USA, China ... Tension rising
(1)
Obama Puts U.S. Approach to China on New Path
President Barack Obama’s pivot toward Asia is shifting the U.S. approach to China by teaming up with its neighbors to press the world’s second-largest economy to “play by the rules.”
During a trip that began in Hawaii Nov. 11, Obama announced steps to expand trade and military cooperation with Asia-Pacific nations that share U.S. concerns over China’s policies on currency valuation, intellectual property and territorial claims. Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao today in Bali, the final leg of the journey.
“U.S. pressure on China has intensified,” said Tim Condon, Singapore-based head of Asian research at ING Groep NV (INGA), saying the shift has “startled” the Chinese. “China can’t ignore the U.S. stance. The only question is how they interpret it.”
/more:
http://www.bloomberg...-new-path.html#
(plus, these articles from today's SCMP):
(2)
Wen speech cosies up to ASEAN and warns off US
In a speech offering ASEAN nations the carrot of economic aid and co-operation of continuing friendship, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao warned against "external forces" interfering in territorial disputes in the South China Sea. "Outside forces should not get involved under any excuse," he told a summit in Bali,
(3)
Docking points way forward
Nation sees successful unmanned Shenzhou 8 mission as a step toward a future space station
The Shenzhou 8 craft parachuted to ground in the mainland after two weeks in space... It docked twice with the Tiangong 1 module, which remains in orbit...
"We welcome colleagues and experts in the space field to join us in developing and operating this space station..."
The country launched an independent space programme after beingh rebuffed in its attempt to join the international station, largely on objections from the US, which is wary of the Chinese programme's military links and the sharing of technology with its chief economic and political rival.