Daily Briefs


Photo : Global Times

19 November 2021, Friday | China Reader Evening Brief | Vol.1, No. 42

China vows to protect sovereignty as Lithuania launches 'Taiwan Representative Office'

China warns Lithuania, Taiwan of consequences for violating the 'One-China' principle. The new office is seen as a move undermining China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

IN BRIEF
By Dincy Adlakha and Keerthana Nambiar

INTERNAL
China’s research team develop a new drug for COVID-19 variants
On 18 November, Global Times reported that a research team in China has discovered a new neutralizing antibody medicine to treat COVID-19 called DXP-604. Singlomics Biopharmaceuticals and a team from Peking University jointly developed the drug. The results showed that the medication alleviated the common symptoms of COVID-19 such as loss of taste or smell and stuffiness. Xie Xiaoliang, the professor who led the research by Peking university said that DXP-604  has been able to evade all the current variants of COVID-19 and has screened over 8,000 antibody candidates. (“Domestic antibody drug likely prevents most COVID-19 variants: researchers,” Global Times, 18 November 2021; "New drug shows promise in treating COVID,” China Daily, 18 November 2021)

INTERNATIONAL
Chinese coast guards hit Philippines boats with water cannons
On 18 November, two Philippines supply boats, heading to a disputed shoal currently occupied by Filipino marines in the South China Sea, were blocked and hit by water cannons by Chinese coast guards. As covered by the Korea Times, Manila’s top diplomat opposed the action and said that China has earned angry protests and a warning from the Philippine government due to this action. The Philippines holds that its vessels are protected under a mutual defence treaty with the US. The vessels were carrying food to Filipino forces but had to abort the mission due to Chinese intervention. It is reported that no one was hurt in the incident. (“China coast guard uses water cannons against Philippine boats,” The Korea Times, 18 November 2021)

President Biden hints at diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics
On 18 November, President Joe Biden said that a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics is “something we are considering.” during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The global event hosted by China is set to start on 4 February. As the dates move closer, the pressure from the US Congress has increased on the President to act on the alleged human rights abuse being committed by China in Xinjiang. The White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said that the decision has no links with the recent Biden-Xi meeting but is instead connected to the human rights conditions in Xinjiang. This is the clearest indication till now of the US administration not sending any government official at an Olympic Games. (Jacob Fromer, “Joe Biden says US considering diplomatic boycott of Beijing Olympics,” South China Morning Post, 19 November 2021)

China opposes launch of ‘Taiwan representative office’ in Lithuania with strong words
On 19 November, Global Times reported that the Chinese government firmly opposed and protested against the ‘Taiwan representative office’ opened in Lithuania. The government holds that the office is in violation of the one-China principle and that the authorities shall take all necessary measures to safeguard sovereignty. A spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry also warned against the consequences that Lithuania shall face. China saw the move as an intrusion of its territorial integrity, and internal affairs. China strongly opposes the secessionist intentions of Taiwan and vows a reunification. (“China vows to take all necessary measures to protect sovereignty after launch of ‘Taiwan representative office’ in Lithuania,” Global Times, 19 November 2021)

French brand Dior faces troubles in China over controversial picture
On 18 November, Global Times reported that French brand Dior is facing a continued controversy in China, which is one of the largest revenue sources and markets for the luxury brand. The brand is facing staunch criticism on Chinese social media sites due to a picture that they posted with a smeared image of Chinese women. The image was shot by a well-known Chinese photographer. However, the Chinese public demands an explanation from the brand as well as the photographer over the picture. The brand has removed the image from its social media accounts but did not offer any explanation. Previously, Italian luxury brands Dolce & Gabbana and Swedish H&M had also witnessed such criticism from the Chinese public due to various reasons. (“French fashion brand Dior mired in controversy in China, one of its biggest markets,” Global Times, 18 November 2021)

Center for Global Development releases a new report on China’s influential position at the international institutions
On 18 November, the Center for Global Development released a new report on China’s subsidized loan contribution to poor countries. China has surpassed Japan becoming the second largest contributor to the system of development banks with a total capital of $66 billion dollars providing $200 billion in subsidized loans to poor countries each year. According to the report, China receives loans and aid from the World Bank, U.N. agencies, and other multilateral institutions Beijing has emerged as one of the most powerful powers. It further adds that Chinas role as a major donor, shareholder, aid recipient, and commercial partner of international institutions gives it a “uniquely influential position.” (“Report shows China's growing clout at World Bank, global institutions,” Reuters, 18 November 2021)

China’s top envoy to Australia calls Canberra a “sabre wielder” with the AUKUS pact
On 19 November, The Guardian newspaper published an interview with a top China envoy with The Guardian. Wang Xining, China’s acting ambassador branded Australia as “sabre wielder” with the plan of acquiring eight nuclear-powered submarines with the capacity of the nuclear non-proliferation system. Wang says that the deal jeopardizes Australia’s image of “peace defender” and the people of Australia “should be worried more.” He shared his views on AUKUS as an ‘Anglo-Saxon clique’, Australia banning Chinese companies, and Tony Abbot, former Australian prime minister visiting Taiwan calling it ‘very unfortunate.’ He refrained from making any comment on a freeze on calls between Australian and Chinese ministers declaring it as a “not a conducive environment.” (“Naughty guy’: top Chinese diplomat accuses Australia of ‘sabre wielding’ with the nuclear submarine deal,” The Guardian, 19 November 2021) 

Reuters apologizes over a tweet to Global Times for posting wrong picture
On 19 November, Reuters apologized for mistakenly attaching a picture of Chinese soldiers to an irrelevant Twitter post published on 18 November 2021. The Chinese netizens criticized the picture as racist. A Reuters spokesperson said in a statement sent to the Global Times, “A tweet on our account regrettably included a photo of Chinese soldiers in an oxygen chamber that was not correctly described. As soon as we became aware of our mistake, the tweet was deleted and corrected, and we apologize for the offense it caused.” (“Update: Reuters apologizes for posting irrelevant tweet with photo of Chinese soldiers,” Global Times, 19 November 2021)
 

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