U.S. report raises concern about China's "

string of pearls"

Prominent CPC critic downplays Deng's reforms

China defensive about role in African arms trade;

PLA welcomes easing of cross-Strait tensions

Cross-Strait rapprochement extends to financial sector;

Beijing's appetite for U.S. T-bills may cool in 2009

First direct cross-Strait flights between China and Taiwan;

Moscow and Beijing in bid to reaffirm military partnership