Peace Prize Threatens U.S.-China Ties

In international relations, even a Nobel Peace Prize can cause conflict. President Obama’s push for China to liberate Liu Xiaobo, the jailed Chinese dissident who won this year’s award, threatens to undermine the already delicate ties between the U.S. and China, say many analysts. After the prize was announced, Obama—who won the award last year—called on China to release Liu “as soon as possible.” Beijing authorities struck back, saying they “oppose any other countries’ meddling in China’s internal affairs with any excuses.” The two countries have been battling on a number of economic issues this year, including China’s consistent undervaluing of their currency, the yuan.