Geo-Strategic Trend - 238. page

Yang Ruizong, Beijing Branch Director of the Taiwan Strait Travel and Tourism Association, recently estimated that the total number of Mainland tourists going to Taiwan would exceed one million by November 9, 2010. He also called for improving the quality and safety of tourism. Yang suggested that the number of tourists totaled 606,174 in 2009. If business groups were included, the total travelers reached 970,000 in 2009. By November 4, 2010, the number of tourists alone had already reached 978,660. According to the statistics of the Association, the most popular tourist destinations in 2009 included Taroko National Park, Chiufen, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan National Park, and Taipei National Palace Museum. Yang suggested that Taiwan very much welcomes Mainland tourists.

Source: Xinhua, November 8, 2010
http://news.xinhuanet.com/2010-11/08/c_12751405.htm

On November 11, 2010, the Chinese Defense Minister, Liang Guanglie, met with the Romanian Defense Minister, Gabriel Oprea. Liang suggested that, despite international vicissitudes, since the two countries established diplomatic relations 61 years ago, the China-Romania relationship has never had any problems. Liang thought that relations between the two armies have developed rapidly over the past few years. Frequent contact among high ranking military officers of the two countries has been amiable. Oprea said he expects to expand and deepen the practical cooperation between the two armies in various ways.

Source: China News Service, November 11, 2010
http://www.chinanews.com.cn/gn/2010/11-11/2650497.shtml

Commenting on Obama’s visit to India on November 7, 2010, an article in China Youth Daily said that some Indians want to challenge China, with U.S. backing. The U.S. supports India with economic ties and international diplomacy. Some Indians criticize China for using Pakistan to block India’s rise. They feel that it is the right time for India to challenge China for the leadership of South Asia and even for all of Asia. India is using diplomatic and economic means to win other Asian countries’ friendship in order to counter China’s expansion.

However, the article argued that the U.S. just wants to use India to counter China. The U.S wants itself, not India, to be the leader of Asia. Just like its relationship with Japan, the U.S. will never view India as an equal.

Source: China Youth Daily, November 9, 2010
http://zqb.cyol.com/content/2010-11/09/content_3440306.htm

With the 2010 Asian Games kicking off in Guangzhou, China, on November 7, Beijing is sending the largest team in Chinese history, with a total headcount of 1454. Of the 977 athletes participating, 35 are Olympic champions. The athletes are from 31 provinces all across China. Their average age is 24. 261 of them participated in the Beijing Olympic Games, and 322 of them have participated in international events like the Olympics and the Asian Games before. 

Source: Xinhua, October 26, 2010
http://news.xinhuanet.com/sports/2010-10/26/c_12703055.htm

French Le Figaro and Portuguese LUSA interviewed Chinese President Hu Jintao ahead of his visit to France and Portugal. In discussing how to further advance the strategic partner relationship between China and France, Hu said that China and France have major responsibilities in international affairs: The two countries’ relations should be given a new meaning at a time when the international situation is undergoing profound and complicated changes. …What’s important is that the cooperation from both sides should go beyond the simple trade and investment relationship. They should become equal and collaborative partners, fully utilize Chinese and French cultural advantages to enhance cultural exchanges, strengthen strategic cooperation, and work together to face global challenges.

Source: People’s Daily, November 4, 2010
http://politics.people.com.cn/GB/1024/13126551.html

A Xinhua reporter interviewed Pu Tong, the Cultural Counselor for the Chinese Embassy in France. Pu Tong said, “China and France are both big countries with a strong cultural background. The interaction of both countries started with a cultural exchange. … China-French cultural exchanges are an important part of the two countries’ relations.”

Pu expressed that culture naturally evokes curiosity, and a feeling of closeness and fascination. Therefore, cultural exchanges will play a major role at this juncture as China-French relations are reaching a new level.

Source: Xinhua, November 3, 2010
http://news.xinhuanet.com/2010-11/03/c_12732617.htm

Xinhua reported from the United Nations on October 26 that, in their speeches to the UN General Assembly Meeting, the European Union (EU), G77, the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), Venezuela, South Africa and Cuba strongly urged the United States to cease its embargo against Cuba. The EU complained about the extension of the U.S. embargo to a third country and CARICOM suggested that the embargo is unlawful. 187 out of 192 UN member countries voted for lifting the current U.S. blockade measures. This is the 19th time the UN has passed such a motion.

Source: Xinhua, October 27, 2010
http://news.xinhuanet.com/2010-10/27/c_13578060.htm

On October 27, 2010, the Chinese Embassy in Lebanon donated eight million yuan (US$1.18 million) worth of batteries, tents, and other military supplies to the Lebanese Army. Chinese Ambassador Liu Ziming and Lebanon Army Deputy Chief of Staff Hanna signed an exchange certificate at a formal ceremony. Liu praised the role of Lebanon’s Army in maintaining the security and stability of Lebanon. He also said that China pays close attention to the development of both countries and armies.

Source: Xinhua, October 27, 2010
http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2010-10/27/c_12708639.htm