IN FOCUS
By Dincy Adlakha 

China’s plan for space in 2022

On 9 February, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation released a blue paper that laid out the Chinese plan for space in 2022. The plan involves three important missions to be carried out for the first time by China. These missions are symbolic of the legacy of 2021 as a victorious year in space. The paper also recounted major Chinese achievements in space last year.
According to the blue paper, China has plans for the following in 2022.
1.  China will accomplish three major firsts in 2022; this includes the first flight that combines six aircrafts, the first sixth-month stay of taikonauts in space and the first simultaneous stay of two crews in orbit.

2. China has planned six manned missions to complete the space station with Tianhe core cabin as the control centre. These six missions will make the space station a perennially tended project. For two of these manned missions, Long March 2F carrier rockets will be utilized. The Tianzhou-5 cargo spaceship is set for its flight to the space station in order to launch the construction stage of the module.

3. China is also dedicated and invested in a rapid return program that prioritizes the comfort and efficiency of the taikonauts. These programs will be led through 140 space launches and maiden flights.

China in Space: A Review of 2021
China’s ambitious plans for space in 2022 find their roots in the achievements of the previous year. China carried out 55 space launch missions in 2021, highest in the world and defeating the US by 4 launches.

In April, China successfully stationed the first component of its permanent space station in space. It then proceeded to send three top tier astronauts from the country to the space station with a glorious farewell.

In February, China sent its independent mission of a rover to Mars’ orbit. Tianwen-1 achieved a soft landing and was successful in sending high quality pictures and videos from the surface of Mars in its first attempt.

China and the strategic significance of Space
First, the historical space dream.
Space is crucial for China as a symbol of national power and global status since the 1970s. Chinese leader Mao Zedong envisioned the ‘Chinese Space Dream’ when USSR and the USA were at their peak of space race while China had meagre resources to enter the arena. Hence, space is deeply connected to China’s historical ambitions of rising as a strong power. The dream is built on ambitions to catch up with the giants and defeat them in space.

Second, space as economic investment.
China’s budget allocation for space is not as extravagant as the US. However, there is a continuous annual increase in the amount. Hence, China expects worthy returns from space. China is trying to tap into the commercial satellite launches. The investment in space will create new and more advanced technologies and feed into the demand created for these technologies through space missions.

Third, arena for global competition.
Space is also growingly observed as an arena where political differences spillover. Hence, it is a battleground for the US and China to compete for technological supremacy. This technological competition will hold the keys to scientific and military implications on earth and the future of global order.

Fourth, militarization of space.
Militarily, space provides the informational stronghold to China. Especially the People’s Liberation Army and its activities that are carried with complete recognition for space as the “ultimate high ground” hinting at the inevitable nature of space warfare. The Strategic Support Force service by PLA asserts Chinese capabilities of cyber, electronic and psychological warfare in space.

Space is an important strategic asset for China and the country is looking to utilize the most of this asset.

References:
“China's space station to realize first combined flight with six spacecrafts in 2022: blue paper,” Global Times, 9 February 2022
Erika Na, “China space missions aim to break 2021 record, with first ever double-crew orbit also in works,” South China Morning Post, 10 February 2022
“China to make 6 human spaceflights, rocket's maiden flight in 2022: blue book,” China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, 10 February 2022

IN BRIEF
By Avishka Ashok and Keerthana Nambiar 

INTERNAL
Hong Kong demography: Number of births in Hong Kong sink lowest in five years
On 1 March, the Census and Statistics Department released the latest data on Hong Kong’s demography which showed only 38,684 births in 2021. The number is lowest ever record of 56 years, falling below 40,000 in a long time. Experts noted that this will have great implications for the city as the population increasingly ages. Analysts also established links between lower births and shrinking enrolment in elementary education, which shall cause problems in manpower supply. Closing schools will also lead to a reduced skilled workforce. Experts warn of such ill effects and urge the authorities to take appropriate actions. (“Hong Kong births sink to lowest in 56 years, experts predict dire impact on ageing society,” The Korea Times, 01 March 2022)

