Reader comments
MormonTimes.com: Mormon paid visit by president of China

Steve | 2:47 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

What an awesome story that he has to tell his children & grandchildren.

awesomeron | 4:39 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

I do not see the need to have met President Hu Jintao in the 1st place. I did not see any of God in China during any of the games. I do not care if their is some sort of underground religion or not. I am sure their a Muslim or even Taliban Strong Holds also, ready to spring forth at the first sign of an Opportunity. All Religion is repressive to some degree. Those of us of faith accept that and subject ourselves to it, sometimes joyfully.

China on their Internet is both going to Ban Prone and Religion. The two extreme end of the pendulum.
Because He is a Head Of State it would be a life memory.

Georgiano | 5:33 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

While local krags whine about Mormons in their midst, kings and presidents of nations take notice of the good they see in this peculiar faction.

Comments continue below

so? | 6:15 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

So? did the guy do any good by talking with the President of China? Did he mention that putting christians in jails is not good?

doubt it.

Catering to the enemy | 7:48 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

Let's just call it like it is...China is the most repressive regime in the world. We as a country feel this intense need to "trade" with them because they are "such a large market!". We do this and we constantly hear that it is better to "be engaged" with China than to be "at odds with them". That has been the mantra for what, about 40 years now? What has changed, really, in China? Oh yea, the state run industries supply everything to Walmart now. I forgot about that. Human rights? Nope, nothing is any better there. I would not even talk to this guy. The LDS church can choose to, but I would not.

Great opportunity | 8:55 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

To Catering to the Enemy: The LDS Church did not talk to 'this guy' (I presume you meant the President of China and not the returned missionary). A foreign Chinese-speaking man, who happened to learn the language in order to serve an LDS mission there, did! That is unusual in and of itself. Chinese is an extremely difficult language to learn, and few Americans or Europeans can speak it fluently, or even enough to be understood.

By the way, Taiwan is not part of the Chinese government, they are an independent country which China is continuing to try and get back! They got Hong Kong back after a 99 year land lease expired, but with almost 100 years of European and American influence, the people there are hardly likely to sink back into the communist regime. Hong Kong is too important as a world-wide commerce and financial center.

Johnny Utah #9 | 9:02 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

Once again an article that has nothing to do with religion. Yet the Dnews puts their little spin on it, to make is sound like the Chinese President sought out a mormon to speak to. President Hu Jintao paid a visit to the Peking University-Yale University Joint Undergraduate Program in Beijing. Austin Miller happens to be a foreign student in that program that speaks Chinese, that's why he was chosen. Not becuase he was mormon. Perhaps a better title would be "Chinese speaking, American student meets with Chinese President".

kathyn | 9:07 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

C'mon guys! Let's be grateful for every good thing that happens. The gov't of China is repressive, but it is starting to open up a bit. The people themselves are good people and in time things will be better. This young man is being a good example, while following the rules of China. I think that's wonderful. There are 4 times as many Chinese as there are Americans so it would be good if we could see them as people and not just as communists. Hopefully one day we can become friends and allies again.

bdg | 9:21 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

Hey Catering... that guy does not represent the LDS Church just because he went on a mission.

Herb Gravy | 9:33 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

Just call me .. amazed! | 9:46 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

Is it so difficult to understand that speaking with someone is at least a beginning to co-operation and possible change. It seems to me that there are a lot of people who expect to just speak and have everyone else listen. Get this, they don't care who you are and what you have to say until you show them that you care about them!

Just call me... amazed | 9:49 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

Is it so difficult to understand that what this guy did was a good thing. It seems that there are some people who think that when they speak we should all sit up and listen. Heads up - no one cares who you are or what you have to say until you show them that you have an interest in them! I say good for him.

paa | 10:20 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

This kind of thing is great for public relations between the 2 countries and hopefully we'll see more opening up of China in the coming years. This article is also a good example of how LDS missionaries can help improve relations between countries around the world by learning other cultures and languages fluently and in learning to love and understand the people of other countries. This kind of attitude is the world's best hope for peace - not only LDS missionaries but all people who learn to love and respect the people of other nations. Yes, China still has a long ways to go as far as freedom and human rights, but this kind of thing is the best way to help that along. You can't force it - it has to come by a gradual change in attitude of the people and their leaders over time, as mutual trust and respect build over time.

John | 10:23 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

The Lord admonishes us to "Renounce war, proclaim peace." In a world filled with so much war, what a wonderful opportunity for this student to be a light of peace before China's president. China is a great country and moving into the light as it liberalizes its social and economic policies. It needs our support.

