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China news tagged with: foreign policy (64)

• US in Line of Fire as China Toughens up Foreign Policy

  

  The Guardian reports on comments made by Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi at a conference in Germany:

  The country’s foreign minister, Yang Jiechi, threatened retaliation for American arms sales to Taiwan, and made it clear that China was prepared to stand alone among the permanent members of the UN security council in opposing sanctions against Iran.

  He insisted Iran had not closed the door on negotiations over the export of its uranium, and called for patience and “a more flexible, pragmatic and proactive policy” towards talks with Iran.

  Speaking at a global security conference in Munich, Yang also rejected western criticism on internet freedoms and China’s role at the Copenhagen global warming summit in December.

  He said it was time for China’s voice to be listened to with more respect on the world stage.

  Also from the Christian Science Monitor:

  Today Chinese foreign minister Yang Jiechi, speaking with unusual bluntness in front of 300 leading diplomats – including senior US officials – here in Munich publicly stated that China is getting stronger on the international stage. He said the US was violating international law by a proposed arms sale to Taiwan, offered that China’s TV and radio news service contains “more solid” and reliable news than Western media, and that China is not ready to address sanctions on Iran’s nuclear program, stating instead that the Islamic Republic “has not totally closed the door on the IAEA.”

  Transatlantic – meet the Pacific.

  Foreign Minister Yang is the first Chinese official to speak at the annual Munich Security Conference, the premier transatlantic security meeting, in its 46 year history. He turned heads in the group at a time when the People’s Republic and the US have come to loggerheads over Taiwan arms sales, Internet freedom, currency rates, and climate policy coming out of the Copenhagen meeting in December.

  “I haven’t heard a high-ranking Chinese official say, ‘Yes, we are strong,’ in a public setting before,” said a senior German diplomat. “It was a very assertive message, different, and it means we will soon see a different Chinese policy.”

  See also a Xinhua report on Yang’s remarks and “China sees how the West was won” from The Australian.

  » Read more
  • February 5, 2010 2:50 PM

• Zhu Feng (朱锋): The Current International Situation and Our Country’s Foreign Policy

  

  In China, several political bodies are in charge of Internet content control. At the highest level, there is the Central Propaganda Department, which ensures that media and cultural content follows the official line as mandated by the CCP. Then there is the State Council Information Office (SCIO), which has established “Internet Affairs Bureau” to oversee all Websites that publish news, including the official sites of news organizations as well as independent sites that post news content.

  Recently, the ninth session of the 2009 SCIO Internet News Work Training Session just finished in Beijing. All participants are top editors and managers of major news websites in China. The trainers include:

  * Li Wufeng, Bureau Chief of the State Council Information Office Internet Affairs Bureau
  * Peng Bo, Deputy Chief of the State Council Information Office Internet Affairs Bureau
  * Professor Zhu Feng, Peking University School of International Relations
  * Song Fufan, Director of the Ideology and Political Education Teaching and Research Section of the Marxist Theory Research Department at the Central Party School of the Communist Party of China
  * Zhai Huisheng, Party Secretary of the All China Federation of Working Journalists
  * Professor Gao Gang, Secretary of the Party Committee of Renmin University School of Journalism and Communication
  * Xia Chenghua, Deputy Chief of the Central Government Stability Preservation Leading Group Office
  * Zhou Xisheng, Deputy Chief of Xinhua News Agency, Director-General of Xinhua News Agency

  Soon after the training finished, one of the participants released her notes from this session online. CDT has translated the entire collection of notes from this 2009 SCIO Internet News Work training session; in total there are eight articles, which we will publish consecutively in coming days. CDT would like to thank the translator, who wishes to remain anonymous. Read notes from the first and second sections of the training. This is the third installment:

