Will Obama Strike the Right China Balance?

Regardless of your opinions of the Chinese government, it's difficult to overlook the escalating friction between citizens and local government authorities.  The melamine milk case alone is a clear example of how poor infrastructure and government handling resulted in the harm of nearly 300,000 babies.   /span>

Parents of children who died in schools following last May's earthquake have had similar complaints of government mismanagement, and these events are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.  Over the past several months, reports of uprisings throughout the country have clouded the headlines.   /span>

On the surface, these issues and others could be considered domestic Chinese concerns, but the tension between Chinese officials and disgruntled citizens also presents a unique challenge for the upcoming Obama administration.  How can it most effectively achieve the elusive balance between working with China/st1 :country-region>'s leadership and the human rights activists who challenge it?  Is this balance even necessary?  /span>

There have been multiple reports of arrests of human rights activists this December alone, many of which are connected to the "08 Charter."   This document drafted by 303 Chinese citizens from all walks of life, calls for sweeping political reforms based on the basic tenants of freedom, human rights, equality, republicanism, democracy, and constitutionalism./span>

After last week's initial draft, which happened to fall on the 60th anniversary of the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, one of its main advocates, Prof. Liu Xiaobo, was detained by police and his location remains unknown.  Several other signers were detained or questioned by police as well. /span>

While the U.S./st1 :country-region> has called on Chinese authorities to release Liu and other activists, these requests haven't exactly been granted.  If history serves as any guide, most criticisms of China/st1 :country-region>'s human rights by an outside source, like the UN or foreign governments, are generally not received well by Chinese authorities.  They consider them to be interfering in domestic Chinese issue, and will often mention failures of other nations.  Perhaps these accusations also "hurt the feelings of Chinese people."  /span>

Regardless, these tensions may also have a significant impact on U.S.-China relations with the new administration. Historically, the U.S.policy towards China/st1 :country-region> has focused on collaborating with an elite group of leaders and dignitaries. While these individuals have the most concentrated power, there's also strength in numbers./span>

Dr. Perry Link addressed this issue in The New Republic, emphasizing the fact that cost of overlooking the differences between the masses and governmental elite "can be immense."  He notes the glaring example of Tiananmen Squarein 1989, which Link describes as "not elite; it was an upheaval from below."/span>

On the one hand, "upheaval from below" or massive social instability in China/st1 :country-region> would be extremely detrimental.  As the global economy slows down, many Chinese have lost jobs, taking away a huge security net and possibly increasing frustration with the government.  This dynamic makes it especially important for the Obama administration not to overlook the plight of the masses, or to make empty pleas to the Chinese government to "improve human rights conditions."/span>

On the other hand, relations with China/st1 :country-region> can be fragile, and immediately rocking the boat with government officials would not be a prudent move for an incoming administration.  President Bush's decision to attend the Olympic opening ceremonies this summer was a wise diplomatic move, and went a long way toward strengthening relations with China/st1 :country-region>.  At the same time, it also angered many human rights activists. /span>

How will Obama be able to tackle this difficult dynamic?  He and his team of advisers definitely have difficult decisions to make going forward, and it will be impossible to appease everyone./span>

Despite the ongoing tensions, however, there’s tremendous opportunity to improve upon the status quo.  We’ll have to wait at least four years to see whether or not this happens.  /span>