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| 6 April, 2001 U.S.-China: 'Bush Faces Litmus Test In Spy Plane Crisis' |
The nearly week-old U.S.-China standoff over the EP-3 dominated editorial pages overseas. While a few outside China were cautiously optimistic that intensive diplomacy and expressions of regret by top U.S. officials may have "opened a positive, more encouraging phase in the crisis," China's official media remained focused on the necessity for a formal apology. Commentators in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan saw the spat as indicative of China's enhanced standing as a world power. From Europe, writers worried that diplomatic efforts could be hindered by internal jockeying for power in both Beijing and Washington, with "hawks" in both capitals "exerting pressure for a 'tough line' without compromise." Meanwhile, a contingent from East and South Asia, Africa and the Americas used the "spy plane" case to air longstanding grievances about the "arrogance" of the "world's sole superpower" and its parochial definition of human rights. Highlights follow:
CHINA, HONG KONG, TAIWAN: Official Chinese media, pro-PRC outlets and some independent Hong Kong papers welcomed U.S. expressions of "regret," but emphasized that an American apology was still outstanding. Beijing supporters dismissed the idea that tensions stemming from the incident might lead the U.S. to impose economic sanctions China or sever trade ties with China. One paper deemed such moves "absolutely impossible" because "many American companies which...have large economic interests in China also have special influence with the Bush administration." It is noteworthy that papers in Beijing, Hong Kong and Taipei viewed the current U.S.-China standoff as evidence of China's emergence on the world stage. The independent Hong Kong Economic Times observed: "This incident gives China a great opportunity, turning the nation from a passive position to an active one" and giving China's leaders "the opportunity to test how strong the new Bush administration is."
EUROPE: European analysts viewed this "first exam in international crisis management" in the context of Mr. Bush's foreign policy to date, with many giving the new administration failing marks for its "curt and unilateralist" approach to allies and potential adversaries alike. As Berlin's right-of-center Die Welt put it: "U.S. foreign policy leaves much to be desired. The Bush administration is seeking confrontation with all of its rivals at the same time--with China, Russia and Iraq, as well as North Korea." Paris's Catholic La Croix argued that Mr. Bush's divergence from his predecessor's "parternership strategy...toward unilateralism" shows that the "new administration, which is full of Reaganites, is still one war behind."
ELSEWHERE: Numerous observers thought that China was providing the "sole superpower" with an overdue comeuppance. An Ethiopian writer, irked by an alleged U.S. "spy plane" incident in his own country, felt compensated that America was being "humbled by another big power." A Brazilian paper noted tartly: "The Chinese don't respect the West's cherished values, but the U.S. isn't respecting them either."
EDITORS: Stephen Thibeault, Katherine Starr
EDITOR'S NOTE: This survey is based on 66 reports from 29 countries, April 4 - 6, 2001. Editorial excerpts are grouped by region; editorials from each country are listed from the most recent date.
East Asia
CHINA: "U.S. Regret Positive But Not Enough"
Shao Zongwei and Liu Li wrote in the official, English-language China Daily (4/6): "Washington's statement of regret over Sunday's collision between a U.S. spy plane and a Chinese fighter jet over the South China Sea is a positive step 'taken in the right direction' but not enough, Foreign Ministry spokesman Sun Yuxi said. He reiterated that the United States should assume full responsibility and apologize to the Chinese people."
"Examine U.S. Human Rights Standard In Light Of Plane Collision Incident"
Wang Yitang commented in official Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao, 4/6): "In sharp contrast to the great concern it has shown for its own crew and plane, the U.S. government has so far expressed nothing more than a 'regret' for the missing Chinese pilot. This is just the American standard on human rights.... 'People are born equal.' It seems that this behest of American ancestors provided in the U.S. Declaration of Independence applies only to American citizens."
"Trade Experts Sniff At Economic Sanctions Threatened By U.S."
Liu Xin, Deng Yan and Hu Tao judged in the Financial Daily (4/5): "Chen Baosen, a researcher with the China Academy of Social Science, said that the claim that the United States may impose economic sanctions upon China or sever all trade ties with China is 'absolutely impossible, and is 'pure intimidation' because the many large American companies which invest and have large economic interests in China also have a special influence on the Bush administration."
"Arbitrary Acts And Hegemonic Logic"
Official Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao) contended (4/5): "The U.S. attitude towards the plane collision just goes like an old Chinese saying: The guilty party files the suit. This is a new display of U.S. hegemonism and arbitrariness. The U.S. surveillance plane's destroying a Chinese fighter jet and infringing on China's sovereignty by violating Chinese airspace are serious violations of international law. No explanation or censure can deny the facts."
"Bandit Acts, Bandit Logic"
Wen Tian commented in Science and Technology Daily (4/5): "The U.S. stance on the plane collision reflects the logic of a bandit. A U.S. military surveillance plane barbarously bumped into and destroyed another country's plane, and then intruded into the country's territorial airspace. However, according to the U.S. logic, this country does not even have the right to investigate the case. What kind of logic it this? This is the logic of allowing oneself to set fire, while prohibiting others to even light a lamp.... The plane collision, once again, exposes a combination of bandit acts and bandit logic of the United States, which is always overbearing and arrogant, outlining a portrait of a typical hegemonist."
