On April 19, thousands of Chinese students and expatriates demonstrated in Paris de la Republique in support of the upcoming Beijing Olympics and to denounce sections of the French media for their distorted reports on the March 14 Lhasa riots.
Li Huan, a Chinese post-graduate student at the University of Lille II from Xi'an, capital of China's Shaanxi Province, delivered a long and powerful speech at the rally. His speech, delivered in mellow and passionate tones and also in fluent French, not only was a success for Chinese students and expatriates but also won the admiration of the French people.
On May 10, Li Huan, an overseas Chinese studying in France, visited People's Daily Online, Strong China Forum, and communicated online with readers. Li Huan returned to attend an exchange conference held by Tsing Hua University on May 9; and at the conference he shared his experience with university students on topics such as how to be patriotic in a rational way and how to represent China's image in a positive manner.
People's Daily Online sent reporters to interview him on the day he arrived, and the following are excerpts from the interview:
"I fear nothing when facing a menace"Reporter: As an overseas student, you bravely "stood up" before fierce condemnation from some French media. Were you worried or afraid? And what encouraged you to attend such a rally at that time?
Li Huan: Because of slanting reports from some French media, I felt obliged to show the true side to the French public in an acceptable way. In addition, I have experience attending rallies and was pushed to the front this time.
Yes, I felt worried for a short time when I was harassed by threatening phone calls, stating they would arrange murders or bomb attacks at the rally. I knew my country would take care of my parents if something happened to me, so I left behind my worries and fears. In the days following, I fully concentrated on preparations for the rally and my speech.
Exchange conference at Tsing Hua UniversityEfforts of overseas students pay off in a positive way
Reporter: What positive effects have come about as a result of your activities, and what responses have you received from the French public?
Li Huan: Tremendous effects. Immediately after the April 19 rally, the French media for the first time reported on Tibet as a feudal serfdom society restricted by the Dalai Lama. This is also the first fair reporting on Tibet after the March 14 Lhasa riots.
Some time before, "snow mountain and lion" flags—a banner for Tibet independence—were raised over some tiny townships. We sent the local authorities a letter with signatures, stating that this has hurt the Chinese people's feelings. On April 22, all these flags were taken down.
In France, more and more people, including some commentators and politicians, discarded the hostile attitude toward China; and adopted a neutral tone. Many claimed that the "Tibet issue" is an internal issue of China.
At first, the French public was shocked by the outburst of Chinese passion, as they thought that Chinese people seldom took to the streets and protested. Some of them even assumed that the demonstration must have been incited by the Chinese government and Embassy. I informed them that this was a concerted effort from our 9 days of painstaking efforts. Currently, some noise and din constinues; but most French media have begun to reflect and put on more debates and seminars on China.
"I spoke out of the minds of most Chinese"Reporter: What, do you think, made your speech so impressive?
Li Huan: I made a speech on behalf of most Chinese people. I tried my utmost to deliver the speech in a way acceptable both to Chinese and French people. In my speech, I wanted to show that the true essence of Chinese culture has always included sincerity, tolerance and benevolence.
I know I gained instant fame after that speech which is also beyond my expectation. What I want to stress now is that I consider it my obligation to voice the opinions on behalf of my team and all overseas Chinese students. I do hope China's youth will think in a rational way, track down the root cause and do whatever we are supposed to do, in a word: be patriotic in a mature and rational way.
A generation to bridge the gap between the East and WestReporter: You mentioned in your speech that overseas students are the bridge of information and exchange between two very different worlds. What qualifications do you think you should possess to act as the bridge?
Li Huan: Overseas students have access to different cultures, and are influenced by mixed cultures. They have at least two languages at their disposal and have learned something about cultural differences. They are capable of bridging the gap between the East and West; and it has been clear that the distorted reports on the Lhasa riots are born of this gap, as well as of ignorance and misunderstandings caused by the gap.
Mutual encouragement with People's Daily OnlineLi Huan: I personally like the name of your forum—Strong China – as it mirrors the heartfelt wishes of overseas Chinese students and expatriates. Let's join hands to achieve our common dream: to be a strong country and a strong nation!
By People's Daily Online
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