Chinascope – Page 1099

Outlook: The U.S. Cannot Replace China’s Role in Asia

In an article originally published in Outlook, Liu Jianfei, a professor from the Party School of the Chinese Communist Party, commented that other countries, not even the United States, can replace China’s contribution to the economies of its neighbors. There have been some negative elements among China’s neighboring countries, such as a stronger stance against China in territorial disputes, military drills targeting China, and changes in Japan’s policies towards China. However, Liu stated that China’s neighbors have not fundamentally changed. For example, the negative elements are mostly in the east, while the north, west, and south remain stable. Further, the Sino-Russian relationship has improved. Although there may be some negative changes, they are mostly partial, and not comprehensive. “There are more opportunities than challenges,” concluded Liu.

Source: China News Service, reprint from Outlook, November 15, 2010
http://www.chinanews.com.cn/gn/2010/11-15/2656080.shtml

Briefings | | November 18, 2010 | Geo-Strategic Trend

International Herald Leader: Beijing Conducting an Intensive Diplomatic Offensive

On November 12, 2010, the International Herald Leader reported that Beijing recently started a round of intensive diplomatic offensives in response to the U.S. employment of a surrounding and blocking strategy against China. Five out of the nine CCP Politburo Standing Committee Members, including Hu Jintao, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Wu Bangguo, and Zhou Yongkang, have visited foreign countries in the past two months. Their foreign visits focused on Europe (the EU, France, Portugal, Greece, Belgium, Italy, Poland, and Turkey), Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Indonesia, and Thailand), and India. [Ed: On November 14, Xi Jinping also started a series of visits to Singapore, South Africa, Angola, and Botswana, but this was not mentioned in the article.]

The article stated that the U.S. has intensified its Asian diplomacy and has focused on the security issue. It labeled China a “threat creator” and has been marketing itself as “big brother” to those of China’s neighboring countries that fear China. China has countered with economic, trade, and cultural diplomacy, since “its economy and trade are China’s strength.” “Though China should not expect much strategic gain from Europe, diplomatic success in Europe can boost China’s confidence while it faces setbacks in Asia.”

Source: International Herald Leader, November 12, 2010
http://news.xinhuanet.com/herald/2010-11/12/c_13603314.htm

Briefings | | November 17, 2010 | US-China Relations

China Plans to Build Manned Space Station by 2020

A Mobilization Conference for the Manned Space Station and Docking Mission was held on November 15. The purpose of the meeting was to prepare for the kickoff of China’s manned space station project. The project will be implemented in two phases: the space experiment lab and the manned space station.

The outline of the schedule:
2011 – Conduct the first docking test (unmanned)
2012 – Complete the docking task (either unmanned or manned)
2016 – Develop and launch 2 space experiment labs
2020 – Develop and launch the core module and the experiment module, and assemble the 60-ton manned space station in orbit.

Source: People’s Daily Online, November 16, 2010
http://scitech.people.com.cn/GB/13229414.html

Briefings | | November 17, 2010 | Defense/Military

Xinhua: Top Beijing Officials Concerned about Inflation

According to a Xinhua report, several top Chinese officials recently expressed concern about rapid price increases due to inflation in China. On November 11, Wen Jiabao, while visiting Guangzhou for the Opening Ceremony of the Asian Games, paid a visit to a local supermarket. Wen asked the sales-persons there about prices, supplies, and the sales of fruits and vegetables. Wen told them, “The State Council is working on policies to control rapid price increases.”

On November 16, at China’s Global Debt and Capital Market conference, Zhou Xiaochuan, President of the Bank of China, said, “China is facing the risk of an inflow of capital” and “the rising prices in China need attention from all areas.”

Sources: Xinhua, November 16, 2010
http://news.xinhuanet.com/2010-11/16/c_12782257.htm
http://news.xinhuanet.com/2010-11/16/c_12781043.htm

Briefings | | November 17, 2010 | Economy/Resources

Xinhua: Mainland Tourists to Taiwan will Exceed One Million

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

Briefings | | November 16, 2010 | Geo-Strategic Trend

Xinhua: China Attains the Number Three Position in IMF Voting Power

On November 5, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced that the IMF Executive Board approved the Far-Reaching Governance Reform Plan. Once implemented, China’s voting power will reach 6.07%. It will surpass Germany, France, and Britain, being behind only the U.S. and Japan. China’s current voting share is 3.65%. The planned reform will shift 6% of the overall shares to emerging markets. Europe will also give two seats on the Executive Board to emerging market countries to increase the representation of those countries. China suggested that this reform just reflects the reality of the world economy. The “historic agreement” was reached in October, during the G20 conference of treasury ministers and central bank governors.

Source: Xinhua, November 6, 2010
http://news.xinhuanet.com/2010-11/06/c_12745053.htm

Briefings | | November 16, 2010 | Economy/Resources

China News Service: Chinese and Romanian Defense Ministers Met

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

Briefings | | November 16, 2010 | Geo-Strategic Trend

Wu Guoguang: Xi Jinping’s Reversal of the Course, Will China’s Transition be Peaceful or Marked with Bloodshed?

Cheng Xiaonong: U.S.-China Strategic Relations Have Crystallized

Xinhua Commentaries: “Exposing the Three Major Political Deficits of the U.S.”

The CCP’s Performing Arts Troupes in the U.S.