US candidates discuss China... [ 2007-08-09 14:11 ] Download
Is China an ally or an adversary of the United States? The question, raised at seminars and US congressional gatherings all the time, dominated the televised public debate among Democratic presidential candidates in Chicago on Tuesday.
At a time when context is more important than the issue, almost all the speakers made tough-sounding speeches on China.
Those who followed the public debates between George W. Bush and Bill Clinton eight years ago might have been shocked by the present US president's verbal attack against his predecessor for his "too soft" policy toward China.
Today, Bush himself draws flak despite being quite successful in dealing with China.
That is what politics is all about in the US, or more specifically during the presidential campaign.
In Chicago, China came under fire from Democratic candidates who debated before an audience consisting largely of organized labor.
Asked whether China is an ally or adversary, seven Democratic hopefuls for the White House described it differently, as a leading competitor, a leading US creditor, a human rights violator, an exporter of dangerous products and a potential military adversary in the coming decades.
"I really doubt they (Democratic presidential candidates) were talking their minds in public. They just wanted to politicize issues related to China so that they can win more votes," said Shi Yinhong, professor of International Relations and director of the Center for American Studies in Renmin University of China in Beijing.
As the presidential campaign is heating up, it's becoming more like a political game and politicizing such issues seems to be a safe way of playing it, Shi said yesterday.
"Under such circumstances, their words don't necessarily mean what they were thinking or what they will do after winning the game, whether it is (Barack) Obama, (Hillary) Clinton or (John) Edwards or someone else because the context is more important than the issue itself," Shi said.
Making China an issue during the presidential campaign also means the country has developed rapidly in the past few years, whereas the US has been experiencing one of its hardest times in history, said Yuan Peng, director of the Institute of American Studies of China Institute of Contemporary International Relations.
"With no end in sight to the Iraq war and its anti-terror strategy consuming its national resources and patience, the US is passing through its most difficult period," Yuan said.
"Its domestic problems have amplified the influences of China, a country that has had an excellent economic record in recent years," he said.
(China Daily 08/09/2007 page 2)
Questions:
1.Which American political party held a debate on Tuesday?
2.Name two things the presidential hopefuls described China.
3.According to Shi Yinhong, professor of international relations at Renmin University, what is the real reason why these presidential candidates describe China in these ways?
Answers:
1. Democrats.
2.A leading competitor, a leading US creditor, a human rights violator, an exporter of dangerous products and a potential military adversary.
3.To get more votes.
About the broadcaster:
Bernice Chan is a foreign expert at China Daily Website. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Bernice has written for newspapers and magazines in Hong Kong and most recently worked as a broadcaster for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, producing current affairs shows and documentaries.
体坛英语资讯:Barca remain 11 clear after Spains matchday 32
What you didn't know about the verges of sleep 你不知道的“入睡边缘”常识
国内英语资讯:China, huge potential market for Irish food exports: official
不自信的人怎样逆袭?
国际英语资讯:Lula still favorite for Brazilian elections despite being jailed for corruption
My Dream 我的理想
调查显示 超八成受访者喜欢自助游
体坛英语资讯:Sun Yang bags first gold at Chinese Swimming Championships
国内英语资讯:China Focus: President Xi reviews navy in South China Sea
国内英语资讯:China calls on all relevant parties of Syria issue to remain calm and show restraint: FM
密码再见!互联网联盟推新式在线身份认证
国内英语资讯:China, Netherlands agree to exploit advantages of complementarities
潮不潮?英国父母现在给宝宝取名都用宜家家具名
美文赏析:真正的尊重要靠努力换来
专家:全球水河流已被处方药和非处方药污染
调查显示 父母确实会偏爱多个孩子中的一个
体坛英语资讯:Japan draw Australia 1-1, both into semifinals of AFC Womens Asian Cup
国际英语资讯:Spotlight: NATO chief to visit Turkey on Syria crisis following U.S.-led airstrikes
男子患癌告赢强生 获赔3000万美元
My Good Friend 我的好朋友