NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : The Atlantic
IN BRIEF
By Keerthana Nambiar and Sukanya Bali
INTERNAL
China’s White Paper on Space Program
On 28 January, China released a new White Paper document titled, “China’s Space Program: A 2021 Perspective,” highlighting the progress in countries Space activities. After 2016, this was the fifth Space document released, covering chapters of projects such as deep space exploration, manned space programs, future outlook, strengthening governance on space capabilities, and international cooperation. Global Times reported, in the past five years the country has accounted for more than 200 orbital launches. The document read, “In the next five years, China will start a new journey toward building a space power. The space industry will contribute more to China's development, to global consensus and common efforts in outer space exploration and utilization, and to human progress.” (“China details future space ambition in white paper, calls for formulating UN-centered space rules,” Global Times, 28 January 2022)
Xi urged peacekeepers to play a bigger role in defending world peace
On 28 January, Global Times reported, President Xi Jinping, during an inspection of the Central Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) via video, urged peacekeepers “to play a bigger role in defending world peace.” He also emphasized “strengthen safety precautions and step up COVID-19 prevention and control amid complicated circumstances.” (“Xi pledges China's greater contribution to world peace,” Global Times, 28 January 2022)
Increase in travel for Lunar New Year despite government pleas
On 29 January, the Asahi Shimbun reported, more than 260 million people traveled in the last 10 days to their hometown for Lunar New Year. Despite the government's “zero-tolerance strategy” to contain Covid outbreaks, the record hits 46 per cent over last year's travel. Government pleads “to stay where they are.” Last year during New Year, a total of 1.2 billion trips were recorded during the holiday season. (“Chinese travel for Lunar New Year despite plea to stay put,” The Asahi Shimbun, 29 January 2022)
Xinjiang opens its first plateau airport
On 28 January, China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomus Region will open its first plateau airport after an airplane landed successful. The prefecture official said that the Zhaosu Tianma Airport eill imrove the transportation facilities in the Zhaosu County and the surrounding counties. He further added that the airport will “promote the development of the local trourism insuatry and improve investment enivironment.” (“Xinjiang to open first plateau airport,” Xinhua Net, 28 January 2022)
Hong Kong’s GDP improved by 6.4 per cent in 2021
On 28 January, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government announced that Hong KOng’s economy increased by 6.4 per cent in 2021. According to the report released by the Census and Statistics Department of the HKSAR the gross domestic product (GDP) compenenet, private consumption expenditure, government consumption expendirture, and gross dometic fixed capital formation increased by 5.7 per cent, 4.6 per cent and 10.1 per cent respectively. The HKSAR government spokesperson stated that the economy is further expected to expand in 2022 but depends on factors like uncertainties especially the COVID-19 virus. (“ Hong Kong's GDP grows by 6.4 pct in 2021: advance estimates,” Xinhua Net, 28 January 2022)
INTERNATIONAL
China’s FM spokesperson response on US suggestion on COVID-19 rules
On 29 January, Global Times reported, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said: “China is the safest country in the world. Our dynamic zero-COVID policy and epidemic-prevention protocols are based on science and experts’ opinions. They are in keeping with China’s realities and the WHO’s guiding principles.” In response to the US State Department spokesperson Ned Price recommendation on changes to rule and requirement of COVID-19. Price said: “what we think are a series of reasonable options that would be consistent with COVID-19 mitigation measures, and at the same time align with international diplomatic norms and practices.” (“FM fires back at US’ suggested changes to China’s COVID-19 rules,” Global Times, 29 January 2022)
Freight train trips between China and Europe increase substantially
On 28 January, the State Railway Group revealed that the total number of freight train trips between China and Europe had increased exceedingly. There have been more than 50,000 train trips between the two geographic territories. The trade has accounted for over USD 74.9 billion. The value of the trade between China has increased almost 9 times since 2016 when it was worth USD 8 billion. (“China-Europe freight train trips top 50,000, Xinhua Net, 29 January 2022)
Ministry of Commerce issues objection against the US decision to stop the service of China Unicom America
On 28 January, the Ministry of Commerce announced China’s objection to the US’ concept of national security, its abuse of state power and the repeated suppression of the Chinese telecom operators. The statement was made after the US Federal Communications Commission revoked China’s authority to provide its services in the US. The statement by the ministry said: “The move is a severe deviation from market-oriented principles, and it has damaged the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and consumers, including those in the United States, and disrupted the normal order of the international economy and trade.” (“China firmly opposes malicious U.S. suppression of Chinese telecom operator,” Xinhua Net, 28 January 2022)