Obama called for harnessing China’s clout to make progress on shared interests such as weapons proliferation, a more solid global economy and climate agreements.
“In an interconnected world, power does not need to be a zero-sum game, and nations need not fear the success of another,” he said.
He also said the US “will never waver in speaking up for the fundamental values that we hold dear.”
Clearly hoping to avoid overly irritating Beijing, however, Obama named none of the many and serious specific human rights concerns with respect to China, including Tibet, where authorities have suppressed religious freedom and national aspirations.
“Indigenous cultures and economic growth have not been stymied by respect for human rights, they have been strengthened by it,” Obama said. “Supporting human rights provides lasting security that cannot be purchased in any other way.”
Obama’s remarks came near the start of a trip presenting him with risks at every stop.
In Japan, the relationship with the US is on newly delicate footing after a change in leadership in Tokyo that has the Japanese moving toward greater independence from Washington and closer ties with the rest of Asia.
Obama made Tokyo the venue for his speech, a symbolically important choice that displayed respect for Japan’s long history as the US’ chief ally in Asia and one of the region’s foremost democracies.
After his speech, Obama had lunch with Japan’s Emperor Akihito and his wife, Empress Michiko, bowing deeply as they welcomed him to the graceful grounds of the Imperial Palace in the heart of the bustling city.
Obama’s speech won praise from several Asian analysts.
Shen Dingli (沈丁立), director of the Center for American Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai, welcomed the remarks about China.
“He did not want to go to Asia to renew differences,” Shen said. “The differences are clear, everybody knows them. He wants to make clear we share some fundamental values.”
Some in Taiwan were less impressed.
“His stressing engagement with China will raise the question of what priority the US gives to its security treaty with Japan,” said Lo Chih-cheng (羅致政), a political science professor at Soochow University.
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