Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
09BEIJING2295 | 2009-08-11 08:45:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Embassy Beijing |
VZCZCXRO9377 RR RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHVC DE RUEHBJ #2295 2230845 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 110845Z AUG 09 FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5595 INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE RHMFIUU/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI |
UNCLAS BEIJING 002295 |
1. CAN CHINA SAVE THE WORLD? "More communication and exchanges needed" The official Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao) (08/10): "Time magazine recently published a cover story with the title, 'Can China save the world?' which has once again focused international media attention on China. This attention is obviously related to the global financial crisis, which analysts argue has pushed China to the front of the world stage too early. The world believes that once China recovers from the financial crisis and demonstrates the capability to withstand economic difficulties, the influence of its successful economic model will grow. Although some Westerners have realized that it is hard for them to understand China's development using old theories and perspectives, they still cannot rid themselves of these influences when analyzing China. This time, though, reporting by Western media has been more objective and not as 'black and white' as previous reporting. China and Western countries need more communication and exchanges to enhance mutual trust and understanding." 2. U.S. AND CHINA IN AFRICA "Western countries need to learn from China how to respect Africa" The China Radio International sponsored newspaper World News Journal (Shijie Xinwenbao) (08/11): "Western media claim that Secretary Clinton's visit to Africa was aimed at China since the U.S.'s influence in Africa has been challenged by China. The Western world has always viewed African countries as passive players in international relations, players that can be easily manipulated and influenced by other powers. African countries realize that they cannot elicit real concern from Western powers about their livelihood even if they sacrifice their dignity. In contrast, China respects African countries' political dignity and expresses real concern about bringing African people dignified lives through economic cooperation with Africa. Only by viewing African countries on an equal basis can [foreign countries] win real friendship with them. Western countries should learn from China how to respect Africa." 3. U.S.-CHINA TRADE RELATIONS "China should counter-attack U.S. trade protectionism" The official Communist Party international news publication Global Times (Huanqiu Shibao) (07/29): "The possible U.S. sanctions against China's tire industry have created a dangerous situation for China's tire exports. China should enact countermeasures as soon as possible. Once the special protection measure (on tire imports) is implemented, there will be a big trade dispute between China and the U.S. The U.S. should not expect China to just bear the punishment. While the U.S. is setting limits on Chinese imports, China can also set limits on imports of U.S. products. In addition, China is the biggest holder of U.S. Treasury bonds, and has every reason to sell the bonds and make the U.S. pay a heavy price for its actions. Surely this will result in a lose-lose situation. However, using such countermeasures can demonstrate the country's deterrent ability, through which it can avoid being taken advantage of in trade negotiations and prevent the break out of a trade war. China must learn from the tire case to be more flexible in using counter-measures within the framework of the World Trade Organization to increase its influence in trade negotiations. China should learn to fight for every penny with strong and fair arguments." GOLDBERG |