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29 June 2022 | Wednesday | China Reader Evening Brief | Vol.1, No. 222

China warns against raising tensions and creation of Asian NATO

At the United Nations Security Council Briefing on Ukraine, China accuses the NATO of causing conflicts across the world while creating false misconceptions of threat.

IN BRIEF
By Avishka Ashok and Arshiya Banu

INTERNATIONAL
United Nations: China warns against raising tensions and creation of Asian NATO
On 28 June, China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Zhang Jun addressed the UN Security Council Briefing on Ukraine and urged the NATO to not raise tensions in the world order by using Ukraine as an excuse. Zhang stressed on security being indivisible and said: “A blind faith in the position of strength, the expansion of military alliance, and the pursuit of one's own security at the expense of the security of other countries will inevitably lead to security dilemmas.” He further emphasised on NATO’s five eastward expansions that failed to secure the region and said that it sowed the seeds of conflict. He implored the NATO member countries to reconsider its position and its responsibilities as the Cold War ended a long time ago.

Zhang explained China’s concerns regarding NATO’s “Strategic Concept” and said that the country pays close attention to strategic adjustment of the organization. China opposed the NATO for accusing certain countries of being a threat to world security and claimed that the association was responsible for multiple troubles and conflicts around the world. On behalf of China, Zhang strongly opposed the creation of an Asian NATO and their involvement in the Indo-Pacific region. (“Chinese envoy urges NATO not to fan block confrontation using Ukraine crisis as excuse,” Xinhua Net, 29 June 2022)

The EU: Netizens mock the notion of choosing between aid offered by China and the West 
On 29 June, the Global Times reported on the European Commission’s President Ursula von der Leyen’s remarks on mobilizing 300 billion euros to create an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative and said that it was ridiculed by netizens from the developing countries. Von der Leyen referred to the BRI and said: “It is up to us to give a positive and powerful investment impulse to the world to show our partners in the developing world that they have a choice and that we intend to step up in solidarity to meet their development needs.” China’s Foreign Ministry responded to the statements and said that they welcome the initiative to build global infrastructure but opposed the idea that the initiatives must replace China’s schemes in the countries. A similar sentiment was shared by netizens in developing countries where China has invested previously. Users took to twitter and questioned the idea of choosing China or the West in terms of international aid. (“EC President von der Leyen roasted for anti-China agenda in new infrastructure funding initiative,” Global Times, 29 June 2022)

The US: Foreign Ministry urges academic institutions to build relations and not dwell on anti-China narratives 
On 28 June, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian commented on the newly established China Centre within the Hudson Instritute and encouraged educational institutions to increase their cooperation and understanding with each other. Zhao noted the Hudson Institute’s anti-China ideology and its support for the secessionist movement in Taiwan. The Global Times said: “The center has been established to collude with anti-China parties, to concoct and disseminate anti-China rhetoric in order to cope with the so-called threats from the Communist Party of China.” (“Academic institutes should be bridges rather than platforms for anti-China lies: FM spokesperson,” Global Times, 28 June 2022)

INTERNAL
Ministry of Water Resources: Severe weather anticipated to hit China in July and August.
On 29 June, director of the Department of Flood and Drought Disaster Prevention of the Ministry of Water Resources Yao Wenguang predicted that the severe flooding that has ravaged China's southern and eastern regions, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of thousands, and the Pearl River basin's greatest rainfall in decades would likely continue in July and August. He said: "It is predicted that from July to August, there will be more extreme weather events in China, and regional flood conditions and drought conditions will be heavier than usual." Images on social media show the extent of the tragedy in the nation, from emergency rescues in floating rafts to cars submerged in water. (“More extreme weather events expected to pummel China in July, August,” The Strait Times, 29 June 2022)

Guangdong: China’s carbon capture plant and its partners
On 29 June, the Strait Times reported that the largest factory hub in the world is collaborating with oil companies from three continents on a massive carbon capture plant that would store the heat-trapping gas at sea in China. The three companies, Exxon Mobil, Shell, and Cnooc signed a non-binding agreement with the Guangdong government regarding a plant that may capture up to 10 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually. The hub would stop the Dayawan Petrochemical Industrial Park's carbon emissions before they are released into the atmosphere. (“Exxon, Shell partner with Cnooc on China carbon capture project,” The Strait Times, 29 June 2022)

COVID-19: China shortens quarantine period for travelers
One 28 June, China has significantly loosened one of the tightest COVID-19 regulations in the world, which has been discouraging transit into and out of the nation since 2020. The country cut the quarantine period for incoming tourists in half. According to the National Health Commission, quarantine at centralized facilities has been shortened from 14 to 7 days, and subsequent at-home health monitoring has been shortened from 7 to 3 days. The guidelines also relaxed quarantine rules for anyone who have been in close touch with those who have tested positive for the new coronavirus. (“China slashes COVID quarantine time for international travelers,” The Asahi Shimbun, 28 June 2022)

Hong Kong: Incoming Chief Executive looks for new sources to increase economic growth
On 28 June, the Asahi Shimbun reported that the government of Chief Executive-elect John Lee is under pressure to find new options for economic growth, looking beyond COVID outbreaks and anti-virus measures that have wreaked havoc on travel and business, as well as uncertainty about the legal environment following a crackdown on the city's pro-democracy movement. Lee pledged to "start a new chapter" for the city, best known as one of Asia's busiest ports and largest stock markets, and to "strengthen its competitiveness" in technology and innovation as well as commerce and finance, back in April when he was running for office. (“Hong Kong burnishes China ties as luster as global hub fades,” The Asahi Shimbun, 28 June 2022)

TECHNOLOGY
China Association for Science and Technology: China reveals 30 issues for 2022
On 28 June, Xinhua Net reported that the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) had unveiled a series of major issues in 2022 in science, engineering, technology and industrial technology. The list comprises 30 issues such as the early diagnosis of asymptomatic Alzheimer’s disease, the formation and evolution of black holes in space, application of remote sensing to assess the Earth’s health and the industrialization of memory-computation integrated chips and more. Since January 2022, the CAST has received over 649 proposals on tech issues in the fields of basic science, earth science, ecological environment, manufacturing technology, information technology, advanced materials, resources and energy, agricultural science and technology, life health, and aerospace science and technology. (“China unveils major sci-tech issues of 2022,” Xinhua Net, 28 June 2022)

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