Flotus strives for understanding

While President Obama is in China handling matters such as discussing trade and human rights with Xi Jinping, the first lady accompanied him on a cultural exchange tour. She will be in China for three weeks to visit schools in Beijing and Changdu. In her visits, she will be telling students about the benefits of education, according to White House National Security advisor. Both Barack and Michelle are using public diplomacy to improve Sino-American relations.

The purpose of this trip is not to get the Chinese to agree with U.S. Foreign policy. The purpose of this trip is promote mutual understanding. "The more they understand the values of our first lady and the president, the better things will be for both countries." Say Rhodes. In other words, this trip will maintain and soothe the already shaky Sino-American relations. There is saying that you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar. With threats and bargaining being the vinegar, mutual understanding is definitely the honey.

During Mrs. Obama's site visits, she intends to tell students about the benefits of studying abroad and cultural exchanges. The U.S. and China already have the highest rates of foreign exchanges with each other, meaning there is no real need for an initiative to drive this upward. I think the Michelle's visits to school is more a signal to the Chinese government that the U.S. values Chinese students.

The Obama's advisor brought up a great point. With Michelle's mother and two daughters accompanying her accompanying the flotus, he says that "I [he] thinks that the Chinese will appreciate seeing three generations of family members visiting their country.