  The Current International Situation and Our Country’s Foreign Policy
  Professor Zhu Feng, Peking University School of International Relations
  　　
  A. The media’s reporting of Obama’s visit to China was very unprofessional
  i. China-U.S. relations are very complicated; one should not mechanically apply the word “harmonious.”
  ii. China and the U.S. have not declared that they will establish a “relationship as partners.”
  iii. Not only did the online media simply say good words and select nice sounding articles to reprint, it even republished an article from a small Spanish newspaper.
  iv. There was no in-depth background analysis; there was only surface level policy explanation.
  v. It was announced that Premier Wen does not approve of the phrase “Group of Two”*. However, the U.S. has never used the “Group of Two” concept.
  vi. There were no prominent articles about important views raised by Obama.
  B. The actual power gap between China and the U.S. is still quite large. This can be seen by the following:
  i. National strength in many areas. [The U.S.] is strong and in the lead in more than one area.
  ii. Ability to resolve problems, for example the Somali pirates that captured Chinese sailors.
  iii. Ability to mobilize the international community, having countries within their sphere of political influence.
  iv. The power of a great nation to influence with words, ability to create solutions to resolve issues.
  C. The media creates the viewpoint with which Chinese people see the world. The greatest security challenge facing China comes from within. The increase in China’s power actually comes from systemic transformations. Online news media must pay close attention to China’s domestic problems. The advantage of America compared to China is that it has mature institutions that have gradually developed through a lengthy process. Therefore, China compared to America is an “unrefined” great nation.
  D. The success of Obama’s visit to China does not lie in smiling photo-ops, but in the following areas:
  i. China and the U.S. are both continually pushing forward mechanisms to oversee relations between the two countries.
  ii. China and the U.S. created new measures with which to solve problems.
  iii. China and the U.S. displayed new enthusiasm and vision.
  E. Problems that China must avoid on its road to development
  i. Avoid becoming like Japan
  During World War II, Japan impulsively attacked Pearl Harbor, anxious to fight a decisive battle. The result was that it became an occupied territory.
  ii. Avoid becoming like Latin America
  When Latin American countries began developing, they did whatever the U.S. told them to do. They lacked a concept of self-sovereignty. This caused their domestic economies to be hollow; their economic prosperity was unable to be lasting.
  F. Conclusion: the real “world superpower” emerges through waiting. As long as you make few mistakes, others will “give you” a chance.

  * “Group of two”, or G-2 (Chinese: liang guo ji tuan), is a concept introduced by former U.S. National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski’s. It implies a U.S.-China convergence of interests, and a relationship whereby the two countries regulate the world economy.

  《当前国际形势与我对外政策》
  　　北京大学国际关系学院教授朱锋
  　　一、媒体对此次奥巴马访华的报道很不专业：
  　　1、中美关系很复杂，根本不能套用“和谐”这个词。
  　　2、中美并未宣布建立“伙伴关系”。
  　　3、没只说好话，只挑好听的转载，甚至一家西班牙的小报都转载。
  　　4、没有深入的背景分析，只有表面的政策解读。
  　　5、宣扬温总理说不赞成两国集团，但是美国从来没有提过“两国集团”这种概念。
  　　6、对奥巴马提出的重要观点并没有突出报道。
  　　二、中美的真实实力差距仍然很大，主要体现在以下几个方面：
  　　1、综合国力。不光是一方面的强大和领先。
  　　2、解决问题的能力，比如对绑架中国船员的索马里海盗。
  　　3、国际的动员能力，有多少国家围着你转。
  　　4、大国话语的影响力，解决方案的制造能力。
  　 　三、媒体在给中国人创造看待世界的观念。中国所面临的最大安全挑战是来自内部，中国实力的提高其实是来自体制的转型，网络媒体要关注中国的国内问题。美 国与中国相比，优势是有一个成熟的机制，这是其长期发展的过程中渐渐形成的。所以，与美国相比，中国只是一个“粗糙”的大国。
  　　四、奥巴马访华的成功之处，不在于双方的笑脸相迎，而是以下几个方面：
  　　1、中美双方正在不断地推进对彼此关系的管理体制。
  　　2、中美双方创立了新的解决问题的办法。
  　　3、中美双方展示了新的热情和眼光。
  　　五、中国发展道路上必须避免的问题：
  　　1、避免日本化。
  　　日本二战时一时冲动攻击美国珍珠港，急于与人决斗，于是沦为被占领地。
  　　2、避免拉美化。
  　　拉美国家开始发展的时候什么都听美国的，没有自主意识，造成民族经济的空洞化，经济繁荣不能持久。
  　　六、总结：真正的世界“老大”是等出来的，只要你少犯错误，别人就会“给你”机会。

  [To be continued]

  » Read more
  • December 18, 2009 10:35 AM

• China ‘Stumbling’ in the Pacific

  

  A new report from Australia’s Lowy Institute for International Policy critiques China’s foreign policy in the Pacific region, BBC reports:

  “China lacks a coherent strategy for its aid programme in the Pacific – beyond checking and reversing diplomatic recognition of Taiwan,” the report states.

