PLEASE NOTE: ”Answers by email” has ended for the school year. ”Answers” emails will resume on Sept. 3rd. The last daily posting to the website will be June 7th, and resume toward the end of August.

1. a) Who is Peng Liyuan? Be specific.
b) What do Chinese Communist party leaders hope she will do in her new role?

2. What will foreign policy experts look at when evaluating President Obama's meeting with President Xi? How will the focus of ordinary Chinese citizens differ from that of the experts?

3. Define "soft power."

4. What is the People's Liberation Army?  How is Peng Liyuan connected to the PLA?

5.  Why do you think the Obama Administration has not released details of President Obama's upcoming meeting with President Xi?

5. The Chinese (Communist) government routinely violates human rights and the religious and political freedom of its citizens. It was reported recently that the Chinese government actively works to commit cyberattacks against the U.S. government and military. Read the "Background" below on China's government.

a) How would you respond to someone who is duped by Ms. Peng's fashion sense and gracious demeanor into believing that the Chinese government can be trusted?
b)  Do you think the Chinese government's attempt at acquiring soft power will succeed? Explain your answer.