Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is a happy man -- and with good reason. His four-day visit to the United States this week was a huge success, a personal triumph for the premier as well as a trip that helped advance his nation's relations with the U.S. His host, U.S. President George W. Bush, is probably less pleased.
Mr. Bush has been criticized for his comments on Taiwan, which suggested to some that he was trading support of democratic values for better relations with China. The biggest loser, though, is likely to be Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian, who made Taiwan a focal point during Mr. Wen's visit to the U.S. Ominously, this may only be a taste of events to come as Taiwan gears up for a presidential election in March.
Mr. Wen's visit was the first of China's new generation of leaders to visit the U.S. The contrast with the old guard was readily apparent. Like his predecessors, Mr. Wen played up cooperation between the U.S. and China while placing less emphasis on contentious issues, such as trade, in the bilateral relationship. His demeanor provided a glimpse of a new China. Mr. Wen has made a point of appearing to be "a man of the people" at home, appealing to ordinary workers and identifying with their concerns. That same appeal was at work in the U.S. His frank comments, sense of humor and readiness to engage his hosts apparently made a powerful impression.