In a recent development China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have decided to launch talks of a free trade area later this year. 1 In addition to this Colombian President concluded his five day state visit to China. 2

Meanwhile the Chinese defense ministry has denied reports which indicate that the PLA units have entered level-2 combat readiness. 3 On the other hand the China’s Liberation Army Daily has warned Manila that any attempt to seize the Huangyan Island’s sovereignty will be not be accepted by the Chinese government. 4

Hu Jintao has expressed desire that the SCO should deepen cooperation to ensure mutual, reliable security for its members. 5 There are also reports that President Putin will be visiting China early June 2012 to attend the Beijing summit of SCO. 6 Meanwhile Premier Wen Jiabao congratulated Dmitry Medvedev on becoming the Russian Prime Minister. 7

On the regional front, the Marine forces of China and Thailand are conducting a joint military training in South China’s Guangdong province. 8

In another important development, Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie visited Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. It is the home of the II Marine Expeditionary Force. 9

In other developments, according to reports, the Chinese Navy training vessel “Zhenghe” arrive Kochi Port, India for a good will visit. 10

The Arab League (AL) chief Nabil al-Arabi expressed his desire for closer relations between Arab countries and China. 11

• 1. “China, Japan, ROK to start FTA talks this year” China Daily, May 13, 2012 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-05/13/content_15279628.htm
• 2. “Colombian president concludes China visit” China Daily, May 12, 2012 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-05/12/content_15277881.htm
• 3. “China denies PLA at level-2 combat readiness” China Daily, May 12, 2012 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-05/12/content_15276516.htm
• 4. “Military newspaper warns Manila” China Daily, May 10, 2012 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-05/10/content_15260400.htm
• 5. “Hu urges SCO to ensure security for its members” China Daily, May 12, 2012 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-05/12/content_15275682.htm
• 6. “Putin to pay state visit to China” China Daily, May 11, 2012 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-05/11/content_15274653.htm
• 7. “Wen congratulates Medvedev on becoming Russian PM” China Daily, May 8, 2012 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-05/08/content_15241401.htm
• 8. “China, Thailand begin joint military training” China Daily, May 11, 2012 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-05/11/content_15274276.htm
• 9. “Chinese defense minister visits US Marines base” China Daily, May 11, 2012 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-05/11/content_15264172.htm
• 10. “Chinese navy training vessel visits India” China Daily, May 9, 2012 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-05/09/content_15252062.htm
• 11. “AL chief calls for closer Arab-China ties” China Daily, May 8, 2012 at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-05/08/content_15237510.htm