Minxin Pei
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}Source: Getty
President Obama in China
Despite a lack of concrete deliverables, President Obama’s trip to Asia still accomplished the important objective of showing China that the United States is serious about engaging the region and remaining a Pacific power.
Source: The Diane Rehm Show

In a panel discussion on NPR’s The Diane Rehm Show, Minxin Pei assesses President Obama’s trip to China, highlighting some of the opportunities and challenges of the meeting. Pei expected Iran to be a key concern in the discussions, as the recent deal between the United States and Russia has left China diplomatically isolated in refusing to impose sanctions. On the issue of North Korea, Pei also cautioned against expecting a breakthrough in discussions between Obama and Hu, noting that the Chinese president does not enjoy autonomy in his policy decision-making and must confer with the collective leadership of the 9-member Politburo standing committee. Despite a lack of concrete deliverables, Obama’s trip still accomplished at least one important objective of showing China - and all of Asia - that the United States is serious about engaging the region and remaining a Pacific power.
About the Author
Former Adjunct Senior Associate, Asia Program
Pei is Tom and Margot Pritzker ‘72 Professor of Government and the director of the Keck Center for International and Strategic Studies at Claremont McKenna College.
- How China Can Avoid the Next ConflictIn The Media
- Small ChangeIn The Media
Minxin Pei
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
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