The pitfalls of blind pride

Economic incline may sink sense of crisis and hurt ability of government to adapt to future risks

United States President Barack Obama was all smiles and civil during his visit to China in November, more modest and gentle than any of his predecessors toward China. But his attitude toward the nation has taken an about-face into a tougher, more rigid stance, an issue that has recently been discussed at length. So what is the reason for this change within a short period of time?

Nothing truly monumental has prompted Washington to alter its strategy toward China. The change in Obama's stance most likely has resulted from four factors: