Obama to Have Biden Lead New U.S.-China Talks

[Jennicut]

Feb. 2 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. President Barack Obama will name Vice President Joe Biden as his point man for talks with China that will go beyond the Bush administration’s focus on economic issues, Japan’s Yomiuri newspaper said, citing an unidentified U.S. State Department official.

U.S. policymakers have concluded that cabinet minister-level discussions, led by Bush’s Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, have failed to result in needed political decisions from China, the newspaper said, citing sources familiar with the matter. The U.S. wants Biden and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to make regular visits to each other’s country to discuss a range of issues, it said.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton last week said the Obama administration will broaden its relationship with China beyond economic and financial interests.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601089&sid=aOwX68k0eNOs


Pretty interesting. Joe is really going to still have a role in foreign policy for Obama.

[WheelWalker]

1. There really is no shortage of assignments for FP heavyweights.

One might even say there is a target-rich environment.

[Muttocracy]

4. anyone remember when he's going to Germany? some time next week? nt

[Jennicut]

5. Feb 6th I think because the Conference on Security Policy starts that day.

WASHINGTON — Joe Biden will make his first overseas trip as vice president next week when he heads to Germany for the 45th Munich Conference on Security Policy.

The White House says retired Gen. Jim Jones, President Barack Obama's national security adviser, also will attend.

Biden will address the Feb. 6-8 conference.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/27/biden-heads-to-germany-fo_n_161457.html

[Eurobabe]

6. Oh, how sweet, that's my anniversary, think he'll remember to

bring flowers? :D

[PatSeg]

7. I'm quite sure that is why he's making the trip

Don't you?

[jillan]

2. Holy cow - Biden is going to be an extremely important VP.

So glad Obama is treating Biden as a partner, not a subordinate.

Especially in foreign affairs.

[Jennicut]

3. Yup. He is turning out to have a lot of responsibilities

Obama is having him work on Congress and Rethugs regarding the stimulus bill as well. Joe is a busy guy these days. :)

[elleng]

9. Me too.

EARLIER on, seeing him behind O at signings etc, I thought he looked a bit down; NOW I just hope he likes the chef! and is able to spend time with those he cares most about.

[WheelWalker]

10. On the other hand, one has to notice that

wherever Barack is, there, too is Joseph. He's right there, right where the action is.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

11. And not in the gross, worrying, Cheney way.

[Muttocracy]

12. remember that weird photo of Cheney almost in the shrubbery during a press conf? nt

[elleng]

8. Joe HAS to have a major FP role;

he's been the guy for so long! KNEW IT!

[jillan]

13. Yeah - I'm happy that he will get to use his talents.

For awhile I was thinking that he would just have to walk away from foreign affairs.
It would've been such a waste. Biden has soooo many contacts all over the world.