Keen to bring in change, Obama is the first US Prez to visit China within the first year of presidency
US President Barack Obama's wish list during his China visit this week included seeking assistance on everything, from Global Warming to North Korea’s nuclear menace. No wonder that at conventions of the G-20 countries, China’s views are invariably sought on matters such as banking restructuring and executive disbursements. Having said that, it is also true that convincing China to take a lead will be a test. Assisting Obama will be an all-star Capitol Hill cast – secretary of state Hillary Clinton, US trade representative Ron Kirk, commerce secretary Gary Locke and treasury secretary Timothy Geithner.
So, why this visit in the first place? Well, as of today, the world is looking to China to take over a hitherto alien position of international headship. At a time when American standing is waning, China’s rank is mounting increasingly.
But there is a catch. In stark contrast to the US, China doesn’t seek to restructure the globe so to say. Its age-old principles are that of “non-intervention” in the domestic dealings of other nations. Even under Chairman Mao’s period in office, China by no means sought international dominance like the erstwhile Soviet Union – though it stimulated revolution in parts of Indo-China and beyond. Now that China has for the most part discarded or redesigned socialism to suit its goals, it’s tough to come across an explanation for whatever remains of its philosophy, principles and world view.
Reacting on the visit, Kerry Brown, a China expert at London’s Chatham House told TSI, “China wants the world to respect its position first. It knows that leadership mantle will follow. Chastise it for lack of internal democracy and freedom of speech, no body can accuse it of throwing its weight around.”
There are expectations, as well, that China will use its new-fangled strategic heft – and its adroit stroke – to help determine the most serious security concerns of the times. It is not for nothing that some of US’ erstwhile “superhero” diplomats have wished for a radically slimmer G20 – a G2, the US and China – to deal with the so-called nuclear risk caused by Iran and North Korea; the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; Indo-Pak tensions and current favourite, climate change.
In the initial bonhomie, the US has affirmed that Tibet belongs to China and there can be no compromise on its "One-China" stand. US used to have diplomatic relationship with Taiwan but it switched to Mainland China in 1979. However, US remains Taiwan's largest arms supplier.
US President Barack Obama's wish list during his China visit this week included seeking assistance on everything, from Global Warming to North Korea’s nuclear menace. No wonder that at conventions of the G-20 countries, China’s views are invariably sought on matters such as banking restructuring and executive disbursements. Having said that, it is also true that convincing China to take a lead will be a test. Assisting Obama will be an all-star Capitol Hill cast – secretary of state Hillary Clinton, US trade representative Ron Kirk, commerce secretary Gary Locke and treasury secretary Timothy Geithner.
So, why this visit in the first place? Well, as of today, the world is looking to China to take over a hitherto alien position of international headship. At a time when American standing is waning, China’s rank is mounting increasingly.
But there is a catch. In stark contrast to the US, China doesn’t seek to restructure the globe so to say. Its age-old principles are that of “non-intervention” in the domestic dealings of other nations. Even under Chairman Mao’s period in office, China by no means sought international dominance like the erstwhile Soviet Union – though it stimulated revolution in parts of Indo-China and beyond. Now that China has for the most part discarded or redesigned socialism to suit its goals, it’s tough to come across an explanation for whatever remains of its philosophy, principles and world view.
Reacting on the visit, Kerry Brown, a China expert at London’s Chatham House told TSI, “China wants the world to respect its position first. It knows that leadership mantle will follow. Chastise it for lack of internal democracy and freedom of speech, no body can accuse it of throwing its weight around.”
There are expectations, as well, that China will use its new-fangled strategic heft – and its adroit stroke – to help determine the most serious security concerns of the times. It is not for nothing that some of US’ erstwhile “superhero” diplomats have wished for a radically slimmer G20 – a G2, the US and China – to deal with the so-called nuclear risk caused by Iran and North Korea; the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; Indo-Pak tensions and current favourite, climate change.
In the initial bonhomie, the US has affirmed that Tibet belongs to China and there can be no compromise on its "One-China" stand. US used to have diplomatic relationship with Taiwan but it switched to Mainland China in 1979. However, US remains Taiwan's largest arms supplier.
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