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Updated Saturday, November 21, 2009 12:28 am TWN, By Peter Brookes

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Obama's China kowtowing over security, trade issues

On security, there was also a worrisome lack of movement. China is involved in an unprecedented military buildup — and U.S. planners are often in the dark about the intent of Beijing's modernization but are especially troubled when it comes to “power projection” capabilities, such as the PRC's missile, naval and air forces.

Obama also flubbed a question on Taiwan, failing to immediately note our obligation under U.S. law to sell arms to the island — the most likely place America and China might cross swords. He later corrected himself, but the damage was done — possibly adding doubt in Beijing's mind about the U.S. commitment to a peaceful resolution of Taipei's future.

While there's been a thaw in cross-Taiwan Strait ties lately, better relations have historically been fostered by strong U.S. support for Taiwan.

Then there are the matters experts wish the president hadn't touched upon — offering up Sino-American cooperation in space, where China is taking steps to challenge the United States for military supremacy.

There was also no noticeable traction on efforts to roll back North Korea's nuclear program — or, arguably more urgent, getting Beijing to take tougher measures on preventing Iran from joining the Mushroom Cloud Club. Responding to criticism of the visit, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters that the administration hadn't expected “the waters would part and everything would change over the course of 2-1/2 days in China.”

Fair enough — except that the American people were seemingly promised just that during last year's presidential campaign: a new approach, leading to a more effective foreign policy that would burnish America's image and improve Lady Liberty's security.

That just hasn't happened. Instead, the administration keeps floundering on foreign policy. And there's nothing in sight to suggest reality will suddenly start measuring up to Obama's campaign rhetoric.

Peter Brookes is a Heritage Foundation senior fellow and former deputy assistant secretary of defense. peterbrookes@heritage.org.

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