People in China send their first wishes to the new U.S. President-elect Barak Obama.
Many Chinese see Obama as a youthful president-elect with the energy to tackle the financial crisis now threatening their economy. He's also seen carrying an ethnic heritage that could help America reach out to the rest of the world.
1. (English) QIU XIAOHUI, STUDENT, SAYING:
"Obama, I'm really happy you won. And I hope you can help American people set up more understanding to Chinese. And maybe also help all the people from the world to know what happens in China. It's very important for me"
2. (Mandarin) HAN LONG, BUSINESSMAN, SAYING:
"Hello Mr. Obama. Two months ago I already knew you would become president of the United States. I have placed so much hope on you. I won't go on and on about how much attention I have paid to you, but I hope when you take over you can sort out the American economy and bring the world economy back up, especially the Chinese economy. I've bought so many stocks and funds, and lately they're just falling, falling, falling. I hope you will exert your influence over the world, Asia and China, so all of us can benefit greatly. This is my hope"
3. (English) ZHANG WEIHUI, OFFICE WORKER, SAYING:
" I think you are a young president, and you will do a lot of things after you've taking the White House. And I wish, and I think that your colour skin gives you some advantages that will bring hope to a lot of people around the world who are not white skinned. And I hope you will bring help to the world economy and also to the world financial situation.'
4. (English) LI QIAN, STUDENT, SAYING:
"I hope you can bring new changes into the United States, especially in the special situation, for example in the international financial crisis. I'm very impressed by your slogan in the election, that is "The Change We Need." So I hope your slogan can come true in the next four or eight years in your administration.'
Tags: Obama China election reaction diplomacy Beijing PostcardstoPresident
