Hu Xijin, former editor-in-chief, Global Times:“The backlash toward Jiang reflects widespread public frustration with unequal access to social resources. In an environment of intense competition for education and jobs, more efforts are needed to ensure fairness and ease public resentment.” Source: Sina Weibo
Chen Weihua, EU bureau chief, China Daily: “Having a debate on Jiang’s speech is fine, but it should be conducted in a fair, balanced and respectable manner, instead of launching a ‘crusade’ against her and her family, or turning it into a ‘persecution.’ A good part of Jiang’s speech was on inclusiveness and tolerance, which are exactly what we need in today’s social media environment.” Source: China Daily
Chen Jiang, commentator, Zhejiang Daily:“People are tired of vague and empty platitudes. Instead of worrying about the fate of all humanity, perhaps we should focus more on real, tangible issues like access to education and rising food prices.” Source: Zhejiang Daily
A commencement speech by Chinese student Luanna Jiang Yurong at Harvard University sparked heated discussion on Chinese social media, dividing public opinion and triggering deeper conversations about privilege and fairness.
On May 29, 2025, 25-year-old Jiang, a native of Qingdao, Shandong Province, addressed her graduating class at the Harvard Kennedy School, where she earned a master’s degree in international development. The speech took place just days after a US federal judge blocked a ban by President Donald Trump that would have restricted foreign student enrollment at the university.
Jiang made history as the first Chinese woman to deliver a speech at a Harvard commencement in the university’s nearly 400-year existence. In her address, she called for unity through “our shared humanity” and “a shared future,” expressing concern that “the promise of a connected world is giving way to division, fear and conflict.”
Her remarks quickly went viral in China. Supporters praised the speech as heartfelt and idealistic, applauding Jiang’s broad vision, empathy and global perspective. However, critics dismissed her words as lofty rhetoric lacking practical solutions, what some called a modern-day version of “let them eat cake.”
More controversy emerged when netizens began scrutinizing her elite background. Some accused her of benefitting from connections to gain admission to Harvard. According to online posts, Jiang’s father, Jiang Zhiming, serves as executive director of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation, and she allegedly received a recommendation from Zhou Jinfeng, the Foundation’s vice president.
In response, Jiang addressed the allegations on Sina Weibo on June 2, denying she relied on family ties. She said her parents divorced when she was young and she had limited contact with her father. Jiang explained she submitted three recommendation letters: two from her undergraduate thesis advisors in economics and political science, and one from a former supervisor at Credit Suisse. While she did intern at the Foundation and received a letter from them, she said she ultimately did not use it in her application.
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