  It also accuses China of tending to pursue “short-term objectives”.

  It cites the example of a $12.9m (£7.8m) swimming complex in Samoa “that one official quipped would be beyond the ability of even New Zealand to maintain”.

  “China pledges aid in an erratic manner, funds projects without regard to recurring costs, and the secrecy surrounding its programme obstructs development outcomes, and breeds suspicion,” it says.

  The full report can be downloaded here.

  » Read more
  • July 24, 2009 11:46 AM

• China 2008: China and the Developing World

  

  Over the next week, CDT will post a series of topic pages on relevant issues facing China. The first, below, is on China’s relations with the developing world:

  One of the most interesting developments in China’s foreign policy in the last 5-10 years has been China’s increasing involvement in the developing world. China’s involvement has taken a number of forms, including direct financial aid, strengthened trade ties, and technology/arms transfers. Additionally, China has regularly hosted and attended annual meetings from a number of regions.  One of China’s most attractive features for developing countries is that it is known for providing development aid and infrastructure assistance without conditions or requirements, in direct opposition to many Western countries and organizations.  Furthermore, China strictly adheres to a non-interference policy, respecting international sovereignty and avoiding interference in a country’s internal affairs: something the West is not necessarily committed to.  The articles linked to below primarily show China’s involvement in Africa and Latin America.  As the articles describe, China has provided a wide-range of assistance, from funding for hospitals to trade agreements.

  China’s Motivations: There are a number of reasons for China’s involvement in the developing world. One of the most important of those reasons is China’s access to natural resources, which are plentiful in many of the developing countries China supports.  China is anxious to secure alternative energy sources, as well as alternative markets for its products. Additionally, China reaches out to developing nations for security reasons: it both wants to solidify its periphery as well as isolate Taiwan on the international scene. Indeed, many of the countries that China has financially aided have withdrawn their official acknowledgment of Taiwan. Finally, China provides aid to developing countries in order to support a multipolar world and hedge against the United States. On a softer note, China sees itself as the “world’s largest developing country” and feels a kinship with other developing nations, though it is quickly (if it has not already) moving out of this category.

  Soft Power: Developed by Joseph Nye, soft power is the concept of expanding one’s influence through non-military means.  Scholars and journalists have recently linked China’s involvement in the developing world with the concept of soft power, commenting with some concern that China may be making a conscious effort to supplant U.S. power through its financial support of developing nations.  While Chinese influence is certainly increasing in regions such as Latin America and Africa, it is unclear whether China is making a concerted effort to supplant the United States through the use of soft power.

  China’s Relationship with Pariah States: Much of the criticism of China’s foreign policy has arisen from its support of pariah states.  China supports Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, the military junta in Burma, and has provided the government of Sudan with weapons.  As mentioned above, many consider these actions as China’s way of hedging against U.S. power. Though China has remained recalcitrant in its support of some pariah nations, it’s desire to be a respected member of the international system has led China to take a leadership role against other pariah states such as North Korea.

  The World’s Response to China’s outreach: The West has become concerned with China’s involvement in the developing world for a number of reasons.  First, China’s practice of providing aid without obligations has made it difficult for the West to promote good governance and sustainable development with aid as a carrot.  Additionally, as noted above, China’s support for a number of pariah states makes it nearly impossible to isolate the states to create regime change.  Hopefully, China will increasingly prioritize its standing in the world and work to become a respectable member in the global community through more responsible lending practices.
  