Anti-corruption drive: Central Commission for Discipline Inspection releases corruption report
On 1 March, South China Morning Post reported that the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection had published a report in the last week. According to the report, the anti-corruption police in China had arrested over 5,000 people for paying bribes in 2021. As a part of the anti-corruption drive, over 2,822 prosecutors were sent for a trial. The report also made a note of last year’s campaign, the proposed tasks and targets for 2022 and preparing a black list of citizens involved in corrupt activities. (“China’s corruption watchdog moves to crackdown on bribe-givers,” South China Morning Post, 01 March 2022)

ECONOMY
Economic Challenges: Commerce Minister reviews China’s obstacles in economic growth
On 1 March, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao remarked that China’s economy was bound to face numerous obstacles in 2022 due to multiple challenges within the domestic economy and political situations in the international system. Wang said: “This year, the pressure on foreign trade will be huge and the situation will be very severe.” He explained that a shortage of labour and the rising costs of raw materials were causing major obstacles for China’s small and medium-scale companies to handle foreign orders. (“China warns of 'huge' pressure on foreign trade as economic challenges mount,” Reuters, 01 March 2022)

INTERNATIONAL
Ukraine: First batch of Chinese nationals evacuated, second batch prepares
On 28 February, the Chinese embassy in Ukraine announced that the first batch of Chinese nationals from Ukraine has been evacuated. This batch included 600 nations, 400 from Odessa and 200 from Kyiv. The citizens were safely transported from Ukraine to the neighbouring country Moldova. The second batch with 1000 nationals is currently being prepared for evacuation. This second batch may be diverted to Romania due to the greater number of people. The Chinese embassy has attained help from neighbouring countries like Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland to provide temporary visa-free access to valid passport holders. (Chen Qingqing and Fan Anqi, “Embassy evacuates first batch of 600 Chinese from Ukraine; 1,000 prepared in second batch,” Global Times, 01 March 2022)

China-Africa trade: Trade reaches record high
On 28 February, Xinhua reported that China-Africa trade reached record increase in 2021. China also remained the largest investor in Africa and created over 18000 jobs annually. The report mentioned that Chinese cooperation has led to increased urbanization, industrialization and economic development in Africa. With 2021, China remained Africa’s largest trading partner for 10 years and the largest investor for 12 years. (“Xinhua Headlines: China-Africa trade reaches all-time high in 2021, showing resilience amid pandemic,” Xinhua Net, 28 February 2022)

Xinjiang: Chinese Foreign Minister invites “unbiased foreigners” to visit Xinjiang
On 28 February, Chinese Foreign Minister and State Councilor Wang Yi addressed the gathering at United Nations Human Rights Council. In his speech, he invited all “unbiased foreigners” to visit Xinjiang. He said: “The door of Xinjiang is open, and we welcome people from all countries to visit Xinjiang and exchange opinions. The so-called genocide, forced labour and religious oppression are all fabricated lies.” He also welcomed UNHRC High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet to visit Xinjiang in the future. The statements came in context when many western scholars and journalists have alleged China of enforcing unfair restrictions on visiting Xinjiang. (“All unbiased foreigners welcome to visit Xinjiang: Foreign Minister Wang Yi,” Global Times, 28 February 2022)

China-South Korea relations: Chinese and ROK Foreign Ministers discuss bilateral ties on video conference
On 28 February, Chinese Foreign Minister and State Councilor Wang Yi met with South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong through video conference. The countries noted that 2022 marks 30 years of their bilateral diplomatic ties. The two leaders emphasized a joint plan for the future enhancement of their ties. China also wished South Korea a smooth general election and expressed willingness to provide assistance. South Korea appreciated China’s role in the Korean Peninsula issue and hoped the same continues. (“Chinese, ROK FMs hold video meeting on bilateral ties,” Xinhua Net, 28 February 2022)