MEDIA REACTION: OBAMA'S VISIT TO THE MIDDLE EAST,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 001492 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: OBAMA'S VISIT TO THE MIDDLE EAST, U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS, GEITHNER'S VISIT -------------- Editorial Quotes -------------- ¶1. OBAMA'S VISIT TO THE MIDDLE EAST "The U.S. lowers its position; this is beneficial for world peace" The official Communist Party international news publication Global Times (Huanqiu Shibao)(06/03): "On June 2nd, Obama began his first trip to the Middle East. His major goal is to reach a friendly hand to the Islamic world. People can see that lowering himself and making efforts to improve relations with the Islamic world have been the two largest changes in Obama's Foreign Affairs policy. However, his Middle East strategy does not largely drift from the U.S.' usual Middle East strategy. Obama is trying to bring more balance to the situation in the region. U.S. relations with Islamic world have been influenced by its own domestic politics. To make the U.S. Middle East policy work depends on how much Obama can balance the domestic political strengths of the U.S." ¶2. U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS a. "What does the G2 mean to the U.S.?" The official Communist Party international news publication Global Times (Huanqiu Shibao)(06/03): "Recent and frequent visits to China by American officials seem to be convincing evidence that the U.S. and China have deepened their reliance on each other. In fact, many Chinese analysts have a misunderstanding concerning the meaning of the G2. The U.S. doesn't have any intention to share their global control with China. However, in most circumstances, because they are motivated by practical interests, some believe that the emphasis put on the G2 concept by Americans is the result of their recognition that the position of the U.S. is declining. However, it is the opposite. Obama has already emphasized the importance of U.S. leadership. The fact that he took office represents their importance. Many American officials don't pay much emphasis to the G2 idea. There are various versions of the G2 concept. The version by Kissinger, indicating that U.S.-China relations should not just benefit from each other but also be devoted to building up the new world order, is broader and more complete than other versions in its significance. It fits the long-term interests of the two countries. President Obama, on the one hand, emphasizes U.S. leadership, while on the other hand, promotes the reform of the economic system. However, he can hardly fulfill the two at the same time. Obama's China policy is not yet stable under these circumstances." b. "Seeking harmony with China is not necessarily a regular U.S. policy" The official Xinhua News Agency international news publication International Herald Leader (Guoji Xianqu Daobao) (06/03): "The modest and friendly impression given by Geithner during his visit hardly resembles his earlier comments concerning China's exchange rate manipulation. The U.S. needs China. They are watching China's performance to see if China will satisfy their demands. These factors will decide how long the U.S. stance on China will be sustained. The U.S.-China bilateral relationship is the most important relationship. However, China needs to not only reply to calls from the U.S., but it must also be concerned about its own national interests. The U.S. should not bring forward unreasonable requests to China. After Obama took office, the relations have surpassed two hurdles, first the weird downward slide of the U.S.-China relations whenever elections are held and second, surpassed expectations for continuing the positive side of the relationship and moving it forward." ¶3. GEITHNER'S VISIT "Friends during difficult times are real friends" The official Xinhua News Agency international news publication International Herald Leader (Guoji Xianqu Daobao)(06/03): "Friends during difficult times are real friends. When Secretary Geithner visited China, his second title was the Special envoy of the President of the United States. Although Obama hasn't visited China, the visit by a Presidential envoy proves that Geithner's visit has the backing of the country. Geithner brought promises that relieved China's concerns. But the promises are also aimed at exchanging policies. The U.S. hopes that China will increase its holding of American bonds. In the short-term, Geithner's visit hopes to gain more capital from China; and in the long-term, it shows Obama's way to resolve crisis. The U.S. realizes its high reliance on other countries and makes efforts to maintain it. The U.S. must protect other country's interests like it protects its own. Geithner's promises to China show that the U.S. is at least aware of this." BEIJING 00001492 002 OF 002 PICCUTA