The Significance of Obama’s Dialogue with Chinese Youth

On the first day of his trip to China, Obama engaged in a dialogue with Chinese youth as a sharp, new president. Like his use of the internet to win the presidential election, the handsome black man utilized this conversation with Chinese youth to open a new chapter in the United States-China relationship. Obama is highly talented in public relations; the content of his conversation with young people in Shanghai demonstrates his firm grasp of communication and exchange.

In accordance with his mastery of communication and exchange, he entered the dialogue with the attitude of one who really knows about China, reflecting not only an understanding of China, but of the history of the Chinese-U.S. relationship, as well. He stated that China not only has a rich history but also believes in looking toward the future. Shanghai is a city of great significance in the history of Sino-American relations; 37 years ago, the “Shanghai Communiqué” opened contact between the two governments and their people. And, of course, Obama knows who Yao Ming is.

The prerequisite of communication is dispelling doubts, clearing up confusion, and establishing trust. Obama mentioned the Shanghai Communiqué almost casually, answering the biggest question concerning Chinese youth: the issue of Taiwan. As long as there is [still] acknowledgment of the communiqué, there is [still] adherence to the One China policy.

Obama is the American president. His political rhetoric employs a style of speech reflecting U.S. history – from Lincoln to Martin Luther King – and American “core values,” namely that all men are created equal, that all people have basic human rights, and that the government ought to reflect the will of the people. There should be open trade and freedom to exchange news and information, and legal protection should be impartial.

Obama also embodies courage. Facing the global warming crisis head on, he admitted, “In the U.S. and in many other developed countries, the amount of energy consumption per capita is greater than the amount of energy consumption per capita in China.” This type of commentary, coming from a Western politician, is rare.

Chinese youth are very fond of Obama, in part because he is a president who believes that war is bad, reflecting the next generation of Chinese youth’s spirit of peace. Obama, of course, will not neglect to safeguard his image as a “peaceful president”. Answering questions about winning the Nobel Peace Prize, he spoke at length about global conflict and his desire to reduce conflict. “I do not believe that we can completely eradicate violence and the use of force between states and people or even between states, but we can significantly decrease it. This can be achieved through communication, through dialogue, and through interpersonal, cultural, and cross-cultural understanding.”

Obama faced the young Chinese audience, actively emphasizing their role as messengers. Intercultural gaps must be bridged by young people establishing collaboration and cooperation. He announced that the number of American students going to study abroad in China has increased to 100,000. “This type of exchange represents our devotion to increasing unity between the two countries; in this I am absolutely confident. As the U.S. sees it, the best ambassadors, the best messengers and envoys are young people. [American youth] are just like you; they are very talented, full of vitality, and optimistic of the future. This is our next step in cooperation, a blessing to both countries and to the world at large.”

U.S. Ambassador to China John Meade Huntsman, Jr. stressed that China and the U.S. are promoting a wholly constructive relationship. This kind of constructive relationship is not only for the benefit of China and the U.S. but for the entire world, because without Sino-American cooperation, almost no global problem can be solved. Cooperation between the two states, despite all the rhetoric, is cooperation between the Chinese and American people. Today’s conversation between Obama and Chinese youth can create Americans of tomorrow who are eager to communicate; in this lies the greatest significance of Obama’s dialogue.