"Clumsy U.S. Performance Against Legal Principles"
An editorial in official Central Legal and Political Commission Legal Daily (Fazhi Ribao) maintained (4/5): "Irrationally censuring China's just acts of safeguarding national sovereignty and dignity, the United States is attempting to deceive international opinion and pour dirty water over China. The clumsy performance of a few U.S. politicians has again revealed their real nature of hegemonism and power politics.... We advise that the United States redress its attitude, apologize to the Chinese people and take all responsibilities as early as possible. Otherwise, it will only become increasingly isolated and meet with worldwide condemnation. "
"U.S. Should First Redress Its Attitude"
Song Niancheng told readers of Global Times (Huanqiu Shibao, 4/4): "Commenting on the recent U.S.-China plane collision incident, Yan Xuetong, vice-chairman of the International Studies Institute of the Tsinghua University, said that this incident will not have too much impact on the overall Sino-U.S. relationship. But if the United States blatantly wants to politicize the issue, it will have an enormous negative effect. He said the Sino-U.S. economic relationship will continue to move forward, but the negative influence brought by the incident to the bilateral military cooperation is inevitable.... He said that since the plane collision is an accident, the anti-U.S. upsurge among the Chinese citizens is unlikely to surge as high as that during the U.S. bombing of the Chinese embassy in 1999. But the incident is indicative of America's rising political distrust of China."
"U.S. Warned Not To Escalate Tensions"
Shao Zongwei pointed out in the official, English-language China Daily (4/5): "Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan, meeting with U.S. Ambassador Prueher yesterday, urged the United States to fully recognize the severity of the collision, treat China's solemn position and request seriously and cooperate with China in properly handling the issue.... Tang pointed out that China has kept a cool head and acted with restraint in handling the issue. He criticized the United States for reasoning fallaciously and confusing right and wrong.... The U.S. remarks have not taken the overall situation of Sino-U.S. relations into consideration and will not help the situation, said Tang.... Ruan Guoqing, wife of the missing pilot, said yesterday she is sad and shocked and believes the United States has belittled her husband's value.... The life of Chinese people is as precious as those of Americans."
"Crisis Benefits No One"
A commentary in the official, English-language China Daily said (4/5): "The U.S. side's handling of the Sunday collision to date is anything but productive.... Sadly, there has been no apology and no mention of the victim whatsoever, even in the U.S. president's address.... The U.S. side has sounded as if no damage has been caused and that the U.S. crew and their spy plane were abducted to the Chinese territory.... They brazenly cited the collision in a resolution to support their allegations against China's human rights record.... This is more than a lack of diplomatic civility. Their logic is absurd just like a chief crying 'stop thief.'... The United States takes much pride in its ability of policing the world. But a morally corrupt police officer has the potential to become a threat.... The bad manners of American politicians are a result of their extreme self-centeredness. Undisguised disregard of foreign people and foreign sovereignty is the logical result of this attitude.... Peace does not seem to be cherished by some U.S. politicians.... The recent abandonment of the Clinton administration's agreement with the Chinese government to work for a constructive strategic partnership is a case in point.... The mishandling of the current incident may easily throw the fragile relationship, which is on a bumpy course toward recovery since the U.S. bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Yugoslavia, back into turmoil."
HONG KONG: "Regret Not Enough; Apology, Compensation A Must"
The pro-PRC Hong Kong Commercial Daily remarked (4/6): "China is the victim; it is reasonable and sensible for China to request that the United States make an open apology. As a sovereign state, the Chinese government has no way to retreat: China is no longer a poor and weak nation, as in the past. It is not Iraq.... If the United States continues its hegemonic logic and takes a hard stance, both China and the United States will suffer. It will also make the collision incident more complicated and increase conflicts. If the incident cannot be handled properly, the 24 members of the U.S. crew, who illegally entered Chinese territory, cannot hope to be returned to the United States within the foreseeable future."
"Beijing Waits At Ease For An Exhausted Enemy"
The independent Hong Kong Economic Times observed (4/5): "This incident gives China a great opportunity, turning the nation from a passive position to an active one. China's leaders can take this opportunity to test how strong the new Bush administration is.... China can clearly see whether its rival is strong and powerful, or externally strong but internally weak. Then China can lay down its strategy of how to deal with the Bush administration in the next four years. In conclusion, it can be seen from how China is handling this incident that it does not intend to let tensions escalate, nor does it want to damage Sino-U.S. relations. Since it has the bargaining chip, China can test the ability of the Bush administration to resolve this crisis. China is therefore not anxious to settle the incident."
"Avoidable Impasse"
The independent South China Morning Post concluded in an editorial (4/5): "The continuing stand-off over the American spy plane is threatening to become a textbook example of how to turn a manageable incident into a fully fledged diplomatic confrontation. Unless cooler heads prevail soon, the row could sabotage basic relations between China and the United States. And that would damage fundamental interests of both nations and the entire Asian region. The danger point has not yet been reached, despite rising nationalistic rhetoric."
"Come In From The Cold"
Independent iMail's editorial held (4/5): "It is the [Chinese] military that is the driving force behind the fierce nationalism that has been shown. The political leadership must not allow the military to seize the agenda, to the detriment of Sino-U.S. ties.... The Chinese should allow the crew of the aircraft to return home as soon as possible, and should return the plane to the Americans. But the Americans should not be surprised if the Chinese take the opportunity to strip whatever equipment and information they can from the aircraft before they return it. That is exactly what the Americans would do if it happened in the United States."
TAIWAN: "Procrastination Will Only Deteriorate Bilateral Ties."
