MEDIA REACTION: U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS, SOMALIA

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 -------------- Editorial Quotes -------------- ¶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." BEIJING 00004686 002 OF 002 RANDT