Comments on: Obama: How Might His Administration Engage China? http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/obama-how-might-his-administration-engage-china/ The MBA Graduate Program at Cal Poly Mon, 21 May 2012 23:57:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: Omar Pradhan http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/obama-how-might-his-administration-engage-china/#comment-21513 Omar Pradhan Fri, 18 Mar 2011 21:58:56 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=1205#comment-21513 Could not agree more with the statement: "At the very least, China will be essential in forging a global energy and environmental regime, bringing security to Central Asia, ensuring that Russia remains integrated in the global system, midwifing North Korea's return to that system (and perhaps its peaceful re-unification with South Korea), and, of course, resolving the current global financial crisis and forming new system to both nurture and regulate international finance." To be sure, there is much to be done multilaterally. However, as one who has been privy to the chaos that is the UN General Assembly, barring a global attack from outer space or some new-fangled technological innovation that translates at the speed of thought and helps groups of 100+ share ideas without talking past one another, I am currently a bit less optimistic about near-term meaningful governance occurring in this body. As explored in negotiation and organizational behavior classes, the larger the group the more difficult the challenge. President Obama and the Chinese Government face mounting challenges on a variety of fronts. Carefully thought out policies and positions will help both sides arrive at a mutually beneficial arrangement. If done right (i.e. with the interests of broader stakeholders also in mind), US-China leadership will likely assist other nations in arriving at international postures that co-tackle challenges with greater efficiency and effect. I am also reminded of what we learned in Micro Economics class last quarter, namely, that all sides would be wise (and likely) to engage in sequential game analysis. That is to say that, when a given position is recognized as preferential (e.g. Carbon Limits, Nuclear Non-Proliferation, International Financial Regulatory Reform, etc.) countries who cooperate to "backcast" (think: opposite of forecast) from a desired position are likely to positively influence the outcomes of rogue actors and other non-conforming international players. Again, all of this returns to the import of a new era of public diplomacy, one that is played out both publicly (e.g. talking directly to key stakeholders throughout the global community) and privately to effectuate predetermined movement along a path toward greater global security and prosperity. I am as optimistic as I have ever been in terms of our capacity as a nation to excel with President Obama and Secretary Clinton at the foreign policy helm (i.e. nothing shatters the myth of a white male dominated western order than the Obama / Clinton team…given that our world is in fact comprised mostly of women & minorities). Moreover, given the manner in which President Obama ran his campaign and continues to mobilize the center (e.g. social networking, YouTube, twitter, other P-2-P digital technologies), we have further cause to expect continued progress toward our goals. Notwithstanding my optimism, I never pass up an opportunity to call out the tea-baggers, birthers, Jeremiads, and other blowhards (on both sides of the Pacific) who all seem to be united by their inability to think for themselves and / or have good, defensible, reasons for what they believe. These fine products of a failed / failing public education system and the media personalities who arouse them with misinformation are and will remain obstacles to progress…in my humble opinion. Could not agree more with the statement: “At the very least, China will be essential in forging a global energy and environmental regime, bringing security to Central Asia, ensuring that Russia remains integrated in the global system, midwifing North Korea’s return to that system (and perhaps its peaceful re-unification with South Korea), and, of course, resolving the current global financial crisis and forming new system to both nurture and regulate international finance.” To be sure, there is much to be done multilaterally. However, as one who has been privy to the chaos that is the UN General Assembly, barring a global attack from outer space or some new-fangled technological innovation that translates at the speed of thought and helps groups of 100+ share ideas without talking past one another, I am currently a bit less optimistic about near-term meaningful governance occurring in this body. As explored in negotiation and organizational behavior classes, the larger the group the more difficult the challenge. President Obama and the Chinese Government face mounting challenges on a variety of fronts. Carefully thought out policies and positions will help both sides arrive at a mutually beneficial arrangement. If done right (i.e. with the interests of broader stakeholders also in mind), US-China leadership will likely assist other nations in arriving at international postures that co-tackle challenges with greater efficiency and effect. I am also reminded of what we learned in Micro Economics class last quarter, namely, that all sides would be wise (and likely) to engage in sequential game analysis. That is to say that, when a given position is recognized as preferential (e.g. Carbon Limits, Nuclear Non-Proliferation, International Financial Regulatory Reform, etc.) countries who cooperate to “backcast” (think: opposite of forecast) from a desired position are likely to positively influence the outcomes of rogue actors and other non-conforming international players. Again, all of this returns to the import of a new era of public diplomacy, one that is played out both publicly (e.g. talking directly to key stakeholders throughout the global community) and privately to effectuate predetermined movement along a path toward greater global security and prosperity. I am as optimistic as I have ever been in terms of our capacity as a nation to excel with President Obama and Secretary Clinton at the foreign policy helm (i.e. nothing shatters the myth of a white male dominated western order than the Obama / Clinton team…given that our world is in fact comprised mostly of women & minorities). Moreover, given the manner in which President Obama ran his campaign and continues to mobilize the center (e.g. social networking, YouTube, twitter, other P-2-P digital technologies), we have further cause to expect continued progress toward our goals. Notwithstanding my optimism, I never pass up an opportunity to call out the tea-baggers, birthers, Jeremiads, and other blowhards (on both sides of the Pacific) who all seem to be united by their inability to think for themselves and / or have good, defensible, reasons for what they believe. These fine products of a failed / failing public education system and the media personalities who arouse them with misinformation are and will remain obstacles to progress…in my humble opinion.

