mark of Catholicism.The form of this difference is probably due to their locations.China is right next to India，and Buddism came into China through Tibet very soon after it succeed in India.Italy used to be the central power of Europe.When Catholicism just formed in the Middle East，it entered Italian world naturally.You can see lots of temples in China，and lots of churches in Italy.People`s lifestyle and living philosophy were changed a lot by religion.The older in China always went to temples regularly，and many Chinese followed the “Heart Exercise”.Italy has even more greatly influenced by their religion.The churches and Pops were the largest power through the Italian history and affected its historical progress.

For the above comparisons，I think the similarities and differences between China and Italy are due to extensive association history and ancient origin.Nowadays，on the Basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence，the two countries are moving in a healthy and orderly positive direction in education，tourism and other fields，and enhance coordination and cooperation on international and regional affairs.I am quite sure that with the Frequent exchanges between two countries，they will have less differences and more in common.