Washington correspondent James Wang noted in conservative/pro-unification United Daily News (4/6): "Beijing obviously is attempting to force Bush to step in and resolve the incident personally, using the detainment of the crew and aircraft to their advantage to deflate Bush's arrogance.... Jiang Zemin called the tune for Beijing after the collision--the United States must be held responsible and apologize. Chinese diplomats thus must do their utmost to demand an apology from the United States.... If Beijing were to change to a new tune, Jiang would be the one to set it.... But the United States would need to get Bush to ask Jiang to do it.... Procrastination will push Beijing into a corner, cause bilateral ties to deterioriate, and further complicate China's internal political situation."
"U.S. Has Recognized China's Power As A 'Competitor'"
Washington correspondent Nadia Tsao argued in the pro-independence Liberty Times (4/6): "Beijing's seeking to challenge the superpower United States is in fact a dangerous game because the tougher Beijing's attitude becomes, the less space is left for the Bush administration to concede. Observers point out that even though policy-makers in the United States do not want to add fuel to the arms sales issue, Washington may still suspend the Aegis deal to Taiwan because [the sale of arms] gets on Beijing's nerves. However, the United States' recognizing China's power as a 'competitor' makes U.S.-Taiwan military ties even closer. Taipei therefore should broaden its ideas and plan in longer terms during the upcoming U.S.-Taiwan arms sales meeting."
JAPAN: "Bush's Stick-And-Carrot Approach?"
Business-oriented Nihon Keizai's Washington correspondent Ikeuchi observed (4/6): "It has become increasingly clear that the Bush administration is making a 'stick-and-carrot' approach toward resolving the Hainan collision incident--the administration's first major diplomatic trial.... President Bush issued statements...calling for the immediate return of the EP-3 plane and its crew, giving the impression that he was dealing with the incident in a resolute and non-compromising manner. Then Secretary Powell expressed regret over the crash of a Chinese fighter jet, an apparent gesture of giving a measure of thoughtful consideration to the Chinese, while Defense Department spokesman Admiral Quigley said that Secretary Rumsfeld was convinced of a diplomatic settlement of the incident."
"Neither U.S. Nor China Wants To Escalate Tensions"
Liberal Mainichi's Beijing correspondent Bando noted (4/6): "Given the fact that China welcomed as a 'step in the right direction' Secretary of State Powell's statement of regret over a Chinese fighter pilot missing in the Hainan collision, the United States and China appear to be going in the direction of resolving the week-long standoff over the incident.... Although China reiterated its demand for a formal U.S. apology, it is clear that neither Beijing nor Washington wants to escalate tensions. Moves will be afoot behind the scenes to find an early diplomatic solution to the dispute."
"Collision Awakes East Asian Nations To Rigors Of Regional Security"
Conservative Sankei emphasized (4/5): "The U.S.-China standoff over the Hainan collision has not only raised tension between the two nations but also awoke many East Asian nations to the rigors of regional security. Under the present circumstances, negotiations on the return of the EP-3 surveillance plane and its crew will be difficult and protracted. Each side is holding the other responsible for the incident but in a restrained manner. In that sense, the U.S.-China row will be going in the direction of a settlement.... The incident revealed the 'rigorous' aspect of security in East Asia, where the United States is keeping close tabs on China, which is strengthening its defense capabilities and intensifying military moves in the region. It is extremely important, not just for the United States but for Japan as well, to learn accurately about this emerging military giant, which keeps these moves in secrecy."
"China Hardening Stance Toward U.S. And Japan"
Top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri's Beijing correspondent Sugiyama predicted (4/5): "The Bush administration is not likely to accept Chinese President Jiang's reiterated call for a U.S. apology for Sunday's midair collision. At the same time, Beijing is intensifying its criticism of Japan's approval of a controversial middle school history textbook, which critics say gloss over Japan's WWII aggression against its Asian neighbors....
"The Jiang leadership, which has until now given top priority to the nation's economic growth, now faces an extremely delicate and difficult diplomatic issue of simultaneously criticizing the United States and Japan. While allowing the media to intensify criticism of the United States and Japan, the leadership is prohibiting the Chinese from staging anti-U.S. demonstrations outside the U.S. Embassy and is not demanding that Japan rescind its approval of the history textbook. While Jiang is away on a two-week visit to Latin American nations, there may be a crucial turning point in U.S.-China relations."
MALAYSIA: "China-U.S. Relationship Can Have Impact On World Economy"
Government-influenced, Chinese-language Sin Chew Jit Poh editorialized (4/6): "The uncompromising stand between Beijing and Washington over the mid-air collision, if worsens will not only pose a threat to political stability in the Asia-Pacific region, but will have an adverse effect on the regional economy.... The dark cloud that overshadowed the world's economy in view of a U.S. economic slowdown may spread and aggravate the situation further if the controversy takes a turn for the worst. A military confrontation may trigger a depreciation of the renminbi, which in return will create an economic crisis in the Asia-Pacific region.... We hope the diplomatic squabble between the United States and China will be resolved amicably in adherence to international laws in the interest of the region. As superpower countries, neither country should act rashly."
"U.S. Spies Fall Into Chinese Hands"
Government-influenced, Chinese-language Nanyang Siang Pau stressed (4/5): "From the hard-line stands {of both parties], it appears that an early resolution of the row is unlikely. Washington's demand for the return of the plane and crew shows its arrogance.... Obviously, the United States has some explanation to make. They have obviously violated China territory.... China has every right to board the plane to inspect. The plane may have military and diplomatic value to Beijing. On how they will use it to their advantage, will reflect the wisdom of the big guns in Zhongnanhai.... The incident will be a litmus test of their bilateral ties."