Cal Coug | 10:23 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

How many of you have actually been to China lately? Yes, they still have MANY warts, but I can tell you from experience that the light of freedom is shining in the eyes of the Chinese people. It is 1000% better now for the Chinese than even 10 years ago. And it will continue to improve. LDS congregations are now legal in Beijing. LDS missionaries can now leave China to serve missions. (Just ask Sister Chen, now serving at the Laie Hawaii Temple Visitors Center) Chinese college students studying abroad are flocking to the Church. And now, due to a new law change, family members of these LDS students can now be legally baptized in China. Mao's infamous Cultural Revolution is whole-heartedly denounced by current Chinese leaders, religion is on the upswing, and the LDS Church is on the verge of official recognition. You just watch what happens in the next 20 years. It will be amazing to behold

Raymond Takashi Swenson | 10:41 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

Perhaps the commenters are unaware that Governor Huntsman speaks Chinese because HE was a missionary in Taiwan; that it led him into becoming a US Trade Representative and US Ambassador to Singapore; and that Huntsman has met with the Chinese president in his official capacities, most recently as governor of Utah leading a trade delegation.

Anyone familiar with Chinese history knows that the ability of Chinese to communicate with Americans is now much greater than it was under Mao, and that, while the people's ability to have any say in their government is still restricted, their personal and economic freedom is infinitely greater. Part of the reason for that is that the Chinese government saw how prosperous Taiwan and Hong Kong were and realized that communism had failed to give China the wealth, power and prestige they felt it deserved.

There are reliable estimates that the number of Chinese Christians is now over 100 million people. That is almost the population of Japan, which has only 1 million Christians, about 10% LDS. The real threshold of freedom in China will be when LDS and other missionaries are allowed to communicate with those people. Imagine a million Chinese Mormons.

SLC gal | 10:49 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

Ummm, this guy was picked becuase he was foreign and could speak the language. The fact that he's Mormon only makes it more interesting. Personally I would be scared to death to meet with their president as freedom of speech is not protected over there.

A Precious Opportunity | 10:55 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

I have been blessed to know a number of businessmen who are involved in building strong business realtionships with Chinese manufacturing concerns and who also happen to be like this young man. Through their missions and the interests and skills they developed while serving, they are now frontline witnesses of Christ to all they come in contact with while living and working in China. They cannot openly prosilitize, but they can and do exemplify the teachings of Christ in all their dealings. It is about softening hearts and opening minds and bringing them to remembrance of truths. It is not catering to the enemy. It is being a missionary to friends and neighbors who happen to live in different lands. Aren't we encouraged to reach out to our neighbors and take advantage of opportunities to share the love of Christ? That is exactly what this young man was able to do.

Anonymous | 11:02 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008

I would not have met with him out of protest. It's embarrassing to the church that this kid would meet with "president" of China, a country that does not have free speech, kills people who voice opposition, and still harvests peoples kidneys to trade on the black market. Yeah right, the "light of freedom can been seen at the end of the tunnel!"

corey | 12:15 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008

Lots of Mormon bigotry on display here. Why do people think that the Mormon church stands for bigotry? Maybe they read these blogs.

Hu Jintau seems less of a bigot. You can be sure he knew this guy to be LDS - that's what goes on in backgrounding briefings for politicians - but he met with the guy anyhow.

The more Mormons of goodwill Hu Jintau meets, the better for the world, I say.

Please keep him away from the above whining bigots whose posts don't add to the momentum of good will.

kathyn | 12:28 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008

We never know what influence for good we can be. This young man had an exceptional opportunity to represent not only the Church, but America as well. Who knows what the harvest may be eventually? A lot of LDS businessmen are being shining examples in China. I applaud all of them.

Ryan | 12:45 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008

Some of you need to take a step back and think things through before posting.

Firstly, the article was published on MormonTimes.com, and mirrored to the DNews. The DNews is not putting any "spin" on anything, because they are not controlling the content.

Secondly, the article does not state that he was selected to meet with the President because he is a Mormon. He was selected because he speaks Chinese. He speaks Chinese because he went on a mission. He went on a mission because he is Mormon. You are far too eager to jump all over something that isn't there, and it makes you look very foolish.

Lastly, why in the world would he have wanted to take that opportunity to stage some sort of protest against Chinese policies? Are you trying to tell us that YOU would have done so, had you been in his position? Uh... No. I don't think so.

Thankfully this young man has more class and composure than some of you wingnuts who so bravely preach rebellion from the safety of your anonymous posts on the internet.

jimmyfreezo | 2:39 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008

I once met the Councilor General of Austria, it was cool, i spoke to him in German, he was sehr gut!

china and christians | 2:47 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008

Did the missionary type guy tell the truth to the dictator, or did he wimp out?

