From the International Herald Tribune:
During George W. Bush’s first term in office, critics complained of a lack of foreign-policy consensus within the administration. But since Condoleezza Rice has taken over at the State Department, administration officials seem to be working from the same script on almost all the most pressing international issues.
Except China.
There has long been a debate in Washington on how best to address the rapid growth of China’s economy and geopolitical influence. The so-called “panda huggers” believe China can be a force for stability in both East Asia and the world and should, therefore, be constructively engaged.
On the other side are the “dragon slayers,” who believe China’s growing economic and political power directly threatens U.S. interests and must be contained.
The president, the secretary of state and some others have adopted a third way. Call them the “panda hedgers.”
