Chinese regime scared of banality
Faithful readers of Shadow Government know that there are good reasons to be wary about China’s strength (as explained here and here). But this short report in today’s Washington Post reminds us that there are also ample signs of China’s weakness. And there can be many ways in which a weak China could be just ...
Faithful readers of Shadow Government know that there are good reasons to be wary about China's strength (as explained here and here).
But this short report in today's Washington Post reminds us that there are also ample signs of China's weakness. And there can be many ways in which a weak China could be just as vexing as a strong one.
The Post reports that state censors interrupted the Obama-Hu news conference and substituted a black screen for Hu's response to questions from a reporter about China's human rights record. Hu's response was hardly revelatory, though he did acknowledge that China's record was not perfect and that more progress needed to be made -- a statement so banal that it could be said about every country, indeed President Obama has said much the same thing about the United States.
Faithful readers of Shadow Government know that there are good reasons to be wary about China’s strength (as explained here and here).
But this short report in today’s Washington Post reminds us that there are also ample signs of China’s weakness. And there can be many ways in which a weak China could be just as vexing as a strong one.
The Post reports that state censors interrupted the Obama-Hu news conference and substituted a black screen for Hu’s response to questions from a reporter about China’s human rights record. Hu’s response was hardly revelatory, though he did acknowledge that China’s record was not perfect and that more progress needed to be made — a statement so banal that it could be said about every country, indeed President Obama has said much the same thing about the United States.
A regime that will not allow its own leader’s banal public remarks to be broadcast at home is a regime that is so insecure it doubts its own legitimacy. Remember, these are remarks that were playing live to the entire world, yet Chinese propagandists were apparently afraid to let their own public hear them.
So while signs of Chinese growing strength should not be ignored, neither should we ignore signs of lingering, and perhaps deepening, weakness. Indeed, the two can combine to pose special challenges for U.S. foreign policy, producing the very bellicose hypernationalism and overconfident adventurism that we have seen in the past year.
Peter D. Feaver is a professor of political science and public policy at Duke University, where he directs the Program in American Grand Strategy.
More from Foreign Policy
Lessons for the Next War
Twelve experts weigh in on how to prevent, deter, and—if necessary—fight the next conflict.
It’s High Time to Prepare for Russia’s Collapse
Not planning for the possibility of disintegration betrays a dangerous lack of imagination.
Turkey Is Sending Cold War-Era Cluster Bombs to Ukraine
The artillery-fired cluster munitions could be lethal to Russian troops—and Ukrainian civilians.
Congrats, You’re a Member of Congress. Now Listen Up.
Some brief foreign-policy advice for the newest members of the U.S. legislature.
Sign up for Morning Brief
Foreign Policy’s flagship daily newsletter with what’s coming up around the world today. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.
