Chinese Duke student gets threats after China protest

On the radio the other day (4/15/08), I heard on KQED a radio piece on The World (and in In The New York Times today -“Chinese Student in U.S. Is Caught in Confrontation“), discussing a situation regarding Grace Wang, a Chinese freshman student at Duke University. [Listen here: starts at minute 25:50]

Only a dozen or so pro-Tibet demonstrators turned out last Wednesday for a protest, but were overwhelmed by several hundred pro-mainland Chinese students. Wang walked into the protest as she existed the dining hall and walked right into the middle of the demonstration (see YouTube video above). Wang was trying to get both sides to talk, but got caught up in situation. Afterwards, according to Duke’s “The Chronicle” in “Student gets threats after China protest“:

“After the protests, the student’s personal information, including her name, phone number and Chinese identity number were posted to the Duke Chinese Scholars and Students Association (DCSSA) Web site, according to documents obtained by The Chronicle. Photographs and a video of the student from the rally have also been posted on several popular Chinese-language forums… The student’s parents have also been targeted. Their contact information was posted on several popular Chinese-language Internet forums. Some Internet sources said their home was attacked, though the student said she has been unable to confirm this with her parents, who declined to discuss the issue when she contacted them via e-mail.”

Actually, Wang’s information was emailed in the DCSSA email listserv. The DCSSA said that someone on their list abused their privilege and they whole heartedly condemn the release of Wong’s information and the University was happy with their quick condemnation. The radio piece goes on to explain how the Chinese government has encouraged extreme nationalism amongst Chinese students studying abroad.

This reminded me of an Op-Ed piece in The New York Times the other day, “China’s Loyal Youth:”

“Educated young people are usually the best positioned in society to bridge cultures, so it’s important to examine the thinking of those in China. The most striking thing is that, almost without exception, they feel rightfully proud of their country’s accomplishments in the three decades since economic reforms began. And their pride and patriotism often find expression in an unquestioning support of their government, especially regarding Tibet….Barring major changes in China’s education system or economy, Westerners are not going to find allies among the vast majority of Chinese on key issues like Tibet, Darfur and the environment for some time. If the debate over Tibet turns this summer’s contests in Beijing into the Human Rights Games, as seems inevitable, Western ticket-holders expecting to find Chinese angry at their government will instead find Chinese angry at them.”

I agree. One might think that mainland Chinese students, especially those living and studying abroad here in the United States, would be exposed and automatically accept a Western-point-of-view. But that is a bit naive to think. For the Chinese under 30, the world that they have been brought up in has been their oyster. China’s rise and culmination to the Olympic games is China’s defining moment and coming out party to the world, and they have a right to be proud. But over time, the Chinese youth will hopefully come to understand why the world often protests against the Chinese government (and not the Chinese people). One can love a country and still criticize it – and if fact, that is the tough love that many Americans today are practicing with their government. Let’s hope cooler heads prevail as we approach the August 8th, 2008.