  • Dec 02 2008: China to Extend Major Financial Support to Nepal
  • Dec 01 2008: China grants Sudan $3m for north-south unity
  • Nov 30 2008: China Urges Practical Steps To Help Developing Countries In Confronting Crisis
  • Nov 29 2008: China Helps Fight Cholera in Zimbabwe
  • Nov 29 2008: China Concerned over Situation in DR Congo
  • Nov 24 2008: China president in Greece for $1 billion port deal
  • Nov 18 2008: China, Costa Rica to Launch Trade Talks
  • Oct 01 2008: Salsa Fever Sweeps into China
  • Sep 16 2008: China Urges Iran’s Cooperation with Nuclear Agency

  
  

  » Read more
  • December 3, 2008 11:28 PM

• China Helps Fight Cholera in Zimbabwe

  

  From BusinessDay (Zimbabwe):

  China has promised to assist Zimbabwe with the latest crisis to hit the beleaguered African nation: a severe cholera outbreak. China has pledged $500,000 of vaccines for Zimbabwe. Reuters has reported that the crisis is due to worsen:

  The World Health Organisation (WHO) said last week the outbreak would likely to continue due to water shortages and poor sanitation facilities in the country, whose infrastructure has collapsed under the burden of a severe economic crisis.

  For more information on China’s involvement in Africa, please see the following article from China Digital Times:

  China Says Working With West to Avoid Darfur Strife

  China Concerned Over Situation in DR Congo

  Business as Usual Between China and Sudan

  » Read more
  • November 29, 2008 7:17 PM

• China Concerned over Situation in DR Congo

  

  From Xinhua:

  At a special session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday, a senior Chinese diplomat commented that China is very concerned over the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

  “Judging from the current situation, a long-term process is needed in order to settle the situation and to effectively implement all signed agreements,” said Li Baodong, Chinese ambassador to the UN Office in Geneva.

  China’s involvement in Africa has increased dramatically in recent years and has been the subject of several international controversies, including their involvement with Sudan in light of the crisis in Darfur.

  On November 18, South Africa’s Independent Online posted the article “China Defends Investments in DR Congo,” which commented that in May 2008, China lent $9 billion to DR Congo for infrastructure improvements, and $35 million in January for the Congolese postal service.

  “China’s business activities and investment programmes in DR Congo are based on mutual benefit and joint development,” foreign ministry spokesperson Qin Gang told reporters.

  Related China Digital Times articles:

  How China has created a new slave empire in Africa

  China’s $9bn drive to buy Africa’s mineral wealth

  » Read more
  • November 29, 2008 5:36 PM

• U.S.’s Road to Recovery Runs Through Beijing

  

  In return for China and other emerging markets’ financing of the U.S. deficit in the past decade, the U.S.’s domestic interests may well be fulfilled by helping the Pacific Littoral to achieve parallel objectives of economic development and foreign policy alignment.  Francesco Sisci and David P. Goldman write for the Asia Times:

  America’s objection to Chinese foreign policy center on China’s pursuit of commercial interest with countries (Iran, Sudan) whose behavior America considers unacceptable. America stands to gain an ally in questions of rogue-state behavior, terrorism, nuclear proliferation and other matters of national interest, in return for helping China achieve its legitimate goals. 

  The goals of the partnership should be to: 

  ·      Support China’s internal development by re-orienting export flows towards China and other emerging economies from the United States and other industrial countries. 

  ·      Transfer technologies and other expertise to the emerging economies.

  ·      Make the emerging economies partners in the recovery of American asset prices. 

  

  U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Robert B. Zoellick (L) and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo shaking hands before opening the first China-US strategic dialogue in Beijing, 2005.

  Further on:

  America should recognize that the deformation of its economy is the inverse of the deformation of the Chinese economy (as well as other emerging economies), and that their common problem has a common cure.
  The trouble in the world economy has been that a rich Chinese won’t lend money to a poor Chinese, unless the poor Chinese first moves to America. China bought American mortgages, including poor-quality assets dressed up as high-quality assets, because China does not have the financial, legal and administrative capacity as well as the trust to write sufficient mortgage business at home.

  Further on:

  The United States should offer China a general reduction in restrictions on imports of American technology and acquisition of American companies, in return for a treaty linking Chinese and American security interests. The treaty would include: 

  ·      A system of royalties for technology transfers and guarantees against pirating.

  ·      Freedom for Chinese companies to acquire American companies, including financial institutions.

  ·      Agreement on a common stance towards rogue states, nuclear arms proliferation, terrorism and other issues of mutual concern, covering such issues as Pakistan, Sudan, Iran and other areas of past diplomatic conflict. 

  ·      An agreement on strategic arms deployment in Asia. 

  ·      A roadmap for China’s democratization.

  ·      Environmental and energy-efficiency goals.

  ·      Stabilization of China’s yuan against the dollar to support free capital flows between the US and China.

