Daily Briefs


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26 May 2022 | Thursday | China Reader Evening Brief | Vol.1, No. 193

China expresses condolences and concern over Texas school shooting

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson urges the US to prioritize and protect its the human rights of its citizens.

IN BRIEF
By Avishka Ashok and Arshiya Banu

INTERNATIONAL
The US: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson expresses condolences to the Texas school shooting victims and their families
On 25 May, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated that the country is disheartened by the high number of people killed in the US and expressed condolences to the victims and sympathy to the injured and grieving families in the Texas shooting incident. Wenbin made the statements after an 18-year-old gunman killed 19 children and two adults at a Texas elementary school and urged the US to effectively protect its own people’s human rights. Wang said: "The right to life is the biggest human right and racial discrimination is the worst injustice," highlighting that the United States has the highest levels of gun violence, racial discrimination, and a human rights deficit. (“China saddened by Texas school shooting, urges U.S. to effectively protect human rights: FM spokesperson,” Xinhua Net, 25 May 2022)

The US: China conducts military exercises around Taiwan as a warning
On 25 May, the Chinese People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command spokesperson Shi Yi stated that it recently conducted an exercise around Taiwan as a "solemn warning" against its "collusion" with the US. Earlier, US President Joe Biden enraged China by appearing to foreshadow a shift in the US policy of "strategic ambiguity" on Taiwan by declaring the US would intervene militarily if China attacked the island. However, he later stated that US policy had not changed. Yi said: "It is hypocritical and futile for the United States to say one thing and do another on the Taiwan issue." While the US maintains a "one China" policy, recognising only Beijing, it has pledged under the Taiwan Relations Act to "to help provide Taiwan the means to defend itself." (“China says it conducted military exercise around Taiwan to warn US,” The Strait Times, 25 May 2022)

The US: Asian plan backed by the US to decouple countries from the Chinese economy
On 25 May, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated that a US-backed strategy for Asia aims to decouple countries from the Chinese economy, but many countries are concerned about the "huge cost" of doing so. Wang claimed the Indo Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) serves US interests and strives to exclude other countries during a news briefing. Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden launched this plan. Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and the United States were among the initial founding countries, but not China. (“Beijing says US-backed Asia plan seeks to 'decouple' countries from China,” The Strait Times, 25 May 2022)

The Pacific: Chinese Foreign Minister to hold summit in Fiji next week to seek regional agreement
On 25 May, Reuters reported that Foreign Minister Wang Yi will host a summit in Fiji next week, where China will seek a regional agreement covering policing, security, and data communication cooperation. A draft communiqué and five-year action plan issued by China to ten Pacific islands ahead of a meeting of foreign ministers on May 30 has sparked criticism from at least one of the invited countries, which claims it demonstrates China's desire to rule the region and "threatens regional stability." The president of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), David Panuelo, said in a letter to 21 Pacific leaders that his country would argue the "pre-determined joint communique" should be rejected because it may start a new "Cold War" between China and the West. (“EXCLUSIVE China seeks Pacific islands policing, security cooperation – document,” Reuters, 25 May 2022)

Jordan: President of the Senate meets Li Zhanshu and discusses bilateral exchanges
On 25 May, the Chairman of China’s National People’s Congress Li Zhanshu held a meeting with Jordan’s Senate President Faisal Fayez and expressed support and hope for enhancement of their bilateral relations. Li noted the traditional friendship between China and Jordan and appreciated the deepening of the relations. Li said: “China appreciates Jordan's adherence to the one-China principle and firmly supports Jordan in exploring a development path and governance model suited to its national conditions.” He further encouraged Jordan’s participation and contribution in the Belt and Road Initiative and noted that it was an important part of the project. Lastly, Li extended the invitation to join the China-led Global Security Initiative to Jordan while explaining the constructive role played by China in the Middle East. (“China's top legislator holds talks with Jordan's Senate president,” Xinhua Net, 25 May 2022)

BRICS: Member countries launch joint committee on space cooperation
On 25 May, the BRICS member countries launched the Joint Committee on Space Cooperation, marking another step in the group’s cooperation in remote sensing satellite observation and data sharing. The space agencies from the five countries reviewed the documents and adopted them based on the Joint Committee terms of reference. The head of the China National Space Administration said: “The joint committee will guide cooperation on the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation to better serve economic and social development in member countries.” The new initiative is expected to deepen the cooperation between the member countries and help in environmental protection, disaster prevention and mitigation, and tackling climate change. (“BRICS countries launch joint committee on space cooperation,” Xinhua Net, 26 May 2022)

France: Foreign Ministers discuss relations under Macron-Xi leadership
On 26 May, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone conversation with France’s Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna and discussed the future of their bilateral relations. The leaders promised to enhance the diplomatic ties while also deepening the cooperation between China and the EU. Wang appreciated the progress of their relationship under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Emmanuel Macron and said: “The heads of state of the two countries have forged solid mutual trust and friendship, and maintained close communication, which provided strategic guidance for the both countries to jointly tackle global challenges and injected stability into a turbulent world.” Wang and Colonna also discussed the crisis in Eastern Europe and agreed to playing a constructive role in the region. (“China, France vow to improve bilateral ties, deepen China-EU cooperation,” Xinhua Net, 26 May 2022)

Global Environment Facility: World Bank approves USD 26.92 million for green city projects in China
On 25 May, China’s Finance Ministry announced that the World Bank had approved funds for an urban environment project in China. The project is aimed at encouraging biodiversity conservation and carbon neutrality. According to the ministry, funds worth USD 26.92 million will be granted to the Global Environment Facility for Chongqing, Chengdu and Ningbo Carbon-Neutral Cities Project. The project is expected to finish by 2027 and will integrate biodiversity conservation in urban development. (“World Bank approves funds to promote biodiversity, carbon neutrality in Chinese cities,” Xinhua Net, 25 May 2022)

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