PHILIPPINES: "U.S. Arrogance"
Herman Tiu Laurel wrote in the independent Manila Times (4/6): "It is U.S. arrogance to refuse to apologize to China for spying, for ordering its spy plane to enter China air space and then landing in Chinese territory. But, as we have repeatedly written, the United States is egging for war to rev up its defense industries and, hence, its economy. How would you feel if a car circled your house, the people inside peering at you day in and day out, and then ran into you in your own driveway and then the car owner refusing to apologize when you demanded it?"
"Keep The Decibels Down"
Max Soliven, publisher of the independent Philippine Star, underscored (4/5): "Impatient...Bush has testily warned Beijing to release the crew and return the airplane.... He didn't say 'or else', at least not yet, but remember George is a Texas pistolero, born and bred.... We can only hope that in the current face-off, push won't come to shove. But what the heck? Anything that persuades the Chinese, who tend to be bullies, into being more polite would be welcome."
"Philippine Solon Apprehensive"
The independent Philippine Star noted (4/5): "Senator Rodolfo Biazon...expressed apprehension that the Philippines could be dragged into a possible U.S.-China conflict if the crisis is not resolved through negotiation by the two powers....
"Explaining how the Philippines could be inadvertently dragged into a...conflict, Biazon said the Philippine-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty allows the U.S. military operational presence in the country. 'Besides, the crisis also poses danger to the Philippines, in light of its territorial dispute with China over the Spratlys.'"
SINGAPORE: "Bush Faces Litmus Test In Spy Plane Crisis"
Louise Branson put forth this view in the pro-government Straits Times (4/6): "How President Bush handles and resolves the crisis could well solidify--or explode--growing concerns that Mr. Bush's America is a bullying, isolationist place which is insensitive to other countries and to the less well-off at home.... It should also make clear whether Mr. Bush himself is fully in charge, or whether he is relying too much on what one commentator called the experienced 'regents' he has surrounded himself with, including Vice President Dick Cheney.... China is now providing him with a baptism by fire in the international arena.... In many ways, its anger is a consequence of his own early harsh words and actions: calling China a strategic 'competitor' and not a partner, cutting off talks with North Korea that China favored, and talking of providing
Taiwan with advanced defense systems, among others.... The question now is whether these reality tests at home, and now visibly with China, will prove a tempering experience."
SOUTH KOREA: "U.S.-China Conflict And The Korean Peninsula"
The independent Dong-a Ilbo editorialized (4/5): "It remains to be seen whether the recent series of conflicts between the two countries will develop into a new Cold War. Due to closely linked economic relations between the two countries, demonstrated by a bilateral trade volume of $115 billion, the two countries would have more to lose than to win by creating a confrontational situation between them. For this reason, we expect that both sides will find a compromise immediately. The fierce confrontation between the United States and China would be fatal to efforts to replace a Cold War regime with a peaceful one on the Korean Peninsula. In some cases, we might even be forced to choose between the two countries."
"Conditions For Reducing Tensions Between U.S., China"
Independent Hankyoreh Shinmun intoned (4/5): "The recent midair collision between a U.S. spy plane and a Chinese fighter jet is a grave incident that could greatly aggravate U.S.-China relations, igniting new tension and crisis, not only in Northeast Asia but also on the Korean Peninsula. Given that tension and conflict have been created around the world since the start of the Bush administration, we are compelled to express our great concerns about this confrontational situation between the United States and China, which harks back to the Cold War era. To resolve this situation smoothly, the two nations are urged to refrain from making provocative actions or remarks against each other and to exert efforts to immediately resolve this situation through dialogue."
VIETNAM: "Human Rights Or Hegemony?"
Hoang Phong commented in Communist Party mouthpiece Nhan Dan (4/6): "The Voice of America reported that the U.S. House of Representative had added Chinese actions surrounding the jet collision to China's human rights record because of China's detention of the 24 crew members of the spy plane.... That reveals that U.S. standards of 'human rights' must be interpreted that the Americans...have the supreme right to do whatever, to enter wherever, and to spy on whoever and whatever they want.... Even Japan, a close ally [of the United States], on April 2, saw a U.S. nuclear submarine 'visit' Sasebo Port, a military base of Japan, without [Japanese] permission. Isn't it suitable to call this [unexpected port visit] 'hegemony?'"
Europe
BRITAIN: "China's Tensions"
The independent Financial Times opined (4/6): "Whether or not China is ultimately to blame for the downing of the U.S. spy plane, it is set on extracting maximum advantage from the standoff. Beijing plainly wants to put down a marker in the face of a U.S. administration that has reclassified it as a 'strategic competitor.'... But China's maneuvering over the aircraft owes more to shifting allegiances at home than to any tilt in U.S. foreign policy. Chinese foreign policy must be seen against a background of slow erosion of control by the communist leadership.... As the party has lost its grip on the levers of power, the army and the internal security forces have steadily strengthened their influence.... Conservatives in the leadership are calling for economic reforms to be slowed down and for political control to be tightened. One way for the government to prove more responsive to public opinion would be to embrace and encourage nationalism. Against this background, strong words over the spyplane are scarcely surprising."
"Standoff"
The conservative Times argued (4/6): "The risk is that China's military command--whose support will determine whether President Jiang Zemin retains political control even after standing down as general secretary next year--will insist on teaching the Bush administration an early lesson that if it casts China as a 'strategic competitor' rather than a partner, China is capable of making life very difficult."
