Michelle Obama dined at a Tibetan restaurant in Chengdu Wednesday, causing many to comment on the possible "political overtones" behind the luncheon.
The US first lady, accompanied by her mother and daughters, ate at the Tibetan Zangxiang Teahouse in the capital of Sichuan province, where around 60,000 ethnic Tibetans reside. Obama and family spun Tibetan peace wheels and were presented with white scarves, representing purity in Tibetan culture.
According to internet commenters, simply by visiting the restaurant Obama drew attention to the Tibetan human rights cause. Tsering Tsomo, executive director of the Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy said:
We believe it's a strong message that she is concerned about what is happening in Tibet. She has already spoken on this trip about rights including freedom of expression and worship. These are rights that are being restricted and violently suppressed by the Chinese government in Tibet.
In protest against Chinese rule, over 130 Tibetans have self-immolated in the past five years, with nearly half of such incidents taking place in Sichuan province.
Although President Obama has said he does not support Tibetan independence, he has met with the Dalai Lama three times during his presidency, generating anger from China. On this occasion, however, China has played down the first lady's decision to eat at Tibetan restaurant. "There are serious disagreements on some Tibetan issues between Beijing and Washington, but Tibetan food? Maybe it's good, she can choose any restaurant she likes, it's not too provocative," said Shi Yinhong, director of the Center for American Studies at People's University of China in Beijing.
The lunch was part of Obama's week-long visit to China, which has included a trip to the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors. Obama also spoke to students in about the importance of freedom of speech.
[Image via CNS]
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