]]> By: Anthony Kallioinen http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/obama-how-might-his-administration-engage-china/#comment-21489 Anthony Kallioinen Fri, 18 Mar 2011 20:19:48 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=1205#comment-21489 David does a great job at breaking down the different China that Obama would face when he was sworn into office several years ago. + China’s decision making process is changing. + China is beginning to seek information, input, and influence from others in the public realm. + The role of the web is playing an increasing role in China. The way I see it is it is a magnifier of either good or bad press. David then offers 4 key suggestions for Obama should approach China, mainly focusing on the idea of ‘making his case’ to both the Chinese government and the Chinese people. This shows the importance the public is having on forming policies due to the speed and connectivity of the internet. + “First, the administration must begin the effort to create (simplified) Chinese-language versions of nearly every public-facing U.S. website on an agency-by-agency basis.” I couldn’t agree more. Things are going to have to change from this mentality we have as Americans where everyone else must adapt to us. We are soon to no longer be the biggest kid on the block and we should learn how to play nice and respect those that we need to maintain a good relationship with. + “Next, the administration needs to learn how to listen to China's public voices. While this begins with engaging businesspeople, academics, editors, and other influential types, it has to delve far beyond the elites and find ways to listen to the people of China. Polling won't work…China's blogs and online forums are an excellent place to begin.” This is what the public truly thinks; even the government uses these channels as the most accurate rating of public opinion. If there is anything I learned from Susan Shirk’s book China: Fragile Superpower, the leaders of China (and any public appearance of a citizen) must be politically correct and the popular opinion lest they appear weak. + “Third, as the administration builds the capability to conduct its public diplomacy…Trying to use tactics that worked in the U.S. would miss the point. Public diplomats must learn how to use the channels frequented by China's netizens in a way that will seem appropriate to those netizens and to China's leaders.” This is key. We tend to try and understand China in Western terms. We can no longer do this. We have to approach the Chinese on their terms to build a good relationship and to show respect for their success and rise to power. + “Finally, the administration must realize that to be effective, American public diplomacy must incorporate a substantial P2P element. Obama's efforts to enlist the help of all Americans in the changes he advocates would be well directed to an effort to rebuild our frayed reputation. In the long run, it will be the relationships between individual Americans and Chinese that will form the basis for grass-roots support for America in the homes and on the streets of China.” This is the task of every American: we must be good representatives of our country and show the world that we are not the bullies that they perceive us to me. I have made a special point to speak to foreign students and try to understand their perspective about Americans. It is obvious that Jon Huntsman Jr., the American ambassador to Beijing, agrees with me: "If you can't humanize the relationship, and prove that it's of value to the average citizen, then they're not going to support it, in which case it's of limited value." It is our job to humanize the relationship. It was interesting to look at the differing viewpoints of China’s reaction to our November 2010 midterm elections: + “No matter whether it’s the Republicans or Democrats controlling U.S. government, neither are friendly to China! America itself is the world’s biggest terrorist, the creator of most trouble!” Submitted one blogger from Hefei, Anhui province. -Sina.com blogger from Hefei, Anhui province + Without America there’d be a lot more wars in the world. -”Elvins” from Nanjing on Sina.com David does a great job at breaking down the different China that Obama would face when he was sworn into office several years ago.

