Chinese President Hu Jintao appears publicly in Washington, D.C. today during his state visit.  On the table between the two countries, and their respective Presidents, are U.S. missile sales to Taiwan, Chinese currency manipulation, U.S. account and trade deficits, and North Korean nukes.

Also high is the diplo-political rhetoric.   From TV to the blogosphere, pundits are busy breaking down every word, photo op, and statement from the two leaders.  Take for example the following plays being run:

• SCREEN - Journalists are noting the symbolism and backdrop between the two leaders.
• RECASTS - Presidents Obama and Hu are reinterpreting much of the perceived friction in the relationship by focusing on common ground, talking about cooperation and mutual harmony.
• PING - Analysts are alluding to the behind-the-scenes conversations taking place between the two leaders, in which Obama, in his professorial tone, is likely to make subtle assessments rather than dictate by Fiat.

One can spend all day in front of CNN breaking down every beta play (i.e., tactical method of executing the influence strategy), as evidenced above.  But make no mistake, the alpha play (i.e.., the overarching influence strategy) that underlies this state visit is the Jam: Domestic and political rhetoric on both sides of the Pacific -- coupled with regional statesmanship and power politics -- are uncomfortably elevated for both leaders' liking.  If by the end of this visit, both Presidents' constituencies can be disabled or disorganized, they'll walk away from their meeting feeling somewhat better for their efforts.

Posted by: John Koval

Photo Credit: frontpagemag.com