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As opposed to China? They don't say it, but they have basically ran a "China first" agenda for the last decade or two. Does China maintain a friendly policy tow

by vtange 10y ago

As opposed to China? They don't say it, but they have basically ran a "China first" agenda for the last decade or two. Does China maintain a friendly policy toward refugees and minorities? Sure, they do enact policy for the environment, but it's heavily sold on cutting their own smog and air pollution. "Let other countries settle things bilaterally without interference" were China's words originally, not Trump's. One could even say Trump is America's most Chinese president, considering his proposal to build a "Great, great wall" (his words, not mine)[1] and proposal to up America's military by nearly double digits to mimic China's recent years. [2] [1] http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/wild-donald-trump-quotes/14/ http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/wild-donald-trump-quotes/14/ [2] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/03/04/china-reins-defence-spending-donald-trump-boosts-military-budget/ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/03/04/china-reins-defen...

diego_moita 10y ago
As a non-American I have a very different understanding of American role in the world. I don't buy the whole concept of "American exceptionalism". I don't believe that America's actions in the world are moved just by benevolent preoccupations. > they have basically ran a "China first" agenda for the last decade or two I totally agree, but that is what every country, tribe and empire has done for thousands of years. I don't expect anyone to be different. My issue is about how you sell it. Soft power (the theme of the article) comes from the empire sales pitch, from being able to convince others that you are being good when you are protecting your assets. Again: my point is not what you are, is what you sell. And the "art of the deal" president is actually a very bad salesman. This is an overture for the Chinese. No, I don't "trust" China as much as I don't "trust" America.

by vtange 10y ago

diego_moita 10y ago

As a non-American I have a very different understanding of American role in the world. I don't buy the whole concept of "American exceptionalism". I don't believe that America's actions in the world are moved just by benevolent preoccupations. > they have basically ran a "China first" agenda for the last decade or two I totally agree, but that is what every country, tribe and empire has done for thousands of years. I don't expect anyone to be different. My issue is about how you sell it. Soft power (the theme of the article) comes from the empire sales pitch, from being able to convince others that you are being good when you are protecting your assets. Again: my point is not what you are, is what you sell. And the "art of the deal" president is actually a very bad salesman. This is an overture for the Chinese. No, I don't "trust" China as much as I don't "trust" America.