"Bush's Principles Get Stretched"
Senior editor Philip Stephens expressed this view in the independent Financial Times (4/6): "So powerful. So brittle. The images of the U.S. Navy's EP-3 spyplane stranded on the runway of China's Haikou military airfield serve as a useful metaphor for the predicament of the world's sole superpower. U.S. military might runs unchallenged.... The very same breadth and reach of U.S. interests leave it uniquely vulnerable.... Thus far America's European allies have not much liked Mr. Bush's approach to foreign policy. The new house style in Washington has been curt and unilateralist.... Seen from the outside, Richard Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld have put the ideology back into U.S. foreign policy. the trouble is that it's the ideology of another age.... In the matter of the EP-3, U.S. power and impotence sit side by side.... Here then is a chance for Mr. Bush to assert himself over the cold warriors (in his administration). A deal with Beijing will demand patience. But in this crisis Mr. Bush is beginning to see the world as it is rather than as he might have imagined it to be."
"China's Chance"
An editorial in the conservative Daily Telegraph read (4/5): "China may regard the United States as its main strategic rival, but there is nothing to suggest that it wishes to jeopardize its huge trade surplus with that country. Beijing has good reason to seek a satisfactory working relationship with the new Republican administration.... That does not rule out the possibility of miscalculation.... At present, the rise in temperature across the Pacific is slow; each side seems aware that much is at stake. The regret expressed yesterday by Colin Powell at the death of the Chinese pilot is a statesman-like, face-saving gesture to the Chinese. Mr. Jiang would do well to remember that he has more to lose than the Americans if he pushes them beyond their present restraint. Limits on trade or an acceleration of arms deliveries to Taiwan would represent major foreign policy setbacks for China. Avoidance of them lies in its president's hands."
"China Puts U.S. In Check"
The liberal Guardian opined (4/5): "China's apparent determination to exploit the Hainan spy plane affair carries grave risks, not least to its own wider interests.... From Beijing's point of view, what purpose is served by prolonging and perhaps exacerbating this standoff? Perhaps [President Jiang Zemin] and the Politburo reckon that while balking at an apology, George Bush may be induced to make concessions in other areas to get his people home. China would dearly love to see a postponement of an imminent U.S. decision on new arms sales to Taiwan.... Failing that, perhaps it hopes to benefit from reduced pressure over its human rights abuses or in its WTO membership negotiations. And come what may, Hainan has given China a heaven-sent opportunity to test Mr. Bush's mettle, to prod and probe and discover just what he is made of. But this is exactly the point at which all such Chinese calculations could go badly awry.... The Republican-led Congress may, for example, expedite rather than delay the Taiwan arms transfers.... If the United States loses face, the hawks who argue for a tougher overall policy-line on China may definitively prevail.... China is now in clear danger of overplaying its hand. It would be best advised to return to restraint and patch matters up."
FRANCE: "Bush Caught Between Business And His Party"
Jean-Jacques Mevel held in right-of-center Le Figaro (4/6): "One of Bush's major headaches is that before he enters into any discussion with Beijing, he must be careful that the contradictory interests of America's business lobbies and the Republican hardliners' forceful approach do not torpedo his own message.... The added problem for President Bush is that both these contradictory currents belong to the same party: his own, which is today incapable of speaking as one on China.... The ideological fracture line on China goes deep into the Oval office...hence the tense silence observed by Secretary Rumsfeld...and President Bush's 'silent diplomacy.'"
"On Foreign Policy, Bush, A Diplomatic Apprentice"
Jean-Christophe Ploquin opined in Catholic La Croix (4/6): "There is one element of continuity since the Clinton days: the concern for domestic interests. There is also one flagrant difference: Clinton favored a 'partnership' strategy with nations that count militarily and economically, while Bush tends more toward unilateralism. One thing is certain: the new administration, which is full of Reaganites, is still one war behind. It is concerned with safeguarding the United States against missiles instead of dealing with the threats of the earth's warming.... The crisis over the spy plane in Hainan is a good test of Bush's future policy.... Bush's main test will be the decision he will make about selling weapons to Taiwan."
"Regrets, But No Apology"
Pascal Riche maintained in left-of-center Liberation (4/5): "A crisis should never be allowed to last too long, especially when it involves two nuclear powers.... Since Sunday, Colin Powell's regrets were the first signs that an American official was eager to put a stop to the verbal escalation.... It was about time something was done to bring down the tension.... The crisis is President Bush's first test, and sending a spy plane in that region when Chinese-American relations are at a low point was not terribly adroit.... For both Bush and Jiang Zemin, it is essential to turn the page on this chapter."
"Bush Fears A Hostage Situation"
Jean-Jacques Mevel emphasized in right-of-center Le Figaro (4/5): "Catapulted into his first major crisis, President Bush needs to resolve it before it turns into a major tug-of-war between the world's major power and a nation that would like one day to replace it.... Time is pressing, and the United States is beginning to feel it is confronted by something that 'resembles a hostage taking situation.'"
GERMANY: "No Yellow Peril Yet"
Dieter Schroeder warned in left-of-center Berliner Zeitung (4/6): "Jiang Zemin is using Chinese nationalism in order to solidify his power base. Bush should be careful not to aid him with this plan.... Just like the rest of the world, the United States must have an interest in the success of China's modernization and integration into the international order. Cooperation is beneficial for both sides. China will neither attack Taiwan, which it could not integrate anyway, nor will the country cut the economic ties it needs so urgently. If Bush can avoid the humiliating term 'containment,' he will find understanding for a policy of strength vis-a-vis China. Beijing's attempt to control the South China Sea is also being opposed by other countries in the area. China's neighbors...are in favor of the United States' remaining in the Pacific.... This fact should encourage Bush to soften his approach and, for example, to offer an apology if a bilateral investigation of the Hainan incident reveals U.S. responsibility."
