NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Xinhua
IN BRIEF
By Keerthana Nambiar and Avishka Ashok
INTERNAL
Major rare earth group established in China’s Jiangxi Province
On 23 December, China Rare Earth Group Co., Ltd, a state-owned enterprise was established in east China’s Jiangxi Province. The group consists of three companies and two research firms which would be operated under the direct supervision of the State-owned assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council. The main agenda of the group is to research, exploration, smelting, and deep processing of rare earth along with downstream applications, industrial incubation, equipment manufacturing, technical consulting services, and foreign trade. (“China Rare Earth Group founded in Jiangxi,” Xinhua Net, 23 December 2021)
President Xi Jinping met HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam
On 22 December, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Carrie Lam in Beijing. In the meeting, President Xi made remarks on the achievements in Hong Kong on COVID-19 response, economic recovery, and maintaining social stability. Xi said: “Lam has also led the HKSAR government in successfully holding elections of the Election Committee and the Legislative Council (LegCo), resolutely implementing the Hong Kong national security law, and taking active measures to promote the HKSAR's integration into the overall development of the country and comprehensively deepen its exchanges and cooperation with the mainland,” reported Xinhua. (“Xi Focus: Xi meets with HKSAR chief executive,” Xinhua Net, 22 December 2021)
REGIONAL
South Korean senior diplomats to hold talks with China
On 23 December, South Korean Vice-Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun and senior diplomats are set to hold talks with the Chinese counterpart Le Yucheng. This move is following a diplomatic spat between South Korea and Taiwan over the cancellation of attendance at a business forum by a senior Taipei official held in Seoul. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry condemned the move and summoned South Korea’s acting representative to express displeasure. (“S.Korea holds talks with China amid spat with Taiwan,” Reuters, 23 December 2021)
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praises the longtime Chinese envoy
On 23 December, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un praised the outgoing Chinese ambassador Li Jinjun who is leaving the office after seven years in China. Kim appreciated Li’s efforts to improve the relations between Pyongyang and Beijing. Kim’s remarks were conveyed by Choe Ryong Hae, a top official in the ruling Workers Party of Korea, and said the North Korea-China relationship has entered a “fresh heyday.” (“N.Korea's Kim praises 'fresh heyday' in China relations as longtime envoy departs,” Reuters, 23 December 2021)
INTERNATIONAL
China extends support to Solomon Islands after November riots
On 23 December, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Zhao Lijian announced that China would provide anti-riot equipment and will also send an ad-hoc police advisory group to the Solomon Islands. Zhao said: “the supplies and personnel will arrive soon and play a constructive role in enhancing local police's capability, given the severe anti-government turmoil in Honiara, the capital city of the Solomon Islands in late November.” He also extended his support to the government in the Solomon Islands and encouraged domestic stability in the country. (“China to offer police anti-riot gear, send police advisory team to Solomon Islands,” Global Times, 23 December 2021)
President Xi discusses Sino-German relations with the new German Chancellor
On 23 December, China Daily reported that the Chinese President Xi Jinping and the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held their first telephonic conversation and stressed the China-German relationship. The phone call also set the impetus for better relations between China and Europe in the coming years. The report noted that that German motor vehicles had already become an integral part of China’s transportation industry. China hopes that Germany under the leadership of Scholz would implement practical decisions and encourage the China-EU Comprehensive Agreement on Investment. (“China, Germany show the way to mutually beneficial cooperation,” China Daily, 23 December 2021)