Huntsman: Learn From Chen Debacle

Americans should take two lessons from the recent diplomatic tussle that erupted over blind Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng, writes former U.S. ambassador to China Jon Huntsman Monday in The Wall Street Journal. The country’s influence may be growing, but “the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party is profoundly insecure.” On top of that, people from all walks of Chinese life “are increasingly demanding a more transparent and fair society.” The American government and electorate need to come to a better understanding of these often contradictory forces, Huntsman argues. The example of Chen “has given us an opening that we can either see as a source of conflict or as an opening for expanding our dialogue” as America looks to develop more open relations with the Asian power.