NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Global Times
IN BRIEF
By Keerthana Nambiar and Dincy Adlakha
INTERNATIONAL
Ukraine crisis and Beijing Olympics: Chinese FM spokesperson comments on the report by The New York Times
On 3 February, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin denounced the fake report by The New York Times which indicated that the Chinese officials has “direct knowledge” about Russia’s war plans. The report also mentioned that China asked Russia to delay the Ukraine invasion until after Beijing Winter Olympics. Wang stated that the accusations were “fake news” and “very despicable.” in a press briefing Wang commented: “We hope the culprit of the crisis would reflect on their role in the Ukraine crisis, take up their responsibilities, and take practical actions to ease the situation and solve the problem instead of blaming others.” (“China denies asking Russia not to invade until post-Olympics,” Associated Press, 3 March 2022)
Chinese expatriates: Chinese public questions government’s delay in getting nationals out of Ukraine
On 3 March, Asahi Shimbun reported on slow efforts of the evacuation of Chinese expatriates in Ukraine. The issue has been widely discussed on social media by the Chinese public saying “the government should have immediately guaranteed its citizens' safety if it indeed had friendly ties with Russia and had been notified of the imminent invasion.” Around 6,000 Chinese expatriates remain in Ukraine. While Japan, the US, Australia and many other countries issued warnings for their nationals, Beijing refrained from taking steps. A few efforts were made by China before the start of the invasions, Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that, “it is not responsible to trumpet the prospects of war.” the response from the Chinese embassy in Ukraine came in too late after Ukraine closed its airspace to civilians. (“Beijing under fire for delay in getting nationals out of Ukraine,” The Asahi Shimbun, 3 March 2022)
Trade with Namibia: Namibia’s exports top with China in January
On 3 March, Xinhua reported on data borrowed from Namibia’s statistics agency that the country’s exports were sent majorly to China. The statistics displayed that Namibia’s surplus trade with Asian countries decreased from December 2021 to January 2022. Despite the decrease, China topped the major export markets for China as it accounted for 32 per cent of all goods exported from Namibia. Out of the total export to China, 12 per cent of the commodities was uranium. (“China emerges as Namibia's main export market in January,” Xinhua Net, 3 March 2022)
Infrastructure investment in Philippines: Construction underway for bridge in Manila
On 4 March, Xinhua reported that constructions are undergoing for a Chinese-funded bridge in Manila. The Binondo-Intramuros bridge is a steel bowstring arch bridge in Manila that will connect Intramuros and Binondo side to the Pasig River. The article reported that construction workers were observed carrying out the construction activities. (“China-funded Binondo-Intramuros Bridge in Manila under construction,” Xinhua Net, 4 March 2022)
INTERNAL
Political Planning: Chinese political planning bodies enter “two sessions”
On 4 March, Global Times reported that the country entered “two sessions” a day before the opening ceremony of the Paralympics games. The two sessions are the annual practices of the top political bodies of China, namely the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, discuss the agenda for the year. The sessions are followed by major countries to understand the country’s priorities for the year. This year, under the context of Russia-Ukraine war, the Chinese economy, military, trade, diplomacy and environment will be discussed for the coming year. (“China enters ‘two sessions’ time amid new journey,” Global Times, 4 March 2022)
COVID-19 in Hong Kong: Transporters cut services amid surging COVID
On 3 March, Reuters reported that Hing Kong’s subway operators have cut on bus and ferry services along with the biggest supermarket chains. The reason is attributed to increasing in COVID-19 infections. The city reported 56,827 cases and 144 deaths on 3 March. The increased cases have also led to multiple people leaving the city while the authorities move forward with faith in the dynamic “zero case” policy. Numerous restaurants and train services have also shut down leading to a disruption in everyday life. Citizens await clear orders from authorities as mixed and fake alerts cause confusion. (Farah Master, “Hong Kong transport operators, supermarket cut services as COVID surges,” Reuters, 3 March 2022)
Beijing Paralympics: President Xi to attend opening ceremony
On 3 March, Xinhua reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Paralympic Winter Games which is scheduled for 5 March 2022 at the National Stadium. The ceremony will be broadcasted live by the China Media Group. Additionally, Xinhua Net will also provide live broadcast of the ceremony through pictures and text. (“Xi to attend opening ceremony of Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games,” Xinhua Net, 3 March 2022)
TECHNOLOGY
Tungsten production for ‘artificial sun’: Scientists develop purest tungsten for fusion reactor and military applications
On 4 March, the South China Morning Post reported that a team of scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Hefei have created a large piece of pure tungsten. The material has greater tensile strength than most alloys. The material will be used for weapons utilising kinetic energy and nuclear fusion reactors. The report listed probable uses in the US military for the ‘rods of God’ and the fusion reactor in China dubbed as ‘artifical sun’. The study was funded partly by China’s fusion reactor programme. (Stephen Chen, “Chinese team develops purest, strongest tungsten material for fusion reactor, military applications,” South China Morning Post, 4 March 2022)