Thomas Heberer is a renowned German sinologist currently serving as a senior professor of Chinese Politics, Society, and Culture at the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany. He first set foot in China in 1975, and over nearly five decades, he has visited the country almost every year for field research, covering nearly every provincial administrative region. His findings have not only informed Germany and the world about contemporary China but have also provided policy references for friendly cooperation between the German and Chinese governments.

Born Wang Hai in 1947 in Offenbach, Germany, Thomas’s interest in China was sparked in childhood when his mother gifted him a world geography book for his birthday. This book introduced him to China and ignited his fascination with the country.

“I was very interested in geography as a child,” Heberer recalls. “My mother often bought me geography books. One year, she gave me a world geography book for my birthday, and I found myself particularly drawn to China. The book described the vast population, the deserts, and the rich culture there… I thought this country was incredibly fascinating.”

In 1975, as part of a youth student delegation, Heberer visited China for the first time. However, a short visit only intensified his curiosity. He realized that his understanding of the real China was quite limited and felt a strong desire to stay longer to gain a deeper insight into the country.

After earning his doctorate in 1977, Heberer was invited to China to work as a foreign expert. He considers this experience pivotal, as it provided him with firsthand, authentic experiences and insights into China.

“After 1979, things changed; new hotels emerged, and there was a flow of vegetables and fruits from the south to the north… I witnessed China before the reform and opening-up policy, and I understand the path that China and its people have taken. This is very clear and important to me,” Heberer notes.

In August 1981, Heberer conducted his first field research in China, focusing on the Yi ethnic group in the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province. His goal was to understand the history of the Yi people and explore the development in Liangshan.

“I wanted to learn about the Yi culture and the development of Liangshan,” he explains. “We visited about five counties; it was my first time in an ethnic minority area. Upon returning, I wrote a book on China’s ethnic policies.”

Since then, Heberer has engaged in extensive field research in China almost every year, embodying a research methodology deeply rooted in his commitment to understanding the country. He has thus become one of the longest-serving and most prolific German scholars conducting field studies in China post-reform.

“I feel that if I don’t visit China for a year, I won’t truly understand what’s happening there. I have to go every year, covering rural areas, cities, the southwest, northwest, east, west, and northeast. I believe I have a relatively good grasp of China’s realities and the thoughts of its people. I’m here to learn from them, to listen to what they have to say.”

Through his ongoing research over the years, Heberer has authored and published dozens of works in German, English, and Chinese, as well as over a hundred academic papers, earning him significant influence both domestically and internationally. He has witnessed China’s development over the decades and has provided a direct window for global readers, including those in Germany, to understand contemporary politics, economics, and social developments in China.

“I think the most significant achievement of China is the eradication of absolute poverty. That’s paramount. The Chinese people have a very optimistic outlook. The variety of goods available here surpasses that of Germany—there’s everything. People who haven’t been to China often can’t believe how fast and extensive the changes have been.”

Serving long-term at the East Asia Institute in the University of Duisburg-Essen, Heberer is recognized as a leading expert on China in Germany. He frequently advises the German government on issues related to Chinese politics and economics and is actively involved in fostering exchanges between Germany and China across various fields.

“It’s crucial that we understand each other’s interests,” Heberer says. “Mutual understanding between Germany and China is essential, and we should suggest ways to solve problems, identify common ground, and contemplate the future of the world. Ultimately, the hopes for the future align between the Chinese and German people: we all desire peace and a friendly life.”

This year marks the 52nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Germany. Heberer emphasizes the importance of maintaining dialogue and communication amid today’s complex international landscape.

“We still need dialogue—it’s absolutely necessary,” he asserts. “However, mere dialogue isn’t sufficient; we also need the ability to engage in dialogue effectively. We shouldn’t just focus on our differences but rather on our commonalities. Academic exchanges, sports interactions, friendly city collaborations, and cultural exchanges all need to develop further. We need more exhibitions about ancient China and Chinese culture. I remember in the 1980s when the Terracotta Warriors came to Germany for an exhibition, and the German public was fascinated—it was incredibly popular. Such exhibitions are still needed. I believe that communication cannot stop; it must continue.”

Reporter: Kang Yubin
Editor: Shao Wanyun