Chinese views on Obama's visit

With US President Barack Obama making his first trip to China as part of a tour of East Asia, the BBC spoke to people in Beijing about what they expect from his visit.

It's good that we can communicate to avoid misunderstandings. Mr Obama brings friendship, and it will benefit trade and cultural exchanges.

I think he's quite open, which is alright with China. But no one can abuse China or treat China differently because our country has its dignity.

Because of the current economic crisis, the United States needs China's co-operation in many areas. I feel that he will not compromise much on the economy though, because he needs the support of his voters.

The conservative power is on the rise in his country, and there are pressures to increase tariffs on China, for example. In political terms, he's coming to China to seek co-operation, unlike some of the previous US presidents, who came with arrogance and a finger pointed at us.

I don't have any particular feelings about the visit - I think it's just a normal diplomatic event.

I don't think President Obama can make much of a difference on his own - he's just one person, he's not God.His opinions won't change the world a lot.

I think after the Olympic Games and the 60th anniversary parade, foreigners now see China as a strong power.

Obama is definitely hoping to build better relations with China, trade-wise, diplomacy-wise, co-operation-wise. He's definitely going to be softer than President Bush was.

I know he's coming, but I don't know when he's coming. I think it's good.

I know a little about him from the news, but I don't pay a lot of attention. It will improve friendship and trade relations between our two countries.

Initially I felt that the election of a black president is a step towards democracy. It makes me feel that the US is very democratic, but what he does to China is surprisingly harsh. The recent trade policies, for example, are not as friendly as we imagined.

I hope his visit will be successful because that would be good for China-US relations. It would be particularly good for economic and trade co-operation.

China's situation at the moment is very good - we aren't afraid of America. You can see that from the celebrations for the 60th anniversary [of Communist Party rule].

The visit will have an impact on the economy.

My personal view is that it will help the economy recover. It will certainly help to reduce trade friction between China and America.

I think Obama is good-looking and a gentleman. I hope that he can bring about some wise decisions to resolve the conflicts between the real interests of China and the US.

I don't have time to read the news because I'm busy working. There's no TV in the dormitory where I live so I can't watch the news every day.

I think it's good that he's here. It improves harmony between the two countries.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version