+ China’s decision making process is changing.

+ China is beginning to seek information, input, and influence from others in the public realm.

+ The role of the web is playing an increasing role in China. The way I see it is it is a magnifier of either good or bad press.

David then offers 4 key suggestions for Obama should approach China, mainly focusing on the idea of ‘making his case’ to both the Chinese government and the Chinese people. This shows the importance the public is having on forming policies due to the speed and connectivity of the internet.

+ “First, the administration must begin the effort to create (simplified) Chinese-language versions of nearly every public-facing U.S. website on an agency-by-agency basis.” I couldn’t agree more. Things are going to have to change from this mentality we have as Americans where everyone else must adapt to us. We are soon to no longer be the biggest kid on the block and we should learn how to play nice and respect those that we need to maintain a good relationship with.

+ “Next, the administration needs to learn how to listen to China’s public voices. While this begins with engaging businesspeople, academics, editors, and other influential types, it has to delve far beyond the elites and find ways to listen to the people of China. Polling won’t work…China’s blogs and online forums are an excellent place to begin.” This is what the public truly thinks; even the government uses these channels as the most accurate rating of public opinion. If there is anything I learned from Susan Shirk’s book China: Fragile Superpower, the leaders of China (and any public appearance of a citizen) must be politically correct and the popular opinion lest they appear weak.

+ “Third, as the administration builds the capability to conduct its public diplomacy…Trying to use tactics that worked in the U.S. would miss the point. Public diplomats must learn how to use the channels frequented by China’s netizens in a way that will seem appropriate to those netizens and to China’s leaders.” This is key. We tend to try and understand China in Western terms. We can no longer do this. We have to approach the Chinese on their terms to build a good relationship and to show respect for their success and rise to power.

+ “Finally, the administration must realize that to be effective, American public diplomacy must incorporate a substantial P2P element. Obama’s efforts to enlist the help of all Americans in the changes he advocates would be well directed to an effort to rebuild our frayed reputation. In the long run, it will be the relationships between individual Americans and Chinese that will form the basis for grass-roots support for America in the homes and on the streets of China.” This is the task of every American: we must be good representatives of our country and show the world that we are not the bullies that they perceive us to me. I have made a special point to speak to foreign students and try to understand their perspective about Americans. It is obvious that Jon Huntsman Jr., the American ambassador to Beijing, agrees with me: “If you can’t humanize the relationship, and prove that it’s of value to the average citizen, then they’re not going to support it, in which case it’s of limited value.” It is our job to humanize the relationship.

It was interesting to look at the differing viewpoints of China’s reaction to our November 2010 midterm elections:

+ “No matter whether it’s the Republicans or Democrats controlling U.S. government, neither are friendly to China! America itself is the world’s biggest terrorist, the creator of most trouble!”
Submitted one blogger from Hefei, Anhui province.
-Sina.com blogger from Hefei, Anhui province

+ Without America there’d be a lot more wars in the world.
-”Elvins” from Nanjing on Sina.com

