[Disarmo] China. People´s Daily Apr 4



China. People´s Daily Apr 4
    Posted by: "Heikki Sipilä" heikki.sipila @saunalahti.fi
    Date: Fri Apr 3, 2015 6:47 am ((PDT))


China. People´s Daily Apr 4


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http://english.peopledaily.com
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90883/index.htm



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1- China to play bigger int'l role: blue book

2. China Takes Global Diplomacy Center Stage: Blue Book



1- China to play bigger int'l role: blue book

BEIJNG, April 2 -- China will target a bigger role in international affairs after recent successes in global diplomacy, according to a blue book published by the China Institute of International Studies (CIIS) Thursday. "The International Situation and China's Foreign Affairs (2015)" particularly highlights the two major summits China hosted in 2014, as well as its proposals to boost Asian infrastructure with the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road projects. "Last year, China played a significant role in multilateral diplomacy and contributed to solving international issues," said Chen Xulong, head of the Department for International and Strategic Studies of the CIIS, referring to the Shanghai-hosted Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia and the Beijing-hosted Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. "The international community will stipulate an agenda this year to discuss post-2015 development," said Ruan Zongze, vice CIIS president. "China will continue to focus on peaceful development and practice this in its foreign policy."
An English version of the blue book will be published next month.
The CIIS is the think tank of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.


2. China Takes Global Diplomacy Center Stage: Blue Book

Analysis of China's foreign policy through this past year has been released by one of the country's leading foreign policy think-tanks. The so-called "Blue Book" report by the China Institute of International Studies is suggesting Chinese diplomacy has gone a long way through 2014.
China takes global diplomacy center stage: blue book
The "Blue Book" describes China's role in global diplomacy as "taking the center stage" through 2014.
The report notes two major summits were held last year in China.
Shanghai hosted the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia. And in November, world leaders descended on Beijing for the annual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. The "Blue Book" report suggests this has given China a stronger voice on the international stage. Chen Xulong heads the team which authored the "Blue Book" for the China Institute of International Studies. "Chinese leaders attended a total of 11 multilateral summits last year. The leadership now views those summits as the main playing field for China's foreign diplomacy. They plan it carefully and try to strike a critical balance in maintaining various geopolitical partnerships. Therefore, the leadership thinks they cannot afford to miss any of those summits." The "Blue Book" also highlights the various international initiatives the Chinese government helped to formulate this past year. These include the "Belt and Road" initiatives, the BRICS Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Observations in the "Blue Book" also suggest China's voice on the international stage has been assisted by other major world powers being embroiled in their own problems, including the United States' continued entanglements in the Middle East, as well as Russia's issue with Ukraine. The "Blue Book" also has a forecast for China's involvement in international affairs this year. Ruan Zongze is the vice director of the China Institute of International Studies. "One of dominant themes of China's global diplomacy is peace. There are three major 70th anniversaries this year. The 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, the 70th anniversary of the victory of China's war over Japan and the 70th anniversary of the world's victory against Fascism. We will reflect on the past and we will also work on how to better contribute to the future." The "Blue Book" issued by the China Institute of International Studies is an annual project designed to give the Chinese leadership, as well as the rest of the world, a general observation of how China views its role in international affairs.


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Italy, France approved as AIIB founding members

BEIJING, April 2 -- Italy and Francehave been approved as prospective founding members of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), China's Ministry of Finance announced on Thursday. The decision was made by all existing members after discussion, bringing the total number of founding members to 33, the statement said. The final number of founding members will be confirmed on April 15, after the opinions of all founding members are considered. Founding members have the right to create governance and operating rules for the bank. Countries that join after the deadline will have voting rights only, with less say in the rule-making process. The AIIB is expected to be established by the end of this year, with a mission to support infrastructure projects in Asian counties.



Belarus senior security official to visit China

BEIJING, April 3 -- Belarus' Security Council Secretary Alexander Mezhuev will visit China from April 7 to 10, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying in Beijing on Friday. Hua said Mezhuev was invited by Meng Jianzhu, head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.



Chinese foreign minister to visit Russia next week

BEIJING, April 3 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will pay an official visit to Russia from Monday to Wednesday at the invitation of his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.




