IN BRIEF
By Avishka Ashok and Arshiya Banu
 

INTERNATIONAL
The US: President Xi and President Biden discuss mutual interests and bilateral relations on call
On 28 July, the Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden discussed and exchanged their views and concerns on the bilateral ties and other issues of mutual interest during the two-hour long telephonic conversation. Xi highlighted the current situation of the international order and stressed on the economic superpowers to take the lead in upholding world peace and security. The Chinese Head of State expressed his concerns regarding the China-policy of the US and the country’s perception of China as a strategic competition and a primary rival. Xi suggested working together with the US on macroeconomic policies, global industrial and supply chains, energy and food security. Xi additionally stressed on maintaining communication at all levels and promoting bilateral cooperation. The two leaders also exchanged their country’s position on the Russia-Ukraine war.

On the Taiwan issue, President Xi reiterated China’s objection to any support extended towards the independence movement and interference in the country’s internal affairs. Xi urged the US to abide by the one-China principle and the joint communiques. He said: “The three China-U.S. joint communiques embody the political commitments made by the two sides, and the one-China principle is the political foundation for China-U.S. relations. China firmly opposes secession aimed at "Taiwan independence" and external interference, and never allows any room for "Taiwan independence" forces in whatever form.” Biden reassured Xi that the US adherence to the one-China principle had not changed and that the country did not support the independence movement in Taiwan. 

(“Xi speaks with Biden over phone,” Xinhua Net, 29 July 2022;
“Xi underscores need for China, U.S. to maintain communication on important issues,” Xinhua Net, 29 July 2022;
“Xi warns against misperceiving China-U.S. ties, misreading China's development,” Xinhua Net, 29 July 2022;
“China firmly opposes "Taiwan independence," external interference: Xi,” Xinhua Net, 29 July 2022;
“Xi criticizes US rivalry policy in candid talk with Biden, warns over Taiwan question but both sides emphasize cooperation,” Global Times, 28 July 2022)

Defence Ministry Press Briefing: Spokesperson objects NATO’s strategic document and warns US from deploying troops in Japan
On 28 July, China’s Defense Ministry Spokesperson Wu Qian addressed a press inquiry and commented on NATO’ strategic concept document and the US plan to deploy troops in Japan. On NATO’s strategic document, Wu expressed China’s opposition to certain content for distorting facts, instigating confrontation and conflicts, and making irresponsible remarks on China’s military development. Wu said: “China is a consistent builder of world peace, a contributor to global growth, a defender of the international order, and a provider of public goods. China's military development not only underpins efforts to safeguard the country's sovereignty, security, and development interests but also promotes world peace and stability, and provides more public security goods worldwide.” On the deployment of US troops in Japan, Wu Qian said that China would take resolute countermeasures if the US decides to go ahead with its plans. He said: “The United States' intention to make such a move is perilous and detrimental to the national security of countries in the region as well as regional peace and stability.” (“Chinese spokesperson slams NATO for strategic concept referring to China,” Xinhua Net, 29 July 2022; “China warns against U.S. missile troop deployment plan in Japan,” Xinhua Net, 29 July 2022)

India: China reached four-point consensus on border issues 
On 28 July, China’s Ministry of National Defence Spokesperson Wu Qian addressed a press conference and announced that a four-point consensus had been reached with India on the resolution of border issues at the 16th round of the China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting. Wu Qian said: “The two sides continued discussions for the resolution of relevant issues along the Line of Actual Control of the China-India border, said Wu Qian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense.” According to the Chinese Defence Ministry, the two sides consented to actively work towards implementing the consensus achieved at the meeting, thereby building momentum for progress in bilateral relations. China and India have agreed to effectively manage differences, maintain security and stability and continue open communication and dialogues while attempting to reach an acceptable solution on the issue. The Chinese spokesperson also revealed that the current situation along the borders were calm with regular military and diplomatic channels between the two sides. (“China-India corps commander level meeting reaches four-point consensus: spokesperson,” Xinhua Net, 29 July 2022)

Uzbekistan: China’s Foreign Minister agrees on strengthening relations 
On 28 July, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Uzbekistan and reached a series of consensus on improving their bilateral relations. Wang said: “The two sides will take the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties as a new starting point to make joint efforts toward the vision and goal of building a China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future and inject new strong impetus into their comprehensive strategic partnership.” China and Uzbekistan discussed the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative and also agreed to support two other initiatives. The countries now aim to achieve annual trade worth USD 10 billion. They also decided to quickly implement the five-year plan for economic, trade, and investment cooperation. Other areas for cooperation will be poverty alleviation, medical and health infrastructure and vaccine production. (“China, Uzbekistan reach consensuses on strengthening ties,” Xinhua Net, 29 July 2022)

REGIONAL
Taiwan: Military blasts flare to scare away drone
On 28 July, the Taiwanese Defence Ministry stated that Taiwan's military blasted flares to scare away a drone that "glanced by" a strategically positioned and heavily defended island close to the Chinese coast and may have been testing its defences. Chinese military operations have increased over the past two years or so in an effort to pressure Taiwan's democratically elected government to recognise Beijing's sovereignty. According to the ministry, the drone twice "glanced by" Dongyin island, which is a part of the Matsu archipelago off the coast of Fujian province in China and is under Taiwanese control since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949. (“Taiwan says it fired flares to warn off drone near remote island,” The Strait Times, 28 July 2022)

Taiwan: Week-long military exercises come to an end
On July 29, the Strait Times reported that Taiwan has concluded a weeklong yearly military exercise and air raid drills, which it conducted to strengthen its defences against a Chinese invasion. As part of the Wan An air defence exercise, which was held from Monday to Thursday, sirens wailed throughout the island to remind people what to do in the event of an air raid. The yearly Han Kuang military drills, which simulate the responses to a Chinese invasion, were being conducted at the same time by the land, air, and naval forces. Although both exercises are conducted annually, this year's drills took place in the midst of an increase in Chinese military activity near the island. (“Taiwan ends week-long defence drills amid China tension,” The Strait Times, 29 July 2022)

INTERNAL
Xiaomi: Company struggles to obtain approval for its electric vehicle project
On 29 July, the Strait Times reported that Beijing-based company Xiaomi is finding it challenging to obtain regulatory approval for its electric vehicle project. The company has been attempting to discuss the issue with officials at the National Development and Reform Commission for months without success. Xiaomi’s co-founder Lei Jun, who has said that electric vehicles will be his final venture into the startup world, is relying on Xiaomi's experience in linked technologies and cultivating devoted user communities to catch up. But the longer it takes to get a licence, the more advantage its competitors will have. (“Xiaomi's $14b car project 'runs into regulatory barrier',” The Strait Times, 29 July 2022)

Laoximen: Shanghai’s former central hub to be demolished
On 29 July, the Strait Times reported that one of Shanghai's oldest neighbourhoods is barely hanging on as the city pushes through with demolition and redevelopment plans, featuring bricked-up doorways, deteriorating facades, and a small handful of defiant people. Laoximen, also known as the "old West Gate," was originally the city's cultural hub and was called for its location within Shanghai's 16th-century defensive walls. The majority of the stone and wood structures, which are typically two and three stories tall and are located around the site of a Confucian temple, are an anachronism in Shanghai's dazzling business sector. At the end of 2017, thousands of occupants were asked to leave their homes, though some remained in the deteriorating structures for years after the deadline. (“Demolition looms for Shanghai's historic Laoximen neighbourhood,” The Strait Times, 29 July 2022)