"Learning From Kennedy"
Jacques Schuster judged in right-of-center Die Welt of Berlin (4/6): "The United States' foreign policy leaves much to be desired. The Bush administration is seeking confrontation with all of its rivals at the same time--with China, Russia and Iraq as well as North Korea. There are reasons for all of these disagreements. However, to start quarrels with everyone is not only strategically unsound, but is also leading to tensions, weakening Washington's position, and enraging its allies. The reason for this problem can be found in the White House. The world's most powerful man has not been able so far to turn his weighty and brilliant foreign policy team into a unit.... The consequences of this disharmony can be seen all over the world. A long-forgotten coldness is making its way around the globe, reminding one of the Cold War. This cannot be in Bush's interest. He should learn from Kennedy, who used the foreign policy crisis, the Bay of Pigs disaster, as an opportunity to reshuffle his newly formed team in order to keep individuals from going it alone."
"Worrisome"
Klaus-Dieter Frankenberger noted in center-right Frankfurter Allgemeine (4/5): "Jiang Zemin had no better response to Bush's demand that China release the reconnaissance plane and its crew than to demand that the United States apologize for the collision.... Washington will interpret the demand as a sign that the Chinese government is not interested in resolving the matter quickly. Beijing would do well not to just stubbornly obey the mechanisms of internal power considerations since then Bush might indeed find himself in a real bind."
"In The Ego Trap"
Stefan Kornelius commented in an editorial in center-left Sueddeutsche Zeitung of Munich (4/5): "The United States does not really have an interest in tense relations with China. The country's market is too big, its strategic power too significant, and the links between the two countries are too extensive. At the same time, George Bush has left out not opportunity to express his distrust vis-à-vis China. The missile defense system is an expression of a fear of China; the arms program for Taiwan is a risky political signal; the strategic focus on the Pacific region is a clear indication of who is being perceived as the new enemy. The Chinese government is not doing itself a favor by propagating stereotypes and spreading propaganda. The incident, which has been played up as a test of strength between two presidents, has reached a level on which national emotions run high and reason bows out. The masses want to see a loser in a game which cannot be allowed to have one.... Jiang made the key mistake by linking his person to the crisis. If he does not get an apology--which is likely--he can feel publicly humiliated. Because Jiang's demand for an apology has cut off almost all diplomatic avenues, a test of willpower will now begin between two stubborn leaders.... At the same time, it is unlikely that the United States and China will let the collision destroy their relations with one another."
ITALY: "China, Bush Resumes Dialogue, 'But We Want Our Boys Back'"
Arturo Zampaglione observed from New York in left-leaning, influential La Repubblica (4/6): "The words of regret by George W. Bush...opened a positive, more encouraging phase in the crisis.... Certainly, nobody is under the illusion...that Beijing will immediately send the U.S. soldiers home...however, diplomatic meetings are intensifying.... The risk is real: Both Washington's and Beijing's 'hawks' are exerting pressure for a 'tough line,' without compromise.... The American 'hawks' are already circulating a list of possible retaliatory measures: trade restrictions, massive selling of weapons to Taiwan, opposition to China's hosting the 2008 Olympic Games. However, so far, both (U.S. and Chinese) leaders have maintained balanced behavior, thus avoiding any kind of escalation."
"America Opens To China: 'We Regret The Incident'"
Washington correspondent Vittorio Zucconi commented in left-leaning, influential La Repubblica (4/5): "Colin Powell offered his 'regret' on behalf of Bush.... This is the maximum that America is willing to do to calm down Beijing and keep the president, who dreamed of being a new Reagan, from discovering that he is a new Carter instead.... China and the United States have been too linked to each other since the days of ping-pong diplomacy for either of them to wound the other without also wounding itself."
"Beijing Demands Apology, And All It Gets Is 'We Are Sorry'"
Antonella Scott filed from Beijing in leading, business Il Sole-24 Ore (4/5): "Under the surface of mutual accusations--America's failure to admit its responsibilities and China's typical insistence on apologies--this crisis is so difficult to resolve because it anticipates the major confrontation of this century: Beijing's ambition to become the dominant power in the Asia-Pacific area and the United States' intention to remain such. Should this prospect prevail, it is difficult to imagine who may give in first, whether it will be the hawks in Washington...or the hawks in Beijing."
RUSSIA: "U.S. Stand Vulnerable"
Georgy Stepanov said in reformist Izvestiya (4/6): "According to experts, Washington's position looks vulnerable. But obviously, the United States will not back down, not any time soon. Of course, Bush can postpone his visit to Beijing, scheduled for October. Of course, Washington can cause problems for China's getting into the WTO or have it struck off the list of contenders to host the 2008 Olympic Games, but that would be a Pyrrhic victory."
"Will Bush Apologize?"
Andrei Krushinsky filed from Beijing for official parliamentary Parlamentskaya Gazeta (4/5): "The United States is a proud country refusing to apologize 'out of principle.' It did not apologize for the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the deadly dioxin showers in Vietnam or the depleted uranium ammunition in Iraq and Yugoslavia. The bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade is the only exception.... Since the 'tough trio' (Bush-Powell-Rice) took over three months or so ago, the White House has been exposed to lots of mischief--the sinking of a Japanese fishing boat, a misguided rocket attack during a military exercise in Kuwait, the depleted uranium-related deaths among NATO allies in Kosovo. The death of a Chinese pilot off Hainan Island will probably cost America much more than all the previous accidents."
