IN BRIEF
By Avishka Ashok

INTERNATIONAL
BRICS: President Xi calls for protecting peace, boosting development and maintaining unity 
On 23 June, President Xi Jinping hosted the 14th BRICS Summit and called on the countries to jointly work towards safeguarding peace and tranquillity, boosting development and approaching the global order as one big family. Xi said: “Standing at the crossroads of history, we should both look back at the journey we have traveled and keep in mind why we established BRICS in the first place, and look forward to a shared future of a more comprehensive, close, practical and inclusive high-quality partnership so as to jointly embark on a new journey of BRICS cooperation.” Xi took a stand against hegemonic politics, bullying and division while encouraging multilateralism, safeguarding justice, fairness and solidarity. He also advocated the Global Security Initiative and encouraged the BRICS member countries to operationalize the initiative to bring more stability.

Xi’s keynote address further highlighted the need for upholding cooperation and openness in the world order. He pointedly stressed on the non-exclusive nature of the BRICS grouping of countries and its continuous partnership for a win-win cooperation. Making a point for South-South cooperation, Xi introduced the “BRICS Plus” cooperation approach to expand and deepen unity amongst the developing and emerging markets. He spoke of the group’s decision to invite guest countries to the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting and the inclusive nature of the BRICS Vaccine R&D Centre. Lastly , Xi emphasized the need to uphold the pioneering spirit and innovation and said: “Those who seize the opportunities of the new economy, such as big data and artificial intelligence, are in sync with the pulse of the times.” (“Xinhua Headlines: President Xi calls for peace, development, openness, innovation to build high-quality BRICS partnership,” Xinhua Net, 24 June 2022)

Afghanistan: China urges countries to increase international support 
On 23 June, China’s Permanent Representative Zhang Jun addressed the United Nations Security Council and urged the international community to increase their support to Afghanistan. Zhang said: “Afghanistan is at a critical stage of transition from chaos to governance. Since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, the situation in Afghanistan has remained stable on the whole while the humanitarian and economic fields are facing the most daunting challenges.” He pushed the case of Afghan people and the long journey to achieving peace in the country. He further highlighted the importance of constructive engagement to support Afghanistan’s pursuance of realising an autonomous and effective state governance. (“Chinese envoy calls for more int'l support for Afghanistan,” Xinhua Net, 24 June 2022)

Europe: Freight train from China marks its 10,000 trip 
On 24 June, the China-Europe Railway Express departed from Chongqing in South China, marking the 10,000th trip made by the freight train. The train is headed for Duisburg in Germany and is loaded with electronic products, mechanical parts and other daily necessities. The railway line was launched in 2011 and has played a facilitating role in increasing trade between China and Europe. The railway line has been used to transport over 1,000 types of goods; from smart terminals to complete auto parts and medicines. The total value of goods that have been transported using the China-Europe railway line exceeds USD 60 billion. The 40 routes used by the freight train reaches 100 cities in Asia and Europe. (“China-Europe Railway Express (Chongqing) embarks on 10,000th trip,” Xinhua Net, 24 June 2022)

REGIONAL
Laos: Joint operation with Yunnan police arrests two Lao nationals for trafficking 1.44 tonnes of meth
On 23 June, the Yunnan provincial public security department announced that the Chinese and Lao police had jointly seized 1.44 tonnes of methamphetamine tablets during a cross-border drug trafficking case and arrested two individuals for their involvement in the trafficking. The Yunnan police alerted the law enforcement authorities of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand after getting tipped off with information on large quantities of drugs being shipped through the Mekong River basin. The authorities had earlier arrested two Lao nationals after they were caught with drugs during a joint operation. The Yunnan police appreciated the joint cooperation by the four countries in improving public security and cracking down on drug trafficking in the area. The countries have successfully seized 47.12 tonnes of drugs in the last three years, arresting 8,204 suspects. (“1.44 tonnes of meth seized in joint operation by Chinese, Lao police,” Xinhua Net, 24 June 2022)

INTERNAL
Demography: Record number of graduates enter China’s economy 
On 23 June, the Asahi Shimbun reported that China was dealing with a record number of students graduating and applying for jobs in an already slow and recovering economic conditions. The number of young and fresh graduates entering the market is higher than the entire population of Portugal while the rate of joblessness in the country stands at a record 18.4 per cent, three times higher than usual. Premier Li Keqiang has promised to make job availability the government’s top priority. The government has initiated many provisions such as offering easy loans and subsidies to encourage graduates into starting their own business. Companies are also being given subsidies for taking in interns. The expected salaries have also dipped by 6.2 per cent in the country. (“Record numbers of Chinese graduates enter worst job market in decades,” The Asahi Shimbun, 23 June 2022)

Hong Kong: Government approaches foreign business to revive economy 
On 24 June, the Strait Times reported that China had contacted the foreign business chambers in Hong Kong to enquire about methods to revive the city’s economy. The rare move comes as the new Chief Executive John Lee prepares to take office in a week’s time. The report stated that the Liaison Office sent invitations to the commerce heads across the city in early June to understand the challenges faced by businesses in establishing and maintaining offices in Hong Kong. Most chambers responded with a request to end the quarantine immediately but also appreciated the shift in the government’s modus operandi and genuine interest in recognizing the challenges for foreign businesses. The 90-minutes meeting were conducted in English and the officials did not make use of translators; another change from the previous officials. (China asks foreign business leaders how to revive Hong Kong in rare move,” The Strait Times, 24 June 2022)

Hong Kong: Police arrests five individuals as city preps for 25th handover anniversary 
On 24 June, the Guardian reported that the Hong Kong Police had arrested five people for sedition before the 25th anniversary celebration of the British Handover of the city. The police arrested two men aged 28 and 30 on the suspicion of sharing posts with ill will and inciting violence. On 22 June, the police arrested three more individuals for running an armed spearatist movement. The authorities in the city are on a high alert as President Xi Jinping may be visiting the city on 1 July. (“Hong Kong: five arrested for sedition ahead of 25th anniversary of British handover,” The Guardian, 24 June 2022)

Nio showroom mishap: Two test drivers die as car falls from factory building
On 24 June, the BBC reported that a Chinese electric car Nio fell from its headquarters in Shanghai, resulting in the death of two people in the incident. The two people, a member of staff and another from a partner company were seated inside the car when it fell from the third floor of the building. The company has immediately initiated an investigation into the accident and is cooperating with the government officials. Nio also released an official statement and said: “Our company has collaborated with public security department to launch the investigation and analysis of the cause of the accident. Based on the analysis of the situation at the scene, we can initially confirm that this was an accident (not caused by the vehicle). We feel very sad about this accident and would like to express our deepest condolences to our colleague and partner employee who lost their lives. A team has been set up to help the families.” (“Two killed as Nio electric car falls from third floor office in Shanghai,” The BBC, 24 June 2022)