In a very important development China announced that it would welcome a visit by envoys of the Libyan opposition National Transitional Council (NTC) in the near future. "We are ready to receive a visit from NTC representatives in the near future," Chen Xiaodong, director general of the West Asian and North African Affairs Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said.1

On the other hand Beijing has also expressed hope that the two sides of the Korean Peninsula will engage in dialogue as soon as possible.2

Meanwhile the Chinese President Hu Jintao said that China is ready to work with all relevant parties to push for new progress in international anti-terrorism cooperation. Hu made the remarks with reporters from Kazakhstan and Russia on the eve of his upcoming visit to Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine from June 12 to 20.3 Meanwhile China, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, all member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), conducted a joint anti-terror drill in Kashi of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.4

In another important development, the Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak will be traveling to China for the first time in a decade. Barak will meet Chinese National Defence Minister Liang Guanglie and other senior officials to discuss "regional issues, the Iranian threat, advancement of the (Israel-Palestinian) peace process and terrorism," a statement from his office said.5

On the regional front, China rejected the Philippine's accusation on the South China Sea issue, urging the Philippines to stop harming China's sovereignty and maritime rights. In response to Manila’s recent allegations regarding increasing activity of Chinese vessels on the South China Sea that harmed the interests of Philippine fishermen, Beijing also reiterated that Chinese vessels were cruising and carrying out scientific studies in waters under China's jurisdiction, and their activities were in line with the law.6

On the bilateral front, China and Cuba strengthened their economic and political ties by signing a dozen cooperation agreements. They are expected to provide strong financial support to Cuba as it embarks on economic reforms.7 Meanwhile Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie said that China is willing to promote constant development of military relations with Australia and make contribution to the regional security and stability.8 In addition China and Indonesia launched a united training for their Special Forces from China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) and Indonesia's National Armed Forces (TNI).9

• 1. “China to receive visit by Libya opposition” China Daily, June 9, 2011 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2011-06/09/content_12664875.htm
• 2. “China hopes quick resume of Korean Peninsula talk” China Daily, June 9, 2011 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2011-06/09/content_12661082.htm
• 3. “China to boost anti-terrorism co-op” China Daily, June 12, 2011 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2011-06/12/content_12678101.htm
• 4. “China, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan stage joint anti-terror drill” China Daily, June 7, 2011 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2011-05/07/content_12674497.htm
• 5. “Israel defence minister to visit China for 1st time in decade” China Daily, June 12, 2011 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2011-06/12/content_12677931.htm
• 6. “China rejects Philippine accusation” China Daily, June 8, 2011 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2011-06/08/content_12653938.htm
• 7. “China, Cuba sign host of cooperation deals” China Daily, June 7, 2011 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2011-06/07/content_12646693.htm#
• 8. “China to promote military ties with Australia” China Daily, June 6, 2011 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2011-06/06/content_12643761.htm
• 9. “China, Indonesia launch united training for special forces” China Daily, June 6, 2011 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2011-06/06/content_12645753.htm