MEDIA REACTION: FINANCIAL CRISIS, U.S. DIPLOMACY, US-CHINA

UNCLAS BEIJING 004298 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: FINANCIAL CRISIS, U.S. DIPLOMACY, US-CHINA RELATIONS -------------- Editorial Quotes -------------- ¶1. FINANCIAL CRISIS "China purchases American bonds to test American sincerity" The official Communist Party international news publication Global Times (Huanqiu Shibao)(11/24): "The most recent numbers have shown that China has become the biggest lender to the United States, exceeding Japan. China has set an example for Washington by giving the U.S. a hand in financial crisis when America treats China as a friend not an enemy. The U.S. has reiterated the will to cooperate with China in financial field for many times after the crisis broke out. However, China needs Washington's sincerity. The U.S. can not require others' cooperation when it is beneficial for itself and continue to hold doubts in areas of common prosperity and coexistence. Whether or not Washington will relax export restrictions on China buying high-tech products would be proof of Washington's sincerity. China is giving a hand in the financial crisis because China has realized U.S.-China economic relations prosper or decline together. A resolution to American doubts is in the hands of the U.S. government. Washington can't expect others' sincerity long if its own is faked and temporary." ¶2. U.S. DIPLOMACY "How will Hillary change US diplomacy?" The official Xinhua News Agency international news publication International Herald Leader (Guoji Xianqu Daobao)(11/24): "All the facts have shown that Hillary Clinton's selection as Secretary of State in the Obama administration is just one step from happening. If she is elected she will be the person who conducts Obama's diplomatic policy. Hillary and Obama have different styles of doing things, Hillary is more right-wing than Obama and more of a hard-liner. Hillary is the firmest defender of Israel's interests. Thus some Arabian countries have doubts that whether or not she can promote the Palestine-Israel talks without prejudice. But their common views are larger than their divergences. Hillary has placed more emphasis on U.S.-China relations than Obama." ¶3. U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS "What is behind the halt in U.S.-China defense discussions?" The official Xinhua News Agency international news publication International Herald Leader (Guoji Xianqu Daobao)(11/24): "The temporary halt in U.S.-China discussion of defense affairs is because the U.S. and China are waiting and watching. The Obama administration's stance on arms sales to Taiwan has become a critical issue in the bilateral military relationship. The Taiwan card, as a means to balance China, will continue to be a disturbing factor. If the US-China military exchanges halt, American interests will also be damaged. Japanese media reported that Obama will definitely rearrange the bilateral military exchanges after he enters the White House." RANDT