MEDIA REACTION: CLIMATE SUMMIT, CHINA MODEL

UNCLAS BEIJING 003205 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: PREL ECON KMDR OPRC CH SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: CLIMATE SUMMIT, CHINA MODEL -------------- Editorial Quotes -------------- ¶1. CLIMATE SUMMIT a. "From 'black cat' to 'green cat:' China's emission reduction roadmap" Guangdong 21st Century Publishing Company Ltd.'s business newspaper 21st Century Business Herald (21Shiji Jingji Baodao)(12/01)(pg 21): "As 2012 nears and as the deadline for the Kyoto Protocol's first phase approaches, there are still many diverging global opinions concerning developed countries mid-term emissions reduction goals and the perspective funding for developing countries to help them reduce their emissions and adapt to climate change. Though Obama has been more active on the issue than Bush, in light of the domestic political situation in the U.S., the future is not looking optimistic. China, no matter if it is considering global interests or its own interests, should nevertheless take the green road for development. China plays the most important role in global emissions reduction; their role surpasses the United States, the European Union, India and other developing countries. If China succeeds in emissions reduction, the world succeeds. If China fails, the world fails. China cannot afford to fail. As far as the 'cat theory' is concerned, the theory brought forward by Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping and leading up to the opening up and reform policy, China should surpass this phase and step up their transformation from merely 'accelerating development' to 'scientific development.' With the backdrop of global climate change China needs to transform from the biggest 'black cat' in the world to a 'green cat.' Two countries' attitudes on the coming Copenhagen conference will be critical: whether or not the U.S. will publicly promise to reduce its emissions; and China's roadmap and attitude concerning their support for global emissions reduction. On November 25, Premier Wen Jiabao announced China's 2020 action and emission control goals, which will greatly help the Copenhagen conference to be successful. China, as a responsible big socialist country, should work together with the world to realize the vision of 'One World, One (green) Dream,' and "'One World, One (reduction) Action.' b. "China- European cooperation will develop more smoothly with this new arrangement" The China Radio International sponsored newspaper World News Journal (Shijie Xinwenbao)(12/01)(pg 2): "At present, the EU has not relaxed its stance on issues like China's market economy status or restrictions on China's technological exports, therefore China can't provide the expected response on climate change issues or the RMB exchange rate issues that the EU is concerned about. However, as long as the EU-China summit exits, it means that there is a common view, that developing the bilateral relationship can facilitate both sides' interests. During U.S. President Obama's visit to China, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao reiterated that China disagrees with the suggestion that there should be a 'G2'. This reiteration should be helpful when eliminating Europe's concerns that China could develop its relationship with the United States at the expense of its relationship with Europe. China and Europe share extensive common interests and therefore European politicians should adopt policies that promote win-win situations between the two global entities." ¶2. CHINA MODEL "It's not the time to discuss the China model" The official Communist Party international news publication Global Times (Huanqiu Shibao)(12/01)(pg 14): "It is still too early to talk about China's contribution to the world's theory about development. To sum up China's theory and concepts concerning its opening up and reform, the 'case of China' should be a more appropriate phrase to use. It is not yet the time to talk about the China model, which is still an ongoing process which has not yet been accomplished, nor has it been completely successful. At present, China's contribution to the world's theory about development has only been limited to the creation of official concepts. In fact, Chinese scholars should reflect on why China has contributed so little to the world's thoughts and contemplate how China could contribute more?" HUNTSMAN