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South China Morning Post
South China Morning Post • • nation
Key Points:
- In 2006, the author was promoted to acting special assistant to the president and senior director for Asian affairs on the National Security Council, just as China was pushing for a state visit by President Hu Jintao to the US.
- President George W. Bush had recently completed a successful visit to China, emphasizing religious tolerance through symbolic acts like attending a Protestant church service and mountain biking with young athletes.
- The US-China relationship at the time was cooperative, with China playing a key role in the six-party talks on North Korea and not obstructing US efforts in the war on terrorism.
- The author hints at challenges faced during the preparation for Hu’s visit, implying a difficult experience but noting Bush’s forgiving nature helped him retain his position.
- The story sets the stage for comparing the 2006 visit with the upcoming state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the US in September 2024.
