MEDIA REACTION: NORTH KOREA

UNCLAS BEIJING 001474 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: NORTH KOREA -------------- Editorial Quotes -------------- NORTH KOREA a. "North Korea creates dilemma for China and Russia" The official Communist Party international news publication Global Times (Huanqiu Shibao)(06/03): "China and Russia, traditional protectors of North Korea have been placed in a sticky situation. North Korea has moved their intercontinental missiles to their launch site. This move deteriorates their relationship with China. A Russian newspaper commented that if China does not successfully persuade North Korea to abandon this plan, it will show that China's influence in the region is limited. However, if China exerts excessive pressure, North Korea may fall apart. North Korea has also put pressure on China. The North Korean foreign affairs ministry criticized the Security Council as a hypocrite. In their criticism of the Security Council, they are actually implying a criticism towards China and Russia. Chinese experts indicate that the world overestimates China's influence on North Korea. Western media predicts several of China's concerns should North Korea's regime collapse. Russian experts indicated that the situation in North Korea has broken Russia and China's 'bottom line'. The two countries' 'bottom line' is the denuclearization of the peninsula. Chinese experts point out further that China is experiencing a dilemma because it can't take further actions against North Korea, nor can North Korea be allowed to further endanger Eastern Asia. The U.S. and other countries don't have any practical measures other than to deal with the DPRK rather 'coldly' and bringing China to the frontline of the issue. If North Korea continues testing missiles, the Chinese government's attitude should become tougher and clearer. This clarity and toughness will be alleviated if the DPRK returns to the Six-Party Talks." b. "There is no winner in the North Korean crisis" The official Communist Party international news publication Global Times (Huanqiu Shibao)(06/03): "Many people point to China's role and influence in the recent situation in North Korea. Some comment that North Korea's second nuclear test, after its so-called permanent abandonment of the Six Party Talks, proves China's diplomatic failure. China's efforts to promote the Six Party Talks are aimed at maintaining peace in the region, not showing the influence of China or seeking a single diplomatic victory. Only through negotiation between all parties can there be a long-term resolution to the North Korea issue. Unilateral or bilateral actions will not solve the issue. China has its influence, but with the precondition of not interfering in other countries' internal affairs. China has possessed nuclear weapons for self-defense purposes to deal with historical 'nuclear blackmail'. Once it successfully conducted a nuclear test, China announced instantly that it would not use nuclear weapons first. The most current and urgent issue is what life will be like with the failure of the Six Party Talks. We have to stop talking about winners and losers. The primary victims will be the North Korean people. The Six-Party Talks are still the best way to solve the North Korea issue. Time will tell." c. "North Korea should not offend the ordinary Chinese" The official Communist Party international news publication Global Times (Huanqiu Shibao)(06/03): "Currently, the general impression of the Chinese public about North Korea has fallen to an extraordinary low. This shows that the positive image, built by North Korea among the Chinese people for the last few decades, has been harmed. The North Korean government should pay attention to the change in the feelings of the Chinese people. This change will influence Sino-North Korean relations. Many Chinese people think that North Korea is destroying the peace in Northeast Asia and worry that North Korea may drag China into a war. North Korea's nuclear move has absolutely disobeyed the China-North Korea relationship. If Chinese people are offended, the base of China-North Korea relations will be shaken and damaged. North Korea's strategic space will also shrink if China changes its North Korea policy. Once the relationship is damaged, North Korea with its current strength, can hardly maintain a strategic survival in international society. North Korea can only show respect to the international society by respecting the Chinese people's feelings, and respecting its own interests." PICCUTA