We are living in a different world now. You can see it everywhere in international relations: It was noteworthy that, after his visit to Washington, the Chinese president's next stop was Saudi Arabia.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
Since the beginning of the 21st century, thanks to the concerted efforts of both sides, China-U.S. relationship has on the whole enjoyed steady growth. Since President Obama took office, we have maintained close contact through exchange of visits, meetings, telephone conversations and letters.
If China was like the moon, then arriving in Saudi Arabia was Mars. At least you can see the moon from Earth.
The world is fortunate - for the time being, at least - that it has an American president in Obama who is prepared to take a conciliatory and concessive attitude towards America's decline and that it has a Chinese leadership which has been extremely cautious about expressing an opinion, let alone flexing its muscles.
We've come a long way since Nixon's first visit to China, or Carter's reestablishment of diplomatic relations.
It's proper and appropriate to remind the Chinese about what they get out of solid relations with the United States.
The fact that the Bush administration, and those in Europe who have followed its 9/11-inspired agenda, somehow believe that the future of the world is being played out in the Middle East and Central Asia rather than East Asia has only served to accelerate China's rise and the U.S.'s decline.
Today's global landscape is increasingly interconnected. China and the Middle East play critical roles towards international peace and security.
President Obama has been clear about the future that the United States seeks... when it comes to the Asia-Pacific, the United States is 'all in.'
Someone needs to talk sense to the president. But these people are not world travelers. This president, much as I like him, had all the opportunities in the world.
Japan and China are isolated and without intercourse with other countries; hence the President directed me to attend to or watch the state of affairs in China also.