IN FOCUS
BY Dincy Adlakha

Xi Jinping’s Address at World Economic Forum: Three Takeaways

On 17 January, President Xi Jinping delivered a special address to the 2022 World Economic Forum in a virtual session. His address focused on the Forum agenda: “forging ahead with confidence and fortitude to jointly create a better post-COVID world.” He emphasized that multilateralism, economic globalization, global development and peaceful coexistence can create a prosperous world. 

Three major takeaways can be drawn from his address.

1. Multilateral cooperation is necessary to beat COVID-19 and revitalize the global economy.
President Xi argued that only multilateral cooperation in the international community can help defeat this global crisis. He called for active collaborations in the research and development of medicines and greater binding role of international organizations. He also said that the focus should shift from blame-games or distracting debates to productive defence against the pandemic. Additionally, he entrusted global financial institutions like the World Trade Organization with the task of economic globalisation. He suggested that developed countries should formulate smart economic policies to avoid spillover. He also alluded to an ideal rule-based order for sharing of innovative technology and artificial intelligence. Such strategies are imperative to strengthen macro-policy coordination. Information sharing and increased financial exchange can prevent the world economy from plummeting yet again. Policy transparency is a systematic way to enhance policy synergy and support global consensus for economic recovery.

2. Closing global development gaps and coexisting peacefully can circumvent the pandemic crisis.
The address identified the need to bridge global development. There exists a wide North-South gap and technological divide. While many enjoy the richest amenities, millions live in hunger. President Xi called greater support for food security, health, education, housing, employment and stability especially for the developing countries that have been pushed back to poverty due to COVID-19. He advised a people-centred approach to achieve the 2030 agenda of sustainable development by the UN. Cooperation through COP26, discarding Cold War mentality and tactics, shedding protectionism are some significant ways to make amends. He criticized bullying through hegemony or indulging in a zero-sum game and promoted a win-win path of cooperation for humanity’s peaceful development. Politicized acts of ideological antagonism will only overstretch national security without creating space for prosperity.

3. China is committed to create a unified and prosperous society.
Through his address, President Xi Jinping referred to Chinese values and sayings that symbolize bravery and strength. China sees itself as a provider. Not merely of vaccines to Africa or ASEAN, but also as a provider of economic flow in the world through initiatives like BRI and  RCEP. President Xi referred to the abundance of Chinese people who form the real wealth of the country and aspire for its substantive progress. President Xi assured china’s commitment to opening up and achieving its carbon targets. The two goals are essential for China and the world. President Xi highlighted that “Together for a Shared Future” is not merely the motto for Beijing Olympics 2022. It is also the required spirit to protect the globe.

References:
“Full text: Xi Jinping's address to 2022 World Economic Forum,” CGTN, 19 January 2022

IN BRIEF
By Avishka Ashok and Keerthana Nambiar

INTERNAL
CPC Central Committee conducts Political Bureau meeting
On 24 January, Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired a Political Bureau meeting of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee. The meeting reviewed the work of authorities in 2021 and approve their work plans for 2022. The main agenda of the meeting was to improve the Party and government conduct and “mercilessly fight corruption”. The meeting also stressed safeguarding CPC Central Committee’s authority and take concrete steps towards modernizing China in 2022. (“Xi chairs CPC leadership meeting to review report, regulations,” Xinhua Net, 24 January 2022) 

IOC relaxes the COVID-19 requirements for the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022; Chinese authorities give a smog warning
On 24 January, International Olympic Committee announced the changes in the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics. The organizers confirmed that the strict COVID-19 requirements for the participants would be eased. The IOC released a statement that the changes have been made “in order to further adapt to the reality of the current environment and support the Games participant.” Meanwhile, the Chinese authorities have also warned of the seasonal air pollution in Beijing. China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment said that the winter weather was “very unfavourable” to keep the air clean from concentrations of hazardous airborne particles. The environment ministry spokesperson has promised to ensure a “good environment” during the Games. (“Beijing 2022 eases COVID curbs for Games; China warns on pollution,” Reuters, 24 January 2022)

China successfully tests new engine with hypersonic capabilities
On 24 January, Global Times published an article on China conducting a test flight for a new engine that could power hypersonic aircraft. China Central Television (CCTV) reported that the Laboratory of Spray Combustion and Propulsion under the School of Aerospace Engineering at Tsinghua University successfully conducted a flight test. CCTV further adds that the technology will enrich China’s aerospace capabilities and will achieve hypersonic flight. (“China tests new engine,‘likely to power hypersonic aircraft’,” Global Times, 24 January 2022)

TECHNOLOGY
China drafts new rules to allow gene-edited crops
On 24 January, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs published new guidelines that aimed at overhauling the country’s seed industry. The guidelines were released amid a number of measures to strengthen food security in China. The guidelines pertain to rules for trials for approval of gene-edited plants which can help in faster improvement of crops. Once the gene-edited plants complete their trial, a production certificate can be applied. Gene-editing is a novel technology thattcan improve crop strength without gene-modifying that involves adding foreign genes to a plant. (“China food security: new draft rules ‘open the door’ for gene-edited crops,” South China Morning Post, 25 January 2022)

REGIONAL
China to hold virtual summit with five Central Asian countries
On 25 January, Chinese President Xi Jinping will chair a virtual summit to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and five Central Asian countries. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that the summit is a crucial step to “draw up blueprints for future cooperation.” Zhao added that China will “intensify political mutual trust” and expand mutual cooperation with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and upgrade relations to a new stage. (“China, Central Asian nations to upgrade ties,” China Daily, 25 January 2022)

INTERNATIONAL
Chinese Foreign Ministry issues complaint against the US and Japan
On 24 January, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian complained against the US and Japan for “baselessly” attacking the country during a video conference between US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The US officials shared that the two leaders held in-depth talks on China and shared their concerns regarding China’s nuclear build-up. Zhao said: “They yet again have baselessly smeared and attacked China, and wantonly interfered with China's domestic affairs. The U.S and Japan are holding to Cold-War mentalities and inciting ideological antagonism.” (“China accuses U.S., Japan of smearing it ‘baselessly’,” The Asahi Shimbun, 25 January 2022)

Taiwan vice-president attends swearing-in of new leader in Honduras
On 25 January, Taiwanese Vice President William Lai left for Honduras to attend the swearing-in ceremony of presidential-elect Xiomara Castro. Honduras is one of the only 14 countries that formally recognise Taipei. However, the new leader has hinted in the past to switch ties with Beijing. Vice-President William left for Honduras in hopes to reignite diplomatic ties with Honduras amidst the shaky period of their relations. Reports also suggest that he might meet US Vice-President Kamla Harris, who will also be attending the ceremony. (“Taiwanese vice-president heads for Honduras to shore up shaky alliance,” South China Morning Post, 25 January 2022)

WeChat finds no evidence of hacking in Scott Morrison’s account
On 25 January, the Guardian reported WeChat’s statements on a lack of evidence behind the hacking or a third-party intrusion in Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s account. Tencent, the owner company of WeChat, said that there seems to be an account ownership issue and promised to address the problem in accordance to their rules. (“‘No evidence of hacking’: WeChat hits back at interference claims about Scott Morrison’s account,” The Guardian, 25 January 2022)