It is about strategic rivalry. China did not respond to the U.S. proposal to re-engage in a formal dialogue on nonproliferation carried to Beijing two weeks ago by Undersecretary of State Thomas Pickering, and turned down a similar approach by French diplomats. The Clintonian response is to continue to center ties on commercial negotiations, good wishes and meaningless palaver designed to enhance the sunset's aura. Proposed visits to Beijing by Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott, senior U.S. military officials and cabinet officials to smooth things over one last time are almost certain to do more harm than good. The Chinese understand and can exploit Mr. Clinton and his needs.
U.S.-Chinese relations are in flux and on a downward path.
This need not be fatal to a mutually respectful relationship that minimizes the chances of conflict, which should be the U.S. goal. But achieving that goal requires Mr. Clinton to put reality before legacy, national interests before vanity.