Obama: Expand to 100,000 US students in China

I watched (11/15/09) President Obama’s Shanghai town hall with Chinese students on CNN and, when CNN switched to something else, online. The NY Times coverage is here. The most significant announcement, IMHO, was President Obama saying that the US would expand the number of US students studying in China to 100,000 (here, for example). No details were provided.

At about 1.25% of the US total population, Oregon's share would be about 1,250 students.

Update: Here's a youtube of President Obama's opening statement. The written quote below begins at 9:38.

We know that more is to be gained when great powers cooperate than when they collide. That is a lesson that human beings have learned time and again. And that is the example of the history between our nations. And I believe strongly that cooperation must go beyond our government and must be rooted in our people. In the studies we share, the business that we do, the knowledge that we gain, and even in the sports that we play.

And these bridges must be built by young men and women just like you and your counterparts in America. That’s why I’m pleased to announce that the United States will dramatically expand the number of our students who study in China to 100,000. And these exchanges mark a clear commitment to build ties among our people as surely as you will help determine the destiny of the 21^st century. And I am absolutely confident that America has no better ambassadors to offer than our young people. For they, just like you, are filled with talent, and energy, and optimism about the history that is yet to be written. So let this be the next step in the steady pursuit of cooperation that will serve our nations and the world.