NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Global Times
IN BRIEF
By Avishka Ashok and Dincy Adlakha
INTERNATIONAL
US: China warns of countermeasures if visa restrictions not removed
On 22 March, Wang Wenbin, the spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry responded to the recent announcement by the US to block visas of particular Chinese officials. He argued that the reasoning for such restrictions, their involvement in “repressive acts” against ethnic and religious minority groups, is utterly baseless. He said that such steps smear the Chinese image and violate international laws and norms while irritating China-US relations. He also said: “We urge the US to reflect and correct its crimes and wrongdoings in the human rights field, take an objective view on China's human rights record, stop maliciously attacking China and immediately withdraw the so-called sanctions on Chinese officials. Otherwise, China will take countermeasures.” He emphasized in the press conference that China has always adhered to the standards of human rights and has maintained a pattern of standards suitable for the country’s environment and era.
Wang also questioned the position of the US as a proctor of human rights when systematic racism and cultural genocide of native Americans still exists in the country. He said: “We urge the US to reflect and correct its crimes and wrongdoings in the human rights field, take an objective view on China's human rights record, stop maliciously attacking China and immediately withdraw the so-called sanctions on Chinese officials. Otherwise, China will take countermeasures.” (“China urges US to withdraw visa restrictions on officials or face countermeasures,” Global Times, 22 March 2022)
South China Sea: US expeditionary mobile base enters the region for the first time
On 22 March, a US expeditionary mobile base called the USS Miguel Kieth entered the South China Sea for the first time. Chinese analysts found the development concerning as they fear the potential free operation of the US military in the region. The base was deployed in the West Pacific in October 2021. Ever since it has not entered the South China Sea; however, it was spotted by the South China Sea Strategic Probing Initiative on 21 March. It is one of the largest warship vessels with a displacement of 90,000 tons. China is apprehensive of the US presence in the region and is viewing this new development with concern. (Liu Xuanzun, “US expeditionary mobile base enters S.China Sea for 1st time, sending a worrying signal,” Global Times, 22 March 2022)
US and Pacific Islands: Senior diplomat to lead US’ Pacific Islands talks
On 22 March, the US announced a former senior diplomat as the leader of pacific Island talks with the Marshall Islands, Palau and Micronesia. The move is interpreted by experts as an attempt to counter CHina’s influence in the region. The Marshall Islands and Palau are two of the few countries left that formally recognize Taiwan. The State Department of the US announced this confirmation as: “In light of the critical nature of these complex negotiations, President Biden is appointing Ambassador Joseph Yun as Special Presidential Envoy for Compact Negotiations.” China has economic and tourism-based cooperation with the Pacific Islands. (Michael Martina and David Brunnstrom, “To counter China influence, U.S. names envoy to lead Pacific Island talks,” Reuters, 23 March 2022)
US: National transport agency to support China in plane crash probe
On 22 March, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced that it will support the Chinese probe into the recent plane crash. The crash incurred by a Boeing 737-800 jet of China Eastern Airlines has no survivor; however, the reason for the crash is still unclear. The NTSB announced that it is in constant touch with the Civil Aviation Administration of China and will support the probe with their technical advisors and Federal Aviation Administration in all possible and necessary ways. (“U.S. NTSB will support Chinese probe into Boeing 737-800 crash,” Reuters, 23 March 2022)
INTERNAL
COVID-19: China revises dynamic zero-COVID policy through targeted testing
On 22 March, China revised its COVID-19 guidelines to focus on targeted nucleic acid testing rather than the previously followed citywide mass testing. The change was made under the dynamic zero COVID policy that focuses on regional and targeted testing to control the worst epidemic outbreak in China in two years. The Head of the Medical Administration of the National Health Commission said that this technique will help in defining the areas for testing more scientifically. The new guidelines require the region of a city to undergo testing in a strict time limit of 24 hours. (Zhang Hui and Liu Caiyu, “China issues more targeted testing guideline under dynamic zero policy, no longer requires mass testing,” Global Times, 22 March 2022)
Climate change and environment: China sets 2025 green hydrogen target
On 23 March, China’s topmost economic planner National Development and Reform Commission released a statement announcing its green energy transition targets. China vowed to produce 200,00 tonnes of green hydrogen zero-carbon fuel from renewable energy per year by 2025. It also announced that from 2025, there will be widespread use of renewable energy in industries. The statement also promised 50,000 hydrogen-fuelled vehicles by 2025. A top official from NDRC said: “Development of hydrogen is an important move for energy transition and a great support for China's carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals.” (“China sets green hydrogen target for 2025, eyes widespread use,” Reuters, 23 March 2022)
ECONOMY
Alibaba Group: Buyback stock price increases to USD 25 billion
On 22 March, the Alibaba Group increased a buyback share’s worth from USD 15 billion to USD 25 billion to boost its decreasing stocks. The group witnessed a sharp decline in stock prices, which amounted to more than half the worth since the Chinese Communist Party launched the crackdown on the tech giants of China. The group attributed the decision as a “sign of confidence in the company’s continued growth.” The shares traded in the US through Alibaba have dropped a massive 56 per cent due to the anti-monopoly and data security measures of the Party. The loss amounted to USD 9 million. Few Chinese leaders displayed concern about the sliding stock market and urged support for the tech giants. However, the party is concerned about the size of Alibaba and Tencent and their capacity to dominate the market and suppress competition. (“Alibaba raises buyback to $25B to boost slumping stock,” The Asahi Shimbun, 22 March 2022)