NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Reuters
HIGHLIGHTS
CHINA & THE AMERICAS
China and the US “should achieve mutual success, not harm each other,” says Xi Jinping to Blinken
On 26 April, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Xi called for the US to be a partner of China and not a rivals. He said: “This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States … the two countries should be partners, not rivals,” and that “The two countries should achieve mutual success, not harm each other; they should seek common ground while reserving differences instead of vicious competition; they should be true to their words and be resolute in deeds, rather than saying one thing and doing another.” Xi asserted that he said several times before that the world is big enough for both China and the US and China would like to see a prosperous US and hope the US can see China in a positive light as well. (Zhuang Pinghui and Kawala Xie, “China-US relations: Xi Jinping meets Blinken, urges America to be a partner, not a rival for ‘mutual success’,” South China Morning Post, 26 April 2024)
CHINA & THE AMERICAS
“ByteDance doesn't have any plans to sell TikTok,” says TikTok parent company ByteDance
On 26 April, BBC reported that TikTok’s parent company ByteDance posted on social media that it has no plans to sell TikTok. TikTok also announced its plans to challenge the court and the “unconstitutional law.” It is also reported that ByteDance is looking to work TikTok operation in the US without the algorithm that powers it. TikTok boss Shou Zi Chew said: “We are confident and we will keep fighting for your rights in the courts,” and that “The facts, and the Constitution, are on our side... rest assured, we aren't going anywhere.” This comes after the US Congress approved the bill to either ban or ask the Chinese company to divest from TikTok. (João da Silva, “TikTok will not be sold, Chinese parent tells US,” BBC, 26 April 2024)
CHINA READER DAILY WIRE
INTERNAL
Chinese Ministry of State Security introduced new administrative and procedural law
On 26 April, Global Times a Chinese flagship media outlet reported on the Chinese Ministry of State Security releasing documents on law and enforcement procedures. The department released two department regulations called “Administrative Law Enforcement Procedures of the National Security Agencies,” and “Criminal Case Handling Procedures of the National Security Agencies.” The Ministry said that the introduction of this regulation showcases the strong commitment of the CPC’s commitment to enforce the governing of China according to the law. The ministry said: “Administrative Law Enforcement Procedures of the National Security Agencies, consists of seven chapters and 140 articles, including general principles, prevention guidance, investigation and evidence collection, expropriation and compensation, administrative penalties, periods and service, and supplementary provisions.” The “Criminal Case Handling Procedures of the National Security Agencies" consists of 11 chapters and 360 articles, including general principles, jurisdiction, avoidance, participation of lawyers in criminal proceedings, evidence, coercive measures, filing and withdrawal of cases, investigation, execution of penalties, special procedures, and supplementary provisions.” (“China’s Ministry of State Security releases documents on administrative law enforcement procedures, criminal case handling procedures,” Global Times, 26 April 2024)
ECONOMY
Country Garden to propose a debt restructuring plan, reports Reuters
On 26 April, Chinese real-estate giant Country Garden shared its plans to provide a debt restructuring proposal reveals private sources to Reuters. Country Garden defaulted on over USD 11 billion on offshore bonds in 2023 and is facing a liquidation petition in Hong Kong as they did not pay their USD 250 million loan. Other than that, the other real-estate giant Evergrande was ordered to liquidate from Hong Kong as well. If the proposal for debt restructuring is approved, they can push back the liquidation process. The Country Garden group is now looking at creditors and bank lender group reviewing the data, though no plans for restructuring have been announced. (“Exclusive: Country Garden plans to present debt revamp plan in the second half,” Reuters, 26 April 2024)
INTERNATIONAL
“They cannot have it both ways,” China must stop supporting Russia to keep its relations with the West, says NATO
On 25 April, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned China that if it wasn’t to enjoy good relations with the West it needed to stop supporting Russia in the war. The Chief of the Western Military alliance believed that China was vital in helping Russia’s war efforts and propping their war economy. Stoltenberg said: “Last year, Russia imported 90 per cent of its microelectronics from China, used to produce missiles, tanks and aircraft. China is also working to provide Russia with improved satellite capabilities and imaging,” and “China says it wants good relations with the West. At the same time, Beijing continues to fuel the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War Two. They cannot have it both ways.” In 2023, the Russia-China trade record hit the roof with over USD 240.1 billion a 23 per cent hike from the previous year. (“China must stop aiding Russia if it seeks good relations with the West, NATO says,” The Strait Times, 26 April 2024)
CHINA & THE AMERICAS
Wang Yi warned Blinken against US crossing the “Red Lines” of China
On 26 April, The Guardian reported on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Blinken at his three-day visit to China discusses the issue and the future of Sino-US relations. Wang warned the US that the recent improvement of their relations will be jeopardized by the disruption and lead to a “downward spiral.” He said that the US should not step on China’s “Red Lines.” Blinken stressed the responsibility of both nations to maintain their “most consequential relations.” The meeting comes against the backdrop of the US planning to sanction more Chinese companies over their aid to Russia and the US Congress passing the legislation to either divest or ban TikTok. Wang said: “China’s legitimate development rights have been unreasonably suppressed and our core interests are facing challenges,” and “Should China and the United States keep to the right direction of moving forward with stability or return to a downward spiral?” (Julian Borger, “China warns relations with the US could slip into ‘downward spiral’ if red lines crossed,” The Guardian, 26 April 2024)
EAST ASIA & THE PACIFIC READER
EAST ASIA
Smaller towns in South Korea are burdened the most by the doctor shortage
On 26 April, The Straits Times reported on the burden taken on by the smaller towns over the doctor’s strike in South Korea. As the nationwide protest goes on and the trainee doctors refuse to budge there is a lack of physicians available in South Korea. Due to the shortage of staff, the doctors have roved from different hospitals to perform surgery. The Korean Medical Association have been protesting against the government's proposal to increase admission, stating that they are underpaid and overworked and as long that is not resolved they would not agree to add more physicians. (“Smaller towns in South Korea bear brunt of doctors’ shortage,” The Straits Times, 26 April 2024)
Toyota to invest USD 1.4 billion in Indiana factory and plant, US
On 25 April, Toyota Motor Corp informed that they are planning to invest USD 1.4 billion at the Princeton facility in Indiana, US. They plan to make this investment to prepare for the assembly of a three-row battery-electric SUV. With the new investment, the total investment by Toyota in Indiana will be worth USD 8 billion and would lead to 340 new job opportunities. Before this, the company also announced that it would invest USD 1.3 billion at its Kentucky facilities. The Indiana facility homes 7,500 employees and is responsible for making popular models like Sienna vans, Highlander and Lexus TX. Apart from manufacturing vehicles, it would be respirable to add a new battery assembly line. (“Toyota to invest $1.4 bln in its Indiana plant, adding 340 new jobs,” Reuters, 25 April 2024)