Cablegate: Media Reaction: Financial Crisis, U.S.-China Relations,

VZCZCXRO9353
RR RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHVC
DE RUEHBJ #4588 3530847
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 180847Z DEC 08
FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1461
INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE
RHMFIUU/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI

UNCLAS BEIJING 004588

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: FINANCIAL CRISIS, U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS,
SOMALI PIRATES

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Editorial Quotes
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1. FINANCIAL CRISIS

"The self-saving ability of the U.S. should not be underestimated"

The official Communist Party international news publication Global
Times (Huanqiu Shibao)(12/17): "Many people say that the U.S. is
declining because of the financial crisis. However, the U.S. is
showing its people that it has the self-saving capability and
self-reflection and self-correction capabilities needed to regain
its strength. The self-saving and self-correction mechanisms of Wall
Street are completed through reflecting on the supervisory
departments and the selection system of the financial market. The
political changes in Washington have shown that the U.S. is very
capable of self-correcting. Obama's existence is like a milestone in
the world's eyes. The American culture is so generous that it has
moved the world. A nation's self-saving capability is based on three
things: firstly, a rational society which contains justice and
fairness, forgiveness and freedom, relaxed atmosphere for different
opinions, the spirit of reflection and the talent to be good at
reflection; second, a complete legal and democratic system which can
protect an individual's dignity and where the will of the majority
can be fulfilled. And third, an effective, non-corruptive, and
responsible administrative and judicial system to ensure the
self-saving measures will be implemented."

2. U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS

"'Seeking common views and promoting cooperation' - an international
seminar based on memorializing the 30th anniversary of the
establishment of U.S.-China relations"

The official Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao)(12/17):
"Both Chinese and American scholars indicate that the U.S.-China
relationship is progressing and becoming more honest. Experts
believe that the development of U.S.-China relations is driven by
interests and not by values. For a healthy development in the
U.S.-China relationship, in the future, the U.S. will need to
cautiously deal with sensitive topics like the Taiwan and Tibet
issues. Experts also indicate that the long-term and mutually
beneficial cooperation between the two has benefited the two
countries. The long lasting and the quick development of China has
become an important factor in the U.S.-China relationship. Chinese
experts believe that the Obama administration's China policy will
emphasize domestic issues such as, economics. The two countries will
have conflicts based on the exchange rate and the trade surplus, but
overall, the cooperation will be furthered."

3. SOMALI PIRATES

"China will send three warships to Somalia"

The official Communist Party international news publication Global
Times (Huanqiu Shibao)(12/17): "China is actively considering
sending a fleet of war ships to the Somali coast to maintain
shipping security. Chinese officials have said that the fleet will
consist of two cruisers and one large supply ship. China has
discovered that the outside's reaction to sending these warships has
been quite positive and that the China-threat theory has not been
brought up. Western media and officials indicate that the moves by
China show the World that China is a responsible member of the
international society. Chinese experts indicate that China's move
may arouse the West's attention and that this is a good experience
for the Chinese Navy. China is willing to provide public security
assistance for the international community. China's efforts to help
maintaining international shipping security is also welcomed by the
international community. China's moves can also protect the
international trade environment. It is a chance for the Chinese Navy
to take over international duties and establish the Chinese
military's image as a responsible party, willing to contribute to
the World's peace.

RANDT

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