On May 29, during Harvard University’s graduation ceremony, Chinese national Yurong “Luanna” Jiang became the first woman from China to represent her classmates in a speech. She encouraged the audience to listen to each other without judgment, focusing on humanity and inclusivity while addressing issues of gender, ethnicity, and geopolitical tensions, which sparked international attention.

In her speech, Jiang stated, “If we believe in a common future, we must remember that those labeled as enemies are also human. Recognizing their humanity will lead us to find our own.” She continued to highlight women’s struggles and societal realities, saying, “If any woman cannot afford basic hygiene products, then we are all poorer. If a girl fears harassment and cannot attend school, my dignity is also violated.” Jiang acknowledged the political conflicts outside the Harvard campus and mentioned how easily people can demonize others when emotionally charged.

After her address, she shared in a subsequent interview with the Associated Press that the uncertainty caused by Trump’s policies disrupted her plans to work in the U.S., and she is considering opportunities in other countries.

As her speech gained traction, her background was investigated, revealing she hails from Qingdao in Shandong province, and her father is the executive director of a prominent Chinese environmental foundation. While some netizens praised her international perspective, many criticized her as being a child of privilege, suggesting that she should stay in the U.S.