By LONG Yun & BI Weizi

Thomas Lumpkin (first from the right) sat and talked with a Chinese family in the 1980s. (COURTESY PHOTO)

Fifty years ago, a young American named Thomas Lumpkin embarked on a journey to the East, which would forever connect his life to China. Lumpkin said to S&T Daily that "China has made remarkable progress over the years, since my first steps here in 1975."

He was impressed by the country's creative spirit as well as the diversity and individuality that now characterize Chinese society. Lumpkin applauded China's dedication to international cooperation and its role in facilitating global agricultural advancements.

At the same time, Lumpkin has witnessed China's tremendous efforts in developing science and technology to shape China's agricultural landscape and improve people's daily lives.

"Science is not merely a tool for increasing productivity, [but it is also] the key to extending human lifespans," said Lumpkin, adding that the integration of science and practice in the agricultural field could yield efficiency, sustainability, and a world free from harmful chemicals.

As the Honorary Director of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), he continues to foster mutual understanding and collaboration between the U.S. and China.

His Chinese co-workers described him as a man of kindness and open-mindedness. Professor He Zhonghu, Lumpkin's Chinese counterpart at CIMMYT, highlighted Lumpkin's exceptional commitment to facilitating exchanges and cooperation, portraying him as "an unwavering friend of the Chinese people."

Lumpkin showed S&T Daily a cherished old photo in which he sat with a Chinese family whose smiles radiated warmth. In those early days, Lumpkin was among the pioneering American students who came to Zhejiang province in east China in pursuit of knowledge and mutual understanding.

Nevertheless, with a genuine interest in Chinese culture, this open-minded American quickly cultivated friendships with his Chinese counterparts. He said, even today, he still retains a vivid memory of Manjianghong, a famous ci poetry written by Yuefei, a renowned national hero in the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279).

The story of Lumpkin and his China journey is more than a reflection of his personal experiences, and it is a story of sci-tech cooperation, cultural connection and people-to-people exchanges.