Week of March 21, 2003The U.S. and China This Week
INTERNATIONAL: China Voices Opposition to War in IraqThe People's Republic of China has responded vociferously in opposition to the U.S. led attack on Iraq. Statements by the Foreign Ministry have called the war a violation of both international law and the U.N. charter and officials there have called for the immediate halt of hostilities. The strength of such condemnation was similar to remarks expressed earlier by Russian president Vladimir Putin, but surprised many China analysts who expected a milder response from the PRC. With regard to the Iraq issue, China has, along with France and Russia, pushed for a diplomatic solution. Since the beginning of hostilities, China has increased security around foreign embassies in Beijing. These security measures, which began during the recent Congressional meetings to appoint the new Chinese political leadership were continued as a consequence of the growing international tension.
DOMESTIC: Mysterious Illness Spreads to BeijingAcute respiratory syndrome, the mysterious flu-like
sickness that has spread rapidly throughout Southeast and East Asia
has reached Beijing, reportedly killing at least two people. The
disease, which is suspected to have originated in Guangdong, a province
in southern China adjacent to Hong Kong, has quickly spread infecting
over 500 people throughout the world. The World Health Organization
(WHO) has issued a global warning for the disease, calling it a
"worldwide health threat" and has attempted to work with
the Chinese government to investigate the origins of the disease.
Taiwanese health authorities have cautioned residents
against travel to both Hong Kong and mainland China because of worries
regarding the disease, which has already made its way to Taiwan.
Last updated: 17 January 2001 |
