战略与国际研究中心-Freeman-Report-September-2009-Issue_5页_248kb

Freeman Report Summary

Core Content

The Freeman Report is a monthly electronic newsletter produced by the Freeman Chair in China Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). It provides nonpartisan analysis and commentary on China-related issues, including economic, political, and social developments. The report features articles, feature essays, and event summaries, offering insights into China's role in global affairs and its implications for international relations, particularly with the United States.

Main Article: What Are the Implications of Taiwan-China Economic Liberalization? by Daniel Rosen

Key Points

• ECFA Overview: The Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) between Taiwan and China is discussed as a potential step toward a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA), similar to the ASEAN+China FTA.
• Current Trade Relations: Taiwan's relationship with China is not "normal" due to existing unilateral protectionist measures that violate WTO obligations.
• Economic Impact:
  • China: Minimal aggregate economic impact, but significant effects on specific industries and provinces involved in trade with Taiwan.
  • Taiwan: Large aggregate gains from ECFA, driven by internal economic adjustments rather than increased market access in China.
• Implications for the U.S.:
  • The U.S. may face trade diversion effects, but these are minor.
  • Failure to ratify existing FTAs undermines U.S. leadership in the Asia-Pacific region.
  • ECFA could enhance Taiwan's security by boosting its economic competitiveness and prosperity.
• Conclusion: Economic liberalization with China is beneficial for Taiwan, and the U.S. should not ignore its strategic importance in the region.

Quote of the Month

"Due to their low development level and shortage of capital and technology, developing countries have limited capability and means to deal with climate change...Developing countries need to strike a balance between economic growth, social development and environmental protection."
~ Chinese President Hu Jintao, United Nations Climate Summit, September 22, 2009

This quote highlights the challenges developing countries face in addressing climate change and the need for balanced development strategies.

Key Publications

China's eye on African agriculture by Carl Rubinstein

• China is investing heavily in agricultural resources in Africa, including irrigation, education, and farmer cooperatives.
• These investments are compared to other non-agricultural Chinese investments in Africa.
• The article explores the implications of China's agricultural strategy on the continent.

Obama's Decision on Tariffs is Calculated Cynicism by Charles W. Freeman III

• President Obama's tariff on Chinese tires is seen as a political move to support his labor base.
• The decision is likely to hinder U.S.-China trade relations and may not have long-term positive effects on the U.S. tire market.
• It could lead to trade war speculations and shifts in trade routes to other low-cost countries.

A Blowout in U.S.-China Trade? by Charles W. Freeman III

• The U.S. tariff on Chinese tires is discriminatory under China's perspective.
• The author argues that the tariffs offer only temporary relief to the U.S. tire industry.
• Without industry reorganization, the tariffs may result in importing tires from other countries.

Conferences and Events

• October 7: "Red Guards Carrying Credit Cards: U.S-China Relations and the Future"

  • Discusses U.S.-China relations and the future of economic integration.
  • Features Laurence Brahm as the presenter and Douglas Paal as the discussant.
  • Moderated by Bonnie S. Glaser.

• June 8: "Congress and the U.S.-China Relationship"

  • A bi-partisan congressional dialogue with Rick Larsen and Mark Kirk.
  • Moderated by Charles W. Freeman III.

Freeman Facts

Solar Energy in China

• Government Subsidy: The Chinese government subsidizes 50% of solar energy investments in most areas.
• Target for 2020: China aims to generate 20,000 megawatts of solar energy, replacing nearly half of coal-fired energy.
• Sunlight Availability: 2/3 of China's surface area receives over 2,000 hours of sunlight annually, ideal for solar technology.
• Export Focus: China exports most of its solar technology, with Suntech exporting nearly 98% of its products.

Key Contributors

• Charles W. Freeman III: Chairholder of the Freeman Chair in China Studies.
• Bonnie S. Glaser: Senior Fellow.
• Melissa Murphy: Fellow.
• Savina Rupani: Program Coordinator and Special Assistant.
• Xiaoqing Lu: Research Associate.
• Carl Rubinstein: Project Coordinator/Research Assistant.

Conclusion

The Freeman Report offers a comprehensive look at China's economic and political strategies, their global implications, and the U.S. response. It emphasizes the importance of economic liberalization between Taiwan and China, the strategic significance of U.S.-China trade relations, and the role of China in global development. The report also highlights China's growing influence in Africa and the need for U.S. policy reform in the Asia-Pacific region.