MEDIA REACTION: FINANCIAL CRISIS, U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS,

UNCLAS BEIJING 004588 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.-CHINA RELATIONS, SOMALI PIRATES -------------- Editorial Quotes -------------- ¶1. FINANCIAL CRISIS "The self-saving ability of the U.S. should not be underestimated" The official Communist Party international news publication Global Times (Huanqiu Shibao)(12/17): "Many people say that the U.S. is declining because of the financial crisis. However, the U.S. is showing its people that it has the self-saving capability and self-reflection and self-correction capabilities needed to regain its strength. The self-saving and self-correction mechanisms of Wall Street are completed through reflecting on the supervisory departments and the selection system of the financial market. The political changes in Washington have shown that the U.S. is very capable of self-correcting. Obama's existence is like a milestone in the world's eyes. The American culture is so generous that it has moved the world. A nation's self-saving capability is based on three things: firstly, a rational society which contains justice and fairness, forgiveness and freedom, relaxed atmosphere for different opinions, the spirit of reflection and the talent to be good at reflection; second, a complete legal and democratic system which can protect an individual's dignity and where the will of the majority can be fulfilled. And third, an effective, non-corruptive, and responsible administrative and judicial system to ensure the self-saving measures will be implemented." ¶2. U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS "'Seeking common views and promoting cooperation' - an international seminar based on memorializing the 30th anniversary of the establishment of U.S.-China relations" The official Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao)(12/17): "Both Chinese and American scholars indicate that the U.S.-China relationship is progressing and becoming more honest. Experts believe that the development of U.S.-China RELATIONS is driven by interests and not by values. For a healthy development in the U.S.-China relationship, in the future, the U.S. will need to cautiously deal with sensitive topics like the Taiwan and Tibet issues. Experts also indicate that the long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two has benefited the two countries. The long lasting and the quick development of China has become an important factor in the U.S.-China relationship. Chinese experts believe that the Obama administration's China policy will emphasize domestic issues such as, economics. The two countries will have conflicts based on the exchange rate and the trade surplus, but overall, the cooperation will be furthered." ¶3. SOMALI PIRATES "China will send three warships to Somalia" The official Communist Party international news publication Global Times (Huanqiu Shibao)(12/17): "China is actively considering sending a fleet of war ships to the Somali coast to maintain shipping security. Chinese officials have said that the fleet will consist of two cruisers and one large supply ship. China has discovered that the outside's reaction to sending these warships has been quite positive and that the China-threat theory has not been brought up. Western media and officials indicate that the moves by China show the World that China is a responsible member of the international society. Chinese experts indicate that China's move may arouse the West's attention and that this is a good experience for the Chinese Navy. China is willing to provide public security assistance for the international community. China's efforts to help maintaining international shipping security is also welcomed by the international community. China's moves can also protect the international trade environment. It is a chance for the Chinese Navy to take over international duties and establish the Chinese military's image as a responsible party, willing to contribute to the World's peace. RANDT