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22 June 2022 | Wednesday | China Reader Evening Brief | Vol.1, No. 216

The US bans products from China's Xinjiang region

China's Ministry of Commerce responds to the US decision to implement the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and ban products from the Xinjiang region.

IN BRIEF
By Avishka Ashok

INTERNATIONAL
The US: China’s Ministry of Commerce responds to ban on products from Xinjiang
On 21 June, the US Customs and Border Protection implemented the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and imposed a ban on products imported from China’s Xinjiang region. China’s Ministry of Commerce spokesperson accused the US of economic coercion for imposing the ban. The statement by the ministry spokesperson said: “The move will seriously damage the interests of Chinese and U.S. consumers and enterprises, and will do no good for the stabilization of global industrial and supply chains, global inflation easing, or the promotion of global economic recovery.” The Ministry of Commerce further accused the US of practicing unilateralism, protectionism and bullying China in the name of human rights. The spokesperson also highlighted that the US behaviour violated the rules of the World Trade Organization and undermined the market principles. (“U.S. ban on Xinjiang products typical example of economic coercion: Chinese official,” Xinhua Net, 22 June 2022)

United Nations: Venue for COP15 changed from China to Canada
On 21 June, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment announced the relocation of the second phase of the 15th meeting on the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) from Kunming, China to Montreal, Canada. The conference is scheduled to take place from 5 to 17 December. The venue for the conference has been changed due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the country and the uncertainty regarding the safety of all attendees during the conference. The Ministry informed that China would continue to act as the chair of the COP15. (“UN Biodiversity Conference to be relocated from China to Canada,” Xinhua Net, 22 June 2022)

Syria: China urges United Nations Security Council to end cross-border aid delivery
On 21 June, Xinhua Net reported that China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Zhang Jun had urged the Security Council to push for a clear timeline for the termination of cross-border aid delivery in Syria. Zhang implored the Security Council to establish a cross-line delivery for humanitarian assistance in the country. The Security Council Resolution 2585 on humanitarian aid to Syria is set to expire in July. Zhang noted that although the resolution helped in easing the crisis in Syria, it had not been implemented effectively. Zhang said: “The Security Council should conduct a comprehensive analysis and adopt an integrated approach to overcome the obstacles to humanitarian relief in a targeted manner, and make more reasonable and effective arrangements for the next stage of humanitarian relief.” (“Chinese envoy calls for clear timeline to end cross-border aid delivery into Syria,” Xinhua Net, 21 June 2022)

Burundi: China helps rural villages get access to state television
On 21 June, Burundi’s Communication, Information Technology and Media Minister Leocadie Ndacayisaba appreciated China for helping the rural population in the country with digital satellite television. The project was handed over to the local authorities in Burundi on 20 June. On the occasion, the Minister noted that China’s initiative will help the rural people have access to national television and will boost their access to public information and help raise awareness. China’s Ambassador to Burundi Zhao Jiangping referred to the project and informed that 200 villages would be connected to the digital television system in the second phase of the project. The first phase of the project has already connected over 300 villages in 2018. China has donated over 190,00 sets of decoders and other accessories for the project. The Chinese government has also made provisions for the maintenance of the project by training over 1000 technicians across the country. (“Chinese-aided project eases access to TV service in rural Burundi,” Xinhua Net, 21 June 2022)

REGIONAL
Taiwan: 29 Chinese aircrafts cause a frenzy in the ADIZ
On 21 June, Taiwan’s Air Force dispatched its jets after 29 Chinese aircrafts entered the country’s Air Defence Identification Zone. The troupe of Chinese aircrafts also included 17 fighters and six H-6 bombers and was the largest incursion since May 2022. The mission also included of aircrafts capable of electronic warfare, early warning, anti-submarine, intelligence gathering aircraft and an aerial refueling aircraft. The Defence Ministry explained that the aircrafts flew close to the Pratas island before entering the Bashi Channel and then turning back to mainland China in the same route. (“Taiwan scrambles jets to warn away Chinese planes in its air defence zone,” The Strait Times, 22 June 2022)

INTERNAL
Violence against women: China initiates probe into police forces for mishandling restaurant attack case
On 21 June, China Central Television reported that the local police officers of Tangshan city were being investigated after an incident of women diners being manhandled and attacked went viral inside and outside the country. The incident led to the outpouring of many other female citizens coming out with their public experiences with violence and mistreatment. The police chief of the district Ma Aijunand four other officers are currently being probed for severe disciplinary violations. Ma has also been relieved of his duty for the period of the probe. The incident is said to have revived the #MeToo movement in China. (“China probes police handling of attack on women in Tangshan restaurant,” The Strait Times, 22 June 2022)

Hong Kong: Iconic floating restaurant capsizes in South China Sea
On 22 June, the Strait Times reported on the sinking of the renowned Jumbo Floating Restaurant in Hong Kong which was a famous symbol and one of the cities cherished tourist spots. The Jumbo Floating Restaurant, a 260-foot and three storeyed eatery, was built in the style of an imperial palace and was located in the harbour in the South China Sea for almost half a century. It was opened by Macau’s casino tycoon Stanley Ho in 1976. However, on 20 June, while it was being towed by tug boats through the deep waters, it capsized and sank. There were no casualties in the incident. According to many citizens, the restaurant was also a reminder of British history in the city and symbolized a period of freedom which is now not the same as before. (“For Hong Kongers, floating restaurant Jumbo that sank was laden with memories,” The Strait Times, 22 June 2022)

Electricity production: Heat waves cause an increase in usage while tornado and heavy rain cause disruption
On 22 June, China’s state media reported that the electricity load at Shandong’s power grid hit a record of 92.94 million kilowatts. Chinese provinces of Shandong and Henan have recorded a heightened consumption in electricity in the last week due to the heat waves causing an increase in the use of the air conditioner. A red-alert was issued in several cities in China; these cities also recorded an increase in use of electricity. Premier Li Keqiang visited a thermal power company in Hebei and urged the company to increase their coal production to prevent power outages in the country. As certain parts of China suffer a heatwave, heavy rainfall and a tornado hit the southern city of Guangzhou, cutting off supply of over 5,400 individuals. The country is trying to secure its connectivity and access to electricity as China is quickly trying to make up for the loss in production and manufacturing caused by the lockdown in April and May. (“Power consumption soars in northern China as Premier Li issues warning, The Strait Times, 22 June 2022)

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