"Whose Sovereignty Will Prevail?"
Aleksandr Timofeyev pointed out in reformist Vremya Novostei (4/5): "The United States is putting the squeeze on. Nothing doing. Bush has never once used the 'hot line' or tried to settle the matter directly with Jiang Zemin. Putting pressure on the Chinese leadership publicly won't help. The best bet is for the Chinese and Americans to set up a joint commission to inquire into the accident and work out a mutually acceptable political statement. The worst option would be for the Chinese to send the U.S. pilots to a labor camp, and for the Americans to impose sanctions on China."
AUSTRIA: "A New Cold War?"
Foreign affairs editor Andreas Schwarz commented in conservative Die Presse (4/6): "There is a clear tendency on the part of China as well as Russia to establish themselves more markedly as superpowers beside the United States. George Bush is of the justified opinion that one should not immediately yield to such demonstrations of strength. There are first signs of hope that Bush and his team will show the required skill to handle the crisis and appropriately meet the challenges posed by China and Russia."
BELGIUM: "Beijing Is Blowing Hot And Cold"
Beijing correspondent Eric Meyer contended in left-of-center Le Soir (4/5): "In fact, the cards are definitely in the hands of Beijing, which is very skillfully blowing hot and cold.... The Politburo...seems to find pleasure in testing neophyte President Bush's crisis management.... But there is something which could calm Chinese zeal down. Tuesday, in New York and Hong Kong stock exchanges, stocks of two Chinese companies have considerably gone down, showing foreign investors' nervousness. If this crisis goes on and gets worse, China would be likely to lose foreign confidence and, consequently, its chances of hosting the 2008 Olympic Games and joining the WTO this year, as well as the tens of billion dollars of foreign investment on which it relies, as each year, to sustain its growth. This is probably the essential ante which is currently being discussed between leftists and liberals within the Politburo: how far can they go without going too far!"
THE NETHERLANDS: "China Captive Crew Tests Bush"
Financial Het Fiancieele Dagblad argued (4/6): "[Bush] has posited a more muscular policy toward China, but experts doubt that the United States has a real alternative to the 'constructive engagement of the past years.... Bush is taking his first exam in international crisis management.... If the affair ends well that will redound nicely in favor of Bush, who still has to combat a credibility problem. But if the case lasts longer and it escalates, then the hands-off approach will can be interpreted as weakness. Voters will not forgive Bush an incident with captives. Jimmy Carter knows all about that."
POLAND: "White House Tug-Of-War"
Leopold Unger stressed in liberal Gazeta Wyborcza (4/6): "Not even a hundred days of the Bush administration have passed and a Waterloo can be already seen. George W. Bush is behaving as if he wanted to destroy within three months the entire diplomatic architecture built during the eight years of the Clinton administration. Relations with Russia are colder...and the row with China over the spy plane only adds to the battlefield.... They say that Bush wants to skip the Clinton era and return to the Reagan model.... Reaganism today is an anachronism. The Cold War has been won and the Soviet Union no longer exists.... It is understandable that the new president would like to arrange the world according to his 'model.' To do so, however, he must have such a 'model,' and make it visible and comprehensible to the rest of the globe."
ROMANIA: "From The Frying Pan To The Fire"
Madalina Stanescu penned this editorial in opposition Romania Libera (4/6): "(Many Asian nations) are worried by the behavior of the new American administration. It appears that [it] prefers to see Beijing as a competitor, not a partner. From this point of view, the spy plane crisis is seen as taking the U.S.-China relationship from the frying pan to the fire. Although not content, the ASEAN states know that because of proximity and the balance of power, it is much better for them to cooperate (with China)."
Middle East
LEBANON: "'The World' Of George Bush--After 100 Days Of His Administration!!"
Mohamed Mashmoushi asserted in Arab nationalist As-Safir (4/6): "We do not need to have a broad imagination to foresee that what Bush has done so far...will not only be negative, but even dangerous.... The decision that was taken by the United States to expel one hundred Russian diplomats...pushed the bilateral relations between the two countries to the edge of a new 'Cold War.' There is also a similar situation with Europe...and a crisis with China.... As for the Arab region, the American disengagement from the peace process only means more support for Sharon and his brutal war."
South Asia
INDIA: "Stand-Off In China"
The nationalist Hindustan Times insisted (4/5): "The Sino-American confrontation could not have come at a worse time.... The Bush administration's hawkish postures are directed not only toward China, but seem to inform its entire foreign policy.... A needlessly belligerent United States has come face to face with an overtly sensitive China.... The need for responsible behavior in the two capitals, therefore, was never greater, but the recent evidence of Mr. Bush's conduct is not a hopeful sign. Nor is China's usually cussed attitude in such situations."
"War Of Nerves"
The centrist Indian Express declared (4/5): "Last Sunday's force-landing of an American spy plane on China's Hainan island...presents the new Bush administration with its first major test in the international arena.... Nothing of such great consequence has occurred that countries with normal relations cannot take in their stride, (but) the two capitals were unable to prevent a seemingly manageable incident from ratcheting up.... The Americans would probably find patience and moderation more rewarding than trying to match the Chinese punch for punch.... The real trouble...would start if the Cold Warriors in the Bush administration take this as their cue to reach for their guns."
