#19 US Gets Major Heat for Human Rights Report

Every year the US State Department publishes its human rights report. The report analyzes the human rights situation in almost every country in the world. This year, the report has caused increasing irritation in a number of influential countries.

Responding to U.S. complaints, China charged that the Bush administration has no standing to criticize other countries on human rights because its own record is full of blemishes at home and abroad. "As in previous years, the State Department pointed the finger at human rights conditions in more than 190 countries and regions, including China, but avoided touching on the human rights situation in the United States," the government said in a report issued by Premier Wen Jiabao's office. "We urge the U.S. government to acknowledge its own human rights problems and stop interfering in other countries' internal affairs under the pretext of human rights.

Similarly, Moscow criticized the US State Department's annual report on global human rights, saying its assessment of the situation in Russia was skewed, confrontational and aimed at furthering US political interests. In a statement released by the Russian Foreign Ministry, Moscow complained that "Washington has long practiced double standards in the sphere of human rights, depending on whether one state or another acts in accordance with (US) political interests...These standards are particularly clearly visible against the background of what is happening now in Iraq, Afghanistan and at the military base in Guantanamo with the participation of the US armed forces."

Even Egypt was offended by the report, reacting angrily to criticism of its human rights record. Foreign Minister Ahmad Aboul-Gheit accused the US of interfering in its affairs. While the report isn't intended to make allies happy, it certainly doesn't seem to be garnering a whole lot of goodwill.

#16 China Hits Back at U.S. (Cheney)

In response to Vice President Dick Cheney's criticism of Beijing (he said China's destruction of an inactive weather satellite last month, as well as its "continued fast-paced military build-up are less constructive, and are not consistent with China's stated goal of a peaceful rise"), a spokesman for the foreign ministry in Beijing accused the US of acting like a nosy neighbour. Qin Gang said China's policies were aimed only at defence, rejecting claims of opaque spending policies. "What's your response if your neighbour keeps peeking into your house through a crack in the door and yelling 'Open the door, let's see what's inside'?" Mr Qin said.

#14 Cheney Critical of China

China's recent anti-satellite weapons test and its continued military buildup are "not consistent" with its stated aim of a peaceful rise as a global power, Vice President Dick Cheney said Friday. Cheney praised China for playing an "especially important" role in the negotiations that resulted in the North Korea deal, under which the North is to seal its main nuclear reactor and allow international inspections in exchange for fuel oil. "Other actions by the Chinese government send a different message," Cheney told the Australian-American Leadership Dialogue, a private organization that promotes ties between the two countries. "Last month's anti-satellite test, China's continued fast-paced military buildup are less constructive and are not consistent with China's stated goal of a peaceful rise," he said.

#9 "Yellow Fever" in Sudan

China is not often a forerunner when it comes to dealing with foreign crises. However, in recent months it seems China has awoken from her usual regional focus. With President Hu currently touring Africa, China is at the forefront of stabilizing efforts in Sudan. And for good reason: nearly half a million barrels of oil are imported directly from Sudan on a daily basis.

As China's hunger for resources grow, it realizes it needs to pursue active diplomacy in resource rich countries. After trade deals with Venezuela, China has shifted its attention to Africa, where it can buy influence cheaply. While Europe and the US have chosen to focus their attention on areas other than Africa first, China has been very active indeed. For a deeper look at some of the factors at play, please have a look at "Africa: China's Training Ground."

With the EU and the US distracted elsewhere, let us hope China's influence can be a force for bringing peace and stability to the region.