Mr Paulson… has opted for a softer form of diplomacy, but appeared to win few concession from Beijing on a unscheduled trip to China last week aimed at calming the waters.
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I think that a “softer” form of diplomacy is the wisest path for the US these days.
I spent 3 months traveling all over China a couple years ago. There were many times when I would see or hear about the things the Western powers (barbarians, they call us) did to them back in the 1800’s and 1900’s. We, collectively (meaning USA, Europe, and Japan), inflicted embarrassing Unequal Treaties on China when they were weak. The amazing part to me was how they still remember it as if it was yesterday, and not 100+ years ago. I mean most Americans don’t even know that we fought a military campaign in China in 1901. But believe me when I tell you that THEY remember this very well, even to this day.
So now that WE are in the weak position, it’s not the time to try and strong arm China. They have us by our economic short and curlies, and they are looking for any excuse to get a little pay back from our mistreatment of them in the past.
