June 22 2011 - Middle East Region

Opposition in Libya is welcomed to Beijing
International Herald Tribune
- China is increasingly reaching out to the Libyan opposition and at the same time is trying to arrange a cease-fire in the West's continuing military campaign against the forces of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi.
- Chinese foreign minister Yang Jiechi met with Colonel Qadafi's foreign minister Abdulati Al-Obeidi
- China: "We're in contact with both parties in Libya, urging the parties to ease conflict in order to facilitate the national and people's fundamental interests asap."
- China has consistently preached non-intervention and has opposed international efforts to put pressure even on pariah regimes such as Zimbabwe, Sudan, Myanmmar and N Korea.
- Libya was a major oil exporter until the conflict halted shipments. China purchased $4.45 billion worth of Libyan crude last year.
- Does China's decision to invite an opposition leader to negotiations reflect a desire to be prepared no matter which side will win in the Libyan conflict? China respects the Libyan people's freedom of choice.
- Libyan opposition National Transitional Council will be an important political force.