TOTAL BS!
WASHINGTON — Chinese officials moved Thursday to reassure American parents that the 100,000 young Americans invited to study in China over the next five years will be returned to the United States promptly after completing a standard cultural orientation and departure review.
President Xi Jinping announced the initiative during his White House visit, inviting 100,000 young Americans to China for exchanges and study over the next five years. Xi said the future of U.S.-China relations lies with young people. Pasted text
Chinese officials said the additional departure procedures are designed solely to ensure students receive the full benefit of the program before returning home.
Under the guidelines, participants will be permitted to leave after completing their studies, cultural exchange activities, an exit interview, a friendship assessment and a brief questionnaire concerning their experience in China.
Students receiving an unsatisfactory score on the friendship assessment may be asked to remain for additional cultural enrichment.
“There should be no concern whatsoever,” a senior program official said. “Every American student will be free to return home once we determine they are ready.”
The official stressed that passports will remain the property of participating students and will be stored for convenience in a secure government facility during portions of the program.
Parents concerned about delays will be able to contact a new Beijing-based assistance center staffed around the clock. Officials said representatives will provide updates on students and, when appropriate, explain why additional orientation may be necessary.
The five-year program is expected to include Chinese language and history instruction, cultural tours and a new seminar on peaceful international competition titled “Winning Without Creating the Appearance of Winning.”
Students will also participate in supervised discussions on artificial intelligence, trade and the advantages of maintaining productive relationships between major world powers.
Chinese officials rejected suggestions that the program could create difficulties for Americans wishing to leave the country.
“Departure remains entirely voluntary,” one official explained. “We would never force an American student to leave China before successfully completing the program.”
U.S. officials are expected to receive additional details as implementation moves forward.
Parents will be notified.
Eventually.
TOTAL BS is SATIRE: The invitation is real. The orientation rules, friendship assessments, passport storage, quotes and mysteriously flexible departure schedule are TOTAL BS.
For the real BS read this — Xi really did invite 100,000 young Americans to China for exchanges and study over the next five years.
