In terms of China, President George H. W. Bush announced in 1990 that he was interested in having better relations with China. He described the United States-China relations as "unsatisfactory," and argued that China was a key player in the post-Soviet Union world. However, this was complicated by the fact that the president believed China was not taking non-proliferation seriously.
In the case of Panama, Bush led the fight against Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega, who was accused of spying for Fidel Castro. Bush was able to remove Noriega from power, but he did not have an effective post-invasion plan, complicating the establishment of a democratic government. Moreover, the military exercises that Bush carried out in Panama violated international treaties. This was one of Bush's most complex and frustrating enterprises.
Finally, in the case of Somalia, Bush wanted to intervene to improve the complete breakdown in civilian order that was taking place in the country. Bush promised American aid in humanitarian efforts, in partnership with the United Nations. This led to the creation of Operation Restore Hope.
