On September 9, Gary Locke, the new U.S. Ambassador to China, gave his first public speech in China at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU). Eight IES Abroad Beijing students and IES Abroad Beijing Center Director, Brian Eyler, had the extraordinary opportunity to attend. This year, BFSU is celebrating its 70th anniversary and the Ambassador's talk kicks-off a series of events taking place this fall to celebrate.
Locke spoke about President Obama’s 100,000 Strong Initiative, as well as other U.S-China issues with an emphasis on core American values such as universal human rights and freedom of speech. Students were able to participate in a formal Q & A session and meet informally with the Ambassador for conversation and a photo.
Listen to student reactions to the Ambassador’s speech, their thoughts on the future of U.S.-China relations, and their possible role in helping to shape that future.
Appearing in the photo with Ambassador Locke are Rachael Surbaugh (University of Puget Sound), Jonathan Moore (University of Redlands), Amanda Nicol (University of Puget Sound), Carrie Dillaway (Bates College), Linde Le (University of Denver), Edward Solar (Marist College), Cody Dickerson (University of Pittsburgh), Samuel Culbert (University of Puget Sound), and Brian Eyler (Center Director, IES Abroad Beijing).
