NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Global Times
IN BRIEF
By Keerthana Nambiar and Dincy Adlakha
INTERNATIONAL
South China Sea: China plans military drills near Vietnam
On 5 March, the Chinese government announced that China will hold a week-long military drill near its southern province Hainan. The location falls in the South China Sea near Vietnam. The Statement released by Hainan Maritime Safety Administration warned shipping vessels to stay away from the region till 15 March when the drills shall end. ("China announces South China Sea drills close to Vietnam coast," Reuters, 5 March 2022)
Ukraine: China urges joint efforts for nuclear safety
On 4 March, China's permanent representative to the UN Zhang Jun urged Russia and Ukraine to act cautiously and work with the International Atomic Energy Agency to avoid nuclear mishappenings. China also emphasized the safety of nuclear facilities in Ukraine. The envoy assured that China is paying close attention to the updates from Ukraine including the recent fire in the nuclear power plant. He said that most attention should be currently provided to rescuing civilians and facilitating resolution through diplomacy. ("Chinese envoy calls for joint efforts to ensure safety of nuclear facilities in Ukraine," Global Times, 5 March 2022)
INTERNAL
National People’s Congress: China kickstarts its annual session of the CPPCC
On 4 March, China’s party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng and Wang Qishan attended the opening meeting of the fifth session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Wang Yang, the chairman of CPPCC National Committee called on the political advisors to “channel more strength into national rejuvenation,” reported Xinhua. He urged the advisors to maintain a stable and sound economic environment, a social climate enabling prosperity for the people and the country and a healthy political atmosphere of integrity. ” (“China's top political advisory body starts annual session,” Xinhua Net, 4 march 2022)
COVID-19: Chinese Premier Li Keqiang presents government’s annual work at the National People’s Congress
On 5 March, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang presented the government’s annual work report at the opening session of China’s Parliament, the National People’s Congress. Li elaborated that China is still working on seeking an equilibrium between the COVID-19 virus and economic growth. He addressed that the consumption and investment recovery from the pandemic was sluggish. But he indicated that China is unlikely to ease the corona-virus restrictions and border controls. “Occurances of local cases must be handled in a scientific and targeted manner and the normal order of work and life must be ensured,” he added. (“China seeks balance between Covid-19 control and growth; reopening unlikely,” The Straits Times, 5 March 2022)
Military spending: China increases its defence spending by 7.1 per cent
On 5 March, The Straits Times reported on the budget released by the Chinese government. According to the figures from the budget, China’s military spending will grow up by 7.1 per cent to last year’s 6.8 per cent. Premier Li Keqiang highlighted that Beijing would “move faster to modernise the military’s logistics and asset management systems, and build a modern weaponry and equipment management system.” China has increased its defence spending since the start of pandemic and is improving its hypersonic weapons. (“China's defence spending to grow by 7.1% this year,” The Strait Times, 5 March 2022)
Paralympics: Sports open in Beijing under tensions of Europe war
On 4 March, the Paralympics began in Beijing as the opening ceremony concluded. While the Russian athletes were sent back, the Ukrainian athlete team escaped a war to participate in the games. Although the Russian and Belarusian teams were allowed to participate earlier, the decision was reversed a day before the opening ceremony. It is also reported that Chinese media did not translate condemnation of war by the President of the International Olympics Committee. ("Paralympics open in Beijing under cloud of war," Japan Today, 5 March 2022)
ECONOMY
Low GDP: China’s GDP the lowest in three decades
On 5 March, The Strait Times reported on the growth of China’s GDP of around 5.5 per cent which is the lowest in three decades. The report delivered by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to the lawmakers on the annual meeting of China’s top legislature body, the National People’s Congress. According to the Strait Times, the low groth of GDP is due to the Russian invasion in Ukraine, COVID-19 pandemic nad travel restrictions and property crisis in the housing market. (“China sets GDP growth target of 'around 5.5%', lowest in decades,” The Strait Times, 5 March 2022)