BEIJING — His influence at home quickly fading, President Barack Obama is looking east to China, the opening stop of a three-country tour that will test his ability to play a commanding role on the world stage during his final two years in office.
Once treated like a global superstar, Obama arrived Monday in Beijing under far different circumstances, with his most powerful days behind him.
At home, Republicans are still rejoicing at having pummeled Obama’s political party in the midterm elections, relegating Democrats to the minority in both chambers of Congress. His counterparts in Asia surely have noticed.
Upon his arrival in the Chinese capital, Obama stepped off Air Force One and onto a red carpet, where an honor guard of dozens lined his path. He greeted Chinese officials before being whisked into his waiting limousine.
The president will give a speech Monday about U.S. ties to Asia at a high-level Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. He’ll also join key Asian leaders for dinner before taking in a performance and fireworks at the Beijing National Aquatics Center. During his three days in China, Obama will also meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The leaders of the world’s two largest economies will address reporters before the state visit draws to a close Wednesday and Obama flies to Myanmar.
The trip marks one of Obama’s final opportunities to deliver on his goal to amplify U.S. influence in Asia. In China, Myanmar and Australia, leaders will be rendering judgment on whether Obama’s lofty ambitions in Asia-Pacific have been sidetracked by festering crises in Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
“This is going to be a tough trip for the president,” said Ernest Bower, an Asia expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. He said Asian leaders were viewing Obama’s trip with a key question in mind: Who is Barack Obama after the midterm elections?
“They’ll be trying to discern whether he has the commitment and political capital to follow through,” Bower said.
Even before the election, Obama’s commitment to the region and his ability to boost U.S. clout there was in doubt in many capitals.
U.S. allies such as Japan and South Korea have pressed for a greater American presence, partly to counter China’s growing influence. Yet Obama’s mission against the Islamic State group and his government’s Ebola response have diverted U.S. military and financial resources elsewhere.
“The president remains deeply committed to his Asia rebalancing strategy, and its implementation will remain a top priority throughout the second term,” said Obama’s national security adviser, Susan Rice.
