NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Global Times
IN BRIEF
By Keerthana Nambiar and Dincy Adlakha
INTERNATIONAL
The US: Premier Li Keqiang affirms China-US cooperation
On 11 March, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said that cooperation between China and the US is beneficial nor merely for both the countries but for the entire world. He also stressed the need for further dialogue and communication between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of the relations as both countries are permanent members of UNSC. Hence, their agreement and cooperation on global challenges is extremely important. He said: “Cooperation should be the mainstream because global peace and development hinge on cooperation.” (“China-U.S. cooperation benefits both countries, world: Chinese premier,” Xinhua Net, 11 March 2022)
UNSC: China’s UN ambassador urges countries to prohibit the development of biological and chemical weapons
On 11 March, Zhang Ju, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations made a statement on biological security in Ukraine at the UN Security Council. Zhang remarked that “China firmly opposes the development, possession, and use of biological and chemical weapons by any country under any circumstances,” reported CGTN. He reiterated China’s support for the “complete prohibition and thorough destruction” of all weapons of mass destruction. He further urged the countries to destroy any chemical weapons they have in their stockpile. (“China voices opposition to development of biological, chemical weapons,” CGTN, 12 March 2022)
Iran nuclear deal: Chinese envoy emphasizes importance of mutually agreed decision
On 11 March, China’s permanent envoy to the UN in Vienna Wang Qun said that the concerns of all parties are important for the successful conclusion of Iran nuclear talks. His remarks came as the negotiations went for a pause recently. He marked this pause by observing that negotiations “are not taking place in a vacuum but are a microcosm of political reality.” He also termed China’s role in the negotiations for Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as “vital and constructive.” He also vowed that China shall remain dedicated to an early agreement of the Vienna talks. (“Concerns of all parties to Iran nuke talks must be addressed, Chinese envoy,” Xinhua Net, 12 March 2022)
Ukraine: Chinese nationals return through evacuation as first batch of aid reaches
On 12 March, Xinhua reported that the eleventh batch of evacuated Chinese nationals arrived from Ukraine through a rescue operation flight. Previously, ten such batches have arrived. Additionally, the first batch of humanitarian aid to Ukraine from China has also reached the destination. The second batch will depart soon, too. The aid contained 5 million yuan worth of essential materials. The first batch was delivered to the staff of Red Cross Society of Ukraine. (“China's first batch of humanitarian aid arrives in Ukraine,” Global Times, 12 March 2022)
China-Pakistan cooperation: China’s AVIC delivers the first batch of J-10CEs fighter jets to Pakistan
On 11 March, China’s state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) delivered the first batch of six J-10CE fighter jets in Kamra, Pakistan. AVIC remarked that the delivery of J-10CEs has opened a new chapter in aviation defense cooperation and will further deepen the China-Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. On 11 March, an induction ceremony was held for the first batch attended by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan. (“China delivers first J-10CE fighter jets to Pakistan in a milestone move,” Global Times, 11 March 2022)
INTERNAL
COVID-19: Chief Executive Carries Lam ensures that HKSAR has enough food supplies
On 12 March, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam in a press conference informed that the supply of fresh food has come back to pre-COVID pandemic levels. Lam confirmed that the city is receiving medical and other supplies from China. “I cannot comfortably say we have passed a peak," she said. "We would like to see case numbers come down to the extent that we can say the fifth wave has ended, but we cannot set a specific number.” (“Hong Kong’s Lam Says Fresh Food Supply Back to Pre-Covid Level,” Bloomberg, 12 March 2022)
COVID-19: Health regulator allows rapid antigen test kits as cases surge in China
On 12 March, CCTV, the state broadcaster, reported that the National Medical Products Administration approved five COVID-19 antigen kits made locally in the country. The NMPA published a notice allowing Beijing Huaketai Biotechnology to make changes in its COVID-19 antigen test kit device certificate. Along with the company, Nanjing Vazyme Biotech, Guaangotech, Beijing Jinwofu Bioengineering Technology and BGI Genomics subsidiary and Shenzhen Huada Yinyuan Pharmaceutical Technology have been allowed to make changes to their certificates as well. With the approval of the certificates, the country’s health regulator has for the first time allowed the public to officially buy the kits in stores and online markets. (“China approves five Covid-19 antigen kits for self-testing,” The Strait Times, 12 March 2022)