Foreign Relations News
Pandas Latest Source of Tension Between China and Taiwan
(01/06/06) BEIJING, China - China's declaration that it would be giving Taiwan a pair of pandas as part of an effort to boost public support for unification has been met with severe anger and criticism by the Taiwanese government.
The Taiwanese government, currently in bitter dispute with China's sovereignty over the island nation, has accused China of disrespect by not consulting them before announcing the gift, since China does not give its pandas to foreign countries.
The Taiwanese government has yet to decide to keep the endangered pair, even though a few reserves and zoos in Taipeihave made bids for the pandas already.
Read the full article here.
Chinese-US Textile Talks Conintue
(09/16/05) From September 26 to the 27, China and the United States will hold their fifth round of talks in Washington, D.C. over disagreements in textile trade.
The disagreements began a few months after the January 1, 2005 textile quota system eliminations when the United States reimposed several restrictions on several Chinese textile products over an allegedly significant export surge.
Full article here.
North Korea Rejects China Nuclear Proposal
(09/16/05) BEIJING, China - North Korea has rejected China's nuclear arms proposal for disarmament, stating that it "practically repeats the position of the United States" and is unacceptable. This latest rejection has been predicted to put yet another end to the latest rounds of talks held in Beijing.
North Korean spokesman Hyun Hak Bong told reporters that North Korea will not give up their nuclear program until the U.S. removes its nuclear presence from the Korean peninsula, stating that they need to defend themselves.
Full article here.
China Retorts Pentagon Report
(7/20/05) A U.S. Department of Defense report issued by the Pentagon stated that China’s military poses a possible threat to the region because of its rapid modernization. The report addresses the U.S.’s concern for the safety of Taiwan because of China’s fluctuating balance of power. Outraged Chinese officials state these claims have no grounds and views the report as an uninformed attack on China’s military.
Full article here
China opens new consulate in Brisbane
Although Chinese/Australian relations have been strained recently due to both mounting tension over Taiwan and a recent allegation of Chinese spies in Australia, the mood was light at the new Chinese consulate in Brisbane.
This link leads to a transcript of an ABC report on that event, including commentary and quotes.
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