Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao's weeklong visit to the United States, which culminated in a meeting with President George W. Bush on Wednesday, seems to have achieved its purpose: introducing China's next leader to U.S. officials. The 59-year-old Mr. Hu is expected to become secretary general of the Chinese Communist Party this autumn and president next spring, succeeding Mr. Jiang Zemin as head of the party, the government and the military.
Thus far Mr. Hu has shunned the spotlight, leaving the world largely in the dark about his personality, thinking and ability. It was only natural, therefore, that the Bush administration should have wanted to take measure of this "mystery man" before he takes the helm. So Washington extended him an invitation, and Beijing gladly accepted the offer.
Not everything went smoothly. Hardline Chinese officials, angry at Washington's invitation to Taiwan's defense chief, demanded that Mr. Hu's planned trip be canceled. But, according to Chinese government sources, President Jiang saved the situation, stressing the long-term need to develop relations.