MEDIA REACTION: U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS; 2/3-4/10; BUENOS AIRES

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000124 SIPDIS STATE FOR INR/R/MR, I/GWHA, WHA, WHA/PDA, WHA/BSC, WHA/EPSC, CDR USSOCOM FOR J-2 IAD/LAMA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPRC KPAO KMDR PREL AR CH SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS; 2/3-4/10; BUENOS AIRES SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. Local and other international news overshadowed U.S.-China conflicts, with only two newspapers printing articles from their own journalists, and the rest using news wires. All articles speculated on possible Chinese retaliation and questioned U.S. motives for "provoking" the disagreements. While most portrayed China and the U.S. as equals, left-leaning, pro-government Pagina 12 contrasted U.S. military and political superiority with the economic threat posed by China. End summary. ¶2. Largest circulation daily Clarin's special correspondent in Beijing, David Brunat, wrote (2/4) about the U.S. three front attack against China involving Google, Taiwanese weapons, and the Dalai Lama. While the article contains mostly facts and quotes from China's Foreign Minister, Brunat criticizes the U.S. for "aggravating China's bee hive" and opening up a "Pandora's Box" of possible Chinese retaliation. http://www.clarin.com/diario/2010/02/04/elmun do/i-02133069.htm ¶3. Left-leaning, pro-government daily Pagina 12 speculated (2/3) on possible Chinese retaliation against the U.S., such as "flooding the world's markets with dollars and Treasury bonds" leaving the U.S. between its "rampant fiscal deficit and the wall." Nonetheless, Pagina 12 notes that while China can damage the U.S. economy, it still cannot dispute the military and political power of the U.S. http://www.pagina12.com.ar/diario/elmundo/4-1 39501-2010-02-03.html ¶4. Right-leaning La Nacion, independent El Cronista, and conservative Ambito Financiero published (2/3) news wire stories, along with pro-government Buenos Aires Economico publishing its own article, regarding the increased tension between China and the U.S. All articles quoted China's Foreign Minister warning the U.S. of "seriously hurting Chinese-U.S. relations" if the U.S. sells military weapons to Taiwan and President Obama meets with the Dalai Lama. La Nacion also quoted White House Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton reaffirming that the U.S. considers Tibet part of China. http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1 228897 To see more Buenos Aires reporting, visit our classified website at: http://www.state.sqov.gov/p/wha/buenosaires MARTINEZ