(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