NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Reuters
HIGHLIGHTS
CHINA & EUROPE
Beijing and Bern urge Russia to attend Ukraine peace summit
On 08 March, South China Morning Post reported that China and Switzerland had appealed to Russia to attend a peace summit regarding the war in Ukraine. In January, the Swiss government agreed to host a peace summit at the request of Ukraine. Beijing has expressed interest in attending the summit. The Swiss summit was discussed, as China's envoy for Eurasia, Li Hui, visited Europe and Moscow. Li Hui stated that Russia would attend the summit if the West ceases supplying arms to Ukraine and Ukraine cancels a decree signed in October 2022, declaring negotiations with Russian President Putin as impossible. Additionally, Li Hui highlighted to EU officials that the summit cannot be forced on Russia. The summit's agenda is expected to include nuclear safety, grain exports, and child trafficking. Kyiv and the EU have previously requested that Beijing engage in these matters, while China has advocated its 12-point proposal for peace released in February 2023. ("China and Switzerland in the push for Russia to join Ukraine peace summit," Finbarr Bermingham, South China Morning Post, 08 March 2024)
EAST ASIA
South Korean government plans to increase trainee doctors pay
On 08 March, the Government of South Korea proposed to increase the pay and improve working conditions for young doctors, a key demand from the protesting medical trainees doctors. Prime Minister of South Korea, Han Duck-Soo said that currently young doctors are forced to work for 36 hours, which is to blame for the protest walkout and the government will consider limiting it to 24 hours. The suggestions put out by Han seemed to be an attempt to reach an understanding with the demonstrators, even if they weren't giving up the government's plans to admit additional medical students. (“South Korea to boost young doctors’ pay even as it denies healthcare is in crisis,” The Straits Times, 08 March 2024)
CHINA READER DAILY WIRE
INTERNAL
Chinese government prioritizes National Security
On 08 March, VOA news reported that China is scheduled to adopt security laws in 2024 to eliminate "threats” to the government. Chinese legislator Zhao Leji, highlighted that lawmakers would safeguard China's sovereignty, security, and development interests during the agenda for the National People's Congress. Additionally, Zhao stated that the revision of the National Defense Education Law and Cybersecurity Law is expected. Zhao stated that to modernise China's system and capacity for national security, Beijing would enact an emergency management law, an energy law, an atomic law energy law, and a hazardous chemical safety law. The NPC is scheduled to introduce and amend laws regarding finance, education, and healthcare. However, Zhao did not offer details regarding what the new laws would involve. The "Two Sessions" attempt to provide a strategy for the Chinese government. ("China Vows To 'Safeguard' National Security With New Laws at Conclave," VOA news, 08 March 2024)
Chinese General calls for restrictions on fake combat military capabilities
On 09 March, South China Morning Post reported that Chinese General He Weidong stated that a crackdown is expected on fake combat capabilities in the military. The general remarked during a People's Liberation Army delegation. The discussion was related to the ongoing "two-session" gathering of China's legislature and political advisors. Analysts state that the crackdown might impact weapon procurement. Nine generals were ousted from the legislature on charges of violating discipline in December. Fake combat capabilities could also refer to drills that have not reached the standards required. The PLA, under pressure from Beijing, has attempted to improve real combat exercises and training. Additionally, on 6 May, senior generals pledged to deepen the anti-corruption drive. PLA delegation member, Chen Guoqiang suggested utilising data and intelligence tools to combat corruption in the military. (Amber Wang, "Chinese general calls for crackdown on ‘fake combat capabilities’ in the military," South China Morning Post, 09 March 2024)
ECONOMY
Rise in consumer prices indicates positive economic growth for China, says WSJ
On 09 March, The Wall Street Journal reported that Chinese consumer prices increased owing to expenditure amidst the Lunar New Year. The Consumer Price Index rose 0.7 per cent year-on-year in February. The year-on-year growth in consumer prices was the highest in 11 months. On 04 March, Premier Li Quang announced a growth target of more than 5 per cent. Additionally, Li set an inflation target of 3 per cent in 2024. In January-February, the CPI remained constant with food prices down 3.4 percent and non-food prices 0.9 down. (Jonathan Cheng, "Chinese Consumer Prices Edge Higher, Breaking a Four-Month Slide," The Wall Street Journal, 08 March 2024)
CHINA & TAIWAN
Taiwan urges Beijing to not alter the status quo
On 08 March, Taiwan's China policy-making body urged China to not alter the situation around waters near Taiwan's frontline islands. In February, Beijing conducted regular coast guard patrols around the Kimmen Islands. The surveillance follows the deaths of two Chinese fishermen fleeing Taiwan's coast guard. The Mainland Affairs Council deputy head, Jyh Horng, stated that the situation should be controllable and does not require measures that violate the status quo. Additionally, he highlighted that Taipei hoped that Beijing would employ peaceful means to engage with Taiwan and urged China to have more confidence. Additionally, Jyh urged Chinese authorities to permit Chinese students and tourists to visit the island following the COVID-19 pandemic travel disruption. China has stated that it would improve its defence expenditure by 7.2 per cent in 2024. ("Taiwan urges China not to alter situation around waters near frontline islands," The Strait Times, 08 March 2024)
CHINA & SOUTH ASIA
Indian deployment of troops would not ease tensions, says Chinese Foreign Ministry
On 08 March, China stated that India's deployment of 10,000 soldiers along the disputed border would not ease tensions. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, stated that China is committed to engaging with India to safeguard peace and stability in border areas. India has deployed 10,000 soldiers from its western border in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Additionally, Mao stated that the increase in India's military deployment would not safeguard peace and safety in the region. The two countries have agreed to engage through military and diplomatic channels to resolve the issues on the western section of the India-China border. ("China says more Indian troops at Himalayan border won't ease tensions," Reuters, 8 March 2024)
