President Obama’s Town Hall with Chinese Youth             In coordination with President Barack Obama’s first visit to China, over 60 English and American Studies students from Sichuan University gathered at the U.S. Consulate in Chengdu to watch the President’s Town Hall with Chinese Youth live.  The students engaged in a thoughtful dialogue following the Town Hall, providing interesting commentary and posing their own questions.  A photo exhibition presented by the Sichuan Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries on display at the Consulate commemorating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of US-Chinese diplomatic relations provided an appropriate backdrop to the President’s visit. The free flow of information on the Internet builds a stronger society, encourages creativity and helps people around the world participate in the political process and hold their governments accountable, President Obama told Chinese students in Shanghai November 16. Speaking at a town hall meeting ahead of meetings with Chinese leaders in Beijing, Obama said he is “a big believer” in technology and openness and a “big supporter of noncensorship” even though it means that he finds himself the subject of constant criticism. In the United States, “the fact that we have free Internet or unrestricted Internet access is a source of strength,” and the president said open Internet use should be encouraged. REMARKS BY PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AT TOWN HALL MEETING WITH FUTURE CHINESE LEADERS "This is my first time traveling to China, and I'm excited to see this majestic country.  Here, in Shanghai, we see the growth that has caught the attention of the world -- the soaring skyscrapers, the bustling streets and entrepreneurial activity.  And just as I'm impressed by these signs of China's journey to the 21st century, I'm eager to see those ancient places that speak to us from China's distant past.  Tomorrow and the next day I hope to have a chance when I'm in Beijing to see the majesty of the Forbidden City and the wonder of the Great Wall.  Truly, this is a nation that encompasses both a rich history and a belief in the promise of the future." (Full text)

launch of Virtual Presence Post - Kunming Consulate Chengdu is proud to announce the launch of Virtual Presence Post - Kunming.  VPP Kunming will focus on planning and promoting outreach events in Kunming, providing American Citizen Services to U.S. citizens in Yunnan, and highlighting areas of cooperation between Yunnan Province and the United States. Consulate Chengdu officials, including Chengdu Consul General David Brown, will be in Kunming this week to celebrate the launch of VPP Kunming.  Look for reports on the launch events next week on the VPP Kunming website: kunming.usvpp.gov.