For the 300 Tsinghua students and faculty members who attended US President George W. Bush's speech Friday, the American Dream he spoke of was apparently too unsuited, while the reunification across the Taiwan Straits appeared much more real.
In his speech at one of the top universities in China, Bush spent most of his time discussing American values, but Chinese students seemed more intesested in cross-Straits relations than what Bush described as a "beacon of hope and opportunity."
"Bush's speech is a summation of the essential values in American civic society, but I do not dream an 'American Dream' or the American image of a beautiful life," said Deng Yu, a student in the Engineering and Mechanics Department.
Deng, a PhD applicant, said American influences in international affairs come mainly from its economic power, adding that he hopes the US implements its commitments to other countries.
Bush was asked twice to clarify his administration's policy towards Taiwan.
"He just said he wanted a 'peaceful dialogue' and a 'settlement' instead of 'peaceful reunification,'" said Shao Chen, a student in the Computer Science Department.
Yan Xuetong, executive director of the Institute of International Studies at the university, said Bush's answer to the Taiwan question exemplifies the US Government's attitude on the issue - which is to maintain a military balance between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan.
However, Bush drew big applause by reiterating his support for the one-China policy.
"In a placid tone, Bush delivered the values of American exceptionalism, humanism, freedom, constitutionalism, voluntarism and social pluralism," said Zhu Shida, researcher of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS).
"But traditional Chinese wisdom is useful for China to cope with the rugged individualism and materialism that have emerged in the market economy," Zhu said.
Jiao Dike, a student from the Economic and Trade Institute at the university, said American definitions of liberty might not be suitable for the Chinese.
Some experts and students said Bush's speech was positive in promoting bilateral relations in the future, especially through cultural exchanges and people-to-people contact.
Yan Xuetong said that in general Bush's speech was successful. "It sent a message to China that Bush's visit was to improve bilateral relations and it showed that the US recognizes China's huge progress," he said.
Zhu Shida said the two cultures complement each other and could learn much from each other.
"Away from the China-threat theory, Bush came to say that the United States welcomes a strong, peaceful and prosperous China," Zhu Shida said.
"It gives us reason to have good expectations for Sino-US relations," Zhu said.
(China Daily February 23, 2002)
