Daily Briefs


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16 December 2021, Thursday | China Reader Evening Brief | Vol.1, No. 64

US blacklists Chinese firms over aid in human rights abuses

The US increases the list of banned Chinese firms, including top drone technology, over their alleged aid in the human rights abuses in Xinjiang.

IN BRIEF
By Dincy Adlakha and Avishka Ashok 

ECONOMY
China invites global firms to expand investment in China
On 16 December, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang attended a virtual dialogue with business leaders of the Global CEO council. In the conference, he invited firms from all over the world to expand investments in China. Business leaders from Fortune Global 500 companies were present in the session. Li seized the opportunity to note the reforms China has brought in to become friendly to multinational companies and promote China’s modernization drive. (“China welcomes companies from worldwide to further expand investment: Premier,” Xinhua Net, 16 December 2021)

REGIONAL
US criticizes China for “aggressive actions” in the South China Sea
On 16 December, Anthony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, described China's behavior of “claiming open seas as their own” as an aggressive act. Blinken made these remarks in a speech to the University of Indonesia as part of his visit to South-east Asia. He also said that Washington will work non-stop with its allies and partners to maintain a rules-based order and to ensure that the seas are open and accessible to all. (Linda Yulisman, “Blinken hits out at China over 'aggressive actions' in South China Sea,” The Straits Times, 16 December 2021)

INTERNATIONAL
Biden administration adds more Chinese companies to blacklist over human rights abuses in Xinjiang
On 16 December, the Commerce Department of the US added dozens of more Chinese firms and entities in the export restriction list for being a part of the human rights allegations being flown around in the world relating to Xinjiang.  These firms were said to have included “purported brain-control weaponry” with active usage of biotechnology to support the Chinese military. Some of the firms added to the blacklisted firms are HMN International, Huawei Marine, Jiangsu Hengtong Marine Cables, and the like. (Alexandra Alper and Daphne Psaledakis, "U.S. curbs Chinese drone maker DJI, other firms it accuses of aiding rights abuses," Reuters, 16 December 2021)

Lithuania to approach EU amidst pressure from China
On 16 December, the political advisor to the Lithuanian president said that Lithuania may approach the EU to seek help amidst diplomatic pressure from China. She said: "We think this will lead to a discussion how the EU and particularly European Commission could help Lithuania in this matter. We want that the conflict to be clear to our European partners, and that the economic actions would be as wide as possible." Lithuania is being diplomatically pressured by China due to its friendly relations with Taiwan. ("Lithuania to ask European leaders for support in face of Chinese pressure," Reuters, 16 December)

Chinese foreign minister responds to statement by Japan PM refusing to attend Winter Olympics
On 16 December, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida said in a statement that it is very unlikely that he will attend the Beijing Winter Olympics in February 2022. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin responded to this statement and said: “ Beijing Winter Olympic Games is a grand gathering of athletes and fans from all over the world. Any attempt to politicize sports runs counter to the spirit of the Olympic Charter. China is confident to host a streamlined, safe and splendid Olympic Games.” It is not unusual for top diplomats like heads of states to not visit the summer and winter olympics. However, the tone Japan has adopted for the refusal is softer than the “diplomatic boycott” by other western countries. Both countries are avoiding an irreversible scenario of “broken faith.” (Xu Keyue, “FM responds with calm, confidence as Kishida says ‘no plan’ to attend Beijing 2022,” Global Times, 16 December 2021)

Xinhua writes on global benefits of China-Russia partnership
On 16 December, Xinhua Net published a commentary titled, “Why a close China-Russia partnership is good for global stability” which elaborated on the global benefits of China-Russia partnership. The commentary pointed out that the world is currently in a dynamic era due to the pandemic, hegemonism and protectionism, and so on. In such an era, the China-Russia partnership will bring stability to the world. The two powerful countries should harness their mutual political trust and long-term friendship for economic, social and political stability in the world. (“Xinhua Commentary: Why a close China-Russia partnership is good for global stability,” XInhua Net, 16 December 2021)
 

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