NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Associate Press
IN BRIEF
By Keerthana Nambiar and Dincy Adlakha
INTERNAL
China conditionally approves Pfizer drug against COVID-19
On 12 February, the National Medical Products Administration of China announced that it has given conditional approval to Pfizer’s COVID-19 treatment drug Paxloid. The experts suggest that this drug will increase confidence and fight against COVID-19 in the country. The experts also cleared that they are still dedicated to the country’s “dynamic zero case strategy” against COVID-19. Paxloid is the first anti-COVID-19 oral drug that has been approved in China for adult patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms. Experts opine that the drug will be helpful for patients with previously existing diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular and chronic lung disease. (Liu Caiyu, “China gives green light to Pfizer’s COVID-19 treatment drug Paxlovid, doesn’t waver the country’s determination for ‘dynamic zero case‘ strategy,” Global Times, 12 February 2022)
ECONOMY
Chinese regulators plan to weed out hoarding and speculation in iron ore industry reducing stock value
On 10 February, China’s top economic planner and market regulator National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) announced that the authorities shall inspect domestic commodity exchanges and major ports to crack down on hoarding and speculation of iron ore in the industry. The announcement sent iron ore stocks on the Dalian Commodity Exchange down to USD 126 per ton. NDRC has laid out plans with State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) to examine stockpiles, spot trading, futures and hoarding of iron ore. The decision erased the recorded profits from the previous day. (“Chinese regulators to inspect iron ore market, vow to crackdown on hoarding and speculation,” Global Times, 11 February 2022)
INTERNATIONAL
Chinese foreign minister urges enhanced ties with Netherlands
On 11 February, Chinese Foreign Minister and State Councilor Wang Yi spoke with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Netherlands WOpke Koekstra on phone. Foreign Minister Wang Yi congratulated the Dutch counterpart on assuming new position. He also mentioned that Netherlands is an important partner from Europe and also praised the trade and investment ties of both countries. The two officials also marked that China and Netherlands mark 50 years of diplomatic ties this year. The two sides exchanged positive remarks on multiple issues like the Olympics, pandemic cooperation, trade relations, bilateral exchanges and the like. (“China, Netherlands to enhance ties, cooperation,” Xinhua Net, 12 February 2022)
Chinese passengers get misdiagnosed and stranded at Denmark airport
On 12 February, 45 passengers travelling from Britain to Shaghai were stranded at Copenhagen international airport as they were misdiagnosed for COVID-19. Their flight was making a transitory stop at the Denmark airport. However, due to faulty tests conducted by an independent operator in a rented premises at the facility, the 45 travellers were disallowed to board the flight to Shanghai. The travellers missed their flight and are currently camped out of the airport. (Erika Na, “Chinese passengers stranded in Denmark airport after Covid-19 misdiagnosis,” South China Morning Post, 12 February 2022)
The US releases strategy paper on the Indo Pacific
On 11 February, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken released the strategy paper after he met with the senior diplomats from Japan, South Korea, Pacific Island countries and other governments. The paper calls for greater cooperation to counter China’s influence and aggression in the Indo-Pacific. The US explained that its presence in the region was anonymously desired by the states in the region and that the country would not force the other countries to pick sides. (“U.S. strategy for Indo-Pacific stresses alliances on China,” The Asahi Shimbun, 12 February 2022)
The US plans to open its embassy in Solomon Islands to counter China
On 12 February, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken landed in Fiji after meeting with the leaders from the Quad group of countries. Blinken announced that the US was planning on opening its embassy in the Solomon Islands to limit China’s influence in the country before it would become unmanageable. The US State Department said: “Solomon Islanders cherished their history with Americans on the battlefields of World War II, but that the U.S. was in danger of losing its preferential ties as China “aggressively seeks to engage” elite politicians and business people in the Solomon Islands.” (“U.S. aims to counter China by opening Solomon Islands embassy,” The Asahi Shimbun, 12 February 2022)
Chinese Foreign Ministry accuses the US of using coercive diplomacy
On 11 February, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian responded to the US claims of coercing Australia and Lithuania through economic means and said that “no one has a better claim to the title of master of coercion than the United States.” Zhao referred to the US intervention in Hawaii in 1994 and called it a perfect example of coercive diplomacy. He also said: “In 2003, the United States explicitly characterized 30.3 billion U.S. dollars additional military expenses for coercive diplomacy as incurred expenses.” (“No one has better claim to "master of coercion" title than U.S.: FM spokesperson,” Xinhua Net, 11 February 2022)