Sunday, September 18, 2011

Beware of Chinese Bearing Gifts to Greeks

China's charm offensive in Europe (backed by their cash reserves) isn't part of some Chinese financial "responsibility to protect (R2P)" doctrine:

Join the dots, Beijing-watchers say, and China's strategy becomes clear: It wants to use its economic leverage to make friends who may be more forgiving in disputes over trade and human rights, and ensure doors are open for its goods and corporate investments in the European Union, its main export market.

Huh. Diplomacy to advance national interests? Our State Department should look into it.

Oh, and somebody please notify Fareed Zakaria.