Obama's Lost Opportunity in China

Three days and a departure later, Obama's much heralded trip to China ended on a whimper. He came out with nothing substantial on topics such as finances, trade, Taiwan, Tibet, nuclear safety, human rights, or climate change. In fact, the most interesting news was his brief meeting with his half-brother (he really lives in China? wow!). Sure, Obama and Hu found some common ground on issues such as climate change, but common ground is nothing more general principles, not specific actions. For instance, climate reform advocates might be encouraged by joint statements on climate control, but who knows what would happen in Copenhagen. In China, the press and ordinary folks viewed Obama's visit with apathy and little excitement. Here in the U.S., I have found a similar perception -- although granted many Americans do not pay adequate attention to foreign affairs.

In fact, I would have preferred that Obama took a strong stance on one issue - whatever it might be - and act upon it, even if he would have discomforted some group. For example, he could have pressured Hu more on currency and trade controls, and perhaps achieved some tangible agreements or concessions. Instead, it seemed as if Obama went to China just to "feel each other out". Such a strategy worth little and could cost him much domestically and internationally. Time will tell and Obama still has to meet President Lee of South Korea; maybe he can salvage something from this trip. Otherwise, I'll just have to mark it as bland, bland, bland and little else.