Visiting the Embassy of The People's Republic of China

HHS Political Science students visited the Embassy of China on December 2nd, 2005. The embassy Press Officer (with HHS hat) discussed many aspects of China's relationship with the United States and with other nations. Many thanks go to Jiangyi Liu (behind press officer) for arranging this meeting.

You Shaozhong,, the Education Minister for the Embassy of China welcomed students to the embassy..

The Chinese Embassy Press Officer discusses China policy with HHS students. .

Amandeep (not pictured)- How is the relationship between China and Japan in light of recent Japanese accusations that China is drilling for oil and natural gas in Japanese territory? ANSWER- There are difficulties now. When the Japanese stop worshipping at the shrine of their World War II war criminals, relations between our nations will improve.

Julia (R) with Visal- A typical American may say their biggest concern is the war in Iraq or a possible terrorist attack. What would a typical Chinese person say is their biggest concern? ANSWER- We hope that Iraqi's will rule Iraq. We want Iraqi's to have a good life. We want Iraq to have stability and we support the efforts of the international community.

Terry (L)- What is one thing about the U.S. you would like China to adopt and one thing about China you would like the U.S. to adopt? ANSWER- We have learned many things about the U.S. since we have begun working here. We hope that you can visit China. We want more opportunities to interact with each other.

Sara- If China thinks that Taiwan is legitimately part of China, why not use your armed forces to take over the island? ANSWER- Taiwan has been part of China for the last 1,000 years. Taiwan is part of China.

Sinead (L) with Joy and Kristine- Living in American on a day-to-day basis, do you see a difference between China's youth and the youth of the U.S.? ANSWER- We are glad that President Bush came to China because there was an agreement to set up student exchanges. We are pleased about that.

Frances (L) with Agnes- How closely are you following the career of Yao Ming and would you root for the Houston Rockets over the Washington Wizards? ANSWER- I really don't follow sports closely, but we hope more Chinese can play in America and we would like your athletes to play in China.

Andrew, Steve and Mike

Elyse- Did any of the ancient Chinese values survive the Cultural Revolution? ANSWER- The Cultural Revolution was a sad event in China, It was a mistake and we admit our mistakes. China treasures our traditions.

Parand - What was your overall view of the recent trip by President Bush to China? ANSWER- Very positive. President Bush is very friendly and had good meetings with President Hu Jintao. They reached consensus on bilateral relations and we are working cooperatively to handle the pandemic flu producing positive results.

Molly (center) with Kate and Mary- There are many scientists that think the world is at the "Peak Oil" stage meaning more than half of all the oil in the world has been used. Considering the increasing need for oil by China, India and U.S., do you think there will be enough oil to go around in the next few years? ANSWER- What many people don't know is that China is an energy producing country. China is home to many natural resources like coal. We are willing to work with the international community in conserving energy and developing new ways to create it.

Agnes- Has the Chinese governments attempts at population control been successful and if so, do you plan to continue the same policies? ANSWER- There are misconceptions of the "One Child" policy in China. For example the policy is not in effect in Tibet or rural areas of China. And as long as you can pay for your child you can have more than one child. We do have to take measures to control the population of China.

Rachel- President Bush is a very polarizing figure in the U.S. People seem to either love him or hate him. What is the reputation of President Hu Jintao in China? ANSWER- The people of China genuinely love President Hu Jintao. He travels around the country to many spring festivals and gets to know the people.

Melissa (R) with Kelly- What is China currently doing to prepare for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing? ANSWER- The preparations are going very well. The theme of the China Olympics is "One World/One Dream". We will make a Global Village of 31 facilities. And we are making sure that we can use what we build after the Olympics are over.

Ryan and Cristian

Michele- There have been reports of environmental concerns in China, like the recent toxic spill and air pollution problems in Beijing. What is the government of China doing about these problems? ANSWER- Today we fired the State Director of Environmental Protection as a result of the toxic spill. We will respond to the people and their livelihoods in the affected areas. The environment is fragile. We are also working so that people and wildlife can live in harmony.

The students were pleased Ms. Colbert and Mrs. Roberts were able to accompany them to the embassy.

Emily- Who is looked at as the more effective leader in Chinese history, Chairman Mao or Deng Xiaoping? ANSWER- Chairman Mao founded the People's Republic. He led the people to stand up. Deng opened up China to the outside world helping our economy to grow.

After an interesting morning at the Chinese Embassy, students had a quick photo-op at the Albert Einstein statue before grabbing some lunch.