November 20, 2005

Masses don't tune into Bush message

BEIJING — President Bush was in China for two days, talking in part about religion and democracy. But that message has mostly been lost on the Chinese people.

For one thing, Chinese media haven't focused much on Bush, devoting most of their time and space to quoting Chinese leaders. For another, unlike his predecessor, Bush hasn't circulated widely in the city or had any forum to directly address the public.

His visit has been highly orchestrated, punctuated by tight smiles during formal meetings with China's top two leaders and a bike ride around a mountain-bike course with six Chinese cyclists.

The White House had urged China to allow its state-run media to give extensive coverage to the visit. Reports in the U.S. media showed Bush praying with Christians at a church in Beijing and raising questions of human rights and the fate of a Chinese dissident.

But in China, those issues did not make news. Chinese television focused mainly on remarks by President Hu Jintao. The only direct statements by Bush broadcast were quips about the bicycle ride and an invitation to Hu to visit Washington.

Philip Cunningham, an American freelance writer and political commentator for Chinese television in Beijing, said the trip was a marked contrast to a 1998 visit by President Bill Clinton.

"There was an overflow crowd wherever he went," Cunningham said of Clinton's visit. "He was allowed to get on live national TV and talk about issues like Tibet. This is more tightly scripted because Bush doesn't have that rapport" with China's leaders.

Arriving at a time when his administration and U.S. foreign policy in general are unpopular in China, Bush met with limited success on political topics. He gained some ground on issues causing trade frictions, such as intellectual property.

But not everyone welcomed the visit.

"You're American? So Little Bush is yours? He's not welcome," said a clothing seller in Shanghai's sprawling Xiang Yang market. "He's always attacking weaker countries and trying to limit China's development."

In Beijing, recent university graduate David Wang, 22, said Bush's trip to China "is of great significance" for U.S.-Chinese relations. The U.S. needs China's cooperation to address major world problems, he said.

"I think sometimes George Bush should listen to more people's opinions instead of political interests," Wang said. "He should try to accept China. China's strength is not a challenge for America. In fact, it can be a help."

Chinese leaders used the phrase "mutual respect" several times during meetings with Bush, reflecting their demand for an equal status.

In part, it reflects rising confidence bolstered by unprecedented economic growth.

For the United States, the underlying message from China was "don't think about wagging your finger at us," Cunningham said.

Regardless of political differences, U.S. citizens and culture still get a warm reception in China.

"I regard American people as very kind," said Wang. Your enthusiasm, your openness — we should learn from this."

"There is a gap in our politics, but not in relations between people," he said.

Kristi Heim: 206-464-2718 or kheim@seattletimes.com

Posted by Kristi Heim at November 20, 2005 10:23 PM

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