Obama must work to woo Chinese audience
- Source: Global Times
- [02:59 November 11 2009]
- Comments
His personal credibility can be built among Chinese only when he keeps the "say-no-to-protectionism" promises he has made on numerous occasions, like the G20 summit meetings.
The security of China's assets and investments in the US is another issue that Chinese are concerned about.
US government bonds held by Chinese totaled $767.9 billion as of March 2009, according to the US Treasury. The continuing devaluation of the dollar has brought uncertainty to China's financial security. Any coordinated efforts between the two countries in the field of trade and currency will help boost not only bilateral relations, but also Obama's popularity in China.
The Tibet and Taiwan questions are also certainly of concern to Chinese people. Both are crucial to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and arms sales to Taiwan or support for pro-independence forces in either area are firmly opposed.
Also high on the "wish list" are climate change issues. To push forward a firm pledge and prompt global action, agreement needs to be reached between China and the US, the world's top two carbon emitters. And as the largest developed nation in the world, the US should take the lead in fighting climate change.
Obama's popularity in China hinges on his actions, not his words.
Just as with his domestic electorate, the history-making US president can only convincingly win over the Chinese audience when its needs are carefully cared for and a win-win situation is achieved.
