IN FOCUS
By Avishka Ashok

On nuclear warfare: Four takeaways from China’s response to the P5 countries’ joint statement

On 3 February, the P5 countries, consisting of China, France, Russia, the US and the UK issued a joint statement and pledged to reduce the risk of a nuclear conflict. On 4 February, the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Arms Control Department issued a statement on the lack of direct dialogue between the P5 nations and pushed for the same to ensure global security. The Director General of the Department of Arms Control Fu Cong emphasized the importance of the joint statement and explained that the P5 nations had for the first time issued a statement of nuclear issues.

Post the release of the joint statement, four aspects can be ascertained regarding China’s nuclear program and its perspective on nuclear war.
1. China to develop machinery to defend its territory and sovereignty
The release of the joint statement by the P5 led to heightened international debate by media and political leaders on China’s increasing nuclear capabilities and weapon development. Director General Fu quelled the discussion and clarified that China would only maintain nuclear weapons at the approved level, solely for its personal national defense purposes. Fu clarified that the weapons were meant to warn hostile countries against considering an attack on the Chinese territories. C

2. Changing global security poses a threat to China’s interests
Fu referred to the US decision to position its ground-based intermediate-range missiles and explained that China would continue to advance its nuclear arsenal and modernize its weaponry to keep up with the changing nature of global security and peace. The Defence Ministry has prioritized improvement in the quality of its weapons by actively work towards ensuring accuracy, sharpness, powerful and unidentifiable weapons. China must continue producing and honing its nuclear skills as it believes that the global sentiments towards China grow more hostile by the day.

3. Equal right to develop hypersonic technology
Fu also commented on the much-debated issue of hypersonic weapons and claimed that China and Russia have equal rights to develop its defense capabilities since the US walked out of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems treaty which aimed to limit the deployment and use of ballistic missiles. According to China, if the US walks out of treaties that aim to limit the development and deployment of missiles, China must prepare itself for eventualities where the US may abuse its power and capabilities.

4. China’s positive international role to limit the development and use of nuclear warfare
China credits itself for urging the P5 to take up the decision to not engage in nuclear warfare with each other or other countries. It also proclaims that the country has played a positive role in the Iran nuclear deal by recommending proposals for negotiation and communicating the concerns of each party. China is also a part of the no-first-use policy and has accepted numerous treaties on nuclear non-proliferation. Despite building its nuclear arsenal, it has also advocated complete prohibition of nuclear weapons.

References:
“China calls on nuclear-armed nations to focus on AI, space,” The Straits Times, 4 January 2022
“China will modernize, not drastically expand, its nuclear arsenal: senior diplomat,” Global Times, 4 January 2022
“China's efforts to maintain global strategic stability and reduce the risk of nuclear conflict,” Global Times, 4 January 2022

IN BRIEF
By Dincy Adlakha and Keerthana Nambiar 

INTERNAL
President Xi declares Winter Olympics open
On 4 February, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 open. This is the 24th edition of the global sports event. Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee was also present at the Opening Ceremony and expressed his gratitude towards China. The program included massive shows of skills through dancers and athletes. The historical flame of the Olympics was lit and the delegations from Italy, hosts of the next Winter Olympics, marched in right before China. The ceremony marked traditions and passion of the Chinese people and coincided with the “Beginning of Spring” as celebrated in China. (“The Latest: Chinese President Xi declares 24th Olympic Winter Games open,” Xinhua Net, 4 February 2022)

ECONOMY
Youyi port ensures effective international trade exchange despite epidemic measures and Spring Festival
On 5 February, Xinhua reported that the Youyi port in Pingxiang city in southern Chinese province of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has ensured smooth transfer of goods and documents. The port is a crucial link to ASEAN and most cross-border trade is currently diverted to this port. The move is done to follow strict provisions set in place by the local government in the fight against COVID-19. Furthermore, the port recorded an increase in trade in 2021 and all major diplomatic missions from ASEAN pass through the port. (“Across China: S. China border port ensures smooth int'l trade during Spring Festival,” Xinhua Net, 5 February 2022)

