Secretary Clinton Sets Diplomatic Style, Tone on First Trip

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• GWEN IFILL:

  Finally tonight, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has just returned from her first trip abroad to Asia and is already planning her second trip. Margaret Warner is here with a look at the secretary's focus so far.

• MARGARET WARNER:

  In a break with tradition, Secretary of State Clinton made her maiden trip in her new role not to Europe or the Middle East, but to the world's most populous region, Asia.

  HILLARY CLINTON, secretary of state: I have come to Asia as my first trip as secretary of state to convey that America's relationships across the Pacific are indispensable.

• MARGARET WARNER:

  Secretary Clinton's trip began with a visit to long-time ally and economic partner Japan. From there, she went to Indonesia, South Korea, and China.

  The economy and strategic issues dominated her agenda on every stop. She made that intention clear to reporters before leaving Seoul for China.

  While we have to continue to press the Chinese on human rights, she said, "pressing on those issues can't interfere with the global economic crisis, the global climate change crisis, and the security crisis."

  In Beijing Saturday, after meeting with China's president, foreign minister, and premier, she spoke of the Obama administration's desire to work with China on the biggest global issues of the day.

• HILLARY CLINTON:

  There are a number of areas we can work on together. We are constructing and have agreed in principle to a strategic and economic dialogue.

• MARGARET WARNER:

  She tried to reassure her hosts that China's investment in U.S. government debt remains sound.

• HILLARY CLINTON:

  I appreciate greatly the Chinese government's continuing confidence in United States Treasuries. I think that's a well-grounded confidence.

• MARGARET WARNER:

  She also highlighted climate change, touring a thermal power plant that produces about half the emissions of a typical coal plant. China recently surpassed the United States as the world's biggest emitter of greenhouse gases.

  Clinton's candid, straight-talking style was also in evidence in South Korea, where she had some strong words for North Korea.

• HILLARY CLINTON:

  North Korea is not going to get a different relationship with the United States while insulting and refusing dialogue with the Republic of Korea.

• MARGARET WARNER:

  And she raised some diplomatic eyebrows by talking to reporters about the deteriorating health of North Korea's leader and her concerns that a succession struggle there could hamper efforts to deal with the North's nuclear program.

  In Jakarta — capital of the world's largest Muslim nation, Indonesia — she was greeted at the airport by students from the elementary school President Obama once attended.

  Everywhere, she reached out beyond government officials to the public. She was interviewed by a blogger in China and on this TV show in Jakarta.

• TELEVISION HOST:

  What is your favorite music and artists?

• HILLARY CLINTON:

  You know, I am older than you are, so I — for me, it's really the old standbys, like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. And I am really very…

  Oh, good!

• MARGARET WARNER:

  Secretary Clinton returned to Washington last night. Today, the State Department announced she will leave next week for the Middle East.