POLITICAL ISSUES
Bahrain
1. China hopes Bahrain's domestic troubles can be peacefully resolved
Beijing, Monday, 28 November 2011                         
At a regular briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said that China expresses hope that Bahrain would settle its domestic differences through peaceful means, as the Gulf state has issued an investigation report on the social unrest that erupted there in February and also welcomed the King's comment on that.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing

Egypt
2. China hopes for smooth Egypt elections despite violent protests
Beijing, Monday, 21 November2011
Speaking at a press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin expressed China’s hopes that Egypt's elections and power transfer could go smoothly, despite recent clashes between protesters and police in the Egyptian capital of Cairo. He further called on all sides to avoid further casualties and work together to maintain social unity and national stability and added that the relevant Egyptian parties can resolve their differences by negotiations.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing

3. China expects smooth running of Egypt's parliamentary elections
Beijing, Tuesday, 29 November 2011
At a daily press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei expressed hopes that Egypt's first parliamentary elections will run smoothly, adding that the parliamentary election is helpful for the smooth transition of power, conducive to its state stability and social union.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing

Iran
4. China says sanctions no solution to Iran nuclear issue
Beijing, Thursday, 10 November 2011
Amidst some countries calling for sanctions against Iran after a recent United Nations watchdog report spoke of Iran engaging in the development of nuclear weapons, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei said at a daily press briefing that sanctions cannot fundamentally resolve the Iran nuclear issue and believe that dialogue and cooperation are the only effective approaches for properly resolving the Iran nuclear issue. Hong called on the IAEA to take a fair and objective stance, commit itself to working with Iran to clarify related issues and resolve those issues within the IAEA framework.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing; Also See: NDTV, New Delhi

5. Iran nuclear issue must be solved through dialogues, cooperation: FM spokesman
Beijing, Friday, 18 November 2011
At a press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said an upcoming draft resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is aimed at strengthening cooperation between Iran and the IAEA, adding that China supports efforts to settle the Iran nuclear issue via dialogues and cooperation. He further added that China will work with relevant parties to promote dialogues between the G5+1 and Iran and continue to participate constructively in efforts to seek a peaceful settlement.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing; See Also Xinhua; See Also Xinhua

6. China opposes unilateral, expanded sanctions against Iran
Beijing, Wednesday, 23 November 2011
At a daily press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said that China has always opposed unilateral sanctions against Iran and disapproved of those expanded sanctions. He further maintained that that imposing pressure and sanctions will not fundamentally resolve the Iran issue, but complicate and aggravate it.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing

7. China criticizes Iranian attacks on British diplomatic compound
Beijing, Wednesday, 30 November 2011
During a daily news briefing, the Foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei criticized the storming of two British diplomatic compounds in Tehran and insisted that China has always maintained that the safety and dignity of diplomatic personnel and properties must be ensured and protected.
Source: Reuters

Iraq
8. Iraq ready to promote ties with China: Talabani
Baghdad, Tuesday, 15 November 2011
While receiving the credential from Ni Jian, China's new ambassador to Iraq,   Iraqi President Jalal Talabani stated that Iraq is willing to expand cooperation and strengthen ties with China. Hailing the ties between the two countries, he added that the recent years have seen increasing cooperation and exchanges between the two countries in multiple fields, bearing positive results and breakthroughs.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing

Kuwait
9. Chinese warships visit Kuwait to boost military ties
Kuwait City, Sunday, 27 November 2011
Two warships from China on Sunday docked at Kuwait's Shuwaikh port to start a five-day official visit to the Gulf Arab emirate marking the first visit by Chinese naval vessels to Kuwait since the two countries established diplomatic ties 40 years ago. The flotilla was part of the ninth Chinese naval convoy to conclude its escort mission in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing

Libya
10. China pledges to work with the Libyan interim government
Beijing, Wednesday, 23 November 2011
According to a statement by a Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin, China welcomes the formation of Libya's interim government which marks an important step forward in Libya's political transition process, and wishes to push forward the China-Libya relationship wherein China is ready to play a constructive role in Libya's reconstruction.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing

PNA
11. China supports Palestinian people in solving Middle East issue
Beijing, Tuesday, 29 November 2011
At a reception marking the International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People, vice president of Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) Feng Zuoku said that China firmly stands by the side of the Palestinian people and supports them in solving the Middle East issue at an early date. Feng noted that this coming December marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Arab Friendship Association (CAFA).
Source: Xinhua, Beijing

