BEIJING, March 21 (Xinhuanet) -- US First Lady Michelle Obama has arrived in Beijing today for a week-long trip. Here, she will meet Chinese first lady Peng Liyuan. Michelle Obama will also visit the central city of Xi’an and the southwest city of Chengdu.
An unprecedented and historical moment in the chapter of China-US Relations.
US First Lady Michelle Obama arrived in Beijing on Thursday afternoon with her daughters and her mother. It’s the first time a US First Lady has visited China by herself. Experts say that it’s also a soft move of US public diplomacy to make amends with China.
"Last time, when President Xi Jinping went to Sunnylands in California, Michelle Obama wasn’t there. I think many Chinese viewed that as a deep disappointment; so this time, she is coming over to China. I think this is to make-up for her absence in California last year. There is an increasing importance of the China-US relationship, but also increasing tensions in bilateral ties. So it’s very crucial that the US leaders or people who have an unofficial position like the first lady come over to China and meet Peng Liyuan. This is an excellent example of public diplomacy by the US government." Prof. Xie Tao with Beijing Foreign Studies University said.
The US first lady is looking to talk with young people to promote cultural exchanges between the two countries. She is promising to keep people informed about her trip by updating her blog every day.S he hopes the visit will help young people in the US gain a better understanding of China.
Michelle Obama’s visit will focus on education and youth issues that the US and China have in common. Communication between the two first ladies send a message that the relationship between the two countries is not just between leaders, but also between the two peoples.
(Source: CNTV.cn)
Posted By: Yaiqab Saint
Friday, March 21st 2014 at 12:45PM
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