CHINA READER DAILY BRIEF

INTERNAL
Beijing approves revised state secrets law for the first time
On 27 February, Chinese legislative body approved the revised state secrets law for the first time since 2010, which will take effect from 01 May. The revised law will include “work secrets” with restricted sensitive information.  Xinhua News agency reported that the revision is part of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s efforts to improve  national security of China, this comes after the implementation of an anti-espionage law in April 2023 that created fear among foreign businesses. The existing state secrets comprise areas such as the government, CCP decision-making, military and diplomatic activities, and so on. The new revision will require government agencies to protect information that is not state secret but can have negative implications if leaked. The revised law increases coordination with China’s Data Security Law for managing confidential data. (“China broadens law on state secrets to include ‘work secrets’,” Reuters, 28 February 2024)

Housing authority to regulate rental fees to boost long-term leasing market, SCMP
On 27 February, Beijing’s Municipal Commission of Housing and Urban-Rural Development issued a draft proposal to regulate rental fees that could boost long-term leasing, aiming to reinforce the rights and interests of tenants. The proposal would enable the housing rental companies that collect rent for over three months to deposit a part of it into a third-party escrow account. Tenants can monitor the account using a number linked to the contract. The draft proposal is open to public consultation until 05 March. Deputy director of the China Index Academy, Xu Yuejin, said that the proposal would support China’s housing rental regulations, standardize the procedure involved, and ensure the healthy development of the housing rental market. According to the proposal, the Beijing Real Estate Agency Association will settle disputes between the tenants and the rental companies. It will assist tenants in retrieving their rents and deposits. China’s apartment industry was designed to provide furnished apartments and amenities at affordable prices to young urban professionals. Yan Yueijin said the country’s recent policy proposal will respond well to the crisis-hit property market. (Yuke Xie, “Beijing housing authority’s proposal to regulate rental fees will revive confidence in leasing market, analysts say,” South China Morning Post, 29 February 2024)

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Chinese shipbuilding industry achieves record growth despite US sanctions, SCMP
On 28 February, according to a report in the South China Morning Post, “China’s shipbuilding industry ‘edge’ helps it thrive under US sanctions: study,” by the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Chinese shipyards continue to withstand the mounting US sanctions imposed by the former Trump Presidency. According to the data from the China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry, in 2023, Chinese shipbuilding achieved a growth of 12 per cent year on year to 42.32 tonnes, which is more than other countries combined. The peer-reviewed paper published by Marine Development and Management shows that Chinese shipyards continue to have access to all specialized equipment in small quantities. The studies also reveals that some Chinese products are inferior compared to Western products but are catching up in technology and have an attractive price offer. The study also reveals that Trump's presidential sanctions posed significant challenges to China’s marine equipment and supply chains. China’s shipbuilding is 200 times faster than the US's, which poses difficulty for the US Navy to maintain its dominance in the global oceans. (Stephen Chen, “China’s shipbuilding industry ‘edge’ helps it thrive under US sanctions: study,” South China Morning Post, 28 February 2024)

ECONOMY
China’s Country Garden faces liquidation petition over USD 205 million adebt
On 28 February, China’s property giant Country Garden face liquidation petition for the nonpayment of a loan amounting to USD 205 million. The company's shares fell more than 12 per cent in early trading. The company rejected the petition filed by the creditor, Ever Credit Limited of Kingboard Holdings. This comes after the Evergrande Group was ordered to be liquidated by the Hong Kong court on the USD 300 billion debt accumulated by the company. China’s property sector faces a massive crisis due to the intense regulatory crackdown imposed since 2021, leading to a liquidity crisis. The Country Garden plans to actively communicate about the debt restructuring program to the creditors. Investment holding company Kingboard became the first listed company to take legal action against Country Garden when its unit firm issued a debt of USD 204 million. (“Embattled China property giant Country Garden faces liquidation petition,” The Guardian, 28 February 2024)