Chinese martyrs rest in peace as China-Vietnam friendship deepens

THAI NGUYEN, Vietnam, April 3 --"We honor the heroes today to respect their fearlessness, inherit their behest, and to consolidate and develop the traditional friendship between the two countries," said Chinese ambassador to Vietnam Hong Xiaoyong. On Thursday, a delegation from the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam, Chinese companies, institutions, students and media representatives, together with Vietnamese accompanying officials, observed the graves of the Chinese martyrs in Linh Son Chinese martyr cemeteries in Thai Nguyen province on the occasion of Tomb Sweeping Day, or Qingming Festival as its known locally. Linh Son cemeteries in Thai Nguyen's Dong Hy district are divided into Section A and B, holding a total 139 martyrs surrounded by green colored tea hills. "Over 50 years ago, during the war against the United States' invasion of Vietnam, upon the request of the Vietnamese communist party and people, more than 320,000 Chinese troops were sent to Vietnam to help defend its independence and unity. During the war, more than 1,400 Chinese soldiers were laid to rest in Vietnam," said Hong. "They sacrificed their youth and precious lives to build up the immortal monument of friendship between China and Vietnam." "At present, China and Vietnam are thriving, deepening comprehensive bilateral strategic partnership,"the ambassador said, adding that the development of the China-Vietnam relations can comfort the martyrs in that their blood spilt was not in vain. "I am very grateful to the Chinese soldiers who sacrificed themselves to help Vietnam during the war time,"said Nguyen Thi Van, a cemetery custodian. The 70-year-old woman has been taking care of Linh Son Chinese martyr cemetery's Section A for 27 years. "As a local resident, I find myself with the responsibility of taking good care of the cemetery,"Van said. "I often sweep and clean up around the cemetery, offer incense every day. They came to help Vietnam during our struggle for independence, but then never had a chance to go back to their home. Therefore, I will try my best to take care of them here in Vietnam, "Van said. "Under the direction of Thai Nguyen provincial authorities, we have policies in managing and upgrading the cemetery regularly, and taking good care of the cemeteries," Hua Thanh Phu, an official of the agency of labor, invalids and social affairs of Thai Nguyen province's Dong Hy district told Xinhua. According to the "on-site arrangements" principle agreed by both sides, the Chinese martyrs are buried in 40 cemeteries in 22 provinces across the northern and central regions of Vietnam.



China donates ambulances, medical supplies to Laos for helping UXO injuries

VIENTIANE, April 2 -- Chinese government handed over seven ambulances and medical supplies worth 3 million yuan (about 480,000 U.S. dollars) in support of unexploded ordnance (UXO) to Lao authorities Thursday. The ambulances will be allocated to provincial hospitals that deal with the majority of the nation's UXO casualties, as well as to the army's UXO Humanitarian Unit. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Laos Guan Huabing acknowledged the challenge posed by UXO to development efforts in the country.
He said China sympathized with Laos as it had also been a victim of war.
As such, China would continually support the Lao government and people in dealing with the challenges to the fullest extent of its capacity to facilitate the country's peaceful development. Minister to the Government Office and Chairman of the National Regulatory Authority, Bounheuang Duangphachanh, said while the War had long since past, its remnants continued to exact a deadly toll particularly on the nation's rural inhabitants. An average of 300 people had been killed and countless more injured from accidents related to UXO in Laos each year from 1964 to 2008, he said.



China, Myanmar meet over warplane bombing

BEIJING, April 2 -- Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao met Myanmar Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin in Beijing on Thursday to discuss a Myanmar warplane's fatal bombing of southwest China's Yunnan Province earlier this month. The plane crossed China's border on March 13 and dropped a bomb on Lincang, killing five Chinese. The border area is being patrolled by Chinese troops as Myanmar confronts rebels on its side of the border. U Wunna Maung Lwin apologized for the casualties and vowed that Myanmar will "properly deal with the issue". China has confidence in the Myanmar government's attitude on dealing with the aftermath, said Li, urging Myanmar to adopt measures to prevent the reoccurrence of similar incidents "so as to ensure the healthy and stable development of bilateral ties".



19th China Int'l Investment Forum promoted in Malaysia

BEIJING, April 3 -- The 19th China International Investment Forum was promoted Thursday in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian Vice Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Lee Chee Leong attended the promotion event. The Forum will be held in Xiamen of southeast China's Fujian Province from Sept. 8 to 11. Datuk Lee Chee Leong said Malaysia was the host country of the 18th China International Investment Forum, a big success in 2014. He hoped more Malaysian businessmen will join the 19th forum to take Malaysia’s quality products to the Chinese market. China has been Malaysia's biggest trading partner in six consecutive years since 2009. Malaysia is China’s biggest trading partner among the ASEANcountries, accounting for 21 percent of total volume of China-ASEAN trade.



