The key to success in China

Despite the hubbub over the price tag of the trip, Utah lawmakers have been intent on visiting China to look into the markets there and develop a working relationship with the nation. Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. laid the groundwork for local ties with China by going there last October. Now Utah's legislators hope to follow up on that visit and see if they can coax the relationship out of the political realm and into the business world.

We urge the local team to make good use of their time and taxpayer funds on this trip. China is a bedeviling place. And like the blind men who got a different impression of the elephant depending on what part they touched, it would be easy for such a guided, whistle-stop tour to produce unfair generalizations and bizarre characterizations.

What we hope is that — along with their business and political agenda — Curtis Bramble and cohorts take the time to get a real feel for Chinese culture and the Chinese people themselves. All politics are local, Tip O'Neil said. And that goes for China as much as Chattanooga. The more the Utah contingent can glean about the lives of individuals, their artwork, music, literature, families and feelings, the better prepared they will be to forge a lasting bond that goes beyond the bottom line.

We don't often quote scripture to legislators, but here's one from Proverbs: "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; and with all thy getting, get understanding."

When it comes to Africa, China, the countries of Latin America and other regions, Americans have a reputation for being woefully jingoistic and blissfully naive. Taking a good look behind the Great Wall — not just at the social trends, but also at the day-to-day joys and sorrows of the Chinese people — will help undercut those stereotypes and allow Utah to gain firm footing for future exchanges.

The governor broke through the "bamboo curtain" quickly because he speaks fluent Mandarin. That human touch did more to win over Chinese attitudes about Utah than all of the power-points and handouts a trade mission could muster.

Politics, business and military might are vital concerns. But never as vital as the human element.