IN FOCUS
By Avishka Ashok

Global Times Analysis on relations with India in 2022: Three Takeaways

On 5 January, Global Times published an opinion piece titled “Indian politicians should not turn ‘New Year sweets’ into bullets.” The essay sheds light on the fragile relationship between China and India, as the two countries attempt to salvage the rifts that were created 20 months ago. 

Basic premise:
The editorial piece refers to the recent exchange of sweets between the Indian and Chinese soldiers at the Line of Actual Control, marking an improvement in the relations, and advises India to maintain good relations with China to ensure the country’s continued and limitless economic growth.

Takeaways:
First, political divisions within India create obstacles to the further advancement of relations between the two countries.
The editorial observed that Anti-China sentiments in India are at a rise. In 2020, the Indian government-imposed restrictions on Chinese apps and also initiated several investigations into Chinese companies. China suspects the US to have influenced the Indian politicians and people and manipulated the country to turn against its neighbor. It also accused the opposition in India of opposing “for the sake of opposition,” and thus impeding the relations between the countries with their personal interests and greed.

Second, India must engage with China to continue its economic growth and development.
The editorial highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal of making India a USD five trillion economy by 2025 and the third-largest economy by 2030. China believes that India will not be able to achieve its objectives without help from other major economies; like China. While emphasizing the importance of nurturing stable relations with other countries and especially its neighbors, it clarifies that China has always hoped for friendly and warm relations between the two countries. It called attention to President Xi’s remarks to Prime Minister Modi in 2019 when he said: “China hopes to develop well, and has the same hope for India. The two countries should help each other accomplish their respective goals and 'light up' each other.” It further takes cognizance of the 47.8 percent year-on-year trade surge between China and India which has also closed the USD 100 billion mark in 2021.

Third, India’s decision to join the QUAD instead of RCEP may take away opportunities for cooperation.
The editorial further explained that the US and the West had heightened interests in India in the past few years, as the Indo-Pacific region grows important geopolitically and financially. It expressed disappointment in India for joining hands with the US, Japan and Australia in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue which allegedly aims to widen the India-China gap in understanding each other. India’s decision to back out of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership was also viewed negatively in China who believes that the pact would help strengthen the global economy and cooperation.

Recommendations:
The editorial strongly advises India to control the spread of radical sentiments within the country and prevent individuals from seeking personal political gains by disseminating unfriendly rumors about China. While appreciating the exchange of sweets on New Year's Eve after almost two years of hostility, China urged Indian policymakers to widen their perspectives on its relations with the country and encouraged friendlier relations in 2022.

References:
“Indian politicians should not turn ‘New Year sweets’ into bullets: Global Times editorial,” Global Times, 5 January 2022

IN BRIEF
By Dincy Adlakha and Keerthana Nambiar 

INTERNAL
Vice premier expresses grief over COVID-19 situation in Xi’an 
On 6 January, Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan expressed sorrow over the loopholes in anti-epidemic measures of Xi’an, Shaanxi province. She said that she is heartbroken to see the lack of timely treatment of local patients. As China nears Lunar New Year and Winter Olympics, a concerning increase in COVID-19 cases in Hennan and Zhejiang provinces is seen. Previously a senior medical office from Xi’an issued a public apology and two other senior figures were removed from their post due to inefficiency and negligence. Experts say that even though loopholes in the healthcare system have been discovered, Xi’an does not become a failure of China’s Zeo COVID policy, as is publicized by the west. (Zhao Yusha, Wan Lin and Wan Hengyi, “Vice premier Sun laments loopholes in treatment of patients in Xi'an,” Global Times, 6 January 2022)

Appearance anxiety looms in China as government cracks down on facelifting industry
On 7 January, The Korea Times published an article that highlighted a recent boom in the micro-procedures of the cosmetic industry. The article suggested that there is a rising trend in Chinese youth to look a certain way and also undergo cosmetic procedures such as facelift, fillers, laser facials, and thread lifts. There are models and public personalities that have opted for certain facial features through cosmetic surgeries and the public has set beauty standards according to similar looks. This practice of accepting only particular kinds of physical appearances is prevalent in many Asian societies. The article points out that the Chinese government has moved to crack down on the boom of the same by banning all advertising practices with the “before/after” comparison images. The government is pushing a campaign to purify social values. The government is also worried as there is a steep rise in unregulated providers of the procedures. (“Beauty is only skin deep in China's 'micro-procedure' craze,” The Korea Times, 7 January 2022)

