NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Visual China Group
IN BRIEF
By Keerthana Nambiar and Dincy Adlakha
INTERNATIONAL
China-Russia to start deeper space cooperation on international lunar station
On 29 December, Roscosmos, the Russian national space agency stated in an interview with Global Times that Russia and China are about to sign a space cooperation agreement. The agreement will cover five years from 2023 to 2027 and will also establish an open and inclusive International Lunar Research Station by 2035. Roscosmos also said that the ambitious plan will also augment the national satellite systems and the ground navigation systems as well. (Deng Xiaoci and Fan Anqi, "Exclusive: China, Russia to sign new 5-year space cooperation program, build intl lunar station by 2035: Roscosmos," Global Times, 29 December 2021)
China foreign ministry responds to US Starlink satellite operations
On 29 December, China's foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said in a regular press briefing that the western media forces are exaggerating the threat of the Chinese space program. He said that the threat of space debris caused by China and Russia is not significant and the western forces are attempting to deflect China's international reputation. Additionally, experts from China also stated that the Starlink satellites are operating on an irregular basis that threatens the safety of China's new international space station and also harms the international outer space environment. (Yang Sheng and Liu Xuanzun, "US Starlink satellites irregular operations threaten not only safety of China’s space station ‘but also intl outer space environment’," Global Times, 29 December 2021)
China opposes foreign forces cultivating 'color revolutions' in Central Asia
On 30 December, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi wrote in a People's Daily article that China firmly opposes all external forces that instigate color revolutions in Central Asia. He elaborately pointed out the importance of Central Asia for China in terms of silk route and regional cooperation. He also mentioned that security and peace in the region is excessively important for a solution in Afghanistan as well. Hence, the foreign minister insisted that all external forces maintain peace in the region rather than igniting revolutions. ("China firmly opposes external forces that instigate 'color revolutions' in Central Asia: FM Wang Yi," Global Times, 30 December 2021)
Chinese Foreign Minister comments on European Union’s take on China
On 30 December, Chinese Foreign Minister and State Councillor, Wang Yi made remarks on the European Union. Wang commented on the barriers between China and Europe saying it would “ultimately harm the long-term interests of the European people.” “There seems to be some kind of 'cognitive split' in Europe's China policy. It is hard to imagine that, on the one hand, it has established a comprehensive strategic partnership with China and on the other hand, it has positioned China as an institutional opponent,” added Wang. (“EU has "cognitive split" in its China policy - senior Chinese diplomat,” Reuters, 30 December 2021)
INTERNAL
China Sports Administration asks soccer players to remove tattoos
On 30 December, Japan Today reported that the China Sports Administration made a statement saying that the players in the national team “are strictly prohibited from having new tattoos.” The statement read: “those who have tattoos are advised to have them removed… in special circumstances, the tattoos must be covered during training and competition, with the consent of the rest of the team.” Japan Today says: “The sport has found itself in the crosshairs of the Communist Party’s purity drive in recent years, and players on the national team routinely cover their arms with long sleeves or bandages to hide their tattoos.” (“Remove your tattoos, Beijing tells Chinese soccer players,” Japan Today, 30 December 2021)
TECHNOLOGY
New communication technology experiment satellite successfully reaches planned orbit
On 30 December, China launched a new communication technology experiment satellite in space. The launch was conducted from Xichang Satellite launch center in southwest Sichuan province. The satellite was launched by a Long March 3-B carrier rocket and it served as the 405th mission of the Long March series. The launch was successful as the satellite reached the planned orbit. ("China launches new communication technology experiment satellite," Xinhua Net, 30 December 2021)
REGIONAL
China- Singapore signs 14 deals in the bilateral cooperation meet
On 29 December, China and Singapore made an agreement on 14 deals at their annual bilateral cooperation summit. Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said, “I think it reflects the strong foundation of our collaboration over the years.” Heng made remarks on China=Singapore cooperation with regard to the pandemic and the post-Covid-19 world and reiterated the mutual political understanding and high-level exchanges between the two countries. The new agreement is on urban governance, Garden City in Tianjin, Nature conservation, Cultural cooperation, Customs, Green development, Competition law and Maritime digitization. (“Haul of 14 deals at Singapore-China bilateral cooperation meet,” The Strait Times, 29 December 2021: “Singapore, China ink 14 deals as both seek to go green, tap tech,” The Strait Times, 29 December 2021)