Peruvian engineer drawn to Shenzhen's tech boom

The deepening bond between China and Peru has opened doors for countless individuals, including many Peruvians who have sought opportunities in the dynamic Chinese market

Christian Virrueta, a Peruvian engineer, shared his unexpected journey to China, revealing the surprising factors that drew him to the bustling metropolis

"Actually, during my last year in my university in Spain, I did an exchange program here in China. So it was in Hangzhou city, Zhejiang University. I just love the mix of nature and development like technology. I've never seen something like that," said Virrueta.

Since early 2022, Virrueta has been making a significant impact as a field service engineer at BGI Genomics, traveling the world to support clients and advance the field of life sciences.

"I have been involved in collaborative bioscience projects, including my recent work with BGI Genomics in the new clinical laboratory in Uruguay, Latin America. This facility provides preventive medicine and early disease diagnosis, including services such as non-invasive prenatal genetic testing and early screening for colorectal cancer," he said.

Virrueta noted that the collaboration between China and Peru in bioscience has intensified over the years, resulting in mutual benefits derived from the exchange of resources, expertise, and technology.

"China's leadership in biotechnology can produce unique and abundant biodiversity, making this a powerful partnership, especially in advancing healthcare and early disease detection. We are seeing increased collaboration that allows both countries to tackle public health challenges through cutting edge, research, technology, and innovation," said Virrueta.

He said that both Lima and Shenzhen serve as hubs of innovation and opportunity, where individuals consistently strive for progress, embrace change, and welcome fresh ideas. The engineer added that the similar blend of natural charm and urban vitality makes both cities feel familiar despite their geographical distance.

Peruvian engineer drawn to Shenzhen's tech boom

More than 100 representatives of the Chinese-Filipino community and descendants of war veterans gathered at Manila's Chinese Cemetery on Tuesday to pay tribute to overseas Chinese who fought against the Japanese occupation during World War II.

The memorial ceremony was also attended by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian and other officials of the embassy.

Among the attendees was 96-year-old Mike Lu, or Lu Shuiya, a veteran of the Philippine Chinese Anti-Japanese Guerilla Force, known as Wha-Chi in the Philippines. Every year during the Qingming Festival which falls on April 4 this year, he would visit the cemetery to honor his fallen comrades.

"We will not forget, the people will not forget, the motherland will not forget," said Lu in a speech.

Another veteran, 102-year-old Wang Chenli, also participated in the ceremony.

Alongside Ambassador Huang and other dignitaries, the two elderly fighters laid wreaths and bowed in remembrance at the monument dedicated to the Chinese resistance fighters.

Following Japan's occupation of the Philippines in 1942, overseas Chinese in the country set up resistance groups such as the Philippine-Chinese Anti-Japanese Force and the Philippine-Chinese Anti-Japanese Guerrilla Forces, and latter is also known as Wha-Chi.

Wha-Chi played an impressive role in the fight against Japanese aggressors in over three years of the occupation.

The unit killed, wounded, and captured more than 2,000 enemy troops, at a cost of 77 casualties among its own ranks. After the war, the Chinese-Filipino community erected multiple memorials to commemorate these wartime heroes.

"Many people do not know that the Chinese minority in the Philippines was very fearless and very consistent in resisting Japanese militarism during World War II. We should not forget the war history in order to preserve and uphold peace," said Wilson Lee Flores, a well-known columnist in the Philippines.

Chinese WWII resistance fighters in Philippines commemorated