Over 30,000 people died in the May 12 earthquake that struck Sichuan province. The quake measured 8.0 on the Richter scale. While rescue efforts and relief operations were speeded up, China declared a three-day national mourning in memory of the people who died in the disaster1.

China’s Ambassador to the European Union (EU), Song Zhe meanwhile has expressed Beijing’s willingness to cooperate with the EU in an “open” and “constructive” manner to promote Africa’s development. Addressing the Brussels University of Freedom, Song pointed out that China and the EU had established high-level consultation systems on Africa2.

In other developments, SCO defence ministers met the Chinese Defence Minister Liang Guanglie during the week. The meeting was intended to enhance the defence cooperation among the member countries who also expressed an interest to sign a defence cooperation pact. Kazakh Defence Minister Daniyal Akhmetov noted that the signing of the defence cooperation pact would not only provide the legal basis for their multilateral defence cooperation but also promote bilateral ties3.

• 1. “China earthquake death toll rises by one to 34,074,” People’s Daily, May 20, 2008, at http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90776/90882/6414820.html
• 2. “Diplomat: China willing to cooperate with EU on Africa in ‘constructive’ manner,” People’s Daily, May 17, 2008, at http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90776/90883/6412764.html
• 3. “Chinese defense minister meets SCO counterparts on cooperative ties,” People’s Daily, May 17, 2008, at http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90776/90883/6412760.html