Gates heads to China with hopes for better ties
After a rocky year for U.S.-Chinese relations, Defense Secretary Robert Gates heads to China in hopes of strengthening relations with the rising military power and global competitor.
The relationship between the two countries has been strained recently as China expanded its firepower and reach, quarreled with U.S. allies over Pacific territory and broke off the few flimsy military ties it had allowed with Washington.
Gates, who flew to Asia on Saturday, will meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao a week ahead of Hu’s planned state visit to Washington.
As I recall, “The Huffington Post” stated that Barack Obama’s G-20 trip to Asia was a major success. We are still sending members of his Administration over to China to improve strained relations after such a victorious trip?