Chinese leadership places high priority for economic recovery in2024
On 26 February, Chinese leadership headed by Premier Li Qiang called for economic recovery as the highest priority for the 2024 agenda. During the meeting, he said that the efforts are directed towards smoothening domestic trade, establishing a more favourable business environment, and stimulating market vigour. His remarks come after his previous five separate State Council meetings in 2024 focused on issues such as technology, demographics, local debt, and attracting overseas investors. He further said that China needs to remove trade barriers set up by the local governments as they pose issues to foreign companies. According to Peng, China’s local protectionist policies are dragging domestic and foreign investment. He further added that the government’s crackdown on the internet, foreign businesses, real estate, and strict pandemic policies has led to a stagnant recovery of the Chinese economy. (Mia Nulimaimaiti, “China vows to break down barriers to aid economic recovery, but call continues for stronger stimulus,” South China Morning Post, 27 February 2024)

CHINA & TAIWAN
Chinese Coast Guard ships no threat if it's not close to land forces, says Taiwanese Defence Minister
On 27 February, Taiwanese Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said that the military won’t consider the presence of Chinese Coast Guard ships in the disputed waters as long as they are away from the Taiwanese land forces. Chiu's statements come after the recent dispatch of Chinese ships around the Taiwan-controlled defence outpost of Quemoy, also known as Kinmen. He wanted to ease the growing tensions between the two sides to avoid potential conflict. He highlighted the SOPs to handle such cases and mentioned that the military won’t directly intervene and won’t increase its forces on the islands near mainland China. According to the Taiwanese media, no agreement has been reached so far with the two sides initiating the talks on 20 February to resolve the fishermen's death case. (Lawrence Chung, “Mainland China’s coastguard ships no threat if they stay clear of land forces, Taiwan military says,” South China Morning Post, 27 February 2024)

China clarifies no threat by its coast guard patrol around the Taiwan islands
On 28 February, a spokeswoman for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, Zhu Fenglian, said that the Chinese Coast Guard did not recognize any limits around Kinmen Islands for its fishermen and did not cause any alarm while boarding the Taiwanese tourist vessel. She further said that the Coast Guard’s actions were to protect the lives of fishermen and travellers. Taiwan noted last week that the boarding of Chinese Coast Guard officials on a Taiwanese tourist boat had triggered panic. China accused Taiwanese coast guards of killing the two Chinese nationals on the fishing boat near the Kinmen islands. Taiwan, while defending its actions, has accused China of failing to control its ships entering its waters around the Kinmen Islands. (“China says its coast guard patrols around Taiwan islands are ‘beyond reproach’,” The Straits Times, 28 February 2024)

Lessons for China from Taiwan’s bubble recovery, Nikkie Asia
On 29 February, according to an editorial in Nikkei Asia titled “Taiwan's post-bubble recovery holds lessons for China,” by Paul Cavey, in the 1980s, Taiwan faced a property crisis similar to China and was in worse condition than Japan. Since 1989, Taiwan’s nominal GDP has risen five times, and its purchasing power parity has been higher than Japan's. According to Cavey, the critical driver for Taiwan’s economic development was the manufacturing sector, especially the tech industry, led by the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), which currently dominates the country’s economy and the global chip industry. At the same time, Japanese electronics faced a decline, especially in its consumer electronics. Apart from TSMC, other factors played a significant role for Taiwan, including a reformed monetary policy. However, in China's case, despite the surge in the country’s share in global manufacturing, it shares similar woes as Japan, such as low consumer confidence, turgid property market activity, and prolonged banking sector weakness. Taiwan enjoyed the benefits of a rising external surplus and a depreciating currency between 1990 and 2010. Cavey suggests that Beijing needs to p[provide direct fiscal benefits to the household sector’s purchasing power and ease some protectionist measures to boost its economy in a new direction. (Paul Cavey, “Taiwan's post-bubble recovery holds lessons for China,” Nikkei Asia, 29 February 2024)

MARITIME
Beijing bolsters its presence in the South China Sea, says AMTI
On 28 February, according to a report released by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), the presence of Chinese maritime militia vessels grew by 35 per cent in 2023 in the South China Sea as its actions continued to fuel tensions in the region. According to the satellite images and data in the report, an average of 195 militia ships are present in the disputed region in a day. As per the report, around 180 boats suddenly shifted towards the Mischief Reef in July 2023, which are being claimed by the Philippines and Vietnam. The Mischief Reef is located within the Philippines' EEZ and has been controlled by China for the last three decades. In response, Manila established a military outpost near the Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 using the old rusty BRP Sierra Madre warship. In 2023, the ship became a hotspot for increased contestation between the two sides as Chinese ships attempted to block the Philippines' supply mission to the outpost, leading to a water cannon attack and near collisions. (“China militia presence increases in South China Sea, report says,” The Straits Times, 29 February 2024)

