NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Global Times
IN BRIEF
By Keerthana Nambiar and Sukanya Bali
INTERNAL
China agrees to host UN top human rights official in Xinjiang
On 27 January, South China Morning Post reported that China has agreed to host UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet in Xinjiang in the first half of the year after the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022. Since 2018, the UN top official has been negotiating with Beijing for a visit to Xinjiang. China has been accused of human right violations of the Uyghur Muslims in the region by the US and its allies. Reuters noted a statement from Sophie Richardson, China Director at Human Rights Watch stating: “No one, especially the world's leading human rights diplomat, should be fooled by the Chinese government's efforts to distract attention away from its crimes against humanity targeting Uyghurs and other Turkic communities.” (“China says UN human rights chief can visit Xinjiang ‘after Olympics’,” South China Morning Post, 27 January 2022; “China agrees to Xinjiang visit by U.N. rights chief in early 2022-South China Morning Post,” Reuters, 28 January 2022)
Global Times accuses World Uyghur Congress fooling Global Imam Council
On 28 January, Global Times reported on the World Uyghur Congress (WUC) statement calling for boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics. In December, the Global Imam Council, world’s first and largest transitional non-governmental body of Muslim religious leaders released a statement refraining Muslims from participating in Winter Games. Global times said that the Global Imam Council was “fooled” by the WUC which is backed by a US-backed separtisit group which “seeks fall of the Chinese government.” (“NGO of Muslims fooled by anti-China WUC to call for 'boycott' of Beijing Games,” Global Times, 28 January 2022)
Chinese Spokesperson emphasized on west attempts to sabotage Beijing Winter Olympics
On 27 January, Xu Guixiang spokesperson of the regional government of Xinjiang in a press conference said: "attempt to politicize sports events undermine the legitimate rights and interests of athletes from all over the world and also constitutes an affront to the Olympic spirit mentioned in the Olympic Charter.” He emphasized on how anti-China forces are fabricating the political lies of "forced labor" in Xinjiang region. Global Times reported, IOC recent declaration which stress on “summit stands against any politicization of the Olympic Games and sport.” (“US-led West’s sabotage of Beijing Winter Olympics ‘violates spirit of Olympic Charter’,” Global Times, 27 January 2022)
ECONOMY
China is on the right trajectory to become high-income country, says Global Times
On 27 January, Global Times published an article on Chinese economy and whether it will sail through the 2022. The economists concluded that the China is on right trajectory to become the high-income country by the “end of 2023.” Skepticism increased because of the slower GDP growth of 4 per cent in the last quarter of 2021. Global Times accused IMF and World Bank og downgrading China’s GDP growth. (“China to become high-income country no later than the end of 2023: economists,” Global Times, 27 January 2022)
REGIONAL
Chinese analysts on Japanese government updating national security strategy
On 27 January, Global Times reported on Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida discussion regarding the government oplan to adopt updates in the National Security Strategy, National Defense Program Guidelines and Medium-Term Defense Program in 2022. Global Times mentioned analysis of Chinese scholars on the development. The analysts claim that “Tokyo’s constant attempt toward its wild ambition of getting rid of limits on its pacifist constitution” as a “very disturbing signal.” (“Japan's mulling of acquiring enemy base attack capability a disturbing signal of pacifist constitution revision ambition: analysts,” Global Times, 27 January 2022)
INTERNATIONAL
Chinese FM appreciated, Russia’s positive response on the growing bilateral relation
On 27 January, China’s Foreign Ministry appreciated Russia’s response over the growing Beijing-Moscow relations. Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, it reflects the high level of consensus between the two and their developing relationship. Global Times reported, as per the State Duma, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said: “Russia-China strategic partnership in some respects has reached a more advanced level than even the traditional military-political alliance, which could be a good example of the development of interstate relations in the 21st century.” (“Russian Foreign Minister's positive statement on Russia-China relations reflects high-level consensus between the two countries: Chinese FM,” Global Times, 27 January 2022)
Moldova President push on intensifying bilateral relations to a new level
On 27 January, Moldova President after receiving Letters of Credence from the new Chinese Ambassador, Yan Wenbin said: “Moldova looks forward to intensifying exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields to jointly promote bilateral relations to a new level.” Sandu also thanked Beijing for its long-term assistance in the economic and social development of Moldova. (“Moldova to work with China to push bilateral relations to new level: president,” Global Times, 27 January 2022)
EU files WTO action against Beijing for targeting Lithuania
On 28 January, the EU accused Beijing of undermining the 27-nation bloc's single market. EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis announced, “Our relationship requires mutual respect.” He further said: “Beijing should stop coercing member states with heavy-handed trade tactics like blocking imports based on political grounds.” In response, China’s foreign affairs spokesperson Zhao Lijian stated, “We advise the EU to distinguish right from wrong, remain vigilant against Lithuania’s attempts to hijack China-EU relations, and persuade Lithuania, like other EU member states, to fulfill the political commitments it made as establishing diplomatic relations with China.” He further said we urge "Lithuania to immediately correct its mistake.” (“EU launches WTO action against China over Lithuania dispute,” The Asahi Shimbun, 28 January 2022)