Dialogue with Berthold Kuhn

• Source: Global Times
• [11:21 November 13 2009]
• Comments

Dr.Berthold Kuhn, Professor from Berlin University

Global Times: Barack Obama is the first US president to visit China in the first year of his term. High-level officials from both sides have interacted frequently in this year. Do you think it means that the US’ policy on China has changed? Is it Obama’s expedient measures due to the financial crisis?

Kuhn: Certainly, China is now a heavy-weight in world politics. China has come out relatively fast of a situation of economic slowdown in the first half of 2009. The US is still struggling. The US has a vested interest to fostering its relationship with China and vice-versa. China is still very dependent on the US market. The talks are likely to focus primarily on trade issues. The US will try to play down protectionist measures and call on China to continue its economic stimulus program in a non-nationalistic way. Other issues, like climate change, North Korea, Taiwan, Xinjiang Tibet, and human rights issues, will not be on the top of the agenda. However, chances for progress on these issues are all the better. This will be communicated in the media. Both China and the US have an interest that some positive news balances the difficulties of the negotiations on the many controversial trade issues.