2nd April 09

The Australian

Block on Chinese mining bid 'linked to Pine Gap'

FEARS that Chinese spies could compromise the joint Australian-US intelligence operations at Pine Gap may have underpinned the Rudd Government's decision to reject OZ Minerals' takeover by China Minmetals, according to the country's leading intelligence expert. Des Ball, of the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, said China would have the potential to intercept key satellite transmissions into Pine Gap from OZ Minerals' mine sites near Woomera in South Australia.

We don't seek control: Beijing's ambassador Zhang Junsai

THE most senior Chinese diplomat in Canberra has warned against an overly "emotive" debate about China and declared Australia should not fear Chinese investors - even if they are controlled by Beijing. Beijing's ambassador, Zhang Junsai, says the Chinese are not intent on taking over Australian resources.

Chinese seek to invest, not dominate

Zhang Junsai is China's ambassador to Australia.

SINCE I was accredited as the Chinese ambassador to Canberra two years ago, I have witnessed intense media interest in the China boom, China decoupling and, more recently, Chinese investment. Arguments for or against investment by Chinese companies are not surprising. But rather than using emotive language, we should approach this matter in a rational and comprehensive manner.

The New York Times

France and China Seek to End Differences Over Tibet

France’s President Nicolas Sarkozy and Chinese President Hu Jintao have agreed to meet this week after months of friction over China’s handling of human rights and Tibet, French officials said Wednesday as the two men prepared to join other world leaders for the G-20 summit meeting in London.

China Invests to Be Leader in Electric Vehicles

TIANJIN, China — Chinese leaders have adopted a plan aimed at turning the country into one of the leading producers of hybrid and all-electric vehicles within three years, and making it the world leader in electric cars and buses after that.