Daily Briefs


Photo : Global Times

31 March 2022 | Thursday | China Reader Evening Brief | Vol.1, No. 155

President Xi urges Central Asian countries to build the Afghan future

President Xi Jinping delivered a written message at the congregation of Foreign Ministers of Central Asian countries and urged them to work towards the future of Afghanistan.

IN BRIEF
By Keerthana Nambiar and Avishka Ashok

INTERNATIONAL
Afghanistan: President Xi urges Central Asian countries to build the Afghan future 
On 31 March, China’s President Xi Jinping delivered a written message to the Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan and its neighbouring countries and urged the countries to act constructively to build the Afghan future. Xi said: “Afghanistan is a common neighbour and partner of all participating countries, and we form a community with a shared future linked by the same mountains and rivers who would rise and fall together.” He also placed emphasis on the existence of peace and stability in Afghanistan and the positive impacts on the region. He urged the Central Asian countries to build consensus and jointly support the Afghan people in creating a bright future. (“Chinese president stresses neighboring countries' role in supporting Afghanistan,” Xinhua Net, 31 March 2022)

Turkmenistan: Vice Premier places emphasis on natural gas cooperation 
On 30 March, China’s Vice Premier Han Zheng and the Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov held a video conference to discuss the strengthening cooperation in natural gas, security and inter-people exchanges. Han remarked that the two countries were strategic partners who worked towards win-win results based on mutual respect and trust. He said: “China is willing to work with the Turkmen side to promote comprehensive cooperation for more new achievements.” He also stressed greater cooperation between China and Turkmenistan on natural gas and expanding the development of wind and solar power. (“Chinese vice premier calls for enhanced cooperation with Turkmenistan,” Xinhua Net, 30 March 2022)

Portugal: Premier Li Keqiang congratulates Portugal’s Prime Minister
On 30 March, China’s Premier Li Keqiang congratulated Portugal’s Prime Minister Antonio Costa on his reelection. Premier Li appreciated Portugal’s efforts in promoting cooperation with China in various fields. He said: “At present, the COVID-19 pandemic is proving a protracted and resurging one, with global challenges compounding one another. As trusted partners and responsible members of the international community, China and Portugal should consolidate mutual trust, expand cooperation, promote the development of China-Portugal relations and China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, so as to contribute to the common well-being of the two nations and the rest of the world, said the Chinese premier.” (“Chinese premier congratulates Costa on reelection as Portuguese PM,” Xinhua Net, 31 March 2022)

Australia: Television anchor Cheng Lei faces trial in China
On 31 March, the Australian television anchor Cheng Lei faced trial in Beijing under heavy security and closed doors on the charges of trading state secrets. In August 2020, Cheng, a former employee of CGTN was detained and in 2021 she was arrested under the charges of supplying state secrets overseas. Australian Embassy officials were prohibited from entering the Court citing national security laws. Australian Ambassador Graham Fletcher expressed his concerns regarding the issue and deemed it to be “unsatisfactory and very regrettable.” He further added that Australia is concerned as it has no information about the charges against Cheng. (“China puts Australian TV anchor on trial in state secrets case,” The Straits Times, 31 March 2022)

Pakistan: Foreign Ministers discuss bilateral ties and Ukraine in China 
On 30 March, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and discussed bilateral ties and the situation in Ukraine. Wang Yi appreciated the continuity of the bilateral ties between the two countries and the vitality in withstanding difficult challenges. He said: “No matter how the international situation changes, China will continue to view and promote China-Pakistan relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, support Pakistan in safeguarding its national sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity, and will be Pakistan's most reliable partner and strongest backer.” The two leaders also expressed concern on the situation in Ukraine and urged the involved countries to resolve the issues through diplomatic channels. (“Chinese, Pakistani FMs discuss bilateral ties, Ukraine,” Xinhua Net, 30 March 2022)

EU-China summit: President Xi scheduled to meet European Union leaders 
On 31 March, Global Times reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to have a virtual meeting with the EU leaders for discussing the on-going crisis in Ukraine. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin announced that President Xi will meet the EU leaders including European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is to co-chair the meeting and confront the growing uncertainties in the current global scenario and push for peace and development of Chinese and European markets. (“Xi to meet EU leaders virtually at key summit, to inject positive energy to world amid Ukraine crisis,” Global Times, 31 March 2022)

INTERNAL
Hong Kong: Chief Executive Carrie Lam says the resignation of senior British judges was politically motivated
On 31 March, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam made a statement on the resignations of two senior British judges in Hong Kong’s highest court. Lam said: “the resignations are politically motivated.” In 2020, the two judges resigned because of the national security law in Hong Kong. “They have been put under political pressure and that is a kind of political manipulation,” said Lam in a media briefing. The presence of British judges in the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal (CFA) was an arrangement to maintain confidence in a legal system and is considered the “bedrock” of Hong Kong’s social and commercial freedoms. (“Hong Kong leader says British judges' resignation 'politically motivated',” Reuters, 31 March 2022)

REGIONAL
Taiwan: Taiwan’s Defense Ministry organizes a group to study the war in Ukraine
On 31 March, Taiwan’s Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said that Taiwan’s defence ministry is setting up a workgroup to study the tactics of the war in Ukraine. The group is focusing on Russia’s poor military performance and Ukraine’s resistance. “It is not only discussed in exchange meetings between the United States and Taiwan but also discussed with other countries that have regular contacts with Taiwan,” Chiu further added. He explained that the group “will not make remarks rashly, but through internal discussions which are important, to get results that are helpful for building armaments and preparing for war.” (“Taiwan studying Ukraine war tactics, discussing with U.S.,” Reuters, 31 March 2022)

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