Last summer, Samuelson accompanied the BYU Young Ambassadors performing group for its tour. Earlier this summer, Samuelson was back in Beijing to catch the tail end of the BYU Ballroom group's June tour and performance as part of the 2008 Beijing Cultural Olympics.

His itinerary this time around was more formal and official than the previous year's, coupling the three Beijing performances with a series of luncheons, dinners and receptions with Chinese dignitaries and officials from the PRC government's ministries of education and culture.

It was an opportunity to not only represent BYU and to sustain existing relationships, "but also to continue to make friends," Samuelson said.

Officials from all sides — the Chinese government, the Chinese universities, BYU and the LDS Church — all are aware of the sensitive nature of their relationships, fostered on mutual trust.

The result is not awkward interactions nor tense relations, but rather respect for acknowledged differences and appreciation for welcome similarities.

"They know we represent (the church's) university and its teachings," said Samuelson, "but they also know we will not be passing out Books of Mormon and other literature."

Conversely, the Chinese know of the principles and practices of BYU representatives and church members as a whole, said Samuelson, adding that the hosts strive to be hospitable to university visitors who abstain from alcohol, coffee, tea and tobacco when their use is so common among the Chinese.

"It's not lost on them," he said, "and I don't see any hostility on their part."

As well as sending representatives to China, BYU has a strong track record with visiting Chinese students attending its Provo campus.

Samuelson lists BYU's attractions to Chinese students and officials — an institution promoting high standards and a safe environment — not only in personal safety but also safety for their culture and traditions.

Language differences are lessened, given the number of BYU students who learned — and continue to develop — a second language as former LDS Church missionaries.

"We're also an atypical university," he said, "because of the number of Mandarin speakers."

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E-mail: taylor@desnews.com