IN FOCUS
By Keerthana Nambiar

Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe on China-Taiwan tensions

Recent Developments
On 1 December, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe commented on the China-Taiwan tensions during a virtual speech at a forum organized by Institute for National Policy Research, a Taiwanese think tank. Abe said, “a Taiwan emergency is a Japanese emergency, and therefore an emergency for the Japan-US alliance,” and “people in Beijing, especially president Xi Jinping, should never have a misunderstanding in recognizing this.” Abe reflected that “A stronger Taiwan, a thriving Taiwan, and a Taiwan that guarantees freedom and human rights are also in Japan’s interests. Of course, this is also in the interests of the whole world.” He warned China that “a military adventure would be the path to economic suicide.”

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin responded to Abe’s comments saying, “no one should underestimate the resolve determination, firm will and strong ability of the Chinese people to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Wenbin further added that “Anyone who dares to repeat militarism and challenge the bottom line of the Chinese people will surely be shattered in the face.”

On 1 December, the Chinese Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Hua Chunying summoned the Japanese Ambassador to China Hideo Tarumi calling in for an emergency meeting regarding the remarks made by Abe. Hua declared that Abe had “grossly interfered with China’s internal matters” and “urged Tarumi not to underestimate China’s power to defend its sovereignty.”
Abe’s comments flame diplomatic row.

Shinzo Abe’s comments have placed Japan in a very tough position between the two superpowers and key trade partners US and China. Though Abe stepped down as Prime Minister in 2020, he remains to be highly influential in the largest faction of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Abe’s statements come in as an unnecessary advancement. This can be perceived as a move by Abe to place himself again in Japan’s security framework where he was absent for quite a while.

Japanese stance
Beijing’s growing assertiveness in the region with the recent escalations in the Taiwan Strait has locked Tokyo and shifted its consensus to pro-Taiwan. Earlier Japan always trod carefully on Taiwan and preferred to keep its policies on Beijing and Taipei ambiguous. This changed when in July 2021, Japan released its defense white paper and discussed Taiwan for the first time as a key element for Japanese security. Tokyo has now shifted to a hawkish consensus on Beijing under the leadership of new Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida taking a hard stance on China. The pro-Taiwan shift is also accompanied by Japan’s active criticisms of the Chinese human rights issues and pledging of expanding defense budgets.

On the other hand, Japan is trying to navigate its internal problems with its new Omicron threat, economic instability, pandemic recovery, vaccines gaps, and LDP factional differences. This wide spectrum of issues will eventually force Japan to prioritize internal issues or cross-Strait security policies.

References
“China summons Japan envoy and rips Abe for warning about Taiwan invasion,” The Japan Times, 2 December 2021
Amber Wang, “China summons Japanese envoy over ex-PM Abe’s Taiwan remarks,” South China Morning Post, 2 December 2021
“China Lashes Out at Japan’s Former PM Abe Over Taiwan Warning,” The Diplomat, 2 December 2021
“Former PM Abe says Japan, U.S. could not stand by if China attacked Taiwan,” The Asahi Shimbun, 1 December 2021

IN BRIEF
By Avishka Ashok and  Dincy Adlakha

INTERNAL
Supreme People’s Procuratorate arrests former political advisor
On 7 December, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) announced the arrest of former senior political advisor Xiao Yi for his involvement in suspected bribe-taking and abuse of power. After the investigation by the National Supervisory Commission, the case was transferred to procuratorial authorities for further prosecution. Xiao Yi previously held the position of vice-chairman of the Jiangxi Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. (“China's top procuratorate orders arrest of ex-senior provincial political advisor,” Xinhua Net, 7 December 2021)

