It seems basketball fan President Obama is also interested in Chinese philosophy.

At the opening meeting of the first China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED) on July 27, 2009, President Obama quoted the Chinese-born NBA star Yao Ming and the ancient philosopher Mencius in talking about resetting long-term relations with China.

Talking about enhancing the importance of talks between China and the United States, President Obama said, "I have learned from the words of Yao Ming, who said, 'No matter whether you are new or an old team member, you need time to adjust to one another.' Well, through the constructive meetings that we've already had, and through this dialogue, I'm confident that we will meet Yao's standard."

To wrap up his speech, Obama turned to the great Chinese philosopher Mencius to find the way to resolve disagreement between China and US through talks, quoting "A trail through the mountains, if used, becomes a path in a short time, but, if unused, becomes blocked by grass in an equally short time."

Obama said, "Our task is to forge a path to the future that we seek for our children -- to prevent mistrust or the inevitable differences of the moment from allowing that trail to be blocked by grass; to always be mindful of the journey that we are undertaking together."

By People's Daily Online