Australia’s Prime Minister gave a speech in Mandarin yesterday at Beijing University. He spoke frankly on politically sensitive topics like Tibet.

“I agreed with what he said,” Li Yang, a graduate student in environmental sciences, said following the speech.

“The Tibetan issue should be resolved without violence and through dialogue, this is correct.”

Another student commented on Rudd’s Chinese speaking ability.

“His Chinese is very good, he speaks Chinese very well,” said Hong Ziyun, a first year law student.
“He really understands Chinese history and culture.”

Kevin Rudd studied Chinese language and history at university and spent time in Beijing working as a diplomat. He is supportive of China hosting the Beijing Olympics.