Daily Briefs


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01 June 2022 | Wednesday | China Reader Evening Brief | Vol.1, No. 198

China calls on United Nations to support African countries in resolving conflicts

China's Deputy permanent representative pushes for African countries to resolve issues with African methods.

IN BRIEF
By Avishka Ashok and Arshiya Banu

INTERNATIONAL
United Nations: China urges countries to support African countries in solving problems
On 31 May, China’s Deputy permanent representative to the United Nations Dai Bing attended the Security Council meeting on the Democratic Republic of Congo and urged the international community to extend support to African countries in resolving their problems in their own indigenous ways. Dai further stressed on the deteriorating state of security in DRC and voiced China’s concerns on the attacks on civilians, massive casualties and displacement caused by the conflict. He said: “China expresses its concern over the fierce clash in North Kivu last week. We support the swift issuance of a press statement by the Security Council, condemning the attacks and urging all armed groups to lay down their weapons immediately and unconditionally and participate in the political process initiated by regional countries in Nairobi.” (“China urges supporting African countries to resolve problems in African ways,” Xinhua Net, 01 June 2022)

The US: Former US Secretary of State advises US and China to coexist and reconcile with each other
On 31 May, the former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger took part in a webinar organised by the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, a think-tank under the Chinese foreign ministry and stated that both Washington and Beijing must find a way to coexist and reconcile their worldviews, warning that failing to do so might result in conflict and war. Dr. Kissinger added that each side should make an attempt to start a dialogue in order to understand the other's core interests and act in a way that respects those interests. He said: "We have to begin to define for each other what we consider the obstacles to progress and what we consider the goals we can achieve." (“Washington and Beijing must find ways to coexist or risk war: Henry Kissinger,” The Strait Times, 31 May 2021

The US: Chinese Foreign Minister advises the US to renounce the Cold War mentality
On 31 May, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi advised the US to renounce the Cold War mentality and properly manage conflicts, saying that China-US relations could no longer deteriorate. Wang made the statements at a Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs online symposium commemorating former US Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger's 99th birthday. Wang emphasised that both China and the United States share responsibility for creating a world that is interconnected, diverse, and inclusive. He said: "If the United States only defines its relations with China in terms of major-country competition and sets its policy goal with 'win or lose' mentality, it will only push the bilateral relations into confrontation and conflict and the world into division and turmoil." (“Wang Yi urges U.S. to take actions to avoid a deterioration in bilateral ties,” CGTN, 31 May 2022)

Russia: China’s increased trade may push the US into taking action
On 1 June, the Asahi Shimbun reported that the increased trade between China and Russia continued to raise tensions with the US. Earlier this week, the European Union announced its decision to stop purchasing oil from Russia. The US and other Western countries have been suspicious of China’s intentions with respect to bailing Russia out of the economic crisis caused by the war in Eastern Europe. China has repeatedly condemned the unilateral sanctions by the West and criticized the decision to ignore the diplomatic channels and the United Nations. Political analysts believe that China’s “no limits” friendship with Russia will continue to irk the US into taking action against Beijing. (“China’s Russia dealings irk U.S., but don’t breach sanctions,” The Asahi Shimbun, 01 June 2022)

INTERNAL
Qiushi Journal: Article written by Xi on human-nature coexistence to be published
On 31 May, Xinhua Net reported that Chinese President and general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Xi Jinping will publish an article on the struggle to build a society in which mankind and nature coexist in harmony. The article will be published in the CPC Central Committee’s flagship magazine, the Qiushi Journal, in the 11th issue this year. According to the article, since the CPC's 18th National Congress, a series of important strategic arrangements have resulted in historic, transformative, and comprehensive changes in the construction of China's ecological civilization. The article emphasizes the importance of taking the notion of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature and incorporating it into the country’s economic and social development. (“Xi's article on modernization featuring harmonious coexistence between humanity, nature to be published,” Xinhua Net, 31 May 2022)

CSCLF: Chinese President Xi extends congratulations to CSCL foundation for its 40th anniversary
On 31 May, Chinese President Xi Jinping extended a congratulatory letter to the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF) during a ceremony to commemorate the foundation's 40th anniversary in Beijing. In the letter, President Xi encouraged the foundation in the letter to make new and greater contributions to foster solidarity among all Chinese sons and daughters at home and abroad. Xi conveyed heartfelt greetings to people from all walks of life, both at home and abroad, who have contributed to the Foundation's cause. The Beijing-based foundation, which was founded in May 1982 and is named after Soong Ching Ling, Doctor Sun Yat-sen’s wife, focuses on international and cross-Strait exchanges as well as the welfare of children and teenagers. (“Xi congratulates China Soong Ching Ling Foundation on 40th anniversary, CGTN, 31 May 2022)

Central Commission for Discipline Inspection: Former deputy chief expelled for fabricating data 
On 31 May, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection issued a statement announcing the expulsion of the former deputy party chief of Jiangsu Zhang Jinghua for fabricating economic data. The statement said that Jinghua was accused of having “faked economic figures for personal promotion and meddled in market activities in violation of relevant rules.” Analysts observed that the accusations aren’t very specific and that the charges were rarely slapped on a senior provincial official of the Communist Party of China. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, officials from Hebei, Henan and Guizhou have been suspended for fabricating data on fixed-asset investment, retail sales and other areas in the last week. Furthermore, the CCDI’s newspaper also explained that the government was still dealing with the issue of fabrication of data even after the heightened scrutiny in recent years. (“Communist Party of China expels ex-Nanjing chief for faking economic data,” The Strait Times, 01 June 2022)

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