VZCZCXRO5805
RR RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHVC
DE RUEHBJ #4686/01 3640911
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 290911Z DEC 08
FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1645
INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE
RHMFIUU/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 004686
DEPARTMENT FOR INR/R/MR, EAP/CM, EAP/PA, EAP/PD, C
HQ PACOM FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR (J007)
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR CH
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS, SOMALIA
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Editorial Quotes
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1. U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS
a. "The U.S. report sets tones for U.S.-China trade"
The official Communist Party international news publication Global
Times (Huanqiu Shibao)(12/26): "On the day before Christmas, the
U.S. issued a report on China's compliance with commitments it made
since it joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) seven years ago.
This report sets the tone for trade between the U.S. and China. The
Chinese Council on WTO-related issues has indicated that, in order
to deal with the trade frictions recently made by the U.S.
government, China should clearly understand and strictly follow the
WTO standard regulations. In the event that the U.S. causes more
friction, then China will be able to reflect upon the WTO framework
for guidance. Also, China may need to conduct an investigation
concerning the subsidies that the U.S. Government gives to American
companies. The U.S. Government always acts in double standards. The
Councilor of the Chinese National Lawyer Association has said that
'the anti-subsidy investigation by the U.S. on China has violated
the international trade theory and regulations. The U.S. hasn't yet
admitted to China's significant role in a market economy. This shows
the influence on trade policy of the power politics in the U.S."
b. "There are four possible future conflicts for U.S.-China
relations"
The official Communist Party international news publication Global
Times (Huanqiu Shibao)(12/26): "Washington's decision makers have a
common opinion; that the U.S. is unable to prevent China's
resurgence. They also believe that they are unable to change China's
political system and impose their values on China. They realize that
China is not the enemy of the U.S. and that a wise China policy
should ensure that the two countries do not step towards a
confrontation. ...However, there are four possible future conflicts
between China and the U.S. First, along with the modernization of
the Chinese characteristics, the differences between the U.S. and
China's developmental models will become more obvious. Second and
third, the U.S.-China conflicts in eastern Asia will continue as
well as, the rising influence of China in other areas such as in the
Middle East, Latin America and Africa. And fourth, the U.S. will put
a higher priority on energy, climate change, environmental
protection and Washington will further pressure China on these
issues."
c. "Between the U.S., Russia, and Europe; who is the 'real friend'
to China?"
The official Xinhua News Agency international news publication
International Herald Leader (Guoji Xianqu Daobao) (12/26): "The U.S.
and China are seeking a balance in their dynamic relationship
through a combination of cooperation and competition. After
September 11th, the U.S. and China have continuously explored a
strategic and converging point of agreement on topics such as the
North Korean nuclear crisis and non-proliferation issues. Chinese
experts indicate that the U.S. is not going to be able to solve any
global issues without the cooperation of China, especially during
the current financial crisis. However, currently Taiwan is a
strategic pawn for the U.S... Chinese scholars believe that the U.S.
and China are destined to have conflicts of interest. It is not
necessary for the U.S. and China to lay out their strategic bottom
lines because the U.S.-led international system has provided China
an environment for peaceful development. Besides, China doesn't have
any intention to compete for world hegemony with the U.S."
2. SOMALIA
"Chinese fleets set off for the Somali coast"
The official Communist Party international news publication Global
Times (Huanqiu Shibao)(12/26): "A Chinese fleet has left for
Somalia. Globally, this act has largely been connected with a new
understanding of China's rising power. Chinese experts relate that
China has made an important first step for its Navy. The Chinese
Navy doesn't have its own navy base on the way to Somalia.
Therefore it must depend on its own supply ships. China's oceanic
operation has received far less recognition from the world than most
navy powers. What's more, China is not very experienced in the
dealings taking place in the 'public' or 'open waters' of the
oceans. This is, obviously, not an easy task for the Chinese Navy.
The operation will give the World a chance to evaluate the Chinese
Navy. Thus the operation has received wide attention from the
World's media and navies. As a German expert indicated; as a new
guest in the global navy, China's goal is not driving others away,
but to take a seat at a large table."
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