CHINA & EAST ASIA
US raises concerns against the new national security law in Hong Kong
On 29 February, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller expressed concerns on the Hong Kong authority’s proposal to adopt a broad and vague definition of ‘state secrets’ and ‘external interference’ that could be used to eliminate dissent through the fear of arrest and detention under the pretext of the national security law. According to the new security legislation, two new offences were added to Article 23 of the Basic Law: treason, insurrection, and sabotage, endangering national security. He further said that the new legislation would restrict the free speech of US citizens and local residents, it violates China’s international commitments, and undermines the “one country, two systems” principle. Previously, on British Foreign Secretary David Cameron’s criticism, the Chinese embassy in London said the Sino-British Joint Declaration did not give Britain the right to intervene in Hong Kong’s affairs. The embassy added that Hong Kong’s domestic legislation was completely in line with international law. Cameroon said that the legislation will restrict freedom of speech and expression. (Kahon Chan and Natalie Wong, “US voices concerns over use of ‘broad and vague’ definitions in Hong Kong’s Article 23 national security law to stifle dissent,” South China Morning Post, 29 February 2024)

CHINA & SOUTHEAST ASIA
Vietnam requests tech transfer from China’s energy company
On 27 February, Vietnam’s government delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, requested technology transfers from PowerChina, an energy and construction giant in China. He welcomed PowerChina’s delegation to Vietnam to discuss wind and solar projects under China’s BRI. The investment is part of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Vietnam in December 2023 after US President Joe Biden visited Hanoi. Amid the slowing domestic market and US sanctions on Chinese manufacturing, Vietnam captured most of the FDI, amounting to USD 9 billion. Powerchina has around 50 projects in Vietnam and is building a 600MW project in Laos. (Lien Hoang, “Vietnam seeks tech transfer from Chinese energy giant,” Nikkei Asia, 29 February 2024)

CHINA & SOUTH ASIA
PM Modi and DMK exchange words over controversial ad of a Chinese flag on an Indian rocket
On 28 February, DMK MP K Kanimozhi defended its party after PM Modi criticized the Tamil Nadu government’s newspaper advertisement showcasing the Chinese flag on an Indian rocket. She said the party was unaware of the person involved in the act. She added that PM Modi had invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to Mahabalipuram, so there is no need to divert away from the truth. PM Modi said that the DMK party has crossed limits by placing Chinese stickers and taking credit for the ISRO launch pad in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai criticized DMK for disregarding India’s sovereignty. Responding to the allegation, DMK spokesperson J Constandine Ravindran said that the BJP accusations are political and not objective. He said the ad's objective was to show India’s success and accomplishments in space technology along with those of the developed countries. (“China flag in Isro ad: PM Modi blasts DMK, party hits back,” Times of India, 28 February 2024)

CHINA & THE PACIFIC
Australia extends formal invite to Wang Yi after frosty bilateral ties
On 29 February, according to an editorial in the South China Morning Post, titled, “, “China’s Wang Yi invited to Australia as Beijing, Canberra ties thaw after prolonged frost,” by Kandy Wong, the Chinese Australian Foreign Minister extended a formal invitation for a two-day visit to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in the second half of March. The talks come after PM Albanese's visit to Australia in November 2023 to normalize bilateral ties, especially trade. According to Kandy Wong, issues such as the signing of a new science and technology agreement under the AUKUS alliance and the sentencing of Australian writers on espionage charges won’t be quickly resolved. And that Wang Yi's trip will be made after the two sessions of China’s legislature and political advisory body to discuss China’s diplomacy. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) will push China to lift the sanctions imposed on its wine and lobster during Wang Yi’s visit. In contrast, China pushes Australia to sign a new Science and Technology Agreement. As per the DFIT’s data, China is Australia’s largest bilateral trading partner, comprising 26 per cent of goods and services trade during 2022-2023. (Kandy Wong, “China’s Wang Yi invited to Australia as Beijing, Canberra ties thaw after prolonged frost,” South China Morning Post, 29 February 2024)

