International Finance - Money Laundering
International Organisations

A senior central bank official of China made a case for China's bid to join the world money policing agency, the Financial Action Task Force on Anti-Money Laundering. China became an observer in 2005.

See previous post.

Reparation for War Crimes

Seventy-six labourers and relatives came to Japan from China to pursue lawsuits against the Japanese government and companie for forced labour during World War II. Fourteen suits by over 200 Chinese labourers have progressed through the Japanese courts, and three have reached the Supreme Court. In contrast to Japan, Germany and Austria have since 2000 apologised for their use of slave and forced labor during World War II and have been compensating victims throughout the world.

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Diplomatic Protection
Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities

During the riots in Tonga, about 300 overseas Chinese sought refuge at the Chinese embassy after their homes and business were destroyed. Later, the Chinese Government sent a chartered plane and airlifed over 200 Chinese nationals from Tonga.

Human Rights - Religious Freedom

In response to the US State Department designating China as one of eight "countries of particular concern" with regard to international religious freedom in 2006. a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said, "The United States' action violates the basic rules of international relations, and constitutes a rude intervention in the internal affairs of another country."

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Environment - Climate Change

A Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said China plans to enhance the energy use efficiency by 20% within the next five years and has made important contribution to the abatement of climate change.

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Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges

The Commercial Section of the Chinese Embassy in Venezuela was looted by some local citizens. The Chinese Government demanded the Venezuelan Government to capture the offenders and strengthen protection for the Chinese missions and citizens.

International Organisations
Financial Law

China's two-year bid to join the Inter-American Development Bank has made little progress because the US is said to be wary of Beijing's desire to join the institution.

Human Rights - Death Penalty

China's Supreme People's Court president Xiao Yang urged courts to exercise extreme caution when handing down death sentences. "In cases where the judge has legal leeway to decide whether to order death, he should always choose not to do so", he said.

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Environment - Climate Change

The International Energy Agency says China will surpass the US as the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases by 2009. "China is willing to reduce emissions, but it largely depends on how developed countries meet their commitments in funding and technology transfer", a senior Chinese governmental official commented.

Human Rights - Refugee
Hong Kong

Hong Kong is seeking the help of mainland authorities to stem an influx of asylum seekers, mainly from Sri Lanka and Pakistan, who come to Hong Kong from the mainland through people smugglers. In the first half of 2006, an average of 160 people a month claimed asylum in Hong Kong. In the past, only 15 per cent of applications had been successful.

Law of the Sea
Diplomatic Protection

Fifteen Chinese fishermen were detained in Darwin, Australia, after their boat was intercepted by Australian defense ship, the sixth Chinese boat detained so far this year on suspicion of illegal fishing in Australian waters. The Chinese Embassy expressed its deep concern over the issue and requested the vessel and crew members be released as early as possible.

Human Rights - Death Penalty

Chinese legislature adopted a change to the law on the court system requiring all death sentences to be approved by the Supreme People's Court. Human rights activists expressed hope the change will help reduce its use of the death penalty. Amnesty International estimates that at least 1,770 people were executed in 2005, which was more than 80 percent of the world's total.

International Finance - Money Laundering
International Law and Domestic Law

Chinese legislature adopted a law against money laundering which broadens the definition of money-laundering crimes. A legislative official said the new law takes full account of the cross-border nature of money-laundering activities and is consistent with the provisions of international conventions.

Taiwan

A Foreign Ministry spokesman said the Chinese Government firmly opposes US arms sales to Taiwan, saying the sale would violate US commitments made in the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques, in particular the joint communique of August 17, 1982. The head of the American Institute in Taiwan had reportedly pushed the Taiwan legislature to approve the arms purchase this autumn.

Trade
Settlement of Disputes

The WTO decided to establish an expert panel to investigate complaints by the EU, the US and Canada about China's import measure on auto parts. This was the first time that China faces a litigation at the WTO since her accession in 2001.

See previous post.

United Nations

To commemorate the 35th anniversary of Beijing's entry into the UN, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing wrote an article for the People's Daily which outlines China's contribution to the activities of the UN.

Finance
Human Rights

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman rejected as "groundless" and "unacceptable" the World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz's remarks that China had ignored the human rights situation in African countries when providing loans. "China has always adopted a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries," the spokesman claimed.

See previous post.