NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Reuters
IN BRIEF
By Keerthana Nambiar and Dincy Adlakha
INTERNAL
People’s Publishing House publishes a book on CCP’s history
On 30 December, People’s Publishing House published a book on history of the Communist Party of China. Chinese President Xi Jinping shared the book as the general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and also the chairman of the Central Military Commission. According to Xinhua, “Xi stressed that stories of the CPC, the revolutionary history, the old revolutionary bases, and heroes and martyrs must be told well. He also stressed enhancing education in the revolutionary traditions and patriotism and raising the ideological and moral standards of children and the youth to carry forward the revolutionary spirit.” There are about 80 stories of the CCP in the book. (“Book on Party history stories shared by Xi published,” Xinhua Net, 30 December 2021)
TECHNOLOGY
Huawei Technologies releases a statement regarding US imposed sanctions
On 31 December, Chinese telecom giant Huawei Technologies Co Ltd made a statement on the US imposed sanctions. The letter published on the company’s website read: “an unpredictable business environment, the politicization of technology, and a growing deglobalization movement all present serious challenges.” The letter further added “Huawei will continue focusing on information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices,” reported Reuters. (“China's Huawei says 2021 revenues down almost 30%, sees challenges ahead,” Reuters, 31 December 2021)
REGIONAL
China’s Defense Ministry claims to have sent larger sorties near Taiwan island
On 30 December, China’s Defence Ministry spokesperson announced that the People’s Liberation Army “the number of aircraft sorties is higher, not lower, than the figure the DPP authorities hyped” by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson and Senior Colonel Tan Kefei claimed that it was PLA’s responsibility to safeguard China’s national sovereignty and follow the principle of ‘one-China’. (“ PLA sent more warplanes near Taiwan island than DPP authority claimed: China's Defense Ministry,” Global Times, 30 December 2021)
Chinese Military Spokesperson advocates Japan to reflect on its Imperialist history
On 30 December, Chinese Defence Spokesperson Senior Colonel Tan Kefei urged the US to reflect on its past and practise self-discipline to not repeat history. Tan observed that Japan was attempting to differ from its “exclusively defense-oriented policy” and voiced concerns that the development was dangerous for the existence of international peace. He said: “The wars of aggression waged by Japanese militarists had brought enormous suffering to China and other countries and their peoples in the region.” (“China urges Japan to reflect on history of aggression,” Xinhua Net, 31 December 2021)
INTERNATIONAL
Chinese Military Spokesperson counsels the US to stop its hostility against the country
On 30 December, the Chinese Defence Spokesperson Senior Colonel Tan Kefei responded to an inquiry posed by the media and counseled the US to stop its hostile naval activities in the South China Sea. He said: “The U.S. navy and air force conduct reconnaissance, surveying and highly targeted exercises and training for long periods of time near China, and frequently carries out infringing and provocative maneuvers. This is the root cause of military air and maritime safety issues between China and the US.” The statement was also a reaction to a recent report by China where it accused the US of conducting numerous naval exercises in the South China Sea, threatening the territorial integrity of China.” (“China urges U.S. to cease hostile naval, airforce maneuvers,” Xinhua Net, 31 December 2021)
Chinese military spokesperson expresses opposition on the US defence spending act
On 30 December, the Chinese military spokesperson Tan Kefei, expressed strong opposition to the US defence spending act. Tan said: “The U.S. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, which is full of Cold War mentality and ideological bias, smears China's national defense policy and military and launches groundless accusations against China on issues related to Taiwan and Xinjiang,” reported Xinhua. Tan further added his firm indignation on the US interference in China’s internal affairs and complained about the US undermining China-US relations. (“China opposes anti-China content in U.S. defense act,” Xinhua Net, 30 December 2021)