Chinese Coast Guard ships no threat if it's not close to land forces, says Taiwanese Defence Minister
On 29 February, The Australian director general for security Mike Burgess of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (Asio), revealed that a foreign and unnamed spy team had recruited a former Australian politician for spying activities. The politician has said to be recruited “seven years ago”.. Burgess also reported that this former politician also held international conferences where the other spies posed as bureaucrats would participate to recruit new members. They mainly wanted to enlist people to obtain security and defence information, said Burgess. This information has sparked outrage in Australia, where many are demanding the name of the accused politician. The breach is highly sensitive as Australia is part of the Five Eye Intelligence sharing group with the US, Britain, Canada and New Zealand. Burgess said: “We want the A-team to know its cover is blown. We want the A-team’s bosses to know its cover is blown.” (“Spy row erupts in Australia over ‘traitor’ politician,” The Straits Times, 29 February 2024)

US may lose influence over the Pacific Islands to China over delayed aid, says The Telegraph
On 27 February, according to an opinion piece in The Telegraph, the US defence official warns the risk of losing influence over the Pacific Islands to China due to the aid held up in Congress. This comes after the leaders of the three island countries of Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), through a joint letter in February, warned that the delay in the funding is “leading to greater domestic uncertainty within the among their populations and “resulted in undesirable opportunities for economic exploitation by competitive political actors active in the Pacific.” The blocked funding comes as Beijing attempts to shift the balance of power in the region in its favour. Palau President Surangel Whipps said that the delay in the funding is making China a credible partner for the region, and the CCP is making all efforts to erode Palauan confidence with the US. Dr Euan Graham points out that the delay in US congressional funding hurts America’s national interests. (Nicola Smith, “US could lose strategic Pacific islands to China over blocked funding,” The Telegraph, 27 February 2024)

CHINA & THE AMERICAS
Joe Biden proposes an executive order to prevent the transfer of data to countries of concern
On 28 February, US President Joe Biden issued an executive order to prevent large amounts of, personal and sensitive transfer to the “countries of concern.” The data transfer includes genomic, biometric, personal information and financial data. They believe that bad actors and the information in the wrong hands can lead to the misuse of sensitive data. The provision is said to impact manufacturers, online stores and sellers. Even though the order is hinted at China, there is no clarity if it would be applied to Chinese firms in the US and social media platforms like TikTok and fast fashion retail group Shein. (“Eyeing China, Biden limits personal data transfers to U.S. rivals,” Nikkie Asia, 28 February 2024)

Canada: 2020 sacking of Chinese scientists accused of sharing information
On 28 February, The Globe and Mail newspaper reported on the sacking of two Chinese scientists Xiangguo Qiu and her husband, Keding Cheng working at a high-security infectious disease lab. They were accused of sharing confidential information with China. This happened in 2021, were the security agency in Canada stated that they were a “credible threat to Canada’s economic security.” The opposition legislature at that time demanded information behind the sacking, while Health Minister Mark Holland called it an unacceptable security lapse. The couple were working for the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg in 2019. The documents now on the case shows that the Canadian Security Intelligence found an intentional transfer of data by the coouple. The breach is worrysome and the laboratory in Winnipeg has  some of the most dangerous human and deadly animal pathogens such as Ebola. (“Canada fired scientists Xiangguo Qiu and Keding Cheng for sharing information with China, report says,” South China Morning Post, 29 February 2024)

The US needs to focus better on Latin America to cope with Chinese influence, say US officials
On 26 February, the report published by the Atlantic Council highlighted that there is a need for the US to update its political, diplomatic, and economic toolkit to catch up against the growing Chinese influence in the Latin American region. Juan Gonzalez of the National Security Council said that the security and prosperity of Latin America and the Caribbean significantly impact the US. Gonzalez said that during defence exports, China offers better terms to Latin American countries in terms of lower prices and extending financing options compared to advanced payment collection by the US, which financially constrains these countries. The report also mentioned that the Inter-American Development Bank, which was a primary source of development financing agency for decades in the region, faces a lag in attracting private companies’ investments. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Mark Wells, said President Biden’s Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity in 2022 aims to expand cooperation and financing for high-quality critical infrastructures. Argentine Foreign Minister Diana Mondino called for greater US engagement with the region through free trade agreements to counter Chinese influence. (Igor Patrick, “US must update Latin America toolkit to keep pace with China sway in region, Biden officials say,” South China Morning Post, 28 February 2024)

