Global Geographic Times, People's Republic of
China
Chinese Netizens Have 'Sharp Words' for President Obama
According to China's state-run Global Geographic Times,
state-controlled Internet chat rooms are filled with tough questions for, and
sharp criticism of, President Obama. On his Global Geographic Times blog
page, a man named TianYifeng lays out some of the
comments and explains why they show the insight of Chinese Netizens.
Meant as a tribute to how dramatically President Obama is changing the world, this sculpture by Chinese artist Liu Bolin is called 'Burning Man Obama' and is set alight for three minutes at a time. Liu hopes to get $15,000 for the piece.
“Forthepressconference,I’vepreparedashoetothrow at you.PleasechooseNikeorAdidas.”
A day ahead of the U.S. president's visit to China, this is the witty
message an Internet user submitted to one of the many Internet sites that have
offered a place for suggestions on, “What I would say to Obama.”
While perhaps lacking the depth of meaning, 120,000 active users left 3,000
similar messages at this one site. It could be said that it certainly isn’t uncommon
for people to laugh together while pondering serious topics.
“Brother Obama, how come the United States always has trade friction with
us? Why are you limiting exports to our developing country? … Didn't Lincoln teach
you how to be a good president?”
You see, China's Netizens can consider the big issues - and the U.S.-China
trade war seems to be creating a lot of smoke. By suggesting that Obama learn
from Lincoln, this message shows that people wonder how fragile relations are between
the two countries.
“Money is loaned to you, and then it's burned to ashes in your country.
… What steps are you taking to ensure that China's money (particularly bonds of
U.S. government debt) is safe? … In fact, at
this moment you are applying for bankruptcy protection.”
It’s hard to deny these are very sharp words, but they reflect the true feelings
of Chinese Netizens. China now holds $585 billion of U.S. debt. This money is
the blood and sweat of China's public, so of course it’s reasonable for them to
worry. Undoubtedly, Obama should value it [China's money] as well.
“Ijustwanttoaskyou [Obama], when the U.S. economy recovers
will you continue to invest in China? Will you still warmly welcome the Dalai Lama and embraceRebiyaKadeer - for all Chinese
people to see? … Why don’t you invite the Dalai
Lama to stay at the White House and stop brothering us about whether you'll see
him or not?”
[Editor's Note: RebiyaKadeer
is a leading Uyghur businesswoman and president of the World Uyghur Congress.
Beijing authorities arrested her in 1999 and released her in 2005, supposedly
in medical grounds. Her "crimes" included mailing Chinese newspapers
to people in the United States to highlight human rights abuses against Uygurs.]
This is a good question. Before he came to China, Obama turned down a
meeting with the Dalai Lama. But it was just a postponement. When the Dalai
Lama returns to the U.S., Obama still wants to shake his hand and chat. This
kind of activity will undoubtedly hurt the feelings of the Chinese people and provide
no benefit for Sino-U.S. relations. Shouldn’t Obama
engage in some deep soul-searching on such a difficult issue?
Posted by WORLDMEETS.US
“AsarecipientoftheNobelPeacePrize, may I ask
whether nuclear issues with Iran and North Korea can be resolved diplomatically
- would you go to war with these two countries?” … “Who told you winning the
Nobel Peace Prize is a matter of gaining fame before merit? Don’t believe them -
they are trying to trick you!” … “Can you keep out of other people's business,
worry about your own account book and not create problems for the rest of the
word?”
In saying things like this, people are touching a raw
nerve with Obama. The nuclear issue with Iran and North Korea are giving the
U.S. a headache and testing Obama’s “New Deal.” The financial crisis certainly originated
in the United States and it is the U.S. that has dragged in the rest of the
world. Obama can't change America's aspiration to lead the
world, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't feel an obligation to make it a more
responsible superpower.
“Obama,yourtwinbrother Ultraman
iscallingyouhomefordinner!” Ha ha.
Recently, this has been a popular message on the Internet because Obama’s real brother
actually lives in Shenzhen - and has been there for many years. Now Obama wants
to come to China to see for himself this strange country - one which he
nevertheless must have dealings with. As Obama is a friend travelling from
afar, China will warmly welcome him. But it also hopes that he will show some
substance. As he accepts China’s kind hospitality, he might draw some new
impressions and considerations for the future of Sino-U.S.
relations.
]
