Forbes, China caucus chair, and the president talk Olympics

By JR Hoeft | Monday, August 11th, 2008 | Policy

With the Olympics in full swing, the chairman of the House China Caucus, Rep. J. Randy Forbes (R-VA04) offered his thoughts on the current state of US-Sino relations and he did not disappoint:

“While we disagree with China on a number of policy fronts from their human rights record to the lack of transparency of their military buildup, the Olympic Games allows athletes of all nations to come together to compete peacefully in a world-wide time-honored tradition,” wrote Forbes. “The Olympic Games do, however, present a unique opportunity for China to continue to grow into a respectable member on the world stage, not only by hosting a first-rate Olympics, but also in conducting itself as a first-rate government that ensures its citizens enjoy the freedoms and protections they deserve.”

I think it’s pretty clear from this statement that Forbes agrees with President George W. Bush that China has a long way to go, but engagement is still key in dealing with the Asian power.

In an interview with NBC’s Bob Costas yesterday, the cheerleader-in-chief (I say this good-naturedly) said, “We have understand that we can have a candid and constructive relationship. It’s really important for future presidents to understand the relationship between China and the region, and it’s important to make sure that America is engaged with China, though we may have some disagreements.”

The president continued regarding America’s role, “I think you ought to look at the relationship as one of constructive engagement. You can find common areas, like North Korea, Iran, and be in a position where they can listen to your views like religious freedom and liberty.”

At the outset, I was skeptical about whether the president’s presence at the games would serve any tangible purpose. But actually seeing him there, engaged in the process, taking the American message to other world leaders, including drawing a clear line to the Russians on their current actions, serves an extremely valuable and diplomatic purpose.

While all have been focused on the president’s actions regarding the war on terror, and now while people have been caught up with the Olympics and the presidential campaign, I think, under the radar, the president might be doing his finest governing. Governing which might impact the global landscape for decades.

Tags: