China Pivots to Charm Offensive in Response to Obama Asia Pivot

Obama shortened Asia trip for government shutdown

 President Obama's decision to shorten, then ultimately cancel, a trip to Asia this weekend may be good news for his Chinese counterpart, who is striving to charm a region unnerved by China's aggressive stance over territory and looking forward to a so-called "Asia pivot" in U.S. foreign policy.

Now four years old, Obama's rebalancing strategy to strengthen U.S. influence in fast-growing Asia is seen by China as an attempt to restrict its rise in economic and military might.