NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : CGTN
IN BRIEF
By Avishka Ashok and Dincy Adlakha
INTERNATIONAL
The UK: Xi Jinping and Boris Johnson hold phone talks and discuss 50 years of bilateral relations
On 25 March, Chinese President XI Jinping held a telephonic conversation with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Xi Jinping observed that despite the few rough patches in the countries’ 50-year history, China and Britain had experienced continuous growth. He said: “The trade volume between the two countries has increased from 300 million U.S. dollars to 100 billion dollars, and the two-way investment stock has risen from almost zero to 50 billion dollars.” Xi also noted that China’s investment in the UK had tripled in the last year and the trade had reached a new high. (“Xi talks with British PM over phone,” Global Times, 26 March 2022)
Solomon Islands: Leaked report hints at greater Chinese military presence
On 25 March, the Asahi Shimbun reported that according to a leaked document, China would be increasing its military presence in the Solomon Islands. According to the report China would be increasing its ship visits to the Solomon Islands. The Islands also signed a policing cooperation agreement with China according to which the latter can send police, military personnel and other armed forces to the Solomons with a view to “to assist in maintaining social order.” A research analyst from New Zealand’s Massey University observed that the development is concerning for Australia, the US and New Zealand. (“Document indicates China could boost military in Solomons,” The Asahi Shimbun, 25 March 2022)
The US: Chinese ambassador stresses agricultural cooperation
On 25 March, the recently appointed Chinese Ambassador to the US said that agriculture is a well-grounded and complementary area of cooperation between the two countries. He attended the China-US Agricultural Cooperation and said during his opening speech: “Agriculture is an important part of the friendly cooperation between China and the United States. As our agricultural production increasingly faces restraints from the population, resources and the environment, and COVID-19 and climate change pose new challenges to global food security, deeper agricultural cooperation will not only benefit both countries' agriculture and people but also carry strong significance to global food security and agricultural development.” He called on the participants to draw on innovative ideas and explore opportunities in the field. (“Chinese ambassador calls for deeper U.S.-China cooperation in agriculture,” Xinhua Net, 25 March 2022)
Kyrgyzstan: Chairman of the NPC appreciated 30 years-long diplomatic relations
On 25 March, the chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee Li Zhanshu held talks with the Kyrgyz Parliament Speaker Talant Mamytov. Li extended China’s support to Kyrgyzstan and said: “The two sides should expand practical cooperation, better synergize development strategies, expand the scale of economic and trade cooperation, jointly build a high-quality Belt and Road, and continuously deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges.” Li also appreciated Kyrgyzstan’s support for the One-China Principle and other domestic issues such as the Taiwan issue, pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and the Xinjiang issue. Mamedov also congratulated China on the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic relations and noted that the relationship between the two countries was based on mutual trust, mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation. (“China's top legislator holds talks with Kyrgyz parliament speaker,” Xinhua Net, 25 March 2022)
Egypt: Chinese Ambassador urges countries to strengthen digital cooperation
On 25 March, the Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang announced China’s willingness in strengthening cooperation in information technology and digital capacity building. Liao met with the Egyptian Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat and expressed the country’s readiness in working together on digital economy and communication technology. He said: “Over the past few years, the political trust between China and Egypt has continually strengthened, and their practical cooperation has yielded remarkable results.” (“China, Egypt hope to strengthen digital cooperation,” Xinhua Net, 26 March 2022)
South Korea: Xi Jinping and President-elect hold a phone conversation on the future of the bilateral ties
On 25 March, Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol held a phone conversation and discussed the future of the bilateral relations of the two countries. Chinese research analysts noted that this is the first time a Chinese