November 10, 2009

Beijing, China --  The Chinese President announced that the withdrawal of the Red Army from Bhutan will commence following the signing of a Mutual Defense Pact between the two countries set for sometime in January.  The Pact allows the stationing of Chinese soldiers along key points inside Bhutan and training of the Bhutan military will now be done by Chinese advisors instead of those provided by India.  China will also assist Bhutan in modernizing its military forces.

The Bhutan King is currently inside China and will remain there until the signing of the Pact with Chinese officials is concluded, at which point he will likely be allowed to return home.  Several international civil rights organizations are branding this move by the PRC as nothing more than the annexing Bhutan in all but name. 

American and Japanese leaders have stated that they will discontinue the embargo against

 Chinese goods once the Chinese Army commences it's withdrawal from Bhutan, expected to begin immediately after the signing ceremony.  

In spite of these outcries, the US and Japan seem to be accepting China's actions as an act of good faith and have announced they will end the embargo once the Chinese Army commences it's withdrawal from Bhutan, expected to begin immediately after the signing ceremony.

Kelly Crawford (ENN)