Foreclosures in USA Have Led to Emerging New Equations in World Diplomacy

April 7th, 2009 | Tags: Foreclosures

Foreclosures in USA with the ordinary borrower being thrown out homes by millions have led to emerging new equations in world diplomacy. It is the tiny drops that make the ocean.

On 12th March the Foreign Minister of China, Yang Jiechi was received at the White House. It was a signal that the new president of USA has recognized the pivotal role of China in world affairs. It is a rare occurrence for the President of America to discuss serious maters with the foreign minister of another power and not with the head of that country. The visit of Yang to Washington is a ground preparation for talks between Obama and the Chinese President Hu Jintao during the G-20 meeting – although the meeting will be on the fringes of discussion on main issues. It kicks of a new era in diplomacy.

Also related to this story of new developments is the visit of Japanese Prime Minister, Taro Aso to the White House on 23rd February – the latter being Obama’s first foreign visitor. Obama is following new strategies in foreign policy in this new age.

America is making no bones about giving recognition to the emerging power of East Asia – economically and politically. It is of special importance during this time of crisis. Both Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have been making overtures to Japan and China as possible partners in the efforts to roll back the crisis.

According to a conventional view point Obama has given indulgence to Japan by having the first round of talks with Aso. Their discussions had been preceded by Hillary Clinton’s visit to Japan – this being the first port of call of a high ranking official of USA. It has been said that the favour given to Japan was a continuation of many years of close ties between Japan and USA. It had nothing to do with individual personalities but more with realities of the current situation.

About the Obama-Yang visit White House commented that they “discussed the overall state of … bilateral relationship, emphasizing the desire of both sides to strengthen cooperation and build a positive and constructive U.S.- China relationship”. Noticeable was a shift in phrases from “cooperative and constructive ties” to words like “a positive and constructive relationship.” It is not yet time to see how these talks will translate into realities.