Cheney questions China’s actions

Vice President Dick Cheney said today that China’s recent anti-satellite weapons test and a rapid military buildup were “not consistent” with its stated aim of a peaceful rise as a global power.

Speaking in Sydney, Cheney also expressed wariness about North Korea’s commitment to a landmark deal announced last week on ending the country’s nuclear programs.

As anti-war demonstrators clashed with police outside the hotel where Cheney was speaking, the vice president also expressed gratitude to Australia for sending troops to the Iraq war.

Cheney praised China for playing an “especially important” role in the six-nation 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,” said Cheney. “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.”

New York

‘Koreagate’ figure sentenced

South Korean businessman Tongsun Park, who was accused in the 1970s of trying to buy influence in Congress in the “Koreagate” scandal, was sentenced Thursday to five years in prison for accepting at least $2 million to work on Iraq’s behalf to influence the U.N. oil-for-food program.

Tongsun was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Denny Chin for his conviction seven months ago on conspiracy charges.

The judge called it a “harsh” sentence for a 71-year-old man in poor health but said it was reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances.

“You acted out of greed, acted to profit out of what was supposed to be a humanitarian program,” the judge said.