China’s Hu arrives in U.S., this time in charge

BEIJING - When Hu Jintao made his first visit to Washington, the then-vice president of China never deviated from the official policy line, leaving Bush administration officials perplexed as to what kind of leader he would become.

Four years later, Hu arrived n the United States on Tuesday with an answer to that question: He is president and undisputed leader of a fast-rising nation whose emergence poses economic, diplomatic and security challenges for Washington.

A telegenic but uncharismatic technocrat, Hu has presided over an impressive run-up in Chinese power, striking a populist tone and squelching dissent at home while pursuing free-market policies and broadening the country’s contacts abroad.

The result has been to make China and the Communist Party a greater force to be reckoned with than many supposed when he was named party chief in late 2002. “Hu Jintao has taken the Communist Party’s power and linked it with capitalism to bolster one-party rule,” said Ruan Ming, a former Propaganda Department official.

“Look, one of the first things he’s doing when he gets to America is having dinner with a hundred businessmen at Bill Gates’ home,” said Ruan, an author who now lives in Taiwan.

Seattle, D.C. and Yale
Hu has set an ambitious mission for his four-day U.S. tour. His trip comes at a time of unease among American businesses, political leaders and the public about how China is using its new power.

His summit Thursday with President Bush will cover a broad agenda — from China’s much criticized currency and other trade policies, to its aggressive search for oil and Iran’s and North Korea’s nuclear programs.

The real test lies beyond the White House. In addresses and meetings, Hu hopes to dispel skepticism about Chinese intentions among key audiences: business leaders in Seattle, where he’ll tour Boeing and Microsoft facilities, the policy-making establishment in Washington and the academic elite at Yale University.

The foray into public diplomacy is uncharacteristic for Hu, who as a party insider for two decades has excelled in closed-door politics. It’s remarkably different from his first trip to Washington, in May 2002, when he stuck to private meetings and kept to the line set by Beijing.

“No matter the situation, Hu never gives offense,” said Wu Jiaxiang, a former researcher in a high-level party office and an occasional political commentator.

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