US-China Relations: George W. Bush’s uncharacteristically nuanced approach

photo credit Gerald Herbert / AP via MSNBC

I was inspired by a post by James Fallows, a post by Sky Canaves of the great WSJ China Journal blog, and also on China Law Blog, to mention my belief that Bush has handled US-China relations with uncharacteristic subtlety and nuance.

The White House has published a full transcript of his August 7th speech and that of the former President George H. W. Bush, dedicating the new embassy compound in Beijing.

President George W. Bush went out of his way to communicate respect for and awareness of Chinese culture/history:

Tonight the Olympic torch will light the home of an ancient civilization with a grand history. Thousands of years ago, the Chinese people developed a common language and unified a great nation. China became the center for art and literature, commerce and philosophy. China advanced the frontiers of knowledge in medicine, astronomy, navigation, engineering, and many other fields.

Bush also highlighted the progress that China has made to date, and the significant shared interests between the two countries:

Today the United States and China have built a strong relationship, rooted in common interests. China has opened its economy and begun to unleash the entrepreneurial spirit of its people. America will continue to support China on the path toward a free economy.We’re also cooperating to fight pandemic diseases and respond to natural disasters. And through the six-party talks, we’re working together to ensure that the Korean Peninsula is free of nuclear weapons.

Bush speaks in terms that emphasize equality. But he does not shy away from speaking out on the ideals and beliefs that are part of American political ideology:

The relationship between our nations is constructive and cooperative and candid. We’ll continue to be candid about our mutual global responsibilities. We must work together to protect the environment and help people in the developing world; continue to be candid about our belief that all people should have the freedom to say what they think and worship as they choose. We strongly believe societies which allow the free expression of ideas tend to be the most prosperous and the most peaceful.

In an earlier speech in Thailand on August 7, 2008 (transcript on WhiteHouse.gov, covered by IHT, AFP, Guardian, others), Bush sounded similar themes but according to AFP:

The comments were noticeably more restrained than the speech he made in Thailand on Thursday just before flying into Beijing, in which he made wide-ranging criticism of China’s attitude towards human rights.

The transcript of the speech on WhiteHouse.gov shows how Bush navigated between criticism and respect.

Bush opens with recognition of the significant progress achieved by the Chinese government and the Chinese people since the 1970s:

I’ve been fascinated by China since my first trip there in 1975, when my dad was the head of the United States Liaison Office in Beijing. At the time, the country was just emerging from the Cultural Revolution. Poverty was rampant. Bicycles were everywhere, and people were wearing almost identical clothes. It seemed unimaginable that three decades later Beijing would be sprinting into the modern era — covered in skyscrapers, filled with cars, and home to international businesses, as well as hosting the Olympic Games.

Bush highlights shared economic interest and political cooperation in the international arena:

China and the United States share important economic interests. The growth sparked by China’s free market reforms is good for the Chinese people, who are building a confident middle class with a stake in a peaceful future. China’s new purchasing power is good for the world, because it provides an enormous market for exports from across the globe.

Bush does his best to frame his argument for human rights in the context of these rights allowing China as a country to reach its full potential:

Our constructive relationship in these areas has placed America in a better position to be honest and direct on other issues. I have spoken clearly and candidly and consistently with China’s leaders about our deep concerns over religious freedom and human rights. I have met repeatedly with Chinese dissidents and religious believers. The United States believes the people of China deserve the fundamental liberty that is the natural right of all human beings. So America stands in firm opposition to China’s detention of political dissidents and human rights advocates and religious activists. We speak out for a free press, freedom of assembly, and labor rights not to antagonize China’s leaders, but because trusting its people with greater freedom is the only way for China to develop its full potential. We press for openness and justice not to impose our beliefs, but to allow the Chinese people to express theirs.

Finally, Bush emphasizes China’s independence, its unique characteristics, and its cultural and historical background:

Ultimately, only China can decide what course it will follow. America and our partners are realistic, and we’re prepared for any possibility. I’m optimistic about China’s future. Young people who grow up with the freedom to trade goods will ultimately demand the freedom to trade ideas, especially on an unrestricted Internet. Change in China will arrive on its own terms and in keeping with its own history and its own traditions. Yet change will arrive. And it will be clear for all to see that those who aspire to speak their conscience and worship their God are no threat to the future of China. They’re the people who will make China a great nation in the 21st century. (emphasis mine)

I hope that the next US President will take a similarly nuanced approach to China which I’ll summarize as:

1. Recognizing and honoring the progress that China’s government and people have made,
2. Focusing on significant areas of shared interest,
3. Not shying away from advocating for the human rights that are at the foundation of the US political beliefs,
4. Framing the issues of human rights and freedom of religion as ways to enable China’s people and China’s government to achieve their greatest potential, and
5. Recognizing that China with carve a uniquely Chinese path, that is best determined by the Chinese government and the Chinese people.

In what will probably be considered a generally disasterous Presidency, George W. Bush may very well have set a good direction on the most important bilateral relations for the next 100 years.

Note: Xinhuanet also covers his speech. You can compare what was reported vs. the entire transcript to see the long version vs. the harmonious one!

UPDATE 8/9:  Henry Paulson published an article in Foreign Affairs entitled The Right Way to Engage China:Strengthening U.S.-China Ties that looks like a promising read.