42,000 residents of Xi’an are under quarantine
On 6 January, Global Times stated more than 42,000 residents in Xi'an are under a centralized quarantine facility; the city has been under lockdown for the last two weeks. In a press conference, local authorities said: "It is essential to quarantine those at risk of spreading the virus in designated facilities for medical observation.” The authorities also indicated the city is still in the critical period of controlling the pandemic. (“More than 42,000 residents under quarantine in Xi'an in the 2nd week of lockdown: govt,” Global Times, 6 January 2022)

TECHNOLOGY
China worries about SpaceX’s connections with US military
On 6 January, Global Times published an In-Depth article that mentioned worries over the connections between SpaceX and US military. The article cites statements made in 2018 and 2020 which point to a plausible tie between the two and suggest that the company may launch weapons into space “for the defense of the United States.” Further, the article also mentions that Starlink is causing trouble due to its inefficient autonomous collision avoidance system that could not prevent two near-miss incidents with the Chinese Space Station. The article terms Starlink and SpaceX as ‘troublemakers’ and also urges peaceful space exploration. (Huang Lanian and Lin Xiaoyi, “After Starlink satellites’ irregular operations, SpaceX’s connection with US military arouses concerns,” Global Times, 6 January 2022)

REGIONAL
China’s Consulate-General in Osaka receives overwhelming response for Xinjiang tourism trip
On 6 January, Global Times reported that the Chinese Consulate-General in Osaka received more than 1000 applications to visit Xinjiang through a trip organized by the office. The scheme was announced through a circular in December 2021 that invited people from Japan to visit Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. This was announced to enhance mutual understanding, welcome more people to travel to the region and to debunk the lies that have been circulating regarding Xinjiang. According to the Consulate-General in Osaka, there are more than 1000 applications for the trip and it will be finalized as soon as the pandemic ends. (Xing Xiaojing and Wang Panpan, “More than 1,000 Japanese tourists apply for trip to Xinjiang organized by China's Consulate-General in Osaka,” Global Times, 6 January 2022)

INTERNATIONAL
Chinese energy projects remain safe in Kazakhstan amidst unrest
On 6 January, Global Times reported that the energy projects of Chinese companies are safe amidst the riots that erupted in more than half of the country. The protests in Kazakhstan gave rise to insecurities of delivering oil and gas. However, sources from the industry have informed that the transportation is technically reliable and local Chinese companies are prepared. The firms are following caution and seeking safety from the Kazakh government that declared a two-week state of emergency. The Kazakh Representative Office of Power Construction Corporation of China relayed that all the Chinese employees are safe and security is strengthened. Other construction projects that are spread across 500 kms through different cities are also safe. (“Chinese firms' energy projects in Kazakhstan remain safe: sources,” Global Times, 6 January 2022)

Chinese nationals abducted at gunpoint in Nigeria
On 7 January, South China Morning Post reported three Chinese nationals were abducted at gunpoint in the north-central region, Nigeria. When the incident took place, workers were installing a transmission-line tower in the village, Gussase. Wasiu Abiodun, police spokesperson said: “Police tactical team attached to the facility engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel while four of the expatriates were rescued.” He further added, “one of the Chinese workers with two local workers sustained bullet injuries.” Waisu assured an “aggressive manhunt” was under way to rescue the three hostages. Chinese ambassador Cui Jianchun urged Nigerian chief of police Usman Alkali Baba to crack down on increasing cases involving Chinese citizens with a “zero tolerance” attitude. He added, “China is willing to work with Nigeria to continuously deepen cooperation in law enforcement and security between the two countries.” (“3 Chinese nationals kidnapped at gunpoint in Nigeria,” South China Morning Post, 7 January 2022)

Lithuanian President admits mistake of allowing opening of Taiwan's representative office 
On 5 January, Global Times reported Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said: “the country made a mistake when it allowed the island of Taiwan to open a representative office in Vilnius under the name Taiwan.” The naming of a representative office was seen as a violation of the one-China principle. Former President Valdas Adamkus and other opposition party leaders criticized Lithuania's China policy, calling it "unprofessional." The move was seen as a trigger point for a diplomatic crisis with Beijing. (“President admits mistake, but will Lithuania correct mistake?,” Global Times, 5 January 2022)