January 2011
Political Issues
Iran
1. China calls for dialogue and negotiations to solve Iran nuclear issue
Beijing, Wednesday, 1 December, 2010
Preceding the European Union and Iranian talks held in Geneva on 6-7 December, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi renewed the Chinese calls for dialogue and negotiation on the nuclear issue. He emphasized the need for a ‘flexible, pragmatic and proactive approach’ in order to achieve a ‘comprehensive, long term and appropriate solution.’
2. Chinese FM, EU foreign policy chief discuss Iranian nuclear issue
Beijing, Friday, 3 December, 2010
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and European Union high representative for foreign affairs and security policy exchanged their views of the Iranian nuclear issue over a telephonic conversation. Apart from showing concern about the upcoming Iran, EU and the 6 nation’s talks in Geneva, he expressed China’s willingness to work with the EU for positive progress on the issue. Ashton meanwhile emphasized China’s importance at the talks and expressed the EU’s willingness to cooperate.
Iraq
3. China backs UN resolutions on lifting sanctions in Iraq
United Nations, Wednesday, 15 December 2010
China extended its support to the three resolutions adopted at the Security Council to terminate the major sanctions against Iraq, lift restrictions on the Iraqi civil nuclear programme and end the oil for food programme. It hoped for a speedy and peaceful reconstruction process and also encouraged Iraq to enhance dialogue and cooperation with its neighbours to maintain regional peace and stability.
Israel
4. China calls on Israel to immediately end all settlement activity in ‘occupied territory’
United Nations, Wednesday, 1 December 2010
At a two-day meeting of the UN General Assembly to mark the ‘International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people’, China called on Israel to immediately stop all settlement activities and the construction of a separation wall in the occupied Palestinian territory, including West Bank and East Jerusalem. Wang Min, the Chinese deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said that it was Israeli settlement activity which had jeopardized the direct peace talks that has resumed last September. Reaffirming support for the Palestinian people, he expressed China’s concern for region’s stability if the favourable conditions for the resumption of peace talks were not undertaken.
5. CPC vows to enhance cooperation with Israel Political parties
Beijing, Friday, 24 December 2010
The Communist Party of China expressed desire to enhance cooperation and communication with Israel’s political parties to promote relations between the two countries. Liu Yunshan of the CPC Central Committee made this statement while meeting Yuli-Yoel Edelstein, Minister of Public Affairs and the Diaspora, who was leading a Likud party delegation to China.
Libya
6. Libya’s Gaddafi proposes 1 million strong African army
Dakar, Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Speaking at the Senegalese capital, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi (who has been pushing for an African Unity government for years) said that African nations should join forces to create a million strong army to protect the continent and confront outsiders like the NATO and China.
Oman
7. Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun visits Oman
Oman, Monday, 27 December 2010
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun and the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman Sayyid Badr Bin Hamad Bin Hamoud Al-Busaidi held the fifth round of strategic consultations between the two ministries during the former’s visit to Oman. Both parties sought to broaden cooperation areas as well as bilateral ties.
Palestinian National Authority
8. China says ready to renew Palestine recognition
Jeddah, Tuesday, 21 December 2010
China stated that it was ready to renew its recognition of the Palestinian state if United Nations passes such a resolution .During his visit to the OIC headquarters, the Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister also emphasized that China’s partnership with the OIC was a long term one. While the state of the Muslim population in China was discussed, the need to set up a communication mechanism for political consultations was also considered.
9. China supports Palestinian people striving for legal rights: CPAFFC vice president
Beijing, Monday, 29 November 2010
The Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian cause and called for a comprehensive solution through negotiations based on relevant UN resolutions, the land-for-peace principle and the Arab peace proposal. Jing Dunquan, the vice president of the CPAFFC, also emphasized that an independent Palestinian state with full sovereignty needed to be established to maintain stability in the region.
