Daily Briefs


Photo : Global Times

30 March 2022 | Wednesday | China Reader Evening Brief | Vol.1, No. 154

Chinese Foreign Minister returns from his visit to Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Nepal

Xinhua reported on Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s media interview after his visit to South Asian countries- Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, and India.

IN BRIEF
By Keerthana Nambiar and Avishka Ashok

INTERNAL
Chinese stock markets: China Securities Regulatory Commission cracks down on brokers using feng shui
On 30 March, Reuters reported that China Securities Regulatory Commission announced that it holds "zero tolerance" towards illegal behaviour in the stock market and has punished some brokers who analysed, forecast, or offered investment advice by applying aspects of feng shui such as the heavenly stems and earthly branches, also known as tiangan dizhi, Yin-Yang, and Five Elements. This development has come in when the Chinese stock markets are facing higher volatilties in the stock market. ("China's regulator cracks down on using feng shui to predict stock market trend,” Reuters, 30 March 2022)

REGIONAL
Cambodia: China supplies new batch of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines
On 29 March, the National Television of Cambodia, Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s official facebook page and the online news provider Fresh News live reported the arrival of a new batch of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines which were donated by China. The donation of vaccines will be used by Cambodia as the country is currently trying to increase the booster dose vaccination. The Cambodian Ministry of Health Secretary of State Yok Sambath and the Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy Wu Guoquan were present at the transfer of vaccines. Sambath addressed the press and said: “Today, we received more than 1.5 million doses of Sinovac vaccine, and tomorrow (Wednesday), another batch of nearly 3.5 million doses will arrive in Cambodia through two planes.” (“New arrival of China-donated jabs helps Cambodia's COVID-19 vaccination,” 29 March 2022)

Hong Kong: HKSAR Chief Carrie Lam expresses concerns on the anti-pandemic measures
On 30 March, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam expressed concerns over the effects of anti-pandemic measures On individuals and companies. According to The Straits Times, "the city may be facing a brain drain, capping the government’s anxiety as expatriates continue to make their exits." Recently Lam has been pressurized to reopen the borders. During the media briefing, Lam said: "But after the pandemic is over, I believe Hong Kong will see positive opportunities." ("Hong Kong could be facing brain drain, but talent will return, says Carrie Lam," The Straits Times, 30 March 2022)

South Asia: Chinese Foreign Minister returns from his visit to Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Nepal
On 29 March, Xinhua reported on Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s media interview after his visit to South Asian countries- Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, and India. “Wang said his trip to South Asia came at a time when the spillover effect of the Ukraine crisis has been constantly spreading and world peace and development are facing new challenges,” reported Xinhua. During the trip, Wang Yi attended the Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation discussing the urgency to promote a just settlement of regional issues. In his visit to Pakistan, Wang mentioned the deepening strategic cooperation between the two countries given the current international and regional scenario. During his visit to Afghanistan, Wang focused on renewing the traditional friendship between the two, observing the administration of the Afghan interim government, and promoting mutual cooperation between China and Afghanistan. In terms of China-India relations, Wang said, “the two countries are not threats to each other but opportunities for each other's development.” During his visit to Nepal, Wang reiterated upholding the China-Nepal friendship and speeding the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative. (“Roundup: Visit to South Asian countries boosts solidarity, cooperation under new circumstances -- Chinese FM,” Xinhua Net, 29 March 2022)

Australia: Chinese embassy hosts congratulatory reception for the Winter Olympics and Paralympic games
On 29 March, the Chinese embassy in Australia held a reception for some of the participants of the Beijing 2022 WInter Olympics and Paralympic games. The reception aimed to congratulate the success of the Beijing games and the Australian achievements in the game. The Chinese Ambassador Xiao Qian said: “Under the theme 'Together for A Shared Future,' Beijing Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games have vigorously promoted the Olympic spirit and provided a platform for exchanges and mutual learning between different cultures, bringing not only warmth and hope to people of all countries in the cold winter of COVID-19 pandemic, but also the power for peace and solidarity to today's world.” (“Chinese embassy hosts reception for Australian Winter Olympic and Paralympic participants,” Xinhua Net, 29 March 2022)

INTERNATIONAL
Russia: China and Russia reiterate their strategic partnership
On 30 March, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi confirmed that Moscow and Beijing are “most determined” to develop bilateral ties and boost cooperation. The statement was made following a meeting in eastern China with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. Wang said: "China is willing to work with Russia to take China-Russian ties to a higher level in a new era under the guidance of the consensus reached by the heads of state." Both the countries condemned the non-productive sanctions calling them illegal. In the meeting, the two ministers agreed to continue Russia-China partnership in a "united voice." ("China, Russia 'more determined' to boost ties, Beijing says," Reuters, 30 March 2022)

Switzerland: China’s Foreign Minister discusses Ukraine with President Parmelin and Foreign Minister Cassis
On 29 March, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a telephonic conversation with the Swiss President Guy Parmelin and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis. The Chinese and Swiss diplomats discussed the situation in Ukraine and agreed on rebuilding the European security framework. Wang Yi expressed concern over the manner in which the situation had progressed in Eastern Europe and clarified China’s position on the matter. He said: “The Chinese side has always maintained that only by strengthening the efforts of the international community to promote peace talks can space be explored for diplomatic negotiations and settlement of the conflict.” Wang Yi also took a stand against sanctions and reiterated the futility of the action in the international system. The Swiss President and Foreign Minister also believe that diplomacy is the correct way to deal with the crisis. (“Chinese FM talks over phone with Swiss president,” Xinhua Net, 30 March 2022)

The EU: Foreign Ministers discuss bolstering bilateral relations
On 29 March, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell took part in a video conference and discussed the improvement of ties between China and the EU. Wang Yi stressed on maintaining regular strategic communication, enhancing mutual understanding, expanding cooperation consensus and addressing global challenges together. Borrell also clarified the EU’s stance on improving bilateral relations with China and the One-China principle. (“Chinese FM holds video conference with top EU diplomat,” Xinhua Net, 30 March 2022)

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