Clinton in China

By Michael Burgevin

If there was any doubt that President Obama recognizes the growing power of developing countries, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s impending visit to Asia indicates just how seriously the White House views relations with China and other Asian countries. Not since the 1960s has the Secretary of State flown east before flying west. Secretary Clinton, who will be landing in Japan today, will continue on to Indonesia, South Korea, and finally ending her trip in Beijing at the end of the week.

Although Secretary Clinton’s trip is highly symbolic in its recognition of Asian economic and political influences, none of the visits are expected to break significant ground on issues of diplomatic relations. “In all capitals, the secretary will be discussing common approaches to the challenges facing the international community, including the financial markets turmoil, humanitarian issues, security and climate change” reports State Department spokesman Robert Wood (reuters).

In a speech given last Friday at the Asia Society in New York, Secretary Clinton addressed the need to reform President Bush’s antagonistic policies towards China, stating that although “some believe that China on the rise is by definition an adversary . . . we believe the United States and China benefit from, and contribute to, each others successes” (nytimes).

Secretary Clinton has always maintained an outspoken position on the human rights atrocities of the Chinese government. Just last year while competing for the democratic presidential nomination in the U.S., then-Senator Clinton spearheaded a protest of Tibetan Monks, calling on President George W. Bush to boycott the Beijing Olympics. Chinese authorities are well aware of Secretary Clinton’s record, yet seem to appreciate the emphasis that the United States has placed on the region.

It appears doubtful that Secretary Clinton will address human rights violations in her first visit as she did in 1995, instead remaining focused on issues central to the Obama administration. Topics expected to be covered in Beijing include military-to-military talks and strategic development against global warming. Secretary Clinton has also expressed her desire to engage the Beijing authorities in a discussion regarding North Korea. Some analysts, however, doubt that the United States can expect a significant response from China on these issues, sighting the recent crippling of the Chinese economy as a major deterrent in the development of international treaties.