China and the United States hold annual consultations on maritime security; Need for a peaceful resolution for disputes over the South China Sea emphasized; Several Foreign dignitaries visited China; “Mission Action 2010” and “Strike 2010” concluded;
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    • China and the United States held annual consultations on maritime security in Hawaii on October 14-15, under their Military Maritime Consultative Agreement (MMCA) mechanism. The statement issued by Chinese ministry of Defence noted that talks between Chinese and U.S. militaries on maritime security were “substantial” and “candid”.1

    Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Ma Xiaotian has reiterated that a peaceful resolution through consultation and negotiation was needed to handle disputes over the South China Sea. He made the remarks in his keynote speech at the opening of the Xiangshan military forum in Beijing, which discussed Asia-Pacific security issues.2

    Rwandan Defence Minister James Kabarebe was in China last week on an official visit. There he met with Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie on October 22. The two military leaders discussed as to how to boost the bilateral relationship and enhance military cooperation.3 Liang Guanglie also held talks with the visiting Zambian Defence Minister Kalombo Mwansa on October 21. They explored the possibilities of promoting ties between the two countries and their armed forces. On this occasion, Liang characterized China-Zambia relations as a role model of South-South cooperation.4 Last week, a meeting took place between Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie and the visiting Italian Chief of Defense Staff Vincenzo Camporini. On this occasion, Liang Guanglie pointed out that China and Italy had seen frequent exchanges of high-level visits and maintained close coordination on major international issues. It was also pointed out that both the nations have conducted fruitful cooperation in the economic, trade, culture, technology and tourism sectors.5

    Reports noted that Chief of General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces Mieczysław Cieniuch visited China and met with member of the Central Military Commission and Chief of General Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Chen Bingde in Beijing on October 21 and held talks with him.6

    The “Mission Action 2010” which is a trans-MAC mobile exercise carried out by the troops of the Beijing Military Area Command (MAC) concluded on 21 October. According to reports, during the 11-day-long exercise, the participating troops consisting of such arms as aviation, communication, reconnaissance, artillery, armored force and special force had maneuvered for nearly 1,600 km and conducted exercise on a multiple of subjects in unfamiliar areas.7 On the other hand, the “Strike 2010” anti-terror joint military training held by the special forces of the Chinese and Thai armies was also concluded at a comprehensive training base of the Guangzhou Military Area Command (MAC) of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on 19 October.

    The Chinese Ministry of Defence (Mod) issued a statement on Wednesday noting that the Marine Corps of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will conduct a joint drill, code-named “Blue Assault-2010”, which will take place with their counterpart of Thailand in Sattahip, Thailand, from 26 October to 14 November 2010.8

    Reports noted that a Chinese peacekeeping police squad left for Sudan on Thursday to take part in the United Nations missions. It was the ninth peacekeeping police force China sent to Sudan since May 2006, when China dispatched its first group of peacekeepers in the war-torn region.9

    According to reports, a nationwide winter conscription work had kicked off all-roundly in China. The main candidates of this winter conscription are youths of conscription age having an education level of and above high school (including vocational high school, secondary specialized school and technical school).10

    Meanwhile, Guangzhou Garrison of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army has fully taken up various preparation works for supporting the Asian Games 2010. The games will be held in Guangzhou, capital of South China’s Guangdong province in the coming November 2010.11

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