Evacuation of foreigners from Yemen based on humanitarianism: foreign ministry

BEIJING, April 3 -- China's evacuation of foreigners from Yemen is a special rescue mission based on humanitarianism and has been performed at the request of relevant countries, said a spokesperson from the Foreign Ministry on Friday. Spokesperson Hua Chunying told a daily press briefing that the special rescue efforts by the Chinese government to evacuate foreign citizens embody the government's people-first principle and the spirit of internationalism and humanitarianism. According to Hua, China helped 10 countries evacuate 225 of their citizens in conflict-ridden Yemen on Thursday, including 176 from Pakistan, 29 from Ethiopia, five from Singapore, four from Poland, three from Italy, three from Germany, two from Britain, one from Canada, one from Ireland and one from Yemen. China's Linyi missile frigate has evacuated the people and arrived in Djibouti safely. Chinese warships have also helped evacuate 8 nationals of Romania, India and Egypt while evacuating Chinese citizens. Hua said the People's Liberation Army Navy dispatched warships to the Port of Aden immediately, and Chinese embassies and consulates in Yemen and Djibouti have made arrangements and worked to organize a safe evacuation.



China finance ministry stresses safe investment for social security fund

BEIJING, April 3 -- China will continue its cautious approach and prioritize safety in investment of the national social security fund, vice finance minister Wang Baoan has stressed. Wang made the remarks at a press briefing on Friday, after China's State Council announced earlier this week a broader investment scope for the social security fund to increase returns. Wang said a certain safety line should be drawn as a precondition for seeking higher yields. Founded in 2000, the national social security fund is designed to solve China's aging problem as well as being a strategic reserve to support future social security expenditure. The funding sources include fiscal allocation from the central government, allocation from the lottery public welfare proceeds, individual contributions and capital raised by other methods approved by the State Council. As China faces a huge challenge in caring for its increasingly large elderly population, experts have repeatedly called for the opening of new investment channels for the funds. Official data showed the fund gained 22.7 billion U.S. dollars from investment in 2014, with an 11.4-percent return on investment.



China, France vow to boost military cooperation

BEIJING, April 3 -- Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Fang Fenghui and visiting French Navy Chief of Staff Bernard Rogel agreed on Friday to enhance cooperation in joint drills and training and combating maritime terrorism. Fang praised the cooperation between the countries over the past year, citing frequent high-level exchanges, enhanced political trust and substantial cooperation. The two naval forces have exchanged fleet visits and carried out cooperation in various forms, he said. Fang pledged to cement military cooperation with France in such areas as fleet visits, joint drills and training, and fighting terrorism. Rogel said he was impressed by the rapid development of China's naval weaponry during his visit and vowed to enhance military cooperation with China.



China, Bosnia-Herzegovina exchange congratulations on 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties

BEIJING, April 3 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages Friday with the rotating Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Mladen Ivanic, to mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. In his message, Xi said that the relationship between the two countries has enjoyed steady and continuous growth since the establishment of diplomatic ties 20 years ago, while the cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries has also flourished. China attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations, and is ready to work with Bosnia-Herzegovina to achieve greater development and bring more benefits to the two countries as well as the two peoples, the Chinese president said. Meanwhile, Ivanic said in his congratulatory message that the relations between China and his country have been continuing to move forward on both the bilateral and international levels in the last two decades, noting that the friendship between the two peoples has been growing increasingly stronger. Moreover, Bosnia-Herzegovina would like to take the 20th anniversary as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties, benefit the two peoples, and help bring peace and prosperity to the world, Ivanic said.



Chinese envoy to Ethiopia eyes enhanced Sino-Ethiopia cooperation

ADDIS ABABA, April 3 -- La Yifan, the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, said he would be committed with his mission to boosting economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. While making sure the progress on the overall relations between Ethiopia and China, the ambassador said he would work with focus on ensuring the comprehensive relations and cooperation between Ethiopia and China would go to a new height. The ambassador made the remarks on Thursday during his maiden press conference after presenting his letter of credence to Ethiopia's President Mulatu Teshome in Addis Ababa, capital of the East African nation. With the support from the people and government of Ethiopia, La said he would work relentlessly together with colleagues at the Chinese mission to take the comprehensive relations and cooperation between Ethiopia and China to a new height. Based on the overall framework of bilateral relations laid down by the leaders of the two countries, Ethiopia and China have been enjoying excellent diplomatic relations, noted the ambassador. "I believe I should focus on the economic and trade relations and cooperation between our two countries. Ethiopia has already been designated as a priority destination of the Chinese investment in areas of manufacturing, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation," he said. La noted that China has excessive industry capacities that need to be relocated elsewhere in the world. The ambassador also expressed his country's keen interest to strengthen cooperation with Ethiopia on industrialization. He also noted that the two countries have achieved a lot in the manufacturing sector with a number of success stories such as in shoe making factory, textile industry, and food processing industry. "We believe Ethiopia is good destination for the Chinese investment. On the trade area, of course our trade has been increasing in terms of doubling and tripling over the past few decades. Nowadays, the total trade volume stood at 3.4 billion U.S. dollars every year," he said. The ambassador said China wants to import more goods from Ethiopia into its market towards raising Ethiopia's export to China, adding he would be committed, during his tenure, to the accomplishment of his mission towards boosting the cooperation between the two countries, especially in the areas of industrialization and infrastructure development. La said he would work further towards attracting more Chinese investors to Ethiopia that they participate in different sectors including among others in the industrialization and infrastructure development of Ethiopia.



