The Advisory Committee of President Barack Obama’s 100,000 Strong Initiative, which encourages Americans to study in China, is led by former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel and departing Chicago Mayor Richard Daly. Daly, who’s been mayor for 22 years, led Chicago in engaging China and promoting cross-cultural programs.  His efforts earned the Windy City the distinction of being “the most China-friendly city” when President Hu Jintao visited in January. That distinction is helping Chicago support President Obama’s goal.

“The mayor has initiated the largest public school Mandarin program in the United States. There are 42 schools in Chicago that are teaching Mandarin to more than 12,000 students,” said William Spence, co-chairman of the Chicago Sister Cities China Committee.  He says language classes are one way departing Mayor Richard Daly has engaged China, America’s second largest trading partner.  Chinese President Hu Jintao recognized those efforts in January.  During his state visit, he spent time in Chicago, and visited with students and faculty at Walter Payton.

Even with those language programs, the U.S. State Department says there are 600 times more Chinese students studying English than Americans studying Mandarin.  The State Department also says ten times more Chinese students study in the United States than Americans in China.  The 100,000 Strong initiative is intended to begin bridging that gap.

See: VOA News