Chinese Ad Blitz

Chinese Ad Blitz

Chinese President Hu Jintao

When Americans think about China, the Chinese government wants a friendly, famous face from the rising powerhouse of the East coming to mind. They would rather not have us think about currency disputes, trade barriers or military build-ups. That appears to be the intention as Beijing  launches a rare ad campaign in the United States promoting itself. The blitz intentionally coincides with Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to Washington.

The State Council Information Office is paying for two separate ads in the United States that will spotlight famous Chinese people. The TV ads -- a one-minute version and a 30-second version -- will present "Chinese people from different walks of life," including Yao Ming and Yang Liwei, the first Chinese astronaut sent into space.

The bid to portray the country and its citizens in a positive light comes as we grapple with several diplomatic hurdles while at the same time trying to improve our relationship. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in an address on U.S.-China policy Friday that the two countries need to cooperate more, even plan joint military exercises together. (Personal Note to Margaret: Note this comment by Hillary and remember what I said about Gates job) She said that although the United States and China don't fit neatly into the traditional world order together, the two are "in the same boat." Clinton also made clear that the United States will broach difficult topics when Hu makes his state visit on Jan. 19. Clinton urged China to allow its currency to appreciate and work harder to counter the North Korean threat, while reminding the nation that the United States will not stop calling for improved human rights.

"America will continue to speak out and to press China when it censors bloggers and imprisons activists," Clinton said.

Viewers who catch the Chinese government ads will also get a distinctly different message the following week when government watchdog Citizens Against Government Waste plans to re-air a startling ad that addresses the danger of China holding so much U.S. debt. That ominous ad, first aired in October, featured a hypothetical Chinese professor decades from now teaching his class about the rise and fall of the American empire. They group sys it's really not about China bashing, it's about our government and getting control of our spending.

From my perspective, I am and have always been one to scream about watching China very carefully as I believe sincerely they are the most significant threat to US interests in the world. Having said that, I welcome any communication between us that has the potential of improving our relationship. Just imagine, if you can, a world in which the United States and China were not potential enemies, but were close friends working on solving the problems around the globe……. Fantasy, I know, but, as the song says, won’t it be nice?

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Personal Note: I don't know if any of you actually look at some of these You Tube clips I post here. Sometimes they relate to one of my blogs and sometime I just find them either interesting or funny. I recently discovered some clips of a comedy singer, Allen Sherman, who was popular in the 60's when I was growing up (no cracks, please). You have to listen carefully to the words but I just think this is really funny stuff - and a nice little escape from the news....lol

Live Long and Prosper....