MEDIA REACTION: U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS, IRAN

UNCLAS BEIJING 000351 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 SENV KGHG KMDR OPRC CH SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS, IRAN -------------- Editorial Quotes -------------- ¶1. U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS a. "Be vigilant about being pushed to the opposition side of the world by the U.S." The People's Daily-sponsored and internationally-focused commercial news publication Global Times (Huanqiu Shibao)(02/10)(pg 14): "In 2010, Sino-U.S. relations are undergoing a substantial change, which is: the U.S. no longer treats China as the 'potential' largest, strategic opponent, instead, [the U.S. treats China as] a real opponent. The United States started to do more than talk in dealing with China, now [it deals with China] in a more disguised way and a delicate manner. The point is that the United States is intentionally pushing China to the opposition side of the world and trying to transform the Sino-U.S. confrontation into [a larger issue] -- a confrontation between China and the world. Along with China's rise, the United States feels China's strategic strength is threatening. However, because of the following facts, the United States has to be tolerant with China: the United States strategically relies on China on global issues such as its rescuing measures during the economic crisis, support in the War on Terror, cooperation with Iran and North Korea and the climate change issue. Besides, China's development has integrated into global development, so that if the U.S. contains China, it will also harm itself. China should take the opportunity to showcase China's positive image to the world, which is consistent with China's interests and which will transform the U.S. influence into positive rather than negative factors." b. "Can Washington save Sino-U.S. relations by following the example of 'panda diplomacy?'" The Shanghai-based Shanghai Media Group (SMG) publication, China Business News (Diyi Caijing)(02/10)(pg A5): "Some diplomatic experts said that Washington showed a sign of friendship to China by sending the popular giant pandas back to China in a high-profile exchange, which follows the example of 'panda diplomacy' from three decades ago, in an attempt to ease tensions between the two countries. The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for public affairs, Crowley said that the giant panda is a tangible sign of cooperation for the two competitive countries. The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia affairs Kurt Cambell also said that currently, the most appropriate description for Sino-U.S. relations is, not hot nor cold, but is very complicated. Many experts believe that despite the 'coldness' that Sino-U.S. relations have been going through at the beginning of this year, the stable foundation of the bilateral relations will not be shaken because both sides will uphold the principle of utility to resolve the issue. Cornell University's history professor Chen Jian said, 'We do not think that Obama will hold a confrontational position concerning Sino-U.S. relations. Currently, China and the U.S. are not having principled conflicts. China is a stakeholder of the United States. China and the United States are fundamentally in the same boat.'" ¶2. IRAN "Iran and the West: Don't even think about kidnapping China" The People's Daily-sponsored and internationally-focused commercial news publication Global Times (Huanqiu Shibao)(02/10)(pg 14): "Because Iran and the West have been hostile to each other for decades they have lost each other's trust. For many years, the West has easily and continuously threatened Iran using sanctions, which have not solved the problem but only intensified rancor and speculation between the two. This is a problem that the West must seriously consider. They both believe that if they are tough, the other will eventually give in. Impractically, they both believe that if they apply enough pressure to China, that in this confrontation, China will choose their side. China does not deny the existence of its interests in Iran. Meanwhile, China advocates the balance between the power countries' interests concerning regional issues. Therefore, no one can kidnap China with either of these objectives. They should be clear that China's own national interests outweigh the interests of any other country. Whoever forces China in a more coercive way will be more likely to be refused by China. Both sides should compromise to further avoid escalating this confrontation. There were even voices in the West advocating the isolation of China through the Iran issue. When dealing with a big country like China, any one, who intends to coerce it or harm it, will pay the price." HUNTSMAN