Some turbulence natural in Sino-US relations
- Source: Global Times
- [22:00 April 29 2010]
- Comments
GT: Is China being seen as tougher and more arrogant?
Huntsman: There are more voices describing China in the world today, because China is now such a prominent player. In my own mind, China is more and more growing accustomed to being a player on the world stage.
This is a new phenomenon. I don't think you grow a custom to that position overnight. It takes a little bit of time, reflection and focus on the issues that really matter on the world stage.
For example, I was a participant in China's accession to the World Trade Organization back in 2001. It was a very bold and courageous move. Today China benefits enormously from having joined the WTO.
Similarly I saw President Hu Jintao, just a couple of weeks ago, at the nuclear security summit. That's not something you would have seen in past years, but it's consistent with China emerging as a primary player on the world stage.
GT: Some foreigners don't seem to believe that China is still a developing country. Have you visited the poorer areas here?
Huntsman: Both China and the US are large and diverse countries. It's very hard for someone in China to get a sense of the US simply by visiting Washington DC or New York City. You have to get out to see the diversity, and to really understand the traditions of the US. You cannot see all of that in one major city. It's impossible.
The same thing is true in China. Many people who come to Beijing and Shanghai think they've been to China. Well, in fact, they have been to China, but I don't think they've begun to really comprehend the totality of what China is today. China's coastal cities are growing very quickly, but the country is still dealing with enormous challenges in other regions.
It's very important for every visitor to China to understand the totality of China today. In order to do that, you've got to do a little bit of traveling, which I had a privilege of doing. I haven't been to nearly as many places as I like to visit, and I hope during my tenure as Ambassador to China, I'm able to visit all the provinces.
But I've been to many places so far, and I'm struck by the diversity of China. I'm also struck by the good character of the Chinese people, which is very consistent across the country, and their sincere desire for a healthy US-China relationship.
No matter where I go, I find people very interested in my country. They want to talk about US culture and politics, and my daughter Gracie Mae. Wherever I go, I find that to be the case.
