China Trying to Pull the Wool?

China seeks soften image with U.S. - UPI, Jul. 28, 2005 at 9:38AM

China has embarked on an image-polishing campaign to counter U.S. criticism of its growing economic and military power.

Taking advantage of the visit of a senior official to Washington, China is making its case in public for a strategic relationship and is hiring a U.S. lobbying firm to communicate with Congress, the Financial Times said Thursday.

Tang Jiaxuan, state councilor, assured the U.S.-China Business Council, "All this will mean boundless opportunities for U.S. businesses."

China, he said, would "gradually" address U.S. concerns over the trade deficit and intellectual property rights and allow it greater access to services.

Tang reiterated Chinese demands that the United States give China full market economy status, lift restrictions on commodity and technology exports "and correct the wrong practices of trade protectionism."

Tang, a key figure in Chinese efforts to curb North Korea's nuclear ambitions, also met with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.