US and China promise to work together Iran sanctions; Hu Jintao rejects foreign pressure on currency reform; Kyrgz president will stand down in return for safety guarantee; Sudan voting extended

Top of the Agenda: China Pledges Support on Iran Sanctions

US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao agreed to work together (NYT) on a new package of sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program, but Hu made no specific commitments on measures the United States wants to impose. Obama addressed China's concern that, if sanctions were imposed, Iran could cut off its much-needed oil supply, saying he would ensure that China's oil supply remained steady if China joined in severe sanctions. In the past, China has agreed to efforts to address Iran's nuclear program and then used Security Council negotiations to dilute the measures enacted.

Ma Zhaoxu, a spokesman for the Chinese delegation, was more cautious about the agreement, suggesting that China and the United States still differ (WashPost) on elements of a sanctions resolution.

Analysis:

A Wall Street Journal editorial says terrorists, a main focus of the nuclear summit, are not likely to get their hands on nuclear weapons. Iran and North Korea should be the summit's focus instead.

On the Daily Beast, Gordon Chang says Hu's presence at the nuclear summit proves China is "more bluster than bite."

The summit in Washington may produce commitment to a plan for securing nuclear materials, largely because of Obama's willingness to commit the US to nonproliferation and disarmament goals, says expert Tanya Ogilvie-White.

Background:

This CFR interactive nuclear energy guide examines the past, present, and future of nuclear energy.

Check out expert analysis and background resources from CFR on nuclear nonproliferation, security, and treaties.

 

PACIFIC RIM: Hu Tells Obama Yuan Reform on Own Terms

Chinese President Hu told Obama the Chinese exchange rate reform will be according to its own needs (WSJ) and not foreign pressure, adding that letting the yuan appreciate against the dollar is not a solution to bilateral trade imbalances.

This CFR Backgrounder examines the China-US economic imbalance.

Read CFR's Asia Unbound blog, featuring timely analysis from CFR's Asia experts.

 

ELSEWHERE:

Kyrgyz President Seeks Safety Guarantee
Sudan to Extend Voting by Two Days

 

This is an excerpt of the CFR.org Daily News Brief. The full version is available on CFR.org.