President Xi attends and delivers special address at Symposium on economic work
On 6 December, Xinhua Net reported that the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China conducted a symposium with non-party workers to understand their views and opinion on economic work. President Xi Jinping also attended the symposium and delivered a speech on 2 December 2021. In his address, President Xi encouraged the CPC to implement the spirit of the sixth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee by reliving the history and the features of multi-party cooperation and carrying forward the traditions while staying true to the original cooperation aspirations. He said: “This year is a year of milestone significance in the history of the CPC and the country. Faced with a complex and grave situation at home and abroad, China made marked economic development achievements. During the period, the non-Communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and personages without party affiliations contributed their wisdom and strength to the economic growth.” Other members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee such as Li Keqiang, Wang Yang, Wang Huning and Han Zheng also attended the symposium. (“CPC Central Committee holds symposium with non-CPC personages on economic work,” Xinhua Net, 6 December 2021)

Communist Party of China holds meeting to discuss the economic activities in 2022
On 6 December, the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee conducted a meeting to analyze and plan the economic work of the coming financial year. The meeting aimed to prepare the party conduct and the anti-corruption work and also review the regulations related to the party discipline. President Xi Jinping chaired the session. The meeting appreciated the Party’s actions in keeping calm and effectively dealing with the fast-paced changes to the world that were caused by the coronavirus pandemic. It also encouraged the party and the people to carry out the economic activities in a solid manner while also adhering to the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characters under the guidance of President XI Jinping. (“CPC leadership holds meeting on 2022 economic work, anti-corruption, party discipline inspection,” Xinhua Net, 6 December 2021)

China reports 60 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases
On 7 December, Xinhua reported that the Chinese mainland reported 60 novel cases, transmitted locally, the previous day. The data was announced by the National Health Commission in its daily report. It also said that 55 of these 60 cases were reported in Inner Mongolia. Although there has been no reported death in the mainland, this new report takes the current active figure of COVID-19 cases close to one lakh. Some of the new cases are asymptomatic while others have mild to medium symptoms. Some are in severe conditions. (“Chinese mainland reports 60 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases,” Xinhua Net, 7 December 2021)

ECONOMY
Evergrande Group approaches next deadline in doubt
On 6 December, Asahi Shimbun reported that the Evergrande Group is approaching a new deadline. Previously, it has managed to stay afloat despite defaulting multiple deadlines and providing last-minute payments at others. However, as the group nears the next deadline, there are pessimistic rumours and doubts on the Group’s capabilities to fulfill the instalment. There are also whispers of probable state involvement for a managed debt restructuring. Previously, the state has not taken much responsibility or intervened to help the Group. (“China Evergrande braces for debt deadline after doubting ability to pay,” The Asahi Shimbun, 6 December 2021)

REGIONAL
Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson comments on remarks made by the US 
On 6 December, the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office Ma Xiaoguang referred to the statements made by certain US officials on Taiwan and expressed China’s displeasure over the remarks. He called the statements erroneous and explained that the remarks showcase the US intentions of using the Taiwan card. He said: “Solving the Taiwan question is purely China's own affairs and brooks no interference from external forces.” He pushed the US to strictly follow the One-China principle and refrain from sending false hopes to the Taiwanese independence forces. (“U.S. officials' remarks expose erroneous stance on Taiwan question: spokesperson,” Xinhua Net, 6 December 2021)

INTERNATIONAL
Malaysian Foreign Minister announces collaboration with China on COVID-19 vaccines
On 7 December, Xinhua reported that Malaysia and China will collaborate in research for COVID-19 vaccine development and production. The same was announced by Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah in The Star. He also said that this collaboration will be crucial for Malaysia’s ambition to develop its own vaccine. It is an important step in the National Vaccine Development Roadmap of Malaysia, as announced by the Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yakoob. (“China, Malaysia to collaborate in COVID-19 vaccine research, says Malaysian FM,” Xinhua Net, 7 December 2021)

White House announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics
On 6 December, the White House announced that the US will not send any officials to the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022. This decision of diplomatic boycott was announced by White House press secretary Jen Psaki, who said: “The Biden administration will not send any diplomatic or official representation to the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics Games, given the PRC's ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang and other human rights abuses.” Although the sportspersons representing America will reach for the event starting 4 February, there will not be any diplomatic engagements with the country. (“US announces diplomatic boycott of Winter Olympic Games in Beijing,” The Straits Times, 6 December 2021)