PAKISTAN: "The American Belief In Its Right Of Way"
An op-ed by Tahir Mirza in the Karachi-based, independent national Dawn read (4/5): "America believes that, as the world's sole superpower, it has a right to do what it denies others' doing. It must show the flag all over the world like the British imperialists of yore, it must carry out snooping wherever its security interests demand, and it does not want this right to be challenged or questioned."
Africa
ETHIOPIA: "April Fool's Confrontation"
The privately owned, English-language Monitor indicated (4/6): "We may all think it to be very foolish if the Americans claim [that] all American spy planes...are mobile embassies and should be treated as such, but that is neither funny nor foolish. It is not even arrogant. It is a presumptuous dictatorship.... The poor, the weak, and the small feel vindicated when the rich, the strong and the big find themselves face to face with the kinds of problems that countries like Ethiopia meet when they are denied their right to express their feelings, even when they are offended.... Our hurts remain, but we are somewhat compensated when we see a big power humbled by another big power.... The world needs the kind of balance that it enjoyed during the Cold War."
NIGERIA: "Let Sanity Prevail"
The Lagos-based, independent Comet's editorial reasoned (4/6): "It is not in the interest of America or China for hostilities to break out.... China's prosperity is tied up with entry into American markets of Chinese goods. America has strategic interest in maintaining amicable relations with China. A hostile China can be very dangerous to America's future and indeed the future of the whole world. That is why sanity must prevail, and the constructive engagement previously existing between China and the United States must be sustained."
SOUTH AFRICA: "Reaching A Modus Vivendi"
Capetown's Afrikaans-language Die Burger commented (4/6): "It's probably an accident that an American reconnaissance plane had to do an emergency landing on Hianan island...so shortly after President Bush came to power. But this, and the reaction to it, is symptomatic of the drastic cooling down of U.S.-Sino relations since the beginning of the year.... Until a modus vivendi is reached between the two--similar to what existed towards the end of the '60s between the United States and the Soviet Union--there could be a lot of disruptions, even war.."
Western Hemisphere
CANADA: "Washington Has Reaped What It Sowed"
The liberal Toronto Star commented (4/5): "President George W. Bush might have had an easier time had he not opted to treat China like a 'strategic competitor,' instead of a partner. Had he not angered the Chinese with talk of missile defense and arms sales to Taiwan, [and] had he not castigated Beijing for trafficking in weapons, Jiang might have spared him embarrassment by quietly offering the downed Americans a helping hand, by quickly wrapping up China's probe of the collision, and by shipping the plane home without fuss after peeking at the electronics. Instead, wisely or not, he milked the incident for its propaganda value. In this first 'crisis' of the Bush administration, Washington has reaped what it sowed."
"Words With China"
The leading Globe and Mail advised (4/5): "This isn't the time to escalate tensions. Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan hinted yesterday that something short of the full apology demanded by Beijing might bring this crisis to an end. White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said the U.S. ambassador to Beijing had 'expressed our concern and our regrets' about the incident to Mr. Tang. The solution is somewhere in that tangle of intentions. Dynamite won't help."
"East Vs. West"
The tabloid-style Ottawa Citizen declared (4/4): "The diplomatic uproar over a collision...is rightly regarded as a test case of U.S. President George W. Bush's foreign policy skills. But it is also a test of whether China wants peaceful cooperation with the West.... Mr. Bush is soon to decide whether to sell Taiwan advanced arms systems to counter China's threats. How China behaves over the spy plane incident may determine his decision. Both seem small in isolation, but will help determine the long-term shape of this important geopolitical rivalry. The Chinese should show restraint, and Mr. Bush should stand firm."
BRAZIL: "Arrogant Virtues"
Political analyst Mauro Santayana commented on independent Jornal da Tarde's op-ed page (4/6): "By deciding not to protect the environment, the new U.S. president is displaying the old [U.S.] arrogance. The same arrogance is on display in the case of the spy plane that landed in China. The United States took a calculated risk.... It would be nonsense to think that the plane's surveillance equipment will be returned to the United States--except after they are completely decoded by the Chinese. The Chinese do not respect the values that the West cherishes, but the United States is not respecting them either."
"Bush's Foreign Policy"
Center-right O Estado de Sao Paulo's lead editorial maintained (4/6): "Colin Powell has been the moderate influence.... Soon he will have the support of U.S. business lobbies, which do not want to lose trade opportunities with China, as well as European nations, which are not interested in transforming Russia into a factor of instability. The profound division between U.S. foreign policymakers is worrying to world public opinion."
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: "Message To Gringos: Stop Bullying"
Conservative El Siglo ran this column by Aristofanes Urbaez (4/4): "If the United States, in the same situation, does not return a spying vessel and can even retaliate by blocking or bombarding the country that dares, why does communist China have to return the spy plane?... Let the Chinese copy everything and to the gringos: Stop bullying. Either that or send your missiles so that we all are paid, okay?
VENEZUELA: "Bush's Clumsiness"
Leading, national El Mundo published an op-ed by editor Rafael del Naranco (4/4): "The open crisis in U.S.-China relations is serious. Tons of good sense will be needed to overcome it. This is what Bush does not have, because he is behaving like a brat. He should be more prudent, acknowledge his mistake, be sufficiently humble and, for the sake of necessary relations between the two countries and world peace, offer apologies. But we are afraid that the current White House occupant is not ready for that.... Undoubtedly, China will deliver the airplane, along with the passengers--but in due course.... China knows that it is right. So it will thoroughly, leisurely inspect the EP-3E Orion.... Bush is wrong. His inexperience in matters such as these...may worsen relations with Beijing."
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