Huffington Post: Engaging China
The editors at the Huffington Post received a copy of my book, and asked if I would write an article on a subject of my choice relating to China. I decided to stick my neck out a bit and address the efforts of some to use the upcoming Olympics as a way to apply political pressure to China. Whatever the merits of one’s point of view, trying to back China into a corner never works and can be counterproductive. And this is exactly what many well meaning individuals are attempting to do.
In the article, I pointed out what works and doesn’t work in China in my experience, and emphasized that patience is not just a virtue here, it is a necessity. To make the latter point, I said that Steven Spielberg’s decision to withdraw as an artistic adviser to the Olympic Games was a disappointment. Not because the opening and closing ceremonies would have surely benefited from his expertise (I’m certain they will still be nothing short of spectacular), but because he withdrew just when he seemed to be making progress in engaging China on the Darfur crisis. By withdrawing when he did, he gave up the unique ambassadorial status he seemed to have gained.
You may read the entire article here.



