Michelle Obama, often criticized for her overly cautious comments while abroad, made clear Saturday that China will be unable to advance its education goals without easing Internet restrictions and allowing greater freedom of expression.
Speaking at the Stanford Center at Peking University, Obama did not cite China specifically, and she prefaced her comments by noting that the United States must “respect the uniqueness” of other cultures and societies.
“But when it comes to expressing yourself freely, and worshiping as you choose, and having open access to information — we believe those are universal rights that are the birthright of every person on this planet,” Obama said.
Obama delivered her prepared speech on her second full day in Beijing, where the Communist Party controls the media, detains and jails activists for organizing public demonstrations, and blocks citizens from accessing international news and social media websites.
As a presidential spouse, Obama has been careful not to make statements overseas that might complicate her husband’s foreign policy agenda. That is why Obama’s comments surprised some in the audience, including U.S. and Chinese students who clamored to get their photo taken with her after the speech. Just the night before, Obama met China’s top party leader, President Xi Jinping, after touring schools and the Forbidden City with Xi’s wife, Peng Liyuan.
“It was very interesting,” said Ashley Ladeira, a 25-year-old from Hawaii, who is in her second year at Peking University seeking a master’s degree in international relations. “It was very diplomatic. It wasn’t in your face. But it was clear what she was saying, and it was a very important step to take.”
The thrust of Obama’s address was one of her main themes — that more young people in the United States need to study and work overseas, helping to export U.S. values and improving relations through person-to-person contact. “We view study-abroad programs not just as an educational opportunity for students, but also as a vital part of America’s foreign policy,” Obama said in her speech.
After recounting the stories of U.S. students studying in China, Obama talked about the power of technology and open media in stimulating debate and allowing the world to learn about new innovations.
“Believe me, I know how this can be a messy and frustrating process,” said Obama. “My husband and I are on the receiving end of plenty of questioning and criticism from our media and our fellow citizens, and it’s not always easy.”
“But I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world,” she added. “Time and again, we have seen that countries are stronger and more prosperous when the voices and opinions of all their citizens can be heard.”
It’s doubtful many in China will get to hear Obama’s opinions. Since Xi became top party leader late in 2012, the government has tightened up what “netizens“ can access and post on the web, including via Sina Weibo, China’s version of Twitter.
About the Author
