NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Xinhua/Jin Mamengni
IN BRIEF
By Keerthana Nambiar and Dincy Adlakha
INTERNATIONAL
Italy: China's Senior Party official meets US National Security Advisor
On 14 March, a senior member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Yang Jiechi met the US National Security Advisor in Rome. The two representatives discussed China-US relations candidly and contemplated international and regional issues. They also agreed to uphold the decisions made by the two heads of state. They spoke of joint cooperation over the Taiwan issue, Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, Iran nuclear issue and the Afghanistan issue. They also showcased faith in the peaceful coexistence of the US and China. Yang said: “Under the current international situation, China and the United States should strengthen dialogue and cooperation, properly manage differences and prevent conflict and confrontation, which not only serves the interests of the two people but also meets the expectation of the international community and the interests of people across the world.” (“Senior Chinese diplomat meets U.S. national security advisor,” Xinhua Net, 15 March 2022)
The UK: British Foreign Secretary makes a statement on Hong Kong police’s threat to UK-based human rights group
On 14 March, the British Foreign Secretary accused the Chinese authorities of attempting to suppress freedom of speech after Hong Kong police threatened a UK-based human rights group. Hong Kong Watch revealed that it received a warning from the Hong Kong police threatening with a prison sentence and fines for allegedly violating China’s national security law. The letter accused the group of “seriously interfering” and warned of a fine of 100,000 Hong Kong dollars and three years of imprisonment of its chief executive, Benedict Rogers. Liz Truss, Britain Foreign Secretary made a statement regarding the issue and said: “The unjustifiable action taken against the U.K.-based NGO Hong Kong Watch is clearly an attempt to silence those who stand up for human rights in Hong Kong.” She further added, “attempting to silence voices globally that speak up for freedom and democracy is unacceptable and will never succeed.” (“ UK rights group threatened under China sweeping security law,” The Associated Press, 14 March 2022)
INTERNAL
COVID-19: Municipalities take stringent actions to restrict worst COVID outbreak
On 14 March, Global Times reported that municipalities, local officials, and epidemiologists have suggested the most stringent restriction method to control the worst outbreak of COVID-19 in China. The cities of Shanghai and Shenzhen have been locked down to contain the surge in cases and avoid social contractions. Schools and workplaces have also been shut in Shenzhen. The National Health Commission has announced that the situation is yet to peak in Jilin, Guangdong and Shanghai. (“Metropolises take strictest measures in 2 years as China reports more than 10,000 cases since March,” Global Times, 14 March 2022)
COVID-19 outbreak: Anti-epidemic restrictions in Shenzhen to affect the tech manufacturing industry in China
On 14 March, Global Times reported on the impact of the new COVID-19 outbreak in Shenzhen. Due to anti-epidemic measures to control the Omicron variant, a number of manufacturing plants in Shenzhen have halted production. Global Times says that this halt could really affect the tech industry and lead to frictions in the global supply chain management. Shenzhen is China’s burgeoning technology sector and is China’s top exporting city with a record of 1.92 trillion yuan worth of goods exported in 2021. China’s high-tech chip-making companies, smartphones, panel TVs, telecommunication hardware, and drones are manufactured in Shenzhen. (“Manufacturing in Shenzhen is impacted amid strict measures to tame Omicron surge,” Global Times, 14 March 2022)
ECONOMY
National Bureau of Statistics: China’s economy to improve in 2022
On 15 March, Global Times reported a story on the economy of China and how it was steadily marching forward in 2022. According to the data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), industrial production increased to 7.5 per cent year-on-year, compared to December 2021.it also cautioned the possible impact of the recent CIVID-19 outbreaks in several Chinese cities and indicated China’s potential in maintaining stable economic development. On 14 March, in an executive meeting of the State Council, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang “stressed the importance of efforts to tide over difficulties to ensure steady economic growth,” reported Global Times. (“China achieves better-than-expected economic growth in Jan-Feb,” Global Times, 15 March 2022)
REGIONAL
India: New ambassador assumes office
On 14 March, India’s new envoy to China Amb Pradeep Kumar Rawat assumed office. The Global Times reported that the development is welcomed by many Chinese citizens as the high0level military talks also seem to push for agreeable outcomes. Hence, the timing for a new ambassador’s joining is much appreciated in China. Many media outlets welcomed the ambassador with friendly sayings like: “Welcome to China! A close neighbour is better than a distant relative. Hope China-India relations will improve and we can work together to protect Asia.” The hopes for the improvement of relations between India-China have gushed high. (“India's new envoy to China assumes office amid welcoming voices, expectations to improve ties,” Global Times, 14 March 2022)
Philippines: Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila summons Chinese ambassador
On 14 March, the Philippine government summoned the Chinese ambassador regarding an “illegal incursion” of a Chinese navy ship in Philippine waters from 29 January 2022 to 1 February 2022. Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro summoned Beijing’s envoy Huang Xilian and “demanded that China respect Philippine territory and maritime jurisdiction and to comply with its obligations under international law.” In a statement released by the Foreign Affairs Department, Lazaro asked China to “direct its vessels to desserts from entering Philippine waters uninvited and without permission.” (“Philippines summons Chinese envoy to protest naval intrusion,” The Associated Press, 14 March 2022)