Will China ever be our friend?

Earlier this week, President Obama made a trip to China to meet with President Hu and other Chinese officials. China's president remained very curt and cold towards Obama, stating that there is little chance for agreement on certain issues because the two countries have such different ideals. However, Obama and Hu did come to agreement on three issues that they would partner together on: economic issues, Iran, and climate change. However, President Hu remained very stubborn on China's uncooperative attitude towards certain issues, like their currency and human rights. However, the Obama administration states that the trip was not a failure, because the debates remained civil and allowed the US to avoid their usual chest-pounding way of relations.

I think China is one of the most difficult countries to work with because it exists as such an anomaly. It is a Communist country that lacks many civil rights and fair economic standards, and yet is one of the most financially powerful and influential countries in the world. I feel that Obama's respectful demeanor was the best choice to make because it will allow the US to be viewed as cooperative and non-arrogant. However, unless the US along with other countries can think of some way to pressure China into agreeing to certain policies, it seems unlikely that China will have any major changes of heart in the near future.

President Obama touring the Forbidden City on his recent trip to China's capital.

Links:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/18/world/asia/18prexy.html?ref=politics

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gHHrGSBYMtuFEoXFEAR0y07iucGA