US Ambassador says Obama trip a success
- Source: Global Times
- [18:09 November 20 2009]
- Comments
By Zuo Xuan
US ambassador Jon Jr. spoke to students of Peking University on China-US relations at the Forum for American/Chinese Exchange at Stanford Keynote Event on November 20. Photo: Global Times
US ambassador to China Jon Huntsman talked with about 300 foreign and Chinese students at Peking University Friday following a town-hall meeting between US President Barack Obama and Chinese students several days ago in Shanghai on his first visit to China.
The ambassador said that after his China trip, President Obama was delighted that the two countries are set in building a relationship that is positive, cooperative and comprehensive despite the differences between the US and China.
The achievements of Obama’s visit, elaborated in the US-China Joint Statement released on November 17, include enhanced diplomatic transparency, cooperation in non-proliferation, regional security, global economic recovery and climate change.
Huntsman told the students in the hour-long meeting that he realized bilateral relations are very different from that of 30 years ago when Nixon came to China.
He compared the ups and downs of the bilateral relations to a roller coaster, saying that he gave up his position as the governor of Utah and came to China to look after for the relations that are “transcending politics” and “larger than personal agenda.”
As an experienced governor and fresh diplomat, Huntsman was asked such questions as the nature of flexible diplomacy, China-Taiwan relations and cultural exchange during the meeting.
Using the example that modern communication technology, such twitter and Facebook, does not change the nature of communication, Huntsman pointed out that the nature of diplomacy remains the same no matter what approaches are used.
He reiterated the support of the “One China policy” and said the US appreciated the thinking of the leaders on both sides of the Taiwan Straits in cooperating on their relationship. “It will be good for everybody involved,” Huntsman said.
US ambassador Jon Jr. spoke to students of Peking University on China-US relations at the Forum for American/Chinese Exchange at Stanford Keynote Event on November 20. Photo: Global Times
