On Clinton's First Tour

Clearly, Hillary Clinton’s visit to Asia to discuss a handful of diplomatic priorities after assuming office reflects her wishes to change and refrain from the attitudes of the Bush administration, which included neglecting a region with nearly 50 percent of the world’s population and inclusive of many hot spots. Clinton’s visit also comes with the aim of expanding relationships and rebuilding stronger partnerships across the pacific.

Ordinarily, the world economic impasse could have been thought to be the impetus behind this diplomatic visit. The question now is why these four particular countries: Japan, Indonesia, South Korea and China?

Japan, the world’s second-largest economy, needed reinforcement of their strong ties and constant coalition with the U.S. As with South Korea, and along with discussing their mutual trade interests, the U.S. wished to open the North Korean nuclear activities file. They warned the wrongheaded North Koreans against any provocations in case of not complying with the many diplomatic and economic incentives linked to nuclear disarmament, including normalizing relations and a peace agreement.

While in Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim state and its third-largest democracy, America is interested in rebuilding relationships with this country and southeast Asia, totally forgotten by the previous administration and after it turned to China to establish new ties in trade and diplomacy. Besides, the new American administration is also showing friendly, cooperative and peaceful intentions towards the ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] organization and communicating the Islamic world via Indonesia.

China, the most developing economy of the world, was the main leg of Clinton’s tour. Here, Clinton, sick of dubbing Beijing an “enemy”, sought to form a new relationship with a comprehensive dialogue, not limited to economic affairs as it was before and based on opportunities for cooperation with national, regional and international benefits. As such, Beijing has become an important partner, especially in the light of the current issues and developments, including nuclear nonproliferation, the international financial crisis and environmental issues.

The long and short of this, the “Asian” tour of the U.S. secretary of state indicates how smart her country’s attitudes are, as it tends to peacefully enhance her relationships with others. America cannot face international challenges alone nor can the world face challenges without America. So, will Clinton pass her first test?