Hillary Clinton isn’t exactly one for beating around the bush.

Last week, she made headlines for speaking publicly about the successor to rogue North Korea leader Kim Jung-il. With tongues wagging, Clinton kept a level head, saying, "I think that to worry about something which is so self-evident is an impediment to clear thinking … And I don’t think it should be viewed as particularly extraordinary that someone in my position would say what’s obvious."

Well, the secretary of state displayed more of that diplomatic style throughout the rest of her Asia trip last week — including touching on topics like sanctions against the junta in Burma, and human rights, particularly those of women, in China.

"In no society are women treated equally yet," she told a group of female academics and other leaders in Beijing. "I believe strongly that if women are not full participants in society, the society does not advance the way that it could. And if women are denied their rights, it affects children, families and the entire social structure."

Speaking so openly — and so publicly — about these latter topics are typically taboo for American officials, but it may be a sign of more to come. 

Per The Washington Post:

Clinton’s willingness to speak frankly — combined with an extensive effort to get beyond ministerial meetings in order to hold town hall meetings and conduct local television interviews in the countries she visits - suggests she will put a distinctive personal stamp on the Obama administration’s foreign policy. What is emerging is something less rigid, less cautious and more open.

We think Clinton is a breath of fresh air, and no time can be wasted giving offending countries a verbal pass just to avoid raising a ruckus.

Meanwhile, Clinton on Sunday asked the Chinese to continue their economic support for the United States, despite the fact that the economy there has nearly ground to a halt. "We are truly going to rise and fall together," she said, urging China — which is financing part of our $787 billion stimulus package — to continue buying U.S. Treasury bonds. "We are in the same boat and, thankfully, we are rowing in the same direction."