US needs to match the Chinese in diplomacy

This month marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the US. Because of America's global presence, China's relationship with it is, as President Hu Jintao (???) put it, the "central thread in China's foreign policy strategy."

The US plays an integral role in China's foreign policy. However, China has and will continue to assert its independence through other diplomatic channels. China's effective diplomatic strategy has allowed it to consolidate its influence in Asia. The US must therefore implement a new public diplomacy strategy aimed at preserving core geo-strategic and national interests in Asia.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's (???) visit to the US last month was consistent with China's foreign policy objectives: strengthening relations with the US is paramount, furthering relations with the developing world is of lesser importance.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/edit/archives/2004/01/27/2003092644