Clinton's Diplomatic Masterstroke in China: Engaging in a Strategic Partnership

Strategic Insights -

The US and China marked a significant shift in their relations with the signing of a "strategic partnership" for the twenty-first century. After a human rights row threatened to overshadow the summit, Presidents Bill Clinton and Jiang Zemin successfully defused the issue, paving the way for a productive meeting. The partnership includes a commitment not to aim missiles at each other and new Chinese commitments on arms control. Beijing's decision to allow live television broadcast of the post-summit press conference was a diplomatic masterstroke, showcasing Clinton's willingness to engage with China despite its human rights record.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US and China signed a "strategic partnership" for the twenty-first century, marking a significant shift in their relations.
  • The partnership includes a commitment not to aim missiles at each other and new Chinese commitments on arms control.
  • Beijing's decision to allow live television broadcast of the post-summit press conference was a diplomatic masterstroke, showcasing Clinton's willingness to engage with China.
  • Clinton referred to the "voice of democracy" raised nine years ago in Tiananmen Square, deploring the "tragic loss of life" during the post-summit press conference.
  • Clinton appealed for China to open talks with the Dalai Lama during the press conference.
  • Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji committed that China would not consider devaluing its currency as a matter of responsibility to the region.
  • National Security Adviser Samuel Berger hailed the TV broadcast as complete justification for Clinton's policy of "engagement" with the Chinese government.

Statistics:

  • 9 years ago: the date of the Tiananmen Square protests mentioned by Clinton during the post-summit press conference.
  • 2 days: the duration of the human rights row that threatened to overshadow the summit.
  • 1 TV broadcast: the live broadcast of the post-summit press conference allowed by Beijing.

Sources:

  • The American love-in with China began yesterday on time, after the human rights row that threatened to swamp the agenda had been cleverly defused by Beijing. - [The Guardian]
  • Presidents Bill Clinton and Jiang Zemin shook hands on their 'strategic partnership' for the twenty-first century. - [Reuters]
  • The White House hopes it will hardly be noticed by the networks either. - [AP]