Big on Symbolism, Less So on Substance

Law and Public Policy
The Hu-Obama Summit: Big on Symbolism, Less So on Substance
Chinese President Hu Jintao's state visit to the U.S. last month ended with a spurt of export agreements that his country has recently become known for. But after 2010's escalating trade tensions, summit-weary observers are not celebrating just yet. They note that thorny issues, like China's currency policy, were stubbornly sidestepped, and they wonder whether the summit achieved what business leaders in both countries now need -- a mutual trust and assurance that their companies will be allowed to prosper.