China condemns terrorist attack on Kenyan university

BEIJING, April 3 -- China has condemned Thursday's terrorist attack on Garissa University College in Kenya, which has claimed 147 lives. "We are against terrorist attacks in any form, and condemn the terrorists in the strongest terms," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said on Friday. Gunmen stormed into Garissa University College before dawn Thursday, shooting students and taking hostages in a terrorist attack that has left 147 people dead, according to Kenyan officials. "China extends heartfelt condolences to the victims and expresses deep sympathy to the wounded and the families of the victims," Hua said. Stressing that China opposes terrorism in any form, Hua said China will continue to support Kenya's efforts to counter terrorism and safeguard national and regional stability.



Iran nuclear deal good news for the world, says Chinese FM

BEIJING, April 3 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the framework nuclear agreement clinched by international brokers and Iran on Thursday is "good news" for the world. China welcomes the important framework agreement, Wang said in a statement on Friday, noting the deal laid a solid foundation for a further comprehensive agreement. Senior diplomats of the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China plus Germany agreed on parameters to resolve major issues on Iran's nuclear program, following eight-day-long intense negotiations in the Swiss city of Lausanne. It is in line with the common interests of the international community and the spirit of the UN Charter to properly solve Iran's nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiations, said Wang. The issue matters to the global non-proliferation, Iran's right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy as well as peace and stability in the Middle East, according to the minister. He urged all sides to cherish the outcomes, create more favorable conditions and remove all possible obstacles to firmly push forward negotiation for a final settlement.



China objects after US fighter jets land in Taiwan

China's Foreign Ministry protested after two US fighter planes made a rare landing at an airport in southern Taiwan on Wednesday. Two US navy F-18 fighters landed at Tainan Airport, which is for dual use by military and civilian aircraft, at 1:19 pm due to mechanical problems reported by one of them, Taiwan's military and aviation authorities confirmed.
The pilots landed after approval from the island's authorities.
"We have already lodged solemn representations with the US side," Hua Chunying, China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, said. "China demands that the US strictly abide by the 'one-China policy' and the Three Joint Communiques between China and the US and cautiously and appropriately handle relevant issues, she added. The authorities gave no explanation as to what mission the US fighters were on and why they were flying so close to the island.
The crew members and planes are safe, according to media reports.



Chinese ambassador condemns terrorist attack on Kenyan university

NAIROBI, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Liu Xianfa has condemned Thursday's terrorist attack on Garissa University College in northern Kenya, which has claimed 147 lives. "China strongly condemns and resolutely opposes terrorism in all forms," Liu said. He added that the Chinese government is "deeply shocked and saddened by the terrorist attack at Garissa University College that has caused huge casualties of innocent civilians." The ambassador expressed his deep condolences to the victims and sincere sympathy to their bereaved families and the injured. He stressed that China will continue to staunchly support the Kenyan government and people's efforts to fight terrorism and safeguard national stability and public security.



China, Canada sign social security agreement

OTTAWA, April 2 -- The Agreement on Social Security between China and Canada was signed here Thursday. Under the deal, Canadian companies and their employees sent to work temporarily in China will continue to contribute to Canada Pension Plan, while Chinese companies operating in Canada and their posted employees will continue contributing to China's pension program. Signed by Hu Xiaoyi, vice minister of China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and Alice Wong, Canada's Minister of State, the agreement will eliminate situations in which individuals and their employers have to contribute to both Canada Pension Plan and the comparable pension program of China for the same work. It will result in substantial savings and increase the economic competitiveness of Canadian companies operating in China. Chinese companies and their employees sent to work in Canada will benefit from the same advantages. The agreement will enter into force once Canada and China have completed the approval procedures specified in their respective legislation. "Our government is committed to creating an environment that will help facilitate increased trade between Canada and China. This social security agreement represents yet another step forward in strengthening the relationship and cooperation between our two countries," said Alice Wong.



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