CHINA & THE AMERICAS
The US seeks to divest Chinese company ByteDance, says SCMP
On 09 March, the South China Morning Post reported that US President Joe Biden stated that he would sign legislation resulting in Chinese company ByteDance divesting from TikTok. The legislation, known as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, has been passed by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill was sponsored by Republican Mike Gallagher and Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi. The bill aims to restrict the influence of foreign-controlled apps in the US. The bill would provide ByteDance with 165 days to divest from TikTok. Failing to divest could result in the suspension of web-hosting services at ByteDance. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump highlighted that a ban on TikTok would result in Facebook doubling its business. Analysts speculate that China would unlikely permit any measures by ByteDance to divest from TikTok("Joe Biden vows to sign TikTok bill forcing China’s ByteDance to divest as Donald Trump voices concern," Igor Patrick, South China Morning Post, 9 March 2024)
The US urges allies to tighten the restrictions on chip tech exports to China, says Nikkie Asia
On 09 March, Nikkei Asia published an article with the headline, “U.S. urges Japan and Netherlands to tighten China chip tech curbs,” by Rintaro Tobita saying that the United States is urging Japan and Netherlands to heighten their restrictions on exports of chip tech-related goods to China, including the chemicals used for chip-making and equipment for older-generation chips. The shipment of goods not included in the ban imposed by the US to curb the exports of semiconductor-related goods to China in October 2022 has grown significantly. Japanese companies state that if Japan tightens the export of equipment for older chips, it will lose the market share meaninglessly as they know China can get access from another source. The United States is applying pressure in response to indications that its initial plan to restrict China's advancements in chip manufacturing has not been as successful as anticipated. (Rintaro Tobita, “U.S. urges Japan and Netherlands to tighten China chip tech curbs,” Nikkei Asia, 09 March 2024)
China is surpassed by Mexico as the leading exporter to the US in 2023
On 07 February, the Bureau of Economic Analysis released a data report saying that Mexico became the leading exporter to the United States in 2023 with 475.6 billion USD of exports surpassing China’s exports of 427.2 billion USD. The reason behind the fall in exports from China is the unstable relations between the United States and China, which made American companies diversify their supply chains to favourable places. One of which is the Southeast Asian region, which remains a stable region for building supply chains for semiconductors, especially with the countries Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia. (Marrian Zhou, “Mexico replaces China as top exporter to U.S. in 2023,” Nikkei Asia, 08 February 2024)
EAST ASIA & THE PACIFIC READER
EAST ASIA
Taiwan expects more tourists from Indonesia
On 09 March, Nikkei Asia published an editorial on the topic, “Taiwan seeks more tourists from Indonesia,” by Randy Mulyanto saying that Taiwan is expecting a significant amount of tourists from Indonesia as the number of visitors from mainland China has reduced due to the political tensions and the COVID pandemic. However, the number of visitors from Indonesia had risen to 201,980 in 2023, which is a great improvement from 78,162 tourists in 2022 due to the pandemic, according to the data from Taiwan Tourism Administration. To even increase the rate of tourists, the Taiwan Tourism Administration in Indonesia under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, often conduct workshops on Taiwan tourism. Additionally, Taiwan launched a Travel Authorization Certificate program that enables Indonesian nationals to visit Japan, South Korea, or any Western country without a visa as long as they possess one of these documents. (Randy Mulyanto, “Taiwan seeks more tourists from Indonesia,” Nikkei Asia, 09 March 2024)
National Security law in Hong Kong, concerns the financial community
On 08 March, a new national security law draft bill was proposed at the city’s legislature, that included serious offences such as treason, espionage and theft of state secrets, sabotaging national security, and external interference which could buy a life imprisonment. According to the government of Hong Kong, the bill is to fill the legislative gaps left by a national security law imposed on Hong Kong by China in 2020. The Chairman of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, Kristian Odebjer criticized the definitions of the law as ‘vague’, particularly for the theft of state secrets, including defence intelligence along with the information on the economy, and social and technological developments of the city. According to him, “This could negatively affect activities like research and due diligence that some of our members engage in.” (“Fears grow for Hong Kong’s finance hub status under proposed security law,” The Straits Times, 08 March 2024)
THE PACIFIC
The ties between Australia and the Philippines are significantly increased
On 09 March, SCMP published an editorial on the topic, “The Philippines’ ties with Australia are ‘stronger than ever’. Is it a sign it has West’s backing in South China Sea?,” by Maria Siow and Su-Lin Tan which outlines the President of the Philippines, Bongbong Marcos’ explanation on why the strategic ties between Australia and Philippines had “grown more important than ever.” He started with the long-known prosperity and the development of their ties which helps in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Marcos also stated the importance of strengthening cooperation as the Philippines is severely facing tensions with China in the South China Sea region. He continued to say that we must come together to face the challenge, as it cannot be done by one country itself. He addressed the ten-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, saying, “This is meant to indicate to ASEAN member states and to the region that the Australia-Philippine strategic partnership is alive and well, and stronger than it has ever been.” (Maria Siow and Su-Lin Tan, “The Philippines’ ties with Australia are ‘stronger than ever’. Is it a sign it has West’s backing in South China Sea?,” South China Morning Post, 09 March 2024)