Oh How the Turn Tables

President Obama landed in China today for a three-day visit to Shanghai and Beijing. But, for the first time in recent history, the primary focus of this American President’s visit will not be criticizing China on their human rights violations and stance regarding North Korea. Because of China’s rising power on the world stage, it is expected that she will be testing the United States' power, and ability to repay loans. Currently, China has a great deal of money invested in the United States, and they want to make sure we have the proper infrastructure and system to pay it back in a timely fashion. The Chinese government is especially skeptical about the proposed health care plan, which grants universal coverage.

The tables have truly turned on the United States as we accept a more passive role in these talks. The days of demanding change are gone, and we now have to prove ourselves. Some conservatives say it is imperative we don’t give in too much, as this will show weakness and secede our spot as global superpower. And others argue that China, due to its history of human rights violations, should not be granted such a coveted and globally influential position. But, Obama is prepared to enter talks this week with an agenda that will put American priorities first, while attempting to build up and strengthen our relationship with China. My question is where will global concerns like global warming fall in this new scheme of things? China is a leader is fossil fuel production, and the United States has already agreed to push back the date of enacting the Copenhagen Agreement regarding global warming that will include China from next month to much later this year. How much leeway can we give on such pertinent issues?

In order not to upset Chinese officials, Obama agreed to not meet the Dalai Lama last month in Washington even though every other president since George H.W. Bush has personally invited him to the White House. I can understand precautions like this, but in working with China, Obama must keep the international role of the United States in the forefront, and encourage China, in its growing international role, to likewise take a lead in global issues such as the environment and human rights.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/15/world/asia/15prexy.html?ref=asia
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/15/world/asia/15china.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=china&st=cse
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/14/world/asia/14prexy.html?ref=asia