Sudan
12. China, Sudan pledge to boost military ties
Beijing, Wednesday, 16 November 2011
During the talks between Defense Minister Liang Guanglie and Sudanese Defense Minister Abdel Rahim Mohamed Hussein, China and Sudan on Wednesday pledged to strengthen military relations and deepen potential cooperation between military forces.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing

South Sudan
13. China sends peacekeeping police squad for South Sudan
Beijing, Saturday, 12 November 2011
According to the statement of the Ministry Of Public Security, China on Friday night saw off its first police squad for South Sudan who will take part in the United Nations peacekeeping missions in the African country. The squad includes staff from the departments of departure and entry, fire-fighting, criminal investigation, public security, training as well as traffic and patrol.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing

14. Chinese foreign minister holds talks with special envoy of South Sudan's president
Beijing, Thursday, 24 November 2011
During the meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Joseph Lual Acuil, special envoy of President of South Sudan Salva Kiir Mayardit, Yang said that China is also willing to bolster exchanges with South Sudan in various fields such as energy, agriculture, mining and infrastructure, including education and culture.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing; See also Xinhua

Syria
15. China voices support for AL's efforts in Syria
Beijing, Monday, 14 November 2011
During a routine press conference in Beijing, spokesman Liu Weimin said that China supports the Arab League's efforts to end the crisis in Syria and has called on concerned parties to implement the Arab League's resolution at an early date and in a substantial and appropriate way. He stressed that the international community should create favorable conditions for the implementation process and called on relevant parties, including the Syrian government, to cease violence and start a balanced political process as soon as possible in order to carry out the Arab League's resolution.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing; See Also: Xinhua; See Also: Xinhua

16. China calls on int'l community to create conditions to ease tension in Syria
United Nations, Tuesday, 22 November 2011
After the UN General Assembly Third Committee vote on the draft resolution on the human rights situation in Syria, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, Wang Min called on the international community to create conditions for the easing of tension in Syria as exerting pressure through country-specific resolutions is not conducive to resolving differences.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing

17. China urges Syria to implement Arab League plan
Beijing, Tuesday, 29 November 2011
While talking to journalists at a regular press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei responded cautiously to sanctions imposed over the weekend by the Arab League over Syria. When questioned on the issue, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei did not give China's view on the sanctions.
Source: Press TV, Tehran

18. War fears in Syria exaggerated: ambassador
Beijing, Wednesday, 30 November 2011
In an interview with Xinhua on Tuesday, 29 November 2011, China’s ambassador to Syria Zhang Xun said that there is no need to fear that war is on the verge of breaking out in Syria. Following a cut in the number of staff members at the embassy and at Chinese companies, he further stated that there is no further evacuation plan. Zhang said China’s embassy has called for Syrian authorities to take measures to guarantee the safety of local Chinese.
Source: China Daily, Beijing

Yemen
19. China supports int'l community's efforts in resolving Yemen crisis: spokesman
Beijing, Thursday, 17 November 2011
In response to current situation in Yemen, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin told a press briefing that China supports the international community's efforts in peacefully resolving the crisis in Yemen, adding that China supports the constructive role of the United Nations (UN), the Arab League (AL), and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The spokesman called for rationality and restraint on all sides in Yemen to avoid violence and bloody conflicts.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing

20. China welcomes Yemen's political settlement agreement
Beijing, Thursday, 24 November 2011
At a daily press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin welcomed Yemeni parties' signing of a deal and its implementation mechanism initiated by the Gulf Cooperation Council. He further noted that China expects Yemeni parties to earnestly carry out the deal, restore social order at an early date and realize the country's stability and development.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing

ECONOMIC ISSUES
Iran
21. China calls its business ties with Iran "normal, transparent"
Beijing, Friday, 11 November 2011
At a daily press briefing, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei said that like many countries, China has normal and transparent business interactions with Iran, which have benefited the people of both countries, after reports called for sanctions against Chinese companies that support Tehran
Source: Xinhua, Beijing

Sudan
22. China to enhance trade cooperation with Sudan: official
Khartoum, Wednesday, 23 November 2011
During his visit to Sudan, Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Jiang Yaoping said that China will continue to enhance economic and commercial cooperation with Sudan and encourage Chinese companies to intensify cooperation with their Sudanese counterparts.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing

ENERGY ISSUES
Sudan –South Sudan
23. China calls for friendly resolution to oil export dispute between South Sudan, Sudan
Beijing, Tuesday, 29 November 2011
At a daily press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei urged a "flexible" and "pragmatic" resolution to the dispute after Sudan announced to halt landlocked South Sudan's oil exports through its territory. China calls for both sides to maintain restraint, solving related problems through friendly negotiation to keep normal oil production.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing

24. Beijing presses Sudanese to end oil row
Beijing, Tuesday, 29 November 2011
China, the largest buyer of Sudanese crude oil, is pressing Sudan and the newly independent South Sudan to end a row that has led to the blockade of about 200,000 barrels a day of crude oil and contributed to higher global prices. The rare intervention by Beijing, which last year bought two thirds of Sudan’s output, comes as Brent crude, the benchmark, surged above US $110 a barrel.
Source: Financial Times, London

Turkey
25. Turkey, China vow to enhance cooperation in energy sector
Ankara, Tuesday, 29 November 2011
While speaking at a signature ceremony on a bilateral "Salt Lake Underground Natural Gas Storage Project" Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz  said that there was a great potential for the cooperation between Turkey and China in the energy field. Visiting Chinese Deputy Commerce Minister Jiang Zengwei said that the world economies were progressing towards a union and there is a need for more influential cooperation between Turkey and China.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing

MULTILATERAL ISSUES
26. China calls for int'l support for Libyan political transition, reconstruction
United Nations, Wednesday, 2 November 2011
While addressing an open meeting where Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Luis Moreno-Ocampo made a briefing on the situation in Libya, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations Wang Min said called on the international community to support Libya's political transition and post-conflict reconstruction.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing

27. China voices opposition to nuclear proliferation
Beijing, Friday, 4 November 2011
At a press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said that China opposes nuclear proliferation and does not uphold the development of nuclear weapons by any Middle East country. He further insisted that as a member of Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran should fulfill the relevant international obligations.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing

28. China opposes nuclear proliferation in Middle East
Beijing, Wednesday, 9 November 2011
A day after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in its latest report that credible evidence showed Iran has engaged in projects and experiments relevant to the development of nuclear weapons, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at the daily press briefing that China opposes nuclear proliferation and doesn't approve of any Middle East country developing nuclear weapons.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing

29. China advocates dialogue in solving Iranian nuclear issue
Vienna, Friday, 18 November 2011
China's permanent representative and ambassador to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna, Cheng Jingye on Friday told a board of governors meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that it is important to actively promote dialogue and firmly devote to a peaceful solution of the Iranian nuclear issue under the current situation.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing; See Also: Xinhua

30. Chinese premier sends congratulatory message to UN meeting on solidarity with Palestinian people
Beijing, Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao sent a congratulatory message on Tuesday to a UN meeting in observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People at the UN headquarters in New York. Stressing that the Palestinian issue is the core of the Mideast problem, Premier Wen said the Chinese government staunchly supports the Palestinian people's just cause of restoring their legitimate national rights and an establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with full sovereignty and East Jerusalem as its capital.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing

MISCELLANEOUS
Israel
31. Jewish photographer’s old pictures revealed in Shanghai
Shanghai, Saturday, 12 November 2011
Some 200 old photographs, taken by the Jewish photographer Sam Sanzetti  in the first half of 20th century in Shanghai, were revealed by the Consulate General of Israel in Shanghai recently and has triggered an enthusiasm to find the real persons in the photographs. Five persons who were taken portraits by Sam Sanzetti were found at present.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing

Turkey
32. China Southern launches direct Beijing-Urumqi-Istanbul flight
Urumqi, Tuesday, 22 November 2011
China Southern Airlines launched a route linking Beijing, Urumqi and Turkey's metropolis of Istanbul Tuesday. A spokesman with China Southern's Xinjiang Branch said that it is the first air route to Turkey launched by China Southern as well as the company's 15th international flight route in Xinjiang.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing

33. China culture Year to begin in Turkey in December
Ankara, Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Officials from the cultural section of the Chinese embassy in Turkey told Xinhua that the 2012 China Culture Year in Turkey will begin in the Turkish capital of Ankara on 12 December, 2011. Accordingly, a reception will be held in Ankara and many literature, art, cultural heritage, radio, cinema, education events, and acrobatics and puppet shows will be held in different Turkish cities, particularly Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, Antalya, Mersin and Trabzon. In 2013, Turkey Culture Year in China will be celebrated.
Source: Xinhua, Beijing

Compiled By Aradhana Talwar

Aradhana Talwar is pursuing research 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