Michelle Obama's trip will help bridge the US and China
- By Eugene Clark
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E-mail China.org.cn, March 24, 2014
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U.S. first lady Michelle Obama gives a speech at the Stanford Center at Peking University in Beijing on March 22, 2014. Mrs Obama encouraged increasing numbers of young people to study abroad and called for more education and cultural exchanges between China and the US. [China Daily] |
![U.S. first lady Michelle Obama gives a speech at the Stanford Center at Peking University in Beijing on March 22, 2014. Mrs Obama encouraged increasing numbers of young people to study abroad and called for more education and cultural exchanges between China and the US. [China Daily]](http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20140324/001ec949c22b149a2d7c1d.jpg "U.S. first lady Michelle Obama gives a speech at the Stanford Center at Peking University in Beijing on March 22, 2014. Mrs Obama encouraged increasing numbers of young people to study abroad and called for more education and cultural exchanges between China and the US. [China Daily]")
There is a tendency to view people in other countries in terms of popular stereotypes which lead to distrust and misunderstanding. Seeing people up close and personal on such a visit helps to endear people to one another and create bonds of friendship that strengthen our willingness to deepen our engagement with one another as we realize that what we have in common is far greater than our differences.
The visit by Michelle Obama also shows a more modern trend in seeing leadership as a team. In today's environment the challenge and demands of leadership involve the whole family. Mrs Obama's active role in various areas such as nutrition and education is a welcome initiative. It builds on a tradition first established by Eleanor Roosevelt who was very active on many issues, including support of the United Nations, women's rights and civil rights. In recent times, in the United States for example, Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, Barbara Bush, Nancy Reagan, Rosalynn Carter, Pat Nixon and Jacqueline Kennedy all played important roles in support of various causes and travelling abroad representing the United States. It is likely that this trend will continue.
The fact that the Obama children are also on the trip underscores the U.S. interest in China and the fact that the relationships that are built today will help create a better future for both countries. It was Eleanor Roosevelt who stated that "the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Clearly, visits such as that of Mrs Obama will help the United States and China to better understand and share in each other's dreams, and help to make the world a better place.
The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/eugeneclark.htm
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn
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