First lady's soft diplomacy

US first lady Michelle Obama is on a week-long visit to China that focuses on educational and cultural exchanges. Given that the United States' first ladies are unique ambassadors for the country, the trip represents "gentle diplomacy" on the part of Washington, says a Xinhua commentary.

Since President Barack Obama took office in 2009, deepening relations with Beijing has been one of his foreign policy priorities, and bilateral ties have generally moved in the right direction.

However, the globally significant trans-Pacific relationship has also witnessed strain due to some irresponsible moves by Washington, such as its meddling in South China Sea territorial disputes and Obama's meeting with the Dalai Lama last month.