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Obama’s First Presidential Trip To China
November 17, 2009
By: Randi Zung | Printer Friendly

President Obama’s first Presidential visit to China began on Sunday.  During the three day trip, Obama attended meetings and events with various Chinese government officials and citizens. 

On Tuesday, President Obama met with Chinese President Hu Jintao near Tiananmen Square to discuss cooperation between the US and China.  According to The New York Times, the two leaders discussed key issues relating to climate change, international trade, and nuclear disarmament in Iran and North Korea.  In addition, both Obama and Hu have pledged to work together in order to resolve differences that have previously divided the two countries, such as Tibet.  In addition, The New York Times speculates that the US’s interest in cooperation with China is influenced by its involvement in foreign wars and crippled economy.  The fact that China has been able to maintain the health of its economy in the face of a global economic crisis is being viewed as evidence that China has established itself as a global leader.  While it was acknowledged that both countries’ approaches to global issues differed, President Hu was quoted as saying: “What is important is to respect and accommodate each other’s core interests and major concerns.”

Although the meeting appeared to signal a major change in relations between the US and China, the two leaders remained steadfast in their current political agendas.  President Obama continued to urge the Chinese government to talk with the Dalia Lama, while China maintained the need to reduce negative environmental impacts related to industrial growth.  Voice of America reports that both figureheads agreed to continue to work together to address “common challenges.”

The New York Times also reports that during the trip Obama attempted to hold a public town hall style meeting with students in Shanghai in order to speak about promoting cooperation between the two countries, but the event was marred by Chinese government censorship.  Many of the students who attended the event were members of the Communist Youth League, a government sponsored program.  One of the students in attendance said she underwent four days of training, which highlighted avoiding asking questions about sensitive issues like Tibet, by the Chinese government, in order to be able to attend the event.  The Chinese government barred actual White House invitees and Chinese bloggers from attending.  The town hall meeting was not broadcast or mentioned by state-owned media outlets.  

Sources:
The New York Times - In Obama Trip, Signs of New Era in China Relations
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/18/world/asia/18prexy.html?_r=1&hp

The New York Times - In Beijing, Obama Calls for ‘Strong Dialogue’
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/17/world/asia/17prexy.html?ref=world

Voice of America - US-China Summit Ends With Vows of Cooperation
http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-11-17-voa4.cf