Dutch Prime Minister hopeful of China’s important role at the Nuclear Security Meeting; China marks 10th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the Dominica; Chinese President leaves for Europe Visit; China keen to make contributions to the Iranian nucl
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    • MARCH 17-30

    According to reports, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on March 23 that he believes China will play an important role at the upcoming Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) in The Hague. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the summit planned for Monday and Tuesday, Rutte noted he had held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier on March 23. "I had discussions with President Xi this morning," Rutte said. "We discussed many issues, (including) bilateral relations. Obviously we also talked about the NSS process. "I believe he will play an important role during the summit. Why? Because China is a powerful player, an increasingly important factor at the world stage," he said. "Secondly, China has a big industrial nuclear sector. They spend a lot of money on research," Rutte said.1
    According to reports, March 23 marked the 10th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Commonwealth of Dominica. Leaders from both sides exchanged congratulatory messages. On the occasion Xi Jinping said that, “China attaches great importance to bilateral ties and is willing to work with Dominica to enhance mutual trust, broaden cooperation and cement friendship so as to bring benefits to both the countries and both peoples”.2
    According to reports, the Chinese President Xi Jinping left on March 22 for his first trip to Europe after taking over office. Xi is scheduled to visit the Netherlands, Germany, France and Belgium. He will also be visiting the headquarters of the European Union. He is also scheduled to meet Barack Obama on the sidelines of the nuclear security summit. The trip is expected to improve the economic relations between China and Europe.3
    According to reports, China on March 20 said it would continue communicating with relevant parties and make contributions to reach an agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue as early as possible. Talks between Iran and Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States plus Germany, the P5+1, took place in Vienna, Austria, from March 18-20, 2014. The talks were heading to a comprehensive deal to resolve Tehran's long standing disputed nuclear program. China announced on March 20, that it is in touch with the relevant actors with respect to finding a solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei said at a press conference that, “The talks were positive and relevant parties have expressed political willingness to reach a comprehensive deal as early as possible.4
    According to reports, the Chinese envoy to the UN Liu Jieyi said on March 19 that there is a need to look for a political solution to the ongoing Crimean crisis. He added that, “Respect for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states has been the consistent position of China”.5

    The China-India Strategic Economic Dialogue was held on March 18. As per reports by Xinhua, the two sides signed a number of agreements on sustainable urbanization, information technology and energy sector. Premier Li Keqiang said, “We have to integrate our technologies of high-speed railways and energy equipment with the Indian market as a breakthrough in Sino-Indian cooperation” during his meeting with Montek Singh Ahluwalia, the vice-chairman of the Planning Commission of India.6
    China was very startled with the recent remarks made by Philippines. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei responded to the Philippines government remarks with respect to the Ren’ai Reef. He said that, “China is on high alert for the Philippines’ possibly taking more provocative moves in the South China Sea. The Philippines must accept responsibility for the consequences of what will happen”.7

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