]]> By: Ben Raymond http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/obama-how-might-his-administration-engage-china/#comment-21488 Ben Raymond Fri, 18 Mar 2011 17:02:48 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=1205#comment-21488 David Wolf’s blog presented a very insightful interpretation of US/Chinese relations. What interested me the most was the “four fundamental steps” he discussed, especially the idea of public diplomacy. After Obama’s campaign in the 2008 election, the grass-roots tactics he used to mobilize millions to vote in his favor astounded the world and more of the same youthful ingenuity was expected of him. Obama seems to have lost touch with what propelled him to the White House in the first place—t-shirts and music videos and speeches and stickers. Obama electrified the nation and his name was on the tip of our tongues, on the bumper of our cars, and all over our Facebook news feeds. Now that he is in office and the post- election “honeymoon period” has passed, he has neglected the ties he established with America during the election. Not only does he need to reinstate these ties with us, he needs to establish the same sort of accessible outreach with the citizens of China. Nobody expects to see groups of Chinese students wearing Obama T-shirts, but what we should expect from our government and our diplomats is an effort to create cross-cultural ties with the Chinese which makes them more than a country of pollution, manufacturing, and a big wall to us and makes us more than a country of McDonald’s and forks to them. There is no time left to keep telling ourselves we are a super power and China makes stuff for us—our generation has to redefine diplomacy and adapt it to our eternally changing world. David Wolf’s concept of public diplomacy will require a new sort of diplomat, one who has a deep understanding of Chinese culture—both where it’s been and where it’s going—as well as an understanding of American arrogance and resistance to change. Public diplomacy and Chinese translations of our websites will not be enough. Citizen diplomacy is a concept that was first formally used by Dr. Robert Fuller, a physicist who traveled to the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The idea of citizen diplomacy, a political concept in which citizens act as representatives of their country especially when there is a lack of formal communication or cooperation between two nations, is one which is ideal for the situation we face with China. Not enough has been done by our government to establish the relationship we need with China so when we travel to China we should go not only as business men and women, but as diplomats and as conveyors of American good-will. If Obama is not going to take the steps necessary to facilitate a new relationship with China, the American people are going to have to do it themselves, and our China trip is an excellent opportunity to begin. David Wolf’s blog presented a very insightful interpretation of US/Chinese relations. What interested me the most was the “four fundamental steps” he discussed, especially the idea of public diplomacy. After Obama’s campaign in the 2008 election, the grass-roots tactics he used to mobilize millions to vote in his favor astounded the world and more of the same youthful ingenuity was expected of him. Obama seems to have lost touch with what propelled him to the White House in the first place—t-shirts and music videos and speeches and stickers. Obama electrified the nation and his name was on the tip of our tongues, on the bumper of our cars, and all over our Facebook news feeds. Now that he is in office and the post-
election “honeymoon period” has passed, he has neglected the ties he established with America during the election. Not only does he need to reinstate these ties with us, he needs to establish the same sort of accessible outreach with the citizens of China. Nobody expects to see groups of Chinese students wearing Obama T-shirts, but what we should expect from our government and our diplomats is an effort to create cross-cultural ties with the Chinese which makes them more than a country of pollution, manufacturing, and a big wall to us and makes us more than a country of McDonald’s and forks to them. There is no time left to keep telling ourselves we are a super power and China makes stuff for us—our generation has to redefine diplomacy and adapt it to our eternally changing world. David Wolf’s concept of public diplomacy will require a new sort of diplomat, one who has a deep
understanding of Chinese culture—both where it’s been and where it’s going—as well as an understanding of American arrogance and resistance to change. Public diplomacy and Chinese translations of our websites will not be enough. Citizen diplomacy is a concept that was first formally used by Dr. Robert Fuller, a physicist who traveled to the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The idea of citizen diplomacy, a political concept in which citizens act as representatives of their country especially when there is a lack of formal communication or cooperation between two nations, is one which is ideal for the situation we face with China. Not enough
has been done by our government to establish the relationship we need with China so when we travel to China we should go not only as business men and women, but as diplomats and as conveyors of American good-will. If Obama is not going to take the steps necessary to facilitate a new relationship with China, the American people are going to have to do it themselves, and our China trip is an excellent opportunity to begin.

]]> By: Chris F. http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/obama-how-might-his-administration-engage-china/#comment-21440 Chris F. Thu, 17 Mar 2011 05:49:18 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=1205#comment-21440 The article is a bit dated but the issues are still relevant, if not to the government, but for us as Americans. For the Obama administration, I hope he can realize that China should be viewed as a partner on the world stage and not as a foe. This will be important as policy in the 21st century cannot be dictated by America alone. As China and America become intertwined (as described in Susan Shirk's China: Fragile Superpower) it will be necessary more than ever to resolve issues between us together instead of unilaterally. We as Americans need to wake up and realize that we can either play a victim and complain about the rise of China, or we can face the stark reality that the status quo is changing and that we have got to adapt too. In terms of actually engaging China and its citizens, I think it is good to open up different lines of communications. Having the simplified Chinese translation of government websites is a passive way to let Chinese know more about us. For Americans, it was suggested that the best way to reach out to China, in addition to the diplomatic channels, is through Chinese blogs. While the government and citizens alike can communicate about issues through these blogs, initially there will be clashes between ideologies and stances. But hopefully through these communication channels, there will come some mutual understanding (heck, we might learn something!) and that China and Americans will find some common ground. From there, we can build upon that and tackle the other issues. Communication is key!. The article is a bit dated but the issues are still relevant, if not to the government, but for us as Americans. For the Obama administration, I hope he can realize that China should be viewed as a partner on the world stage and not as a foe. This will be important as policy in the 21st century cannot be dictated by America alone. As China and America become intertwined (as described in Susan Shirk’s China: Fragile Superpower) it will be necessary more than ever to resolve issues between us together instead of unilaterally. We as Americans need to wake up and realize that we can either play a victim and complain about the rise of China, or we can face the stark reality that the status quo is changing and that we have got to adapt too.

