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U.S. First Lady begins week-long visit to China
美國第一夫人開始為期一周訪華
Michelle Obama has arrived in Beijing for a week-long trip, accompanied by her daughters and her mother, but not the U.S. president. She'll meet Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping or Chinese First Lady, and later travel to the central city of Xi'an and the southwest city of Chengdu.
An unprecedented and historical moment in the chapter of China-U.S. relations - U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama arrived in Beijing on Thursday afternoon with her daughters and her mother.
It's the first time a U.S. First Lady has visited China by herself.
Experts say that it's also a soft move of U.S. public diplomacy to make amends with China.
"Last time, when President Xi Jinping went to Sunnylands in California, Michelle Obama wasn't there. I think many Chinese viewed that as a deep disappointment," said Professor
Xie Tao at Beijing Foreign Studies University. "So this time, she is coming over to China. I think this is to make up for her absence in California last year.
"There is an increasing importance of the China-U.S. relationship, but also increasing tensions in bilateral ties. So it's very crucial that the U.S. leaders, or people who have an unofficial position like the first lady, come over to China and meet Peng Liyuan. This is an excellent example of public diplomacy by the U.S. government."
The U.S. First Lady is looking to talk with young people to promote cultural exchanges between the two countries. She is promising to keep people informed about her trip by updating her blog every day. She hopes the visit will help young people in the U.S. gain a better understanding of China.
