MEDIA REACTION: U.S.-IRAN RELATIONS, H1N1, RMB CURRENCY

UNCLAS BEIJING 001282 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 PREL ECON SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: U.S.-IRAN RELATIONS, H1N1, RMB CURRENCY -------------- Editorial Quotes -------------- ¶1. U.S.-IRAN RELATIONS "A positive turn for U.S-Iran relations" The official intellectual publication Guangming Daily (Guangming Ribao)(05/13): "Recently, Iran has released the female American Journalist that it held. The American media felt calm and relief. However, the Obama administration denies that there was a secret deal between the U.S. and Iran concerning the release of the journalist. Analysts predict that this issue will not influence the Iran-U.S. peace process. Senior Iranian officials have shown good will towards the U.S. Iran's tough stance has loosened since Obama took office. Although senior Iranian official's hostility against the U.S. is still deep-rooted, Iran's willingness to improve relations with the U.S. has increased. Releasing the journalist will positively influence the process of improving U.S.-Iran relations. However, the deeply accumulated anger between the two will not be easily resolved because of this move by Iran. An overall improvement of the bilateral relations will not be realized because Iran released a journalist." ¶2. H1N1 "Avoid finger-pointing before pandemic" Global Times English (English-language daily published by the People's Daily)(05/13): "What is shown on TV in Mexico City looks familiar to most Chinese people. This time around, China is more experienced and is capable of taking timely and effective action. The Chinese government took immediate action to implement effective counter-measures. As for China, with its mammoth population and diverse geography, the public heath infrastructure still needs improvement. China in many ways is more vulnerable to outbreaks of communicable diseases than other countries. The swine flu crisis requires even greater-than-normal cooperation and coordination between countries and governments. It is therefore all the more important for exaggerated or emotionally charged statements that stoke fear and misunderstanding to be avoided. Isolation has proven to be one of the most effective methods in preventing the spread of communicable diseases. China has offered direct and tangible assistance to Mexico in the form of $5 million in financial aid to help combat the H1N1 flu, and overall has been very supportive of the Mexican government's fight against the fatal epidemic. Cooperation and mutual understanding will be important and much-needed weapons in the fight against this virus, not unfounded criticism and misdirected complaints." ¶3. RMB CURRENCY "If the RMB leads the world, it will be very attractive to Europe" The Shanghai-based Shanghai Media Group (SMG) publication, China Business News (Diyi Caijing)(05/13): "The president of the Germany-China Committee of German Federal Congress has stated that although the G2 relationship is strong, it is hoped that China will not only focus on the U.S., neglecting its opportunities to cooperate with Germany and Europe. There are opportunities to cooperate on renewable energy and environmental protection. Cooperation in the energy sector, where Germany would provide the technology and China could provide the resources, is a favorable possibility. In spite of the economic recession, trade between China and Europe has been less than expected; however development is still trending well. Germany is still optimistic about its economy even though its exports are sliding. But Germany still has a firm industrial foundation. The president of the Germany-China Committee of German Federal Congress agreed with the President of the People's Bank of China, Zhou Xiaochuan's earlier comments that another currency should replace the U.S. dollar and lead the world's economic system. It is very attractive for Europe to use the RMB as the leading currency." WASHINGTON