In terms of actually engaging China and its citizens, I think it is good to open up different lines of communications. Having the simplified Chinese translation of government websites is a passive way to let Chinese know more about us. For Americans, it was suggested that the best way to reach out to China, in addition to the diplomatic channels, is through Chinese blogs. While the government and citizens alike can communicate about issues through these blogs, initially there will be clashes between ideologies and stances. But hopefully through these communication channels, there will come some mutual understanding (heck, we might learn something!) and that China and Americans will find some common ground. From there, we can build upon that and tackle the other issues. Communication is key!.

]]> By: J Vail http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/obama-how-might-his-administration-engage-china/#comment-21393 J Vail Mon, 14 Mar 2011 20:40:40 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=1205#comment-21393 David Wolf is a very strong writer, and after reading through his Silicon Hutong Blog I felt like his argument was pretty soundproof. I thought the phrase ‘more appropriate to a world rendered naked by the internet’ was creative, and is fitting for more reserved nations such as China. I also liked his second point under “Speaking to the Chinese People”; to tap various internet sources as a better way to determine public opinion and to stop catering to the rich. I do wonder though to what degree that we have increased our engagement to China as a nation. The state of our economy has become a more pressing national concern, but when it comes to foreign policy it seems like everything is more or less the same. However, once things begin to level out more (and China is even more developed than previously), things need to change more in the fashion of Wolf’s post. Most importantly, public discourse has to be as big of a part of politics in China as it is here, especially during such a turbulent economic boom as they are experiencing. If Obama has been good at anything thus far it is mediation, so the US could lend a hand in that regard. David Wolf is a very strong writer, and after reading through his Silicon Hutong Blog I felt like his argument was pretty soundproof. I thought the phrase ‘more appropriate to a world rendered naked by the internet’ was creative, and is fitting for more reserved nations such as China. I also liked his second point under “Speaking to the Chinese People”; to tap various internet sources as a better way to determine public opinion and to stop catering to the rich.

I do wonder though to what degree that we have increased our engagement to China as a nation. The state of our economy has become a more pressing national concern, but when it comes to foreign policy it seems like everything is more or less the same. However, once things begin to level out more (and China is even more developed than previously), things need to change more in the fashion of Wolf’s post. Most importantly, public discourse has to be as big of a part of politics in China as it is here, especially during such a turbulent economic boom as they are experiencing. If Obama has been good at anything thus far it is mediation, so the US could lend a hand in that regard.

]]> By: Amanda Podesta http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/obama-how-might-his-administration-engage-china/#comment-21369 Amanda Podesta Mon, 14 Mar 2011 07:18:49 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=1205#comment-21369 It is very interesting to see the 2-yr. snapshot of the past optimism that surrounded the Obama administration and also to evaluate with the newer posts what’s happened since then and where we stand today with Jiabao: A. We’re still waiting for a satisfactory hike in the yen-USD exchange rate, B. Human rights issues are still on the back-burner. I think it's apparent to everyone that we'll continue to see China either stonewall discussion or draw out these issues as long as it's to their benefit. Interesting to note that according to their titles, ambassadors are recognized to the same level of respect as presidents and prime ministers. It is very interesting to see the 2-yr. snapshot of the past optimism that surrounded the Obama administration and also to evaluate with the newer posts what’s happened since then and where we stand today with Jiabao:

A. We’re still waiting for a satisfactory hike in the yen-USD exchange rate,
B. Human rights issues are still on the back-burner.

I think it’s apparent to everyone that we’ll continue to see China either stonewall discussion or draw out these issues as long as it’s to their benefit.

Interesting to note that according to their titles, ambassadors are recognized to the same level of respect as presidents and prime ministers.

