News digest

China seeks cease-fire in South Sudan

Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for an immediate cease-fire and called for political dialogue to end the renewed violence in South Sudan during a meeting with his South Sudan counterpart, Barnaba Marial Benjamin, in Beijing on Aug 19.

Government troops clashed with South Sudan rebels last week near the capital of Unity state, days after a UN Security Council delegation warned of sanctions if either side violated a cease-fire signed in May.

China has played an active diplomatic role in South Sudan and is the biggest investor in its key oil industry.

"An immediate cease-fire is a precondition for a return to peace and stability in South Sudan," Wang told Benjamin.

"Opening political dialogue is the only way for South Sudan to achieve national reconciliation," Wang added.

China hopes both sides in the conflict can push for an inclusive political process and reach a solution as soon as possible that all sides can accept, Wang said.

The Foreign Ministry said Benjamin responded by saying that South Sudan attached great importance to China's suggestions and was willing to work hard to achieve an end to the violence.

The renewed violence will further strain a shaky ceasefire that was signed in May but violated by both sides since then, according to diplomats. A 60-day deadline to form an interim government lapsed on Aug 10, though negotiations continue.

10% fall in number of Japanese in China

The number of Japanese people living in China for more than three months or permanently residing fell by more than 10 percent year-on-year from October 2012 to October 2013, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

Experts said the drop was a consequence of the increasingly strained diplomatic ties between Beijing and Tokyo.

However they expect the number to gradually stabilize because the countries are interdependent in today's globalized world.

The report said 135,000 Japanese were living in China for the specific time periods, a 10.2 percent drop.

In the same period, the overall number of Japanese living overseas increased by 0.7 percent to a record high of 1.258 million.

China is second on the list of countries with the largest numbers of Japanese expatriates.

APEC sets ball rolling for free trade area

Members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum have agreed to begin moves to form a free trade area for the region, a senior official said on Aug 15.

It was widely agreed to continue to promote regional economic integration and begin the process of forming a Free Trade Area for Asia-Pacific, said Zhang Jun, director of the department of international economic affairs at the Foreign Ministry.

It was also agreed to further promote economic structural reform, facilitate innovation, and strengthen regional links to sustain economic development in the Asia-Pacific region, Zhang said.

The topics will be discussed in November at the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in Beijing.

China began preparations for APEC meetings in December. The third senior officials' meeting and related meetings are ongoing in the capital.

China, Vatican vow to improve relations

China will work with the Vatican on a constructive dialogue and promote the improvement of bilateral relations, a spokesperson from the Foreign Ministry said on Aug 15 after Pope Francis sent a message to President Xi Jinping while flying over China on his way to Seoul, South Korea.

Currently, China and the Vatican have no formal relations.

According to Reuters, the pope's radio message as he flew over China said: "Upon entering Chinese air space, I extend best wishes to your Excellency and your fellow citizens, and I invoke the divine blessing of peace and well-being upon the nation."

China Daily

(China Daily Africa Weekly 08/22/2014 page3)