Joe Biden on China
But where does Biden stand on China? Here's a quick overview:
"For all of China's emerging power, and all of America's great strength, neither of us can solve the problems we both confront without the other." May 16, 2008 Hearing on U.S.-China Relations
"It is very much in our interest to foster an environment in which China, like the rest of East Asia, can continue recent progress towards developing a more open society, respectful of the rule of law and mindful of international norms in the areas of human rights, security and trade. . .
Our top priority should remain integrating China into the community of nations, articulating the rules of the road, and then holding the Chinese government accountable for its actions. The fate of the world is linked to the ability of the United States and China to resolve differences and work in concert to tackle tough global challenges. We must not allow the notion of China as an adversary to become a self-fulfilling prophesy."June 12, 2001 Speech to Asia Pacific Council of the American Chambers of Commerce
At the UN, we won't even designate China as a violator of human rights. Now, what's the deal there? We talk about competition in terms of trade. It's capitulation, not competition. Name me another country in the world that we would allow to conduct themselves the way China has, and not call them on the carpet at the UN. Joe Biden at 2007 Democratic radio debate on NPR Dec. 4, 2007
From these statements, it's clear that Biden recognizes China's growing significance, and wants the U.S. and China to work together constructively. Like many other politicians, he sees the potential for competition between the two nations to be mutually beneficial, without necessarily leading to confrontation.
His concept of "integrating China into the community of nations," while significant, doesn't necessarily separate him from others on both sides of the aisle. Even the current issue of Foreign Affairs contains an essay by U.S. Secretary of Treasury, Henry Paulson, where he emphasizes the importance of "encouraging (China's) integration into the international system."
Biden doesn't just want China to integrate, however. He also wants to keep China accountable for its human rights record, and doesn't want it to have a free pass at the United Nations. He also wants China to be accountable for its trade practices, and has been a harsh critic of China's imports.
“If I were president, I’d shut it down. Flat shut it down any imports from China in terms of toys. Imagine if Morocco sold those toys, we’d have shut them down.’’ Speech to Drexel University, The News Journal, October 30, 2007
These statements were made last October, when Biden himself was campaigning for president, so their context is fairly important. During election time, China makes a convenient scapegoat, and Biden took advantage of the opportunity. What parent doesn't want to hear that their child will be safe from toxic toys?
On the other hand, boycotting all Chinese toys (which Obama also supported) might not be the most effective way to help China's "progress towards developing a more open society." A potential boycott also seems fairly reactionary, rather than diplomatic.
In any case, Biden's desire to walk the fine tight rope between encouraging improved relations with China, while also keeping it accountable for its human rights record, remains a daunting task. Whether or not he could accomplish this as vice president remains to be seen, but calls for a boycott don't help his case.