  For a backgrounder on U.S.-China relations, see this testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

   

  » Read more
  • November 28, 2008 7:06 PM

• Brazil, Russia Want Summit with India, China

  

  On Wednesday, the presidents of Brazil and Russia agreed on a 2009 conference that will be held in Russia and will involve Russia, Brazil, India, and China. It is unknown whether or not China and India have agreed to participate. From the Associated Press:

  [Brazilian] President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Brazil, Russia, India and China “represent a powerful force,” signing a statement on the summit with his visiting Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev.

  China has become more involved in Latin America, as seen in this article from CDT, and has recently been improving ties with Russia, as seen in this article from CDT.

  » Read more
  • November 26, 2008 1:39 PM

• China president in Greece for $1 billion port deal

  

  From the Associated Press:

  Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Greece on Monday for a three-day meeting coinciding with a $1 billion port deal. The deal gives Chinese company Cosco Pacific Ltd. a 35-year concession to manage container operations the port of Piraeus, Greece’s main port.  Greece and China have strengthened ties since the 2008 Olympics. As the article comments,

  Last year, the volume of trade between the two countries was euro2.9 billion ($3.7 billion) with Chinese exports making up more than 95 percent of that figure, according to data from the Hellenic-Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

  The visit comes on the heels of Hu’s visit to Latin America, as posted in this CDT article.

  Regarding the potential benefits of the visit, the BBC comments:

  Greek officials say the visit heralds a new era in increasingly warm relations between the two countries.  Greek entrepreneurs have been urged to use Mr Hu’s trip as an opportunity to boost exports to China.

  » Read more
  • November 24, 2008 2:48 PM

• China, Costa Rica to Launch Trade Talks

  

  From the Associated Press:

  During President Hu Jintao’s first visit to a Central American country, it was announced that trade talks between China and Costa Rica will commence in January, with a deal hoped for in 2010.  In addition, the two nations signed 11 cooperation agreements, including an agreement for a joint venture between China’s National Petroleum Corporation and Costa Rica’s state-owned oil refinery.

  China’s trade with Latin America has jumped from $10 billion in 2000 to $102.6 billion last year and it is now Costa Rica’s second most important trade partner.

  Hu’s trip to Costa Rica is part of a larger mission that includes a trip to Cuba, as noted in this CDT article.

  » Read more
  • November 18, 2008 4:27 PM

• China Tests Its Mettle in Syria

  

  Chris Zambelis examines Sino-Syrian relations in the Asia Times, from China’s controversial decision to sell ballistic missiles to Syria in the late ’80s to the present day, with Chinese cultural centers opening all across the Middle Eastern country:

  Since the early 1990s, and especially amid China’s rapid economic expansion, Beijing’s approach towards Damascus has since experienced a marked shift in priorities and behavior, a shift shaped largely by China’s efforts to present itself as a mature and responsible actor in international affairs.

  China’s increasingly diversified and booming economy also will allow it to depend less on weapons sales, especially if such sales threaten to undermine China’s political and diplomatic position in the international arena, as was the case in its bilateral relationship with the United States in the early 1990s over its dealings with Syria. Despite this shift in Beijing’s behavior, China remains a major supplier of arms to countries whose intentions have come under US and international scrutiny. This time, however, China is able to export arms from a position of strength to bolster its geopolitical objectives, as opposed to economic necessity.

  Outside of the military realm, Beijing’s influence has grown significantly in recent years, commensurate with its increasing economic power. Beijing’s efforts to engage the region are also reinforced by a resounding welcome from both the state and popular sectors, as regional governments and publics are eager to see an end to what is widely viewed as a harmful US hegemony in the Middle East. These sentiments prevail even in countries that count the United States as a strategic ally. China’s attempts to forge close and multifaceted ties with key Middle East states such as Syria, a country with modest oil reserves relative to its neighbors and a struggling economy, reflect the increasing complexity of China’s foreign policy toward the region and show that Beijing’s concerns extend beyond oil and markets – particularly in the case of Damascus.

  » Read more
  • November 5, 2008 5:56 PM

• China’s Hands-off Foreign Policy a Collapse of Creativity

  

  Howard W. French, senior writer for the New York Times, comments on China’s non-interference policy as demonstrated lately in its  veto of sanctions on Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and its opposition to a warrant sought by the prosecutor at the International Criminal Court for the arrest of the Sudanese president, Omar Hassan al-Bashir.

