Ever since Obama assumed the presidency, the U.S. has adopted a soft approach toward China on human rights. But the US human rights policy is part of its China strategy. As the U.S. is recovering from the financial crisis and is preparing to adjust its unbalanced economic structure and consolidate its leading position in the world, it is taking a hard line approach on China.

The US arms sale to Taiwan, Obama's meeting with the Dalai Lama, pressure on yuan appreciation and the way Google's withdrawal from China was handled all reflect this trend. It is predicted that the upcoming human rights dialogue might focus on religious freedom, Internet management and legal systems. The U.S. will focus on Internet freedom because this involves its advantages in Internet information, as well as the interests of many of American Internet and software firms operating in China. More importantly, the U.S. wants to influence Chinese youth in culture and politics through the expansion of various popular Web sites.

On the one hand, we cannot expect too much to come from this dialogue because it will be one in which each side simply states its respective position. It is also impossible at the moment to make substantial breakthroughs regarding the political bottom line of each side. On the other hand, the dialogue will be meaningful as long as it is conducted on the basis of equality, mutual respect, mutual understanding, and a down-to-earth attitude. The prerequisite is that the U.S. should not attack China on human rights issues and exert pressure on bilateral relations through those issues.

China and the U.S. may enhance understanding and even reach a consensus on a number of issues. For example, in the US State Department's human rights report, there could be the inclusion of other countries' criticism of US human rights violations, and the progress China has made in the field of human rights. China could make rules regarding Internet management more open and legal. Both countries could agree to enhance communication at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

The two countries could also agree to jointly study human rights issues, so as to enable the U.S. to learn about developing countries and improve developing countries' abilities in survival, development, education and public health.

The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

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