According to reports, Beijing announced that it is keen on working with relevant parties to start the official dialogue between Iran and a group of six international mediators. 1

In another development, President Hu Jinato has said that China was ready to push forward its long and healthy relationship with Germany and also work towards improving the strategic partnership. 2

On the domestic front Premier Wen Jiabao met the 11th Panchem Lama in Beijing in Zhongnanhai compound. 3

According to reports, Premier Wen Jiabao pledged unwavering push towards opening and reform in the face of recent challenges and difficulties and has also stated that he will work towards farmer’s right to vote and improve rural community administration. 4

On the regional front, according to reports, Beijing announced that Xi Jingping, the Vice President of China, will pay an official visit to United States, Irelands and Turkey from February 13 to 22, 2012. 5

In other developments, according to reports, Beijing has refuted the British Foreign Secretary William Hague’s criticism on China for vetoing a draft resolution on Syria. Beijing called his denouncement irresponsible. 6

• 1. “China urges talks on Iran nuclear issue” China Daily, February 10, 2012 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-02/10/content_14581120.htm
• 2. “Hu calls for expansion of China-Germany links” China Daily, February 3, 2012 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-02/03/content_14533201.htm
• 3. “Premier Wen meets 11th Panchen Lama” China Daily, February 11, 2012 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-02/11/content_14581846.htm
• 4. “Wen stresses reform, rural democracy” China Daily, February 5, 2012 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-02/05/content_14539987.htm
• 5. “Xi to visit US, Ireland, Turkey” China Daily, February 7, 2012 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-02/07/content_14555562.htm
• 6. “UK's criticism on China 'irresponsible'” China Daily, February 8, 2012 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-02/08/content_14563601.htm