2008 Woodie Awards
Hu's Visit to the United States
An analysis of Chinese President Hu's visit to these United States
Tom Trasente
Issue date: 4/28/06 Section: Opinions
I would like to offer my assessment of President Hu's visit to the United States, and more specifically point out pertinent information by sifting through the diplomatic code, cultural differences, and preconceptions that may not be fully apparent. I hope to translate what Hu has said, so that we can understand the Chinese point of view in their desire to get what they want as well as understand where they are coming from.
From Hu's White House Speech:
"In mid 19th century, several dozen thousand Chinese workers, working side-by-side with American workers and braving harsh conditions, built the great railway linking the East and the West of the American continent."
Hu is speaking directly to Americans here as Chinese are not familiar that they "built the railroads." In this example he is eager to point out that Chinese and Americans can work together and build something impressive.
"In our common struggle against fascist aggression over 60 years ago, several thousand American soldiers lost their lives in battlefields in China. Their heroic sacrifice still remains fresh in the minds of the Chinese people."
This is an excellent example of the Chinese point of view; and the genuine Chinese desire to be friendly with the United States. The war against the Japanese is still "fresh in the minds of the Chinese people," and they love to point out how both our countries fought together against a brutal enemy who launched sneak attacks against us both.
"The Americans are optimistic, full of enterprising drive, down to earth, and innovative. In just over 200 years, they have turned the United States into the most developed country in the world, and made phenomenal achievements in economic development and science and technology."
The first sentence sums up the positive stereotype that Chinese have of Americans. The 200 years comment can be interpreted as a slight to Americans since the Chinese are incredibly proud of their "5,000 years of history" which you will hear them repeat ad nauseam. They do not intend it to be an insult per se, but it does end up being that way. However, Chinese are very impressed with American technical achievements and hope to copy our success.
From Hu's White House Speech:
"In mid 19th century, several dozen thousand Chinese workers, working side-by-side with American workers and braving harsh conditions, built the great railway linking the East and the West of the American continent."
Hu is speaking directly to Americans here as Chinese are not familiar that they "built the railroads." In this example he is eager to point out that Chinese and Americans can work together and build something impressive.
"In our common struggle against fascist aggression over 60 years ago, several thousand American soldiers lost their lives in battlefields in China. Their heroic sacrifice still remains fresh in the minds of the Chinese people."
This is an excellent example of the Chinese point of view; and the genuine Chinese desire to be friendly with the United States. The war against the Japanese is still "fresh in the minds of the Chinese people," and they love to point out how both our countries fought together against a brutal enemy who launched sneak attacks against us both.
"The Americans are optimistic, full of enterprising drive, down to earth, and innovative. In just over 200 years, they have turned the United States into the most developed country in the world, and made phenomenal achievements in economic development and science and technology."
The first sentence sums up the positive stereotype that Chinese have of Americans. The 200 years comment can be interpreted as a slight to Americans since the Chinese are incredibly proud of their "5,000 years of history" which you will hear them repeat ad nauseam. They do not intend it to be an insult per se, but it does end up being that way. However, Chinese are very impressed with American technical achievements and hope to copy our success.
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