]]> By: JP Salazar http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/obama-how-might-his-administration-engage-china/#comment-21351 JP Salazar Sun, 13 Mar 2011 07:36:08 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=1205#comment-21351 I agree with a lot of what this article has to say. First of all, we need to remember that today’s China is not the same China that previous Presidents have had to deal with. The changing social and economic landscape provides additional opportunities as well as difficulties in dealing with the Chinese government. China no longer relies on an “iron fist” controlled by just a few people. With more groups’ interests and input taken into account there is the opportunity for influence and relationships over multiple channels. Also, Obama now has more opportunity to interact with people in China through the Internet. The web has become a more open and relied upon channel for information and Obama has the chance to take advantage and use this outlet to interact directly with the people and improve China-US relations. But in all honesty, I feel like Chinese-US relations cannot be that high on the President’s list of priorities. Internationally, Obama is dealing with how to conclude two different wars, maintain stability in the Middle East, as well as enhance foreign relations. Domestically, the US is going through one of its worst economic crisis. Healthcare and welfare reform are huge issues. There is so much on the President’s plate that I think he cannot hope but to maintain the status quo with China. With an upcoming election, I do not think Obama has the luxury of devoting too much time to an issue that is not at the front of most American’s minds. This lack of interest could end up being a huge boon for China. With the US concerned with other issues, China is free to continue to grow in the hopes of establishing itself as a new world power. I agree with a lot of what this article has to say. First of all, we need to remember that today’s China is not the same China that previous Presidents have had to deal with. The changing social and economic landscape provides additional opportunities as well as difficulties in dealing with the Chinese government. China no longer relies on an “iron fist” controlled by just a few people. With more groups’ interests and input taken into account there is the opportunity for influence and relationships over multiple channels. Also, Obama now has more opportunity to interact with people in China through the Internet. The web has become a more open and relied upon channel for information and Obama has the chance to take advantage and use this outlet to interact directly with the people and improve China-US relations.
But in all honesty, I feel like Chinese-US relations cannot be that high on the President’s list of priorities. Internationally, Obama is dealing with how to conclude two different wars, maintain stability in the Middle East, as well as enhance foreign relations. Domestically, the US is going through one of its worst economic crisis. Healthcare and welfare reform are huge issues. There is so much on the President’s plate that I think he cannot hope but to maintain the status quo with China. With an upcoming election, I do not think Obama has the luxury of devoting too much time to an issue that is not at the front of most American’s minds. This lack of interest could end up being a huge boon for China. With the US concerned with other issues, China is free to continue to grow in the hopes of establishing itself as a new world power.

]]> By: Kyle R. http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/obama-how-might-his-administration-engage-china/#comment-21261 Kyle R. Tue, 08 Mar 2011 18:52:36 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=1205#comment-21261 I definitely agree with many of the issues that are presented in these posts. There are many issues that exist in regards to our foreign policy with China. It is important to take a proactive approach to building a long lasting relationship with such an influential country like China. The Obama administration needs to follow some of the suggestions listed by David Wolf as it is important to build their trust. I completely agree with his statement, “Given our tarnished credibility, America needs to win hearts and minds through engagement, not pronouncement.” This shows the importance of not just saying that we are going to do something, but we actively engage in building our relationship with China. I also agree that relating on a person to person basis is key. This is very similar to some of the suggestions that have been presented in earlier blogs, and I also feel it is very important to relate with the Chinese on a personal level to increase our credibility and trustworthiness. I definitely agree with many of the issues that are presented in these posts. There are many issues that exist in regards to our foreign policy with China. It is important to take a proactive approach to building a long lasting relationship with such an influential country like China. The Obama administration needs to follow some of the suggestions listed by David Wolf as it is important to build their trust. I completely agree with his statement, “Given our tarnished credibility, America needs to win hearts and minds through engagement, not pronouncement.” This shows the importance of not just saying that we are going to do something, but we actively engage in building our relationship with China. I also agree that relating on a person to person basis is key. This is very similar to some of the suggestions that have been presented in earlier blogs, and I also feel it is very important to relate with the Chinese on a personal level to increase our credibility and trustworthiness.

