Unit 94
US Presidents and Chinese Chopsticks
Ever since Richard Nixon first visited China in 1972, every successive US President has visited China. Learning to use chopsticks ha been an important lesson for all of them, because it is not only a part of eastern culture, but also a political art, a "small trick" to show of and win the host's pleasure. So, in his visit to China in June, 1998, Bill Clinton as also learn how to use chopsticks so as to be able to show off at the state banquet in Beijing.
Nixon had set the example to American Presidents to pay attention to the art of using chopsticks which was also a conversation topic at the state banquet during his visit. This, just like the shots of Nixon drinking Maotai, was televised throughout the world. From then on all American Presidents visiting China have tried their best to sow off their skill in using chopsticks.
At the 1972 banquet, Premier Zhou Enlai noticed the dexterity with which President Nixon used the chopsticks and praised him and Mrs. Nixon for their first-class skill. Mrs. Nixon immediately seized upon the topic and even let out the "secret" that they had been practicing using chopsticks in the White House for their visit to China. For half a year the Nixons had been using chopsticks instead of knifes and forks for their meals.
Nothing gave the Nixons more delight than to be praised by their host for their skill in using chopsticks. The success and prestige of a statesman is fully proved when he is praised by his host for immersing himself into the culture of the country he is visiting.
Trifling as the technique of using chopsticks may appear, it takes much time and hard work for a westerner to master it if he doesn't want to make mistakes. President Nixon had taken the matter very seriously. He had inquired from the President of Pakistan about what kind chopsticks were used at state banquet in Beijing and how many courses there usually were, and then he started to seriously practice with similar chopsticks.
The two countries had not established diplomatic relations when Nixon first visited China so his visit was not an official state visit, nevertheless he was careful with every single minor detail. Later US Presidents visiting China followed his example and paid special attention to minor details. |