NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : South China Morning Post
IN BRIEF
By Avishka Ashok and Keerthana Nambiar
INTERNAL
China is ready to present the Winter Olympics, says President Xi
On 31 December, Chinese president Xi Jinping announced that China is ready for the Beijing Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. President Xi said: “We will spare no efforts to present a great Games to the world.” He pledged that China will fullfil its responsibility and live up to the expectations of the people. (“'China is ready' for Olympics,” China Daily, 1 December 2021)
Cities in China cancel the activities of New Year’s Eve
On 31 December, Global Times reported that “many Chinese cities have cancelled New Year’s Eve events as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19.” “As the New Year and Spring Festival holidays approach, authorities in China recently warned the transmitting risks of COVID-19 and rolled out prevention measures to prepare for the upcoming holidays,” reported Global Times. (“Chinese cities cancel New Year's Eve activities as precaution against pandemic,” Global Times, 31 December 2021)
President Xi Jinping addresses top political advisory body on new year
On 31 December, a gathering was organized by the National Committee of Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the top political advisory body in CHina, and was addressed by President Xi Jinping. The address was focused at ringing in the year 2022. The gathering comprised of vice premiers and chairmen of various wings of the Party. President Xi termed the year 2021 as a year of milestone significance due to China’s great efforts towards stability and prosperity internally and internationally. This included recovery from the pandemic loss and the 14th five year plan, support to Hong Kong’s new system and beginning of the reunification process with Taiwan. He said that this year brought China closer to the realization of the Chinese rejuvenation dream. He ushered similar high spirits for the upcoming year as well. (“Xi Focus: Xi addresses 2022 New Year gathering of China's top political advisory body,” Xinhua Net, 31 December 2021)
Chinese cities exercise caution to prevent further spread of the coronavirus
On 31 December 2021, Global Times reported that numerous cities in China had cancelled the celebrations for New Year’s Eve in order to prevent the further spread of the new variant of the coronavirus. Happy Valley amusement park, Canton Tower and the Great World amusement park amongst others also cancelled their events for the night amidst rising cases in the country. Before the festive season, the authorities and medical workers cautioned the people against the risks of the new wave and advised them to remain indoors and exercise caution during the weekend. (“Chinese cities cancel New Year's Eve activities as precaution against pandemic,” Global Times, 31 December 2021)
China’s NDRC plans to approve four mega data centre clusters
On 31 December, Reuters reported that China’s National Development and Reform Commission has approved plans to build four mega clusters of data centres. According to Reuters, the state planner said, “the four locations can use their energy and environment advantages to set up green and low-carbon mega data centres.” The cluster location are: southwestern Guizhou province, northern Inner Mongolia region, northwestern Ningxia region. (“China outlines vision for four mega data centre clusters,” Reuters, 31 December 2021)
ECONOMY
China vows to severely punish tax evaders for ‘common prosperity’
On 31 December, the State Taxation Administration held an annual press conference and said that China is deeply committed to the ‘common prosperity’ policy. The statement read: “We will severely punish all kinds of tax evasion and show no forgiveness.” According to South China Morning Post, the statement is reflective of shifting priorities of the administration as in January 2021, the agenda was to minimize tax regulation on companies while January 2022 will bring six approaches to ‘common prosperity’ to the forefront. Reducing economic inequality by targeting the unfair wealthy will be a top priority for the administration. Authorities said that more on-spot inspections and larger tax-cuts for small firms can be expected in 2022. (Orange Wang, “China’s tax evaders to be ‘severely punished’ as Beijing pushes for ‘common prosperity’,” South China Morning Post, 31 December 2021)
Tesla raises prices for second time in mainland China
On 31 December, South China Morning Post reported that the American electric car maker Tesla has raised prices of its Model 3 and Model Y for the second time in weeks. The move is said to be done due to surging demand and low production. The vehicle models are made in Shanghai but the capacity does not match the demand. The prices were last increased on 24 November and after this second raise, the vehicles do not fall under the government subsidy plans which only cover new-energy vehicles priced below 300,000 yuan. (Daniel Ren, “Tesla raises prices of Model 3 and Model Y again in mainland China to tame demand amid production shortage,” South China Morning Post, 31 December 2021)
INTERNATIONAL
Chinese ambassador meets Afghan Taliban interim government’s deputy prime minister
On 31 December, Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan Wang Yu met the acting deputy Prime Minister from the Taliban government Mullah Abdullah Ghani Baradar. In his meeting, he stressed that China is willing to provide humanitarian assistance further as well and also assist in the economic reconstruction of Afghanistan. He also urged for western sanctions to be lifted from Afghanistan and cited that China does not interfere in internal matters of the torn country in national interest. Additionally, deputy PM Baradar was also fairing the Chinese advance as he thanked China for the aid. He also stated that Afghanistan sincerely thanks China for upholding fairness and justice. He said that the country is committed to promoting friendly bilateral relations with China. (“Afghanistan thanks China for upholding fairness and justice, offering aid: acting deputy PM of Afghan Taliban's interim govt,” Global Times, 31 December 2021)
Chinese students suffer in the US due to irregularities in flights
On 31 December, the Korea Times reported that numerous Chinese students were stranded in the US after the airlines repeatedly cancelled flights due to a shortage of workers, a surge in coronavirus cases and bad weather conditions. There is a sense of urgency amongst the students to get back before 1 February as they would have to quarantine for a longer time if they arrive after the lunar new year. The flight cancellations began before Christmas and only got worse as the cases in the US kept rising. (“Chinese students in US scramble to get flights home amid travel chaos,” The Korea Times, 31 December 2021)
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladmir Putin exchanged New Year greetings
On 31 December, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladmir Putin exchanged New Year greetings. According to Global Times, “Xi noted that the China-Russia Year of Scientific and Technological Innovation program concluded successfully, bilateral trade reached a new high, and strategic major projects in such fields as energy, aerospace and connectivity have been advancing at a faster pace.” President Xi made remarks on the 20th anniversary of signing the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation in 2021 and looks forward to an everlasting friendship and win-win cooperation. (“ Xi, Putin exchange New Year greetings,” Global Times, 31 December 2021)