Eye Witness | 3:42 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008

"Catering to the Enemy"...Have you ever been to China? Your commentary says no. I have been traveling to China for 20 years and have seen dramatic change in every facet you can imagine. Yes, they still have a ways to go in terms of granting freedom like we enjoy in the US. However my CHINESE friends in CHINA who are CHRISTIAN tell me there are essentially only two things you cannot do without repercussion; speak against the government and openly proselytize your religion. They have realized incredible freedoms in the last two decades, and the trend continues. There are christian churches all over China, and have been for centuries. I've seen them and been in them. People are free to choose Christianity. They just can't proselyte others....yet. The time is fast approaching when this too will change. PLEASE don't speak of things you know nothing about as if you are an authority. You have 0% credibility...

John the better | 4:43 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008

I agree with the first comment. Save the story for your children and grandchildren.

Living in China | 6:02 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008

I, like Miller, was never interested in China, but I came here on a teacher exchange two years ago, went home, and told my husband, "We need to live in China". Two weeks ago we moved here with our three children. The Chinese people are open and optimistic about their futures, a welcome change from the cynicism that pervades American life. Businesses, small and large, foreign and local, flourish around us. We can attend our local LDS branch, and visited a Chinese Catholic service. I've never felt the oppression and depression I felt, even as a visitor, in the USSR in the 1980s. China is moving, with or without us. And the more positive contact it's people have with the rest of the world, LDS or otherwise, the better off we all will be.

LDS in China | 7:13 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008

There will be 1 million members of the LDS church in mainland China within 5 years after missionary work is allowed. This was told to me by a church member (native) who now lives in China! The doors will open and the caravan will move into China. Many in China (and elsewhere) are praying for that day to be hastened!

washcomom | 9:53 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008

Diplomacy dictates that one doesn't confront the Head of State when you are NOT a diplomat. How can Miller act for the US and others when he was the one that was asked to be spoken to? He can give his OPINION, but he cannot dictate to the Chinese government what to do. Modern democracy doesn't happen overnight. It takes time to "tear down that wall." Like Cal Coug said - it's better than it was 10 years ago at Tiananmen Square. They have a long way to go still. People who think they always know how to put the government in it's place just never learn. Run for office, get elected and see how it works.

Dave | 10:20 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008

Thank you Ryan,

I too am astounded at the thoughtful stupididy and forensic misunderstandings and statments that attend them that are posted by people in response to articles like this. It just reminds me that bigotry still exhists. Why are there so many mormon-bashers in Salt Lake? Do they not understand what contributions have been made here? I don't get this, this City would not be half as positively developed and enriched had it not been for the "Mormons". I am simply astounded at the absolute bigotry and stupidity that exists in a city that was founded and established and built and developed foremost by "Mormons". Stop ridiculing and start thinking and get a life. Instead of writing negative religious arguments online, why not practice positive values and laud others who seek to do the same.

Thank You. (No need to respond to this article)

JanSan | 11:15 p.m. Sept. 5, 2008

I was VERY impressed with this article and this young man. What a totally awesome experience. As far as the hate mongers and and anti's they aren't worth the time or effort to read their comments.. They just remind me of bully's that never grew up!

Shum | 7:12 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

Ryan, Thank you very much.
You did a great job. your good examples is enough for the Chinese. Keep up your great works and be prepared to be a mission president there in the future. The church teachings such as:
"No success can compensate for failure in the family" and D & C 44:4 "And many shall be converted insomuch that ye shall obtain power to organize yourselves according to the laws of man" and The
Articles of Faith no. 12 "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents,rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law."
Please keep your priceless experience and the Leaders in China is great and getting better and better. See you in China.

mikchal | 9:09 a.m. Sept. 6, 2008

I live in the south; where there are anti-mormons on every corner. I expect to encounter bigotry here. What amazes me is the amount of anti-mormon posts I read that come from the Salt Lake area. If you are so rabid anti-mormon, why don't you move here? You'll feel right at home, and you'll find people who will think that you know what your're talking about. Right now, every time you let people know your little hateful thoughts you just seem to confirm the fact of your abundance of hot air and stupidity. Move on or deal with it.

shum | 5:50 p.m. Sept. 7, 2008

Ryan, Thank you very much.
Bro. Miller,You did a great job. your good examples is enough for the Chinese. Keep up your great works and be prepared to be a mission president there in the future. The church teachings such as:
"No success can compensate for failure in the family" and D & C 44:4 "And many shall be converted insomuch that ye shall obtain power to organize yourselves according to the laws of man" and The
Articles of Faith no. 12 "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents,rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law."
Please keep your priceless experience and the Leaders in China is great and getting better and better. See you in China.

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