Cablegate: Media Reaction: U.S.-China Relations, Climate Change

VZCZCXRO9624
RR RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHVC
DE RUEHBJ #3056 3090830
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 050830Z NOV 09
FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6724
INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE
RHMFIUU/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI

UNCLAS BEIJING 003056

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: U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS, CLIMATE CHANGE

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Editorial Quotes
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1. U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS

a. "Poll shows Americans both love and hate China"

The official Communist Party international news publication Global
Times (Huanqiu Shibao)(11/05)(pg 3): "Experts said that the [Thomson
Reuters/Ipsos] poll, which was conducted right before Obama's visit
to China, against the backdrop of the global financial crisis, trade
disputes, and U.S.-China cooperation, shows the complicated view
Americans have of China. Professor Wu Xinbo at Fudan University
said that political elites in both countries should develop an
accurate understanding of each other's strategic intentions, seek an
objective point of view, and avoid exaggerating risks. By
recognizing China's growing influence, the U.S. has pays increasing
emphasis to the bilateral relationship. Meanwhile, the U.S. is wary
of China because of the different political systems, ideologies and
strategic interests. Ni Feng, an American studies expert at the
Chinese Academy of Social Science, mentioned that the opinion of a
poll, in fact, barely reflects the deeply bound feelings and
reciprocal relationship of the U.S. and China."

b. "U.S. compets with China for friends"

The official Xinhua News Agency international news publication
International Herald Leader (Guoji Xianqu Daobao)(11/05)(pg 4): "The
United States' diplomatic offensive in Asia is actually a battle
with China for friends. Obama, compared to previous U.S.
administrations, has taken a smarter approach. One can see the
milder U.S. approach concerning its attitude toward the North Korean
nuclear issue and in its relations with Burma. The frequent
diplomatic moves by the U.S. in Asia have shown the country's
concern over China's growing influence in the region. The signing
of a peaceful treaty with ASEAN aims at preventing the emergence of
any regional organization that might exclude the U.S. How to deal
with China's influence in Asia will be a challenge for Obama.
Professor Shi Yinhong said that in any case, the U.S. and China will
not directly confront each other but will only compete over their
friends in Asia. This competition will be a competition of soft
power the results of which will not be clear for 10 or 20 years."

3. CLIMATE CHANGE

"Immediate action required to address climate change"

Guangdong 21st Century Publishing Company Ltd.'s business newspaper
21st Century Business Herald (21Shiji Jingji Baodao)(11/05)(pg 1):
"Currently, China has progressed further than the U.S. concerning
climate change policy. China has shown a stronger determination in
taking responsibilities or making practical decisions than the U.S.
While scientists have unanimously urged developed countries to set
up emission reduction targets at a range of 25%-40% less than their
emissions in 1990, the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which
is being reviewed by Congress, shows that the U.S. lacks sincerity
in global cooperation. The bill weakens the capacity of the U.S. in
international negotiations with China, India and other countries.
One year has passed and the world is still waiting. Today,
President Obama has become the greatest obstacle in the global
combat against climate change. President Obama needs to put his
words into action and make the United States a true pioneer. Now is
the time for Obama to halt his clever but empty talk and take real
action. President Obama himself needs to send a strong message to
the U.S. and the world that the U.S. is ready to make a real promise
on emission reduction. Such behavior will enable the U.S. to
participate as a leader in climate change negotiations. The U.S.
should also put offering financial support to developing countries
at the top of their agenda."

HUNTSMAN

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