Has recent South Korean media coverage of U.S. military plans in the Yellow Sea forced Washington’s hand – and triggered an overreaction in China’s media? In this ironic article from China’s state-controlled Global Times written by what is thought to be a fictitious People’s Daily editor, Ding Gang, Chinese media should consider information in other media as a ‘calculated ploy’ and take care not to become ‘beads on someone else’s abacus.’
For the Global Times, the likely fictitious People’s DailySenior Editor Ding Gang writes in part:
The long-awaited U.S. aircraft carrier is finally due to arrive in South Korea. According to the American military, the aircraft carrier USS George Washington and three destroyers, all from the Seventh Fleet, were scheduled to arrive in South Korea late yesterday to prepare for joint U.S.-Korea military exercises in the Yellow Sea and Sea of Japan.
Whereas before, America could have demonstrated its power by action without words, it now has to enter the Yellow Sea amid the shouts of South Korean media and strong opposition from China’s media. This isn’t what the Americans wanted to see.
Why should Koreans seek to heat up this seemingly “conventional” operation? Perhaps, as some experts suggest, South Korea wants to kill two birds with one stone. It can show its toughness after years of relatively soft policies toward North Korea], while ultimately relying on the United States to enhance its strategic position.
Do these military exercises really pose an imminent threat to China? I’m afraid not. If Americans really think they can deter China by sending an aircraft carrier battle group into the Yellow Sea, they badly underestimate China.
Following cues from Korean media, Chinese media has exaggerated the impact of these exercises. But the consequent resentment in China reflects real public feeling. Such opinions cannot be ignored.
Northeast Asia is undergoing a period of strategic change. Therefore, precise calculations on how to set the stage for a beneficial future for all countries are required. As for these recent uses of media and public opinion, they should probably be regarded as a calculated ploy.
For China’s media, it is essential to know how to recognize the motives of others, or else we’ll become beads on someone else’s abacus.
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