Hits and misses during Barack Obama’s eight years in power

China barely featured in Barack Obama’s farewell presidential speech. But his reference was less than flattering, the nation being paired with Russia to push the point that American influence and reputation would be eroded if the US chose to bully its neighbours. Growing power can be interpreted in different ways and that is what Obama was doing in laying out what he perceived to be his foreign policy legacy. His record is mixed, although characterised by what all countries should want of one another: cooperation and coordination.

Obama’s approach towards foreign policy of being pragmatic and abiding by international rules stood his country in good stead with China. Ties were not overly fraught during his eight-year presidency; he leaves office on January 20 on friendly terms with President Xi Jinping (習近平). A personal relationship was cultivated through walks and private dinners during summits, giving opportunities to better understand one another. Such interaction eased tensions created by Obama’s pivot to Asia.