REGIONAL
President Xi meets Turkmen President vowing for strengthening natural gas cooperation
On 5 February, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Turkemistan’s President Gurnaguly Berdymukhamedov in Beijing who was attending the opening ceremony of Beijing Wnter Olympics 2022. President Xi said that China will “will always be a reliable friend and partner for Turkeminstan” and will enhance the strategic cooperation in the field of natural gas. President Berdymukhamedov expressed Turkeminnstan’s willingness to work with China in advancing the construction of the Central Asia- China pipeline and improve bilateral ties in various fields. (“China, Turkmenistan vow to strengthen natural gas cooperation,” CGTN, 5 February 2022: “Xi meets Turkmen president, calling for deepening bilateral cooperation,” Xinhua Net, 5 February 2022)

President Xi Jinping metets Kazakh President at the Beijing Winter Olympics opening ceremony
On 5 February, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the opening ceremony of Beijing Winter Olympics 2022. President Xi said: “China will always be Kazakhstan's reliable friend and firm partner, and is ready to help Kazakhstan maintain stability, develop economy and improve people's livelihood.” he also added that China looks forward to deepening security cooperation with Kazakhstan and boost interconnectivitry with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). President Tokayev thanked Beijing for its support and hopes to continue cooperation for mutual development. (“Xi Jinping: China-Kazakhstan relations significant for regional peace and stability,” CGTN, 5 February 2022)

INTERNATIONAL
Taiwan foriegn ministry criticizes China-Russia “no limits” partnership
On 5 February, the Taiwanese Foreign Ministry condemned the recent advancements between China and Russia. China and Russia released statements supporting each other’s stance in Ukraine and promising “no limit” support only hours before the Olympics opening ceremony. The statement also condemned the timing of the statements released by China and Russia as it hinders an equal and peaceful spirit of Olympics. The statement said that the China-Russia partnership “not only increases the Taiwanese people’s disgust at and loathing for the Chinese government’s arrogance and bullying, it also clearly shows all the world’s countries the sinister face of the Chinese Communist regime’s aggression, expansionism and damaging of peace.” (“Taiwan condemns ‘contemptible’ China-Russia partnership on eve of Olympics,” The Guardian, 5 February 2022)

China and Russia sign deal for satellite navigation system
On 5 February, Chinese President Xi Jinping met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing before the Olympics opening ceremony. During their meeting, they signed an agreement that encourages cooperation between China’s BeiDou and Russian GLONASS to compete against the American Global Positioning System. The agreement is an extension of a previous deal signed in 2018 and it calls for greater complementarity of the GPS shared by two countries, in terms of timescales. Experts say that China-Russia ties have never been better and they aim to stand a united front against western powers dominated by the US. (Liu Zhen, “China’s BeiDou and Russian GLONASS sign new deal to rival America’s GPS satellite navigation,” South China Morning Post, 5 February 2022)

Bilateral relations between Russia and China start a new era of international relations: Global Times
On 5 February, Global Times reported that the relations between Russia and China were about to initiate a new era of global politics that would exclude the US and its hegemony. The Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Russian President Vladimir Putin released a joint statement that extended support to each other in the international system and rejected the hegemony of the US and the West. The joint statement is almost 6000 words long and covers all core issues on global strategic stability. (“Unprecedented China-Russia ties to start a new era of intl relations not defined by US, Global Times, 5 February, 2022)

President Xi meets Serbian President in Beijing
On 5 February, the Chinese President Xi Jinping met with the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Beijing. President Xi appreciated the relations between the two countries and put emphasis on the political mutual trust and the bilateral relations. According to Xi, the relations with Serbia set a good example of healthy ties in international relations. (“Xi meets Serbian president, hails ironclad friendship between China, Serbia,” Xinhua Net, 5 February 2022)