]]> By: Tim Easton http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/obama-how-might-his-administration-engage-china/#comment-21250 Tim Easton Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:15:53 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=1205#comment-21250 I found the articles, and posts, by David Wolf very interesting. He provided a lot of insight into Chinese government, as well as some very unique suggestions for the Obama administration. In the post, “Why Hu Jintao is Not a Lame Duck” I found it extremely interesting to learn about how the Chinese government works. I had no idea that the Chinese government had such a slow shift in power, and that only when a leader’s term is ending is when he has his people in office. The consensus-driven decision making was interesting as well. It was also amazing to see how much I still need to learn about China even after finishing up these blogs and reading both the books. I could not imagine a US President not picking his own staff, even if it is someone from the other party. In the first article, I was extremely impressed with the four tips that Wolf gave to the Obama Administration. With something as simple as making a Chinese version of US Agency pages, you would think that someone had already thought of that. That is a great way for Chinese people to read about US policies directly from the US, and not get lost in translation or other people’s opinions. The last tip that Wolf gives is key. We need to help rebuild or frayed reputation, because ultimately it will be the relationships between Chinese and American citizens that shape the future. I found the articles, and posts, by David Wolf very interesting. He provided a lot of insight into Chinese government, as well as some very unique suggestions for the Obama administration. In the post, “Why Hu Jintao is Not a Lame Duck” I found it extremely interesting to learn about how the Chinese government works. I had no idea that the Chinese government had such a slow shift in power, and that only when a leader’s term is ending is when he has his people in office. The consensus-driven decision making was interesting as well. It was also amazing to see how much I still need to learn about China even after finishing up these blogs and reading both the books. I could not imagine a US President not picking his own staff, even if it is someone from the other party. In the first article, I was extremely impressed with the four tips that Wolf gave to the Obama Administration. With something as simple as making a Chinese version of US Agency pages, you would think that someone had already thought of that. That is a great way for Chinese people to read about US policies directly from the US, and not get lost in translation or other people’s opinions. The last tip that Wolf gives is key. We need to help rebuild or frayed reputation, because ultimately it will be the relationships between Chinese and American citizens that shape the future.

]]> By: Matt Streiter http://calpolymbatrip.com/2008/china/obama-how-might-his-administration-engage-china/#comment-21249 Matt Streiter Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:05:08 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=1205#comment-21249 The article reflects on the idea of creating a stronger relationship with China and increasing their quality of communication to ensure a long lasting and more qualitative relationship. With the Chinese government going through its own transformations that includes Chinese citizens gaining more power, it is even more important to gain a line of communication with the people of China. Today's China is much different today than it was in previous presidential terms and it is time to reevaluate our foreign policy with the Chinese. Relating to the post regarding Fallows, building a strong relationship and opening communication can lower the threatening demeanor received by American from the Chinese. Obama's decision of appointing a Republican Ambassador is an even greater sign of his dedication to working on his relationship with China. Apart from the political differences, Obama recognizes that he is the best man for the job and places faith in his abilities. Also by crossing party lines perhaps he is more apt to gain approval from the majority when facing future foreign issues when related to China. The four steps Wolf presents are excellent suggestions on how to build communication. Publishing U.S. information and articles in Chinese is a great way to communicate to the masses. With new strategies and the American culture that they are adopting, as we have seen in earlier blogs, this will likely help reduce barriers or reservations that were held in the past when dealing with Americans. The article reflects on the idea of creating a stronger relationship with China and increasing their quality of communication to ensure a long lasting and more qualitative relationship. With the Chinese government going through its own transformations that includes Chinese citizens gaining more power, it is even more important to gain a line of communication with the people of China. Today’s China is much different today than it was in previous presidential terms and it is time to reevaluate our foreign policy with the Chinese. Relating to the post regarding Fallows, building a strong relationship and opening communication can lower the threatening demeanor received by American from the Chinese.

Obama’s decision of appointing a Republican Ambassador is an even greater sign of his dedication to working on his relationship with China. Apart from the political differences, Obama recognizes that he is the best man for the job and places faith in his abilities. Also by crossing party lines perhaps he is more apt to gain approval from the majority when facing future foreign issues when related to China. The four steps Wolf presents are excellent suggestions on how to build communication. Publishing U.S. information and articles in Chinese is a great way to communicate to the masses. With new strategies and the American culture that they are adopting, as we have seen in earlier blogs, this will likely help reduce barriers or reservations that were held in the past when dealing with Americans.

]]>