Obama seeking Chinas cooperation
Speaking in Japan at the start of his East Asia tour, US President Barack Obama signalled his intention to reach out to China.
“The United States does not seek to contain China,” Mr Obama said. “On the contrary, the rise of a strong and prosperous China can be a source of strength for the community of nations.”
The fact of China’s growing influence on the world stage is something President Obama is having to grapple with.
On Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, the symbolic centre of the Chinese nation, people seemed sure this presidential visit will be different from previous ones.
“Because of the current economic crisis, the United States needs China’s co-operation in many areas,” said Mr Ma, who works in the shipping business.
“Previous US presidents came to China with an arrogant attitude, lecturing us. But with President Obama it’s different, he’s coming to China to seek our help.”
And 27-year-old Wang Xiongbin, who works in real estate, agreed: “After staging the Olympic Games and our 60th anniversary parade here, foreigners now see China as a strong power.
“Obama is definitely hoping to build better relations with China, trade-wise, diplomacy-wise, co-operation-wise. He’s definitely going to be softer than President Bush was.”