Topic: Yang Jiechi

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North Korea: What message will John Kerry take to Asia next week?

Secretary of State John Kerry will start a trip to China, South Korea, and Japan next week. Now that the US has taken military precautions, he's expected to speak softly.
Could China and Japan see a spring thaw in relations?

Diplomatic visits between Japan and China had been largely suspended since last September, when a territorial dispute brought the two Northeast Asian powers to the edge of a confrontation.
N. Korea nuclear test: UN issues quick condemnation, but how far will it go? (+video)

US Ambassador Susan Rice says the Security Council's quick and unanimous condemnation of North Korea's nuclear test is a sign the UN response will be 'credible.' But all eyes are still on China.
North Korea extends window, plans for rocket launch (+video)

Faced with technical problems, North Korea extended the window during which they plan to launch a long-ranch rocket. It will be the country's second attempt to launch a rocket this year.
Terrorism & Security US backs new Syrian opposition council in bid to unite rebels

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the Syrian National Council could no longer be viewed as the 'visible leader of the opposition.' The group failed to attract broad support from Syrians.
China reacts to Japan's plans to buy islands claimed by China and Taiwan

Japan says it will buy three uninhabited islands in the East China Sea. Beijing said it would not "sit back and watch its territorial sovereignty violated." The islands are part of what Japan calls the Senkakus, and China calls the Diaoyu group
South China Sea meeting ends in stalemate

The stakes have risen in the South China Sea as the US military shifts its attention back to Asia, emboldening the Philippines and Vietnam to take tougher stance against Beijing.
How US could avoid vetoing Palestinian statehood

Even though nine Security Council members have recognized Palestinian sovereignty, it appears increasingly unlikely that all of those would vote for the formal request.
West Africa Rising: Guinea to sign $5.8 billion mining deal with Chinese firm

China Power Investment would finance the construction of a coal power plant, a deep water port, and a refinery in exchange for digging rights.
Jobs report eases US market, but EU feeling heat

A better-than-expected US jobs report helped abate selling pressures on Wall Street. But Europe's debt problems are pressuring EU officials to act.
Why the South China Sea is turning more turbulent

A US-China military rivalry may be behind China's recent aggressiveness in the South China Sea. On Sunday, Vietnam claims China cut the underwater cables of one of its survey ships.
China's latest trade visit to Africa reveals a different approach to business

China's foreign minister visited several African countries this week, underscoring China's willingness to do business with countries in ways the US wouldn't consider.
APEC countries agree to launch massive new free-trade zone

The 21 members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) agreed Sunday to 'take concrete steps toward realizing a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific' in coming years.
China Japan territorial spat over a fishing boat flares

Even though China is Japan's largest trading partner, a fishing boat row between China and Japan this week highlights tender relations when it comes to disputed territory.
US-Vietnam ties strengthen with military exercises, to China's chagrin

This week, the USS John McCain is engaged in military exercises in the South China Sea - setting a new threshold in US-Vietnam ties.
South Korea freezes North Korea money ahead of Cheonan warship sinking report

South Korea on Monday froze funds for government exchanges with the North, a possible sign that Seoul is preparing for the results from an investigation into the March 26 Cheonan warship sinking that killed 46.
Transatlantic, meet Pacific: China's bold stance at Munich security conference

In front of 300 diplomats, including senior US officials, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said the US was violating international law by a proposed arms sale to Taiwan, and defended Chinese TV and radio as more reliable than Western media.
Munich security conference: fresh focus on Afghanistan, nuclear weapons

The host of the Munich security conference, which opens today, says Europe must step up and help its main ally, the US, and tackle pressing global security needs like Afghanistan and Iran.
Anger China or defend Uighurs? Turkey walks fine line.

Beijing urged Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan to retract his statement that China is committing "genocide" against its Muslim minority.
China's crackdown in Tibet complicates US-Chinese ties

China's foreign minister will visit Washington today amid tension over Tibet and a US-China naval clash in the South China Sea.
Tensions rise as Pakistan moves troops

China and Russia join calls to avoid brinksmanship.
Critics say activist's sentence part of China's pre-Olympics crackdown

Hu Jia, known internationally for his criticism of China's ruling Communist Party, was given a 3-1/2 year jail sentence Thursday.