July 10, 2023 at 04:55PM
A recent gathering of Chinese female economists and entrepreneurs with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has ignited a wave of criticism from online nationalists. The online backlash centers around accusations of the attendees betraying their country by associating with a U.S. official.
This incident highlights the delicate nature of China-U.S. relations and sheds light on the importance of female representation in decision-making.
While the Treasury Department did not release the names of the attendees, a group photograph of the gathering posted on China’s Weibo social media platform allowed individuals to identify some of the participants. The widely-followed Professor Shen Yi voiced his skepticism, implying that the attendees may have to offer something in return for the meal, suggesting there may be an ulterior motive behind their interaction with the U.S. government.
Two women, Liu Qian, the Economist Group’s managing director for Greater China, and author Hao Jingfang, became the primary targets of online criticism due to their posts about the event. One Weibo user questioned Hao’s presence, suggesting she might be an “American spy.” Another comment criticized the selection of elite women, claiming they lacked the experience of working in factories.
During her visit to Beijing, Secretary Yellen actively engaged with women economists and entrepreneurs, highlighting her commitment to female representation in decision-making. Strikingly, the Chinese government, in an apparent departure from such inclusivity, exclusively sent male officials to meet the first-ever female head of the U.S. Treasury.
This incident underscores larger issues in China concerning women’s representation in leadership roles. Last year, President Xi Jinping notably excluded women from China’s top leadership positions for the first time in 25 years. Moreover, amid the country’s declining birth rate, traditional caregiving roles for women are being encouraged, posing challenges to women’s broader participation in the workforce.
The nationalist backlash against women extends beyond this incident and extends to foreign female journalists working for Western news organizations. These journalists often face disparagement and threats of violence from online attackers, impacting their coverage of China and their ability to report freely.
In response to the criticism, the Treasury released a statement emphasizing the importance of women’s contributions to economics and the workforce as a driver of inclusive growth. The statement highlights the significance of women’s involvement in economic research and policymaking to ensure that societal priorities are adequately reflected.
This controversy surrounding the dinner with Janet Yellen demonstrates both the challenges faced by women in leadership positions and the delicate nature of China-U.S. relations. While online nationalists may take issue with such interactions, the push for female representation and inclusive growth cannot be undermined. The significance of women’s contributions to economics and decision-making is crucial for shaping policies that reflect society’s diverse needs and aspirations.
The Business Press 