NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : South China Morning Post
IN BRIEF
By Dincy Adlakha and Avishka Ashok
INTERNAL
Chinese Foreign Minister extends an invitation to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
On 20 February, Xinhua Net reported that the Foreign Minister Wang Yi extended the country’s welcome to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet during the 58th Munich Security Conference. Wang Yi called on Bachelet for a visit to China, including the Xinjiang Autonomous Region. He said: “China has long expressed its welcome to Bachelet, and is discussing with Bachelet and her office on the schedule, and Bachelet will see a Xinjiang where peace and stability are maintained and people of all ethnic groups live in harmony during her visit. (“China welcomes UN human rights chief to visit Xinjiang: FM,” Xinhua Net, 20 February 2022)
President Xi urges countries to collectively fight against the pandemic
On 20 February, Xinhua Net reported on President Xi Jinping’s efforts to deal with the global challenge of the coronavirus pandemic. The Chinese media source accused countries of selfishly resolving issues related to the pandemic while pushing other countries down and creating obstacles in eradicating the virus. President Xi has called for a united stand against the virus and pushed for a community level response to the issue. He said: “Amidst the raging torrents of a global crisis, countries are not riding separately in some 190 small boats, but are rather all in a giant ship on which our shared destiny hinges.” (“Xi Focus: Building community with shared future to confront global challenges,” Xinhua Net, 20 February 2022)
Beijing city includes Assisted Reproductive Technologies in its medical insurance
On 21 February, Chinese media outlets announced that China’s capital city would include 16 fertility services in its medical scheme in an attempt to support the birth rate of the country. Beijing’s state backed insurance will now include services that use Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). The measure will be in use from 26 March 2022. The move is targeted at helping lower income groups who have limited access to private medical insurance. (“To support births, Chinese capital Beijing adds fertility services to insurance coverage,” The Strait Times, 21 February 2022)
Vice Premier urges local departments to pay attention to agriculture and water conservation
On 20 February, Xinhua Net reported that Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua ended his inspection tour to the regions around Huaihe river. During the visit, he emphasized the importance of spring agricultural production and improving water conservation in the region. He examined the condition of winter wheat cultivation and observed that adverse climatic conditions, abnormal floods and other issues had caused numerous problems such as pest infestations which needed to be dealth with. (“Chinese vice premier stresses agricultural production, water conservancy,” Xinhua Net, 20 February 2022)
The CPC and State Council congratulates Chinese athletes for their achievements
On 20 February, the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council extended their hearty congratulations to the Chinese Olympians for their participation in the international games that yielded nine gold medals, four silver medals and two bronze medals. The athletes helped China achieve its best performance in its history of participating in the games. The message said: “The motherland and people are proud of your accomplishments. Your excellent performance has further boosted the development of winter sports in China and spurred patriotism from all Chinese descendants around the world.” (“CPC Central Committee, State Council congratulate Chinese delegation on Winter Olympics achievements,” Xinhua Net, 20 February 2022)
INTERNATIONAL
Australian Prime Minister accuses China of “acts of intimidation”
On 20 February, the Asahi Shimbun reported that the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison accused China of intimidation as a Chinese vessel pointed a laser in the direction of an Australian surveillance aircraft. The Australian Defense Department said: “A P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft was illuminated on Thursday while flying over Australia's northern approaches by a laser from a People's Liberation Army–Navy (PLA-N) vessel, potentially endangering lives.” Morrison also said that his government will demand an answer from the Chinese government and seek an explanation for its actions. (“Australia accuses China of ‘act of intimidation’ after laser aimed at aircraft,” The Asahi Shimbun, 20 February 2022)
Chinese Foreign Minister implores countries to work towards peace on the Ukraine-Russia issue
On 20 February, Xinhua Net reported that the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged countries to actively work towards maintaining peace and stability in the Ukraine-Russian conflict. Wang Yi advised against raising the tensions in the region, causing panic and encouraging conflicting sentiments on the issue. He implored on the concerned countries to return to the Minsk-2 agreement at the earliest. He also clarified China’s stance on the expansion of NATO and said: “European friends should seriously ponder whether continuous NATO eastward expansion would be conducive to maintaining and achieving lasting peace and stability in Europe.” (“Chinese FM urges all parties to work for peace on Ukraine issue,” Xinhua Net, 2022)