(MAY 21-JUNE 3, 2012)

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that “deliberately highlighting the military and security agenda, deploying more military forces and strengthening military alliances in the Asia-Pacific region are inappropriate”. 1 However, it further stated that the growing military power of China is in accordance with its economic and social development and defence requirements. 2

Reports noted that direct trading between Chinese yuan and Japanese yen began on June 1, 2012. 3

According to reports, the deputy chief of the general staff of the PLA urged the international community to make joint efforts to formulate rules in the cyber space arena. 4

China and Cambodia signed a military cooperation agreement in Phnom Penh. 5

Meanwhile Beijing voiced its strong discontent over a meeting between the Dalai Lama and the Austrian Chancellor. 6

In another development, China successfully launched a telecommunications satellite from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. 7

In other developments, China and Spain agreed to expand their bilateral cooperation in trade and renewable energy. 8

• 1. “China says more U.S. forces in Asia-Pacific inappropriate” Xinhua, June 4, 2012 at http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2012-06/04/c_131630586.htm
• 2. “Rising military power is in line with China's defense needs: FM spokesman” Xinhua, June 4, 2012 at http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2012-06/04/c_131630570.htm
• 3. “Yuan-yen direct trading is a win-win game for China, Japan” Xinhua, June 2, 2012 at http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2012-06/02/c_131627370.htm
• 4. “Chinese general calls for international cyber space rules” Xinhua, May 28, 2012 at http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2012-05/28/c_131616070.htm
• 5. “Cambodian, Chinese defense ministers ink military cooperation pact” Xinhua, May 28, 2012 at http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2012-05/28/c_131615180.htm
• 6. “China expresses objection to Austrian Chancellor-Dalai meeting” Xinhua, May 26, 2012 at http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2012-05/26/c_131612882.htm
• 7. “China launches telecommunication satellite” Xinhua, May 27, 2012 at http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2012-05/27/c_123195386.htm
• 8. “China, Spain agree to deepen cooperation in trade, green energy” Xinhua, May 25, 2012 at http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2012-05/25/c_123193501.htm