Should Bush Attend the Opening Ceremonies?

Last week, the day before the long July 4th weekend, President George W. Bush finally announced that he would attend the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Beijing/st1 :city>  /span>

Many critics disagree with Bush's decision, and French-based Reporters Without Borders went as far as to call it "a capitulation and stab in the back for China/st1 :country-region>/st1 :country-region>’s dissidents."  Despite these sentiments, Bush's attendance could actually do more to promote a human rights agenda than hundreds of boycotts, rallies, or protests./span>

Both Barack Obama and John McCain also expressed sentiments that the president should not attend the opening ceremonies, and that they personally would not go.  Of course, it's easier for them to make those types of comments during an election year.  Their main consideration right now is the opinions of the American people, whereas Bush's statements and actions right now, even in the final months of his presidency, have more far-reaching implications.  o :p>/span>

Earlier this week, he told reporters at the G8 Summit "not going to the opening ceremony for the games would be an affront to the Chinese people, which may make it more difficult to be able to speak frankly with the Chinese leadership."  From Bush's perspective, the gesture of supporting U.S./st1 :country-region> athletes and embracing Chinese hospitality seems to be a lot more appealing than damaging one of the nation's most significant relationships. 

Many critics contend that any foreign leader attending the Games has given up some leverage, or that not attending makes a powerful statement to the Chinese.  To the Chinese people, however, this absence instead could be interpreted as general anti-China sentiment.  /span>

Susan Brownell, an anthropology professor and contributor to the China Beat Blog provides some interesting insight into the concept of Chinese hospitality and host-guest relations.  /span>

She writes,” in China the custom is to first invite the guest to your home to allow him/her to “understand” you and build trust, and only later to try to talk through differences. “Mutual understanding” (????) facilitates the later negotiations. To try to work out all differences ahead of time would be ridiculous. . .  It is also probably a more accurate description of what is happening through the Beijing Olympic Games - they are more accurately perceived as the starting point for a closer relationship between China/st1 :country-region> and the outside world than a nuptial ceremony marking a permanent intimate bond." /span>

iewing the Olympics as a type of a debutante ball or "coming out party," rather than a wedding, provides a more appropriate lens by which to view the Olympics.   Bush's decision to attend the opening ceremonies is not the start of a lifelong love affair where both countries remain deliriously happy while overlooking each other's flaws.  Instead, it's more of a dance, where the two parties enjoy a few spins around the dance floor, and use the time to sharpen their skills./span>

Bush has repeatedly said discussions relating to human rights, religious freedom, Tibet/st1 :place>, and many other hot-button issues will remain on the agenda during his time with Hu and other Chinese leaders.  /span>

By respecting the Chinese hospitality and enjoying the opening ceremonies, the President can have a stronger audience with China/st1 :country-region>/st1 :country-region>'s leadership.  While it's unlikely that either side will really budge on the issues, at least he’ll have a voice at the table.