PRESIDENT OBAMA'S TRIP TO ASIA

UNCLAS AIT TAIPEI 001344 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR INR/R/MR, EAP/TC, EAP/P, EAP/PD - THOMAS HAMM DEPARTMENT PASS AIT/WASHINGTON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO TW SUBJECT: PRESIDENT OBAMA'S TRIP TO ASIA Summary: Taiwan's major Chinese-language dailies focused news coverage November 11-12 on Taiwan's plans to sign a financial memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China; on the arrival in Taiwan of the first batch of U.S. bone-in-beef and the boycott by the opposition DPP and civic groups; and the cull of more than 9,000 ducks in Kaohsiung after the ducks were found to be contaminated with dioxin. In terms of editorials and commentaries, a column in the China-focused "Want Daily" commented on United States President Barack Obama's upcoming trip to Asia. The column said the most important message that President Obama wants to deliver to Asian countries is that the United States wants to return to Asia and reinforce its engagement with Asian countries. End summary. "The Significance of Obama's Asian Trip" Liu Fu-kuo, a research fellow at the Institute of International Relations (IIR) of National Chengchi University, wrote in a column in the China-focused "Want Daily" [circulation: 10,000] (11/11): "... In [reality], there is a trend that the United States actually has no alternative but to cooperate with China. [Because] the United States is actively seeking China's cooperation, it will have a [major] effect on the international community. However, this trend will gradually create a [bi-polar] structure internationally. China's influence [in the world] will be expanded [even more]. "Presently, Asia's importance has risen significantly. Especially after the global financial crisis, the wealth and economic power in the world have gradually shifted to Asia. The United States dares not ignore such a fact. The White House spokesman once told the media that the main purpose of President Obama's trip [to Asia] was to improve the United States' cooperation with Asian countries and to strengthen exchanges [with Asian countries] on bilateral issues and issues of significant global interest. Strengthening the United States' engagement in Asia is a strong policy message that Obama wants to send with this trip." STANTON