US Sends Rice To China – Again

U.S. President Barak Obama sent one of his top advisors, Ambassador Susan E. Rice to China last week. This is Rice’s fourth trip to China on behalf of the president. On July 25 she met with President Xi Jinping and other Chinese officials including the Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, Fan Changlong, and Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi.

Rice and Xi discussed China-US relations where Mr. Xi, according to Xinhua reports, stressed that both countries common interests outweigh areas of disagreement. Xi stressed that the guidelines for relations should focus on:

• No conflict
• No confrontation
• Mutual respect
• Win-win cooperation

Ambassador Rice also discussed President Obama’s upcoming meeting with Mr. Xi and Obama’s attendance at the G20 meeting in September this year in China’s hi-tech and cultural hub, Hangzhou.

When meeting with Rice, State Councilor Yang reiterated China’s rejection of the conclusion of the Arbitral Tribunal concerning the South China Sea, while Vice Chairman Fan and stressed that China’s position will not change on the South China Sea.

Rice reportedly told them that the US would continue to conduct operations in the South China Sea.

Since these types of exchanges can be handled through normal diplomatic channels, what message was intended by sending one of Mr. Obama’s top advisors to Beijing? (Several media sources referred to her as an “aide” to President Obama. )

In terms of “face” it shows that the Obama administration considers China one of its most important areas of cooperation and concern, and sending someone as high-ranking as Ambassador Rice underscores the US commitment to the relationship. And while the South China Sea remains a potential flashpoint for both countries, mutual interests are real, particularly the vexing question of a nuclear North Korea.

The Obama administration is winding down and the president’s term of office coming to an end, so this is potentially Ms. Rice’s last visit to China in her current capacity.

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Photo and reporting : Xinhua