CHINA & RUSSIA
Testing times for Russia-China’s “no-limits partnership,” Opinion  
On 27 February, an opinion in the South China Morning Post, titled, “Why isn’t China letting Russia take out yuan loans in their ‘no-limits’ partnership?,” by Kandy Wong outlined the realities of the “no-limit” partnership between Russia and China. Kandy stated that the discussion over whether Russia will be granted loans in Yuan has been going on to no avail. The backdrop to this is the sanctions imposed on the Chinese companies by the Western firms accused of helping Russia to avoid sanctions repercussions. Since the Russia-Ukraine war, Moscow has resorted to the use of Yuan furthering their financial dependence on China. Senior economist at BBVA Research, Dong Jinyue, stated that regardless of their increased cooperation they have to maintain a neutral international stance. Dong also believes that China needs to consider the safety of its returns, considering that they have a weak financial market and an underdeveloped financial structure. While Russia is ready to use and spend Yuan, China needs to think if Moscow would be able to sustain their consumption power, said Russia and Central Asia specialist Li Lifan. Lialso stated that: “the creditor is always the party that has more concerns than the debtors in any loan business.” (Kandy Wong, “Why isn’t China letting Russia take out yuan loans in their ‘no-limits’ partnership?,” South China Morning Post, 27 February 2024)

Chinese Vice FM affirms their relations with Russia
On 28 February, Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Sun Weidong visited Moscow on 26 February to discuss the need to further their bilateral tie by strengthening their communication and coordination on Asia-Pacific affairs. Sun said that both countries should play: a “better role as an anchor of stability in the changing circumstances of the century.”  He also met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and later exchanged views on the Russia-Ukraine war and the issues in the Korean peninsula. Additionally, Sun also expressed China’s readiness to support Russia to assume the presidency for the BRICS 2024 summit. (“China says Beijing and Moscow should strengthen coordination on Asia-Pacific issues,” The Straits Times, 28 February 2024)

CHINA & EUROPE
EU bills demanding audits for human rights and environmental violations rejected
On 28 February, the European Union failed to pass the law holding big companies accountable for human rights abuses and environmental violations. The proposal stated that any EU firm with over 500 staff and EUR 150 million turnover would be required to conduct detailed audits of their suppliers/partners. It also mentioned that after three years of the regulation of the proposal, the non-EU companies with EUR 150 million turnover in Europe will be expected to do the same. The initiative failed to come to action as it fell short of votes, countries like Germany and Italy abstained from voting while Sweden voted against it. The reasons for abstaining the same are the “administrative burden” and fear of an uneven level playing field. More pro-business parties in the EU believe that this burden would keep the companies at a disadvantage with competing against other firms who do not have the same regulations. (“EU fails to pass law requiring human rights and environmental audits on Chinese suppliers,” South China Morning Post, 28 February 2024)
 

EAST ASIA & THE PACIFIC READER

EAST ASIA
Japanese PM Fumio Kishida to face the parliamentary ethics committee
On 29 February, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida became the first sitting PM of Japan to appear on the parliamentary ethics committee. This comes after there has been a stark decline in his popularity since the funding scandal. The opposition has demanded a full public hearing and that should include five key members of the biggest faction caught in the same scandal, while Kishida’s party argued for a closed session. While Kishida is not directly accused of the scandal he stated that he feels a strong urgency to revive people’s trust and not addressing it would further their distrust. He said: “I'm hoping that lawmakers ... will fulfil their responsibility to explain their actions on various platforms, including this ethics committee, for us to revive trust in politics.” The negotiations on how to conduct the hearing have also delayed the fiscal budget of 2024. (“Embattled Japan PM faces ethics committee to save popularity and budget,” The Straits Times, 29 February 2024)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un calls for an “industrial revolution”
On 29 February, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for an “industrial revolution” where he wanted the rural regions to build factories nationwide as the country faced acute food shortage. Kim Jong Un was attending the ceremony of the plant in Songchon Country, where he pledged to push for regional development policies, under which they aim to open factories in 20 remote areas every year for ten years. Kim said: “Establishing regional industry factories equipped with modern equipment and production lines in every city and county of the country within the next 10 years is truly a great revolution with enormous epochal significance.” (“North Korea’s Kim seeks ‘industry revolution’ in rural areas amid widening inequality,” The Straits Times, 29 February 2024)