  Plainly spoken, as a global actor, China remains an essentially reactive force, one keen to limit the power or the range of action of others in the name of principles such as democracy, human rights and self-determination.

  In recent months, in response to international criticism over its ties with Sudan and Zimbabwe, with the Olympics looming, China had labored to put its best face forward, sending peacekeepers to its Sudanese ally in a largely symbolic gesture of acknowledgment of the crisis in the Darfur region of that country.

  Beijing also quietly downgraded its ties with Robert Mugabe, an erstwhile friend and client. What is happening in Darfur has often been described as an ongoing genocide. Mugabe, for his part, places new demands on our vocabulary. Genocide does not fit, but what does one call a leader who takes an entire country down with him?

  What the week’s events suggest is a China that has coolly calculated that these modest gestures are enough, and that it is time to get back to business as usual, which means a foreign policy that remains mute about fires that burn on distant shores. And it is hard to read the words of Liu Jianchao, spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, without feeling a blush of cynicism. The actions of the International Criminal Court “must be beneficial to the stability of the Darfur region and the appropriate settlement of the issue, not the contrary,” he said.

  [...]

  “Adopt a low profile and never take the lead,” was Deng Xiaoping’s advice to China’s diplomats early in this country’s reform era.

  After two-plus decades of booming growth and interests that extend into every corner of the world, an axiom like this sounds awfully self-centered and cramped. And for the people of Sudan and Zimbabwe, coming up with something more fitting to the times has become a matter of life and death.

  » Read more
  • July 19, 2008 5:34 PM

• China Puppet-play a Plus for Koreas

  

  In recent years, China has become the largest trade partner of North Korea, which suggests how important China is to North Korea. From Asia Times:

  It will take decades before the relevant papers will become de-classified, but it seems likely that at some point in 2002 or 2003 the Chinese leadership had an important discussion of the North Korean situation. We can even surmise which decisions were made on that discussion or soon afterwards, even though the exact wording will be known, perhaps, only to our grandchildren. It seems that around 2002 Chinese diplomats and politicians concluded that the collapse of the North Korean state would not serve China’s interests and thus should be prevented or controlled.

  Indeed, from around 2002 Chinese investment in the North, as well as Chinese trade with that small and secluded state, began to grow with remarkable speed. In recent years, China has become the largest trade partner of North Korea, controlling about a half of its entire trade volume.

  See also BBC’s report: US, N Korea envoys meet in China

  » Read more
  • February 21, 2008 12:06 AM

• China Flexes Its Muscles – Gordon G. Chang

  

  From The Wall Street Journal:

  The U.S. Navy said it was “befuddled” by Beijing’s last-minute November denial of a long-arranged port call for the Kitty Hawk carrier group in Hong Kong. This turndown was on top of China’s refusal to provide shelter for two U.S. minesweepers seeking refuge from a storm, and its rejection of a routine visit for a frigate, the Reuben James. The Air Force also received a “no” for a regular C-17 flight to resupply the American consulate in Hong Kong.

  The immediate causes of these rebuffs may be American arms sales to Taiwan, which China regards as sovereign territory, and the award of a congressional medal to the Dalai Lama, with whom Beijing has had a multi-decade spat. But so many turndowns suggest the decisions were made at the highest levels of the Chinese central government — and at a time when senior leaders are reorienting the country’s foreign policy. Washington’s relations with Beijing, in short, appear headed for increasing disagreement and tension. [Full Text]

  Gordon G. Chang is the author of “The Coming Collapse of China”.

  » Read more
  • January 2, 2008 3:44 AM

• China Says Wants Iran Dispute Resolved By Negotiation – Reuters

  

  From Reuters:

  China wants the dispute over Iran’s nuclear program resolved through negotiation, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said on Wednesday.

  Yang did not directly respond to questions on whether a new U.S. intelligence report on Iran’s nuclear ambitions had changed the situation or whether China would support new United Nations sanctions.

  “We hope that all the parties will work together to seek and realize an eventual peaceful resolution of this issue through negotiations,” Yang told a meeting organized by the Chatham House international affairs think-tank in London. [Full Text]

  » Read more
  • December 6, 2007 5:55 PM

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