Daily Briefs


Photo : The Strait Times/ Reuters

11 May 2022 | Wednesday | China Reader Evening Brief | Vol.1, No. 180

China's condemns the US State Department over modified words regarding Taiwan

China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson accuses the US of political manipulation and warns against trying to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.

IN BRIEF
By Avishka Ashok and Arshiya Banu

INTERNATIONAL
The US: China's Foreign Minister condemns the modification of the wording on the State Department's website regarding Taiwan
On 10 May, China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian criticized the US for modifying the wording on the State Department website about Taiwan, claiming that "political manipulation" will not change the existing status quo in the Taiwan Strait. The section on Taiwan on the State Department's website has been updated to remove statements opposing Taiwan independence as well as acknowledging Beijing's claim that Taiwan is a part of China. Zhao stated that there is only one China, that Taiwan belongs to China, and that the People's Republic of China is the country's sole lawful government. He added that the US rewriting its fact sheet on Taiwan-US relations is a "a petty act of fictionalising and hollowing out the one-China principle." (“China rebukes US for changing Taiwan wording on State Department website,” The Strait Times, 10 May 2022)

France: President Xi discusses enhancing bilateral relations with President Macron 
On 10 May, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke on the phone with French President Emmanuel Macron and observed that he and Macron have maintained close contact over the past five years. Xi stated that China-France relations have maintained a positive development momentum, while pushing for fruitful results in bilateral cooperation, and demonstrating major countries' responsibilities in addressing issues such as climate change and biodiversity conservation. Xi added that China will continue to cooperate with France in order to maintain close interactions at all levels and promote the healthy development of bilateral relations while protecting international peace and stability. (“Xi talks with Macron over phone,” Xinhua Net, 10 May 2022)

G7: China’s Foreign Ministry warns against interfering in internal affairs 
On 10 May, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian addressed the usual press briefing and said that the statement of concern by the Group of Seven members over the elections in Hong Kong was considered as an interference in the country’s internal affairs. Zhao said: “Certain Western countries and institutions have colluded to maliciously smear Hong Kong's election of its chief executive, a wanton interference in China's internal affairs which China is resolutely opposed to and strongly condemns.” He accused the countries of creating obstacles to the improvement of democracy in Hong Kong. Zhao further urged the G7 member countries to refrain from interfering in China’s internal affairs and respect China’s sovereignty. (“China says G-7 concern over Hong Kong leader selection is interference,” The Strait Times, 10 May 2022)

The US: China’s Foreign Ministry comments on the scheduled Summit of the Americas
On 10 May, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian addressed a press briefing and commented on a query regarding the expulsion of Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela from the Summit of the Americas, urging the US to respect the sovereignty and dignity of the Latin American countries. Zhao said: “The summit cannot solely apply American standards or serve U.S. self-interest. It cannot be reduced to an American summit.” He referred to the Summit which is scheduled to be held in June in Los Angeles and willed the US administration to not have its self-interests at its core while holding the summit. He also noted the 200th anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine in 2023 and accused the US of bullying the Latin American countries at its will. (“China urges U.S. to respect sovereignty, dignity of Latin American countries,” Xinhua Net, 10 May 2022) 

The US: National Intelligence warns that China may be preparing militarily 
On 10 May, the Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines informed the Senate Armed Services Committee that despite China’s primary objective of taking over Taiwan without violence, it is preparing its military to outrun the US military in case of an intervention. Aviril stated: “It's our view that they (the Chinese) are working hard to effectively put themselves into a position in which their military is capable of taking Taiwan over our intervention.” The intelligence officers further discussed the lessons being learnt by China from the current war in Eastern Europe. She also reiterated her belief that China would not wish to resort to a military occupation of Taiwan, but would rather peacefully acquire it over time. (“China wants to take Taiwan peacefully but is preparing militarily, say US intelligence officials,” Xinhua Net, 11 May 2022)

REGIONAL
Thailand: Top officials discuss cooperation and bilateral relations 
On 10 May, the Vice Chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee Wang Chen held a virtual meeting with Thailand’s First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Suchart Tancharoen. Wang observed that China and Thailand had successfully become more profound and flourished under the leadership of the two countries. Wang also expressed that China stands ready to work with Thailand on numerous mutual issues such as strengthening exchanges, mutual learning in rule of law, advance the implementation of the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative and ameliorating the friendship between the countries. Suchart reaffirmed Thailand’s adherence to the ‘One-China’ policy and expressed the country’s desire to deepen cooperation and mutual exchanges with China. (“China, Thailand vow to strengthen cooperation between legislatures,” Xinhua Net, 10 May 2022)

South Korea: China’s Vice President attends President’s inaugural ceremony 
On 10 May, China’s Vice President Wang Qishan met with South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol and pledged to jointly work towards enhancing the bilateral relations and pragmatic cooperation. Wang represented President Xi Jinping and attended Yoon Suk-yeol’s inauguration ceremony and conveyed China’s greetings and best wishes to him. He expressed China’s willingness to work with South Korea and take the bilateral relations to a higher level of cooperation. He said: “China and South Korea, as close neighbours and important partners, have witnessed all-round and rapid development in bilateral relations with increasing common interests since the establishment of diplomatic ties. In the face of a changing world and a pandemic unseen in a century, it's of greater importance for both sides, the region and the whole world to strengthen China-South Korea cooperation.” Wang also introduced a five-point proposal where he suggested that the two countries enhance their strategic communication and high-level exchanges, deepen pragmatic cooperation and align development strategies, increase cultural exchanges, strengthen communication and coordination in international and regional affairs, and lastly, elevate coordination and cooperation on the issues related to the Korean Peninsula. (“China, South Korea agree to boost pragmatic cooperation,” Xinhua Net, 10 May 2022)

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