South Korea and US to kickstart their annual drill aiming to deter North Korea
On 28 February, Reuters reported that South Korea and the US plan to kickstart their annual spring military drills aiming at deter North Korea’s  nuclear weapons potential. The Freedom Sheild Exercise will be kicksarted from 04-14 March. These drills come in light of North Korea’s repeated testing of missiles and they recently also scrapped their unification plans with South Korea, showing their aggressive stance. The drills would be tough and realistic which would include 48 hours of field training, air assault and air strike training. They are expected to neutralize North Korea’s nuclear threat and aim at identifying and striking the cruise missiles. South Korea’s Joint Chief of Staff, Lee Sung-Jun: “The two countries are jointly developing a counter-operation concept against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and it will be applied to deter and prevent their further and possible nuclear usage.” (“South Korea, US to stage annual drills focusing on Korea nuclear threats,” Reuters, 28 February 2024)

Taiwan’s 2-28 massacre, The Guardian
On 28 February, an article in The Guardian, titled,  “‘Facing up to history’: relatives of Taiwan’s 2-28 massacre victims demand an official reckoning,” by Helen Davidson and Chi Hui Lin looked into Taiwan’s 2-28 massacres, where the Kuomintang (KMT) Republic of China government killed anti-government protestors. The article looks into the story of Li-cai now 80, wholost her dad when she was just two years old and later came to know that he was murdered. Since Japan was defeated after the WWII, Taiwan was given to KMT to control, Li’s father is among 18,000-28,000 people killed and disappeared in the anti-government protest. The protestors and dissenters were taken from their homes and workplaces where they were tortured, jailed and eventually executed. Taiwan now every year marks the anniversary and has dedicated museums and parks. Even though the KMT have apologized for their White terror regime many call out their paradoxical ideology as they also want to recognize the achievements in uplifting Taiwan. (“‘Facing up to history’: relatives of Taiwan’s 2-28 massacre victims demand official reckoning,” The Guardian, 28 February 2024)

North Korea ships weapons to Russia: South Korean Defence Minister
On 27 February, South Korean Defence Minister Shin Won-Sik informed that North Korea had shipped containers to Russia with millions of artillery shells. Shin estimated that there were about 6,700 containers sent to Russia after their meeting in September. They are set to have sold a million rounds of 152mm shells. The deal is said to reciprocate with Russia helping North Korea with food, raw materials and parts supply. The exchange has stabilized the food prices in North Korea and Russia plans to send more military technology to North Korea. Both countries have denied arms transfer, while a satellite imagery found  four cargo vessels shuttling between North Korea and the Russian border. (“North Korea speeds up the pace of secretive weapons shipments to Putin,” The Straits Times, 27 February 2024)

Protest in Hong Kong against the new national security law
On 27 February, The Straits Times reported on the protest by Hong Kong activists against the government’s plans to establish a new national security law. The law is said to include 2020 China’s imposed security legislation and add new offences like treason, insurrection, theft of state secrets and espionage. The protestors stated that it lacked democratic oversight and human rights safeguards. Since 2019, China has curbed the pro-democracy protests, where this demonstration has been a first in a while. Hong Kong officials believe that they need the home-grown law to plug the loopholes in the security system. The activist Yu Wai Pan from the League of Social Democrats (LSD) was at the protest and expressed the concerns of the Hong Kongers stating: “National security is important to the people, but it must be based on democracy, freedom and rule of law,” (“Rare Hong Kong protest sounds alarm on new security law,” The Straits Times, 27 February 2024)

THE PACIFIC
New Zealand lists Hamas as a terrorist group
On 29 February, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced that they have listed Hamas as a terrorist entity and have imposed travel bans on the “Israeli settlers” accused of committing violent acts against Palestine. Luxon also stated that they want to be clear that this is not a reflection on the innocent people of Palestine in Gaza and around the world, but that they are specifically against Hamas's actions of 07 October.  New Zealand’s Foreign Minister said that the whole of Hamas is responsible for the October act. They also made carrying out financial and other transactions with or for Hamas a criminal offence and froze their asset in New Zealand. They also iterated that they continue to support the future of Palestine and the two-state solution, urging them to end the conflict. (“New Zealand lists Hamas as a terrorist group, sanctions ‘extremist’ Israeli settlers,” The Straits Times, 29 February 2024)