Saudi Arabia
10. Chinese Cultural Show marks the anniversary of China Saudi diplomatic ties
Riyadh, Sunday, 26 December 2010
A Chinese cultural show at Riyadh marked the anniversary of the 20 years of China-Saudi diplomatic ties. As a 30-strong delegation of artists and musicians from China arrived at Riyadh arrived to take part in the celebrations, Saudi Culture Minister, Abdulaziz Khouja hailed the deep rooted ties binding Saudi Arabia and China.
Sudan
11. China reiterates firm support for Sudan peace process
Beijing, Wednesday, 8 December, 2010
At a meeting of their foreign ministers, China reiterated its commitment to support the peace process between the north and south of Sudan, seeing their joint development as serving their mutual fundamental interests. It called for a ‘free, fair and transparent’ as well as smooth referendum in Southern Sudan (to be held in January).
12. China not opposed to Sudan leader’s arrest: WikiLeaks
Beijing, Friday, 17 December 2010
China, a key ally of Sudan, was not opposed to the arrest of Omar al-Bashir as long as its oil interests were protected stated a US diplomatic cable, revealed by WikiLeaks.
United Arab Emirates
13. China Central Television opens regional bureau in Dubai
Dubai, Sunday, 26 December 2010
The state-owned China Central Television (CCTV) has opened a Middle East bureau in Dubai and is also weighing the possibilities of a dedicated channel for the region. The move is expected to result in around a 50% to a 100% increase in the number of Chinese visitors to the UAE this year.
Economic Issues
Iran
14. Beijing hosts Iran China trade confab
Tehran, Saturday, 25 December 2010
A conference on Iranian and Chinese trade and economic cooperation was held in Beijing. Amidst discussions on the possibilities of bolstering trade, the Iranian ambassador to China hoped that their trade would increase from the current US$ 30-100 billion in the future.
Jordan
15. China, Jordan sign 4.5 million USD agreement
Amman, Saturday, 25 December 2010
As a sign of their keenness to foster bilateral ties, Jordan and China have signed an economic and technical cooperation agreement under which, China would provide US$ 4.5 million to implement development projects.
Kuwait
16. Kuwait Oil exports to China increase 32%
Kuwait, Sunday, 26 December 2010
Kuwait’s crude oil exports to China increased 32% for the month of November 2010, compared to the previous year, reaching almost 230 barrels a day. It provided China with 4.2% of its crude oil imports for the month. Talks are also on about a 300,000 barrel a day refinery project between the state run Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and Sinopec.
Libya
17. Libya, China set up joint business council
Tripoli, Monday, 27 December 2010
The Council of Libyan and Chinese businessmen has been set up in Tripoli. About US$ 21 billion worth contracts for infrastructure (to be implemented in Libya by Chinese Companies) were signed.
Saudi Arabia
18. Senior Chinese, Saudi Arabian officials vow to bolster trade and economic ties
Beijing, Wednesday, 29 December 2010
In his meeting with the Saudi Arabian Minister of commerce and industry, Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan pledged to deepen economic and trade cooperation with Saudi Arabia. He also expressed China’s willingness to conclude free trade talks with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) at the earliest.
Sudan
19. China writes off US$ 6 billion of Sudan debt
Khartoum, Wednesday, 15 December 2010
The government of Sudan has signed an agreement with China whereby the latter would write off US$ 6 Billion of the Sudanese debts. The Sudanese Federal Minister of Finance and Economy saw it as a gift from the Chinese people and government urging other nations to follow the step.
Turkey
20. China’s shipping company taps into Turkish market
Ankara, Wednesday, 29 December 2010
China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company has acquired a 13% share in the Turkish container transportation market and became an important player in the shipping market. The office has set an example for the cooperation between Chinese and Turkish companies, Chinese officials observed.
Debak Das is a Graduate Student at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Email
As part of the policy, the MEI@ND standardizes spellings and date format to make the text uniformly accessible and stylistically consistent. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views/positions of the MEI@ND. Editor, MEI@ND: P R Kumaraswamy
