MEDIA REACTION: G-20

UNCLAS BEIJING 000847 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: G-20 -------------- Editorial Quotes -------------- G-20 a. "'Hawk' voices shouldn't become main stream in China" The official Communist Party international news publication Global Times (Huanqiu Shibao) (03/31): "Since the start of the Olympic torch relay last year, the Chinese public has gotten braver in expressing their feelings to the world. Some regard this as parochial nationalism and some see this as the increase of irrational "hawk" voices. These voices are absolutely sincere voices. China needs someone who can speak for the benefits of the nation, for China at present and for China in the future. However, I [the author] worry that when these "hawk" voices gain more praise; these 'hawkish' voices will become the only major feature of Chinese public opinion. A mature country, including China, needs to have diverse voices. These voices can bring a country vigorous strength for development and stronger social endurance. No matter if the voices represent "hawk" [tough] opinions or "dove"[soft] views, as long as these voices concern the interests of China and its people, or the future of China, they should be considered as part of the Chinese public opinion. We allow different voices to be heard in China, which enable both Chinese policy makers and foreign countries to know China more completely. But encouraging the "hawk" voices doesn't mean that China is turning to extreme nationalism. The main stream in China is developing in a peaceful way. Diverse voices and opinions are very beneficial to China's development. Various public opinions are better than purely "hawk" or "dove" public opinions." b. "G-20 distorts the global picture" The official Communist Party international news publication Global Times (Huanqiu Shibao) (03/31): "Changes to the current global picture are risky for the era. British Premier Brown expressed his pessimistic view about the G-20 Summit in this way; he doesn't want the G-20 to become the LONDON Submit of 1933, reflecting on the [the London Economic Conference] summit that took place 76 years ago, and he hopes that the G-20 doesn't lead to "another World War". The media has different opinions about China's role in the G-20. Meanwhile disagreements about the possible topics at G-20 have become heated. A researcher from China's Institute of Contemporary International Relations says that the financial crisis has lead to a new round of card shuffling and that the G-20 will reflect the shape of the new international chess board. American media said that China is trending towards economic nationalism. A researcher from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences responded that, as a member of the G-20 it is normal to clearly state one's ideas about the need for reform in the international currency system. We shouldn't relate this need for reform to economic nationalism. In fact this reflects the economic and hegemony mentality of western countries. The current international currency system has holes and lacks financial supervision. China offered this suggestion to protect its own benefits and to protect the safety of the international economic system. Concerning the statement "terminating the U.S. unilateral control"; Jia Qingguo, from Peking University, argues that even though America's standing has been affected by the financial crisis, that it is still too early and that it will take time to change America's dominant global position. America still enjoys significant political and economic influence. Currently, there is no other country that could take over America's global position. Jia points out that China's active involvement in the G-20 is to promote international co-operation. China hopes to be able to contribute more in this capacity. China will gain support and respect at the G-20. Another expert from Bank of China says that China's voice should not be heard too loudly or too importantly. When we hear China's voice, we should consider China's policies." Piccuta