USC Center on Public Diplomacy

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Published: MAR 7, 2009 - 10:39PM PST

Special Reports
Special reports are articles collecting the most relevant public diplomacy articles and information on topical issues, and are posted periodically by our research team at the USC Center on Public Diplomacy.

SECRETARY CLINTON IN ASIA
MAR 7, 2009 - 10:39PM PST
by Lorena M. Sanchez

Summary: Secretary Clinton's trip to Asia highlighted the importance of confidence-building measures and symbolism in traditional state-to-state diplomacy, but also reflected the distinctive style of the Obama administration. From the announcement of the trip’s destination to Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and China, local and international coverage examined its global significance, mainly the decision not to head first to Europe or the Middle East, the more traditional route. The Economist noted that Secretary Clinton followed Dean Rusk’s lead from 1961, making her only the second American Secretary of State to choose Asia for their first foreign trip. Each port of call appeared to represent clear U.S. priorities. Media coverage speculated that Japan was chosen to demonstrate U.S. appreciation for the long-existing – though seemingly forgotten, U.S.-Japan alliance. A stop in Indonesia was seen as showing a desire to engage with the Muslim world and to reconnect with ASEAN. Visiting South Korea was seen as a nod to an important trading partner and growing regional power. Finally, the China trip was understood as a reflection of the U.S. belief that cooperating with the Asian giant is the key to easing many world problems, including security challenges from North Korea and Iran. Those Asian countries excluded from Secretary Clinton’s trip, such as Taiwan and the Philippines, noted their disappointment but expressed guarded optimism about prospects of a future visit. The consensus among most, however, was that the trip represented a reorientation and shift away from the Bush administration’s policy towards the region. The Los Angeles Times heralded the maiden voyage, calling Clinton's trip “an appreciation of Asia's diplomatic culture, which values face-time and presence, and will be crucial to fostering a more balanced U.S. foreign policy.” Not surprisingly, coverage of Clinton’s remarks in China emphasized her attention to the global economic crisis and the need to address climate change. Clinton's focus on climate change was depicted as part of a broader administration effort to persuade China to join the United States’ commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. RTÉ noted that despite Clinton’s anti-China rhetoric during the democratic primaries, she managed to reframe U.S.-Sino relations saying, “Some believe that China on the rise is, by definition, an adversary…On the contrary we believe that the U.S. and China can benefit and contribute to each other’s successes.” It was noted in The Wall Street Journal that Clinton also took a different tack on the question of human rights compared with her stance during the primaries, emphasizing that a discussion about human rights would not derail other important discussions. A San Francisco Chronicle op-ed compared China’s largesse in the region to the U.S.’s less reliable presence, noting in particular that U.S. aid was tied to conditions whereas China’s was not. This so-called “charm offensive” has enabled China to gain political capital among regional allies. Kishore Mahbubani, writing in the Khaleej Times (United Arab Emirates), also addressed this problem, emphasizing the need for a long-term strategic thinking; a recommendation echoed by may public diplomacy advocates in the U.S.…... FULL TEXT

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