NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Global Times
IN BRIEF
By Keerthana Nambiar and Dincy Adlakha
TECHNOLOGY
SMILE successfully conducts the magnetometer extension test
On 23 February, Xinhua reported on the article published by Science and Technology Daily on the Solar Wind Magnetosphere lonospere Link Explorer (SMILE). SMILE, a joint space mission by China and Europe successfully carried out the extension test of its payload magnetometer in Europe. The test showed the “performance of the magnetometer subsystem integrated with the payload module” which meets the requirements of the researchers from China and Europe. (“Sino-European joint space mission conducts magnetometer extension test,” Xinhua Net, 23 February 2022)
REGIONAL
Laos-China Railway Company adds additional passenger trains
On 23 February, the Laos-China Railway Company (LCRC) made an announcement of adding slower-speed trains to the existing high-speed EMU (electric multiple unit). The new decision is considering the growing needs of the passengers traveling between southwest China’s Yunnan Province and the Lao capital Vientiane. According to the LCRC operation department, a train with 15 carriages with 14 hard seated carriages and one soft sleeping car carry 1,664 passengers. The addition of trains is also due to a large number of passengers travelings for the upcoming Lao New Year. (“China-Laos Railway to run additional passenger trains,” Xinhua Net, 23 February 2022)
Chinese FM spokesperson says “Taiwan is not Ukraine”
On 23 February, the Chinese Foreign Ministry made a statement responding to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen. President Tsai had called upon increasing vigilance on military activities after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned Taiwan. PM Johnson said: “If Ukraine is endangered, the shock will echo around the world. And those echoes will be heard in east Asia, will be heard in Taiwan….People would draw the conclusion that aggression pays, and that might is right.” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying responded to the series of events saying, “Taiwan is not Ukraine… Taiwan has always been an inalienable part of China. This is an indisputable legal and historical fact.” (“China says Taiwan is 'not Ukraine' as island raises alert level,” Reuters, 23 February 2022)
Japanese Foreign Ministry lodges protest with China
On 22 February, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said that a diplomat at the Japanese Embassy in Beijing has been temporarily detained by the authorities. The Japanese government has lodged a protest and foreign minister Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed that they will “cannot overlook” the incident is “absolutely unacceptable.” in response to this, the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo refused to accept the protest and accused the diplomat is acting “inappropriately.” the Japnese Foreign Ministry stated that the incident was a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and demanded an apology from China. (“China temporarily detains Japanese diplomat,” Japan Times, 23 February 2022)
China sends its vessels for the 114th Mekong River joint patrol
On 22 February, the Chinese vessels left from Jingha Port in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture for the 144th Mekong River joint patrol. Vessels from Laos, Myanmar and Thailand joined the activity. The countries plan to patrol over 600 kilometers in four days and three nights. In the previous patrols, the group of countries have successfully dealt with over 8325 cases and arrested 8043 criminal suspects. The practice has also helped seize 34.4 tonnes of drugs in the Mekong River. (“114th Mekong River joint patrol begins,” Xinhua Net, 22 February 2022)
INTERNATIONAL
Chairman of the NPC meets Algerian Speaker and promotes bilateral relations
On 22 February, the chairman of the National People’s Congress Li Zhanshu held a discussion with the Speaker of the People’s National Assembly of Algeria Ibrahim Boughali. Li complimented the bilateral relations between China and Algeria and praised the diplomatic ties and traditional friendship of the two countries. Li encouraged the actions that have contributed towards mutual political support and urged deepening of the cooperation between the countries. He said: “China appreciates Algeria's support concerning China's core interests and major concerns.” (“China's top legislator holds talks with Algerian parliament speaker,” Xinhua Net, 22 February 2022)
China appoints new envoy to the Horn of Africa
On 22 February, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin announced the country’s decision to appoint the former ambassador to Papua New Guinea Xue Bing as the special envoy of Africa affairs. Wang addressed a press briefing and explained that Xue had experience in working with African countries, the Americas and countries in Oceania. He also explained that the new Horn of Africa envoy will be tasked with implementing the Outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa. China will establish work relations with the concerned countries and maintain close ties with them. Wang also explained that China is preparing to play a constructive role in the region as a common friend of the countries in the Horn of Africa. (“China appoints special envoy for Horn of Africa affairs,” Xinhua Net, 22 February 2022)
China stresses on the Palestine question and promises to find solutions
On 22 February, the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson reaffirmed China’s commitment to the Middle East and to the Palestine question. The spokesperson said: “China will continue to work tirelessly with the international community for the comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestine question at an early date and for peace and stability in the Middle East.” China also collaborated with Egypt to send 5,00,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines to Palestine, in an effort to combat the new waves of the pandemic. In a statement released by the spokesperson, he said: “The Palestine question is at the core of the Middle East issue. China consistently and firmly supports the Palestinian people's just cause to restore legitimate national rights, supports strengthening the authority of the Palestinian National Authority, and supports various factions in Palestine in enhancing solidarity and realizing internal reconciliation.”(“China to continue striving for settlement of the Palestine question: spokesperson,” Xinhua Net, 22 February 2022)