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31 January 2022 | Monday | China Reader Evening Brief | Vol.1, No. 102

President Xi Jinping's address on Lunar New Year

President Xi addresses the citizens at the Spring Festival Xi Jinping addresses citizens for Spring Festival and Lunar New Year

IN BRIEF
By Keerthana Nambiar, Sukanya Bali and Dincy Adlakha

INTERNAL
President Xi addresses the citizens at the Spring Festival Xi Jinping addresses citizens for Spring Festival and Lunar New Year
On 31 January, Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the citizens at the Spring Festival in Beijing. The Spring Festival or Chinese Lunar New Year falls on 1 February. President Xi congratulated the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the people of the remarkable journey in 2021 and building a "modern socialist China." Xi also said that the CPC will be getting ready to convene the 20th national congress and review the work of the last five years in the second half of 2022. He further stressed on "stable and healthy economy" and "high-quality development." ("Xi’s Chinese Lunar New Year address sends message of confidence, bravery and determination," Global Times, 31 January 2021)

Beijing reports 37 new Covid cases
On 30 January, China recorded 37 new cases of Covid-19 among people linked to the Olympic Games. Authorities have imposed stricter health measures for the Games, operating in a "closed-loop" bubble that separates athletes and media from the public. China remains persistent on its zero-tolerance policy. (“China reports 37 new Covid-19 cases among Olympic personnel,” The Strait Times, 31 January 2022)

Religious groups petition for amnesty for Jimmy Lai and others
On 31 January, Reuters reported that a religious coalition group of Christians and Catholics handed a petition to a government representative asking for amnesty for Jimmy Lai and other political activitsts arrested under National Security Law. The petition was addressed to Carrie Lam, a devout Catholic herself and was signed by more than a dozen Christian and Catholoic groups/leaders. Many of the religious leaders also appealed to her catholic values and conscience to free the arrested activitists under National Security Law. (James Pomfret, “Religious groups call for amnesty for Hong Kongers charged under national security law,” Reuters, 31 January 2022)

ECONOMY
China’s manufacturing growth slows down in January
On 30 January, China’s National Bureau of Statistics released data that showed the manufacturing activity of China grew at a slower rate than December 2021. Additionally, the purchasing manager’s index also slopped from 50.3 in December to 50.1 in Janaury. The purchasing manager’s index is an indicator of the manufacturing activity where numbers above 50 show expanding activity and numbers below 50 show contracting manufacturing activity. This slow growth can be attributed to the various COVID-19 break outs in China over the month that forced lockdowns and closure of operations. (“China manufacturing activity grows at slower pace in January,” The Asahi Simbun, 30 January 2022)

INTERNATIONAL
China and Malta celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties
On 31 January, President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with Maltese President George Vella to mark the occasion of 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. President Xi emphasized on the friendly coexistence with Malta in these 50 years. He showcased Chinese-Maltese bond through COVID-19 cooperation, mutual interests on core concerns and fond helpful exchanges between the two countries. President Vella also lauded the fruitful ties with China that play a constructive role in maintaining stability and cooperation. (“Xi exchanges congratulations with Maltese president on 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties,” Xinhua Net, 31 January 2022)

Press group speaks of ‘unprecedented’ pressure on media by China
On 31 January, South China Morning Post published an article titled, ‘China puts ‘unprecedented’ pressure on foreign journalists: press group’ that elaborated on a recent report by Foreign Correspondents’ Club of China. The article highlighted that the FCCC has reported decreasing numbers, online troll campaign and threats of legal action as hurdles from China. The article also mentioned that foreign journalists are under humongous pressure from China through state-backed attacks. Many news organisations have been pushed to draw exit plans as well. (“China puts ‘unprecedented’ pressure on foreign journalists: press group,” South China Morning Post, 31 January 2022)

China and Australia iron ore trade remain strong
On 30 January, Global Times reported, iron ore trade between China and Australia remained strong, despite the rising market prices, due to multiple factors including weather disruption and labor shortage concerns. According to data produced from Mysteel, “the total inventory of iron ore imported by steel mills across China reached about 117.57 million tons this week, an increase of 470,200 tons from the previous month.” The report also highlighted a likely “drop of below 60 per cent” in the trade for 2022. (“Australian iron ore trade strong ahead of Chinese New Year, driven by seasonal hoarding,” Global Times, 30 January 2022)

China dispatches the second batch of disaster relief to Tonga
On 31 January, the Chinese military sent two naval vessels to Tonga with the second batch of disaster-relief supplies. Chinese Ministry of National Defence spokesperson told the mission was undertaken by the Type 071 dock landing ship Wuzhishan and the Type 901 comprehensive supply ship Chaganhu. The relief supplies include mobile homes, tractors, electric generators, medical equipment, food, and other essential goods. (“Chinese military sends two naval vessels bearing 2nd batch of aid to tsunami-hit Tonga, demonstrates responsibility, capacity,” Global Times, 30 January 2022)

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