Daily Briefs


Photo : Africa.CGTN

30 May 2022 | Monday | China Reader Evening Brief | Vol.1, No. 196

United Nations human rights Chief implores China to review its policies in Xinjiang

Before the visit to Xinjiang, Michelle Bachelet clarified that the purpose of the visit was to hold a discussion with the Chinese authorities over their policies and not inspect the region.

IN BRIEF
By Avishka Ashok and Arshiya Banu

INTERNATIONAL
United Nations: Human rights chief urges China to rethink its anti-terrorism and deradicalization policies 
On 29 May, the Asahi Shimbun reported that the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Right Michelle Bachelet had raised questions about the violation of the rights of the Uighur ethnic group in the Xinjiang region. Bachelet clarified that the aim of the trip was not to inspect but to have open discussions with the Chinese authorities on fulfilling its obligations under the international humani rights law. She said: “It provides an opportunity for me to better understand the situation in China, but also for the authorities in China to better understand our concerns and to potentially rethink policies that we believe may impact negatively on human rights.” She also discussed the broad application of the counter-terrorism and de-radicalization laws on the Muslim minorities in Xinjiang. (UN human rights chief asks China to rethink Uyghur policies,” The Asahi Shimbun, 29 May 2022)

Niue: Premier video calls Chinese Foreign Minister and dicusses bilateral ties 
On 29 May, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke on a video call with Niue’s Premier and Foreign Minister Dalton Tagelagi, with both sides promising to strengthen bilateral cooperation, including on the Belt and Road initiative (BRI). During the call, Wang stated that since establishing diplomatic ties, China and Niue have seen their relations develop smoothly with mutual respect and support, noting that they have established a bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership and signed documents on jointly building the Belt and Road. Tagelagi expressed his gratitude to China for its selfless assistance and significant support for his country's independent development and people's livelihood. He stated that his country intends to enhance cooperation with China in numerous fields and work together to promote peace, development, and prosperity while maintaining continuing commitment to the one-China concept. (“Niue, China to deepen bilateral cooperation,” Xinhua Net, 29 May 2022)

Myanmar: Union Minister for Health thanks China for donating 10 million vaccine doses
On 29 May, the Chinese embassy in Myanmar released a statement saying that China has sent 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine syringes, and two mobile laboratory trucks to Myanmar. The vaccine doses and syringes were delivered to Myanmar's Ministry of Health at Yangon International Airport in separate batches from 18 May to 29 May. Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai stated that China has been consistently sending medical supplies to Myanmar in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as assisting Myanmar in filling and packing COVID-19 vaccines to increase the country's immunisation rate. Myanmar's Union Minister for Health Thet Khaing Win expressed gratitude for China's donation. He stated that the currently donated COVID-19 vaccinations will be employed in the inoculation of youngsters aged five to twelve years old and the two mobile laboratory trucks will be utilised at the country's border checkpoints. (“China donates 10 mln COVID-19 vaccine doses to Myanmar,” Xinhua Net, 29 May 2022)

The PIF: Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with PIF Secretary General to discuss blue economy 
On 29 May, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretary General Henry Puna to discuss bilateral cooperation on the blue economy and climate change. Wang stated that the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is the most representative intergovernmental organisation in the South Pacific region, and China has prioritised its engagement in regional affairs. Wang said that the Chinese side supports the island states' Blue Pacific Continent 2050 Strategy and is open to explore cooperation in areas such as marine ecological preservation and e-commerce in order to establish new growth points. Puna stated that China, as a key dialogue and development partner of the Pacific Island countries, has long made an indispensable contribution to their development, and that the Pacific Island countries are ready to strengthen their ties with China's development strategy, expand cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, education, and the blue economy, and fully seize the opportunities presented by China's development. (“Chinese FM, PIF secretary general discuss cooperation on blue economy, climate change,” Xinhua Net, 29 May 2022)

Switzerland: Government puts renewal of FTA with China on hold until human rights review
On 29 May, Reuters reported that Switzerland was reviewing its opinion on China’s human rights records. As a result of the review, the efforts to renew its free trade agreement with China have been put on hold. China signed the first FTA in 2013, which was also the first agreement signed with an European country. Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs explained that the country has been trying to include sustainability features and extend the tariff reductions to more Swiss products. The office said: “So far it has not been possible to agree on a common list of topics that should be explored in greater depth.” (“China-Switzerland trade talks stall over rights issues, Swiss newspapers report.” Reuters, 29 May 2022)

INTERNAL
Ministry of Education: Publisher asked to redesign textbooks due to erroneous and indecent illustrations 
On 30 May, the Strait Times reported that China had demanded a change in its textbook illustration after the public raised concern over the images being ugly, pornographic and racist. The Ministry of Education issued a statement and asked the People’s Education Press to “rectify and reform the publications.” The publisher will now have to change the illustrations and have them approved by the government before the fall semester begins. The Ministry also called for a detailed inspection of all school textbooks and pledged to address the people’s concerns regarding children’s education. The statement by the government body promised to work towards ensuring teaching methods that “adhere to the right political direction and value orientation, promote outstanding Chinese culture, and conform to the aesthetic tastes of the general public." (“China tells publisher to redo school textbook pictures after outcry,” The Strait Times, 30 May 2022)

ECONOMY
State Administration of Foreign Exchange: Data shows surplus in Chinese foreign goods trade
On 28 May, CGTN reported that the State Administration of Foreign Exchange released data showing that China recorded a surplus in its international goods trade in April. Last month, goods exports totalled 1.6666 trillion yuan (about $247.3 billion), while imports totalled 1.3568 trillion yuan, resulting in a 309.9-billion-yuan surplus. In April, China's international trade in services showed a deficit of 42.9 billion yuan. Total foreign goods and services trade imports and exports totalled 3.4427 trillion yuan in April, largely unchanged from April last year. (“China reports surplus in international goods trade,” CGTN, 28 May 2022)

TECHNOLOGY
Space: Shenzhou XIV prepares for launch and second six-month mission
On 29 May, the Shenzhou XIV was shifted to Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Inner Mongolia as the launch is scheduled to take place in a few weeks. The government also released details about the final phase of the work on the Chinese space station Tiangong. China Daily also announced the government’s plans to launch the station’s lab component in July and another in October. At the end of the year, Shenzhou XV is scheduled to report at the space station along with the Tianzhou 5 cargo craft. (“China prepares final missions to complete its own space station,” The Strait Times, 30 May 2022)

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