MEDIA REACTION: HUMAN RIGHTS, GARY LOCKE, U.S.-CHINA

UNCLAS BEIJING 000514

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

SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: HUMAN RIGHTS, GARY LOCKE, U.S.-CHINA
MILITARY RELATIONS

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Editorial Quotes
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1. HUMAN RIGHTS

a. "Human rights report decried"

The official English-language newspaper China Daily (02/27): "China
yesterday denounced U.S. criticism of its human rights record in an
annual report, saying Washington should first put its own house in
order. 'We urge the U.S. to examine its own human rights problems
and not use human rights as an excuse or publish human rights
reports in order to interfere with others' internal affairs,' a
Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. 'During the 30 years of
development and reform, we have seen a continuous development of the
economy; religious freedom has been protected; and all of Chinas
ethnic groups increasingly enjoy more and more freedoms and rights.
The U.S. practice of throwing stones while living in a glass house
is a testimony to the double standards and hypocrisy of the United
States in dealing with human rights issues and has undermined its
international image..' the [Chinese] report said."

b. "U.S. wants to use the human rights report to poke China"

The official Communist Party international news publication Global
Times (Huanqiu Shibao)(02/27): "The U.S issued its annual Human
Rights Report criticizing China's human rights record once again.
This is completely different from Secretary Clinton's emphasis on
human rights during her visit. Chinese experts believe that
Secretary Clinton's attitude represents the current U.S.
government's China policy. The human rights issue is unlikely to be
an overwhelming topic and that the U.S.-China policy will become
more reasonable. Chinese experts indicate that human rights issues
have been a diplomatic issue for the U.S. since the country was
founded. It is a long-lasting issue between the U.S. and China.
Secretary Clinton's visit has shown that the U.S. government knows
how to deal with China now. Currently the most important issue is
economic and trade cooperation. Thus Secretary Clinton's attitude
will represent the U.S. attitude better than the Human Rights
Report."


2. GARY LOCKE

"Gary Locke is 'optimistic news' for China"

21 Century Business Herald (21 Shiji Jingji Baodao) under Guangdong
21-Century Publishing Company Ltd. commented (02/27): "President
Obama nominated Gary Locke as his Commerce Secretary. This move is
to reward the Chinese-Americans who voted for Obama during his
campaign. Second, Obama needs supporters of free trade, like Gary
Locke, to show his support to multinationals. This is the
inevitable result of using free trade to balance the 'Buy America'
protectionism. From the Chinese prospective, his choice of a
Chinese-American is very important for the more and more complicated
Sino-U.S. trade relationship. Gary Locke knows about China and he
understands how the Chinese do things. This will help him achieve a
win-win situation for both countries. Once approved, he may push
China to continue to open up their markets. He also has experience
with IPR issues. In the field of IPR, the future Commerce department
may have a better coordination with China. Locke believes that free
trade improves people's lives by promoting democracy and justice."


3. U.S.-CHINA MILITARY RELATIONS

"Resumption of military exchanges a good step"

The official English-language newspaper China Daily (02/27): "China
has made a solemn commitment to the international community that it
will by no means pursue military expansion and will consistently
adhere to a path of peaceful development. The country would not
seek hegemony even if it becomes more powerful. All these
commitments have made China's peaceful military strategy crystal
clear. Facing an increasing number of traditional and nontraditional
security threats, all countries should strengthen cooperation,
especially in the military field. China and the U.S. should pass on
the recent zero-sum stereotype and push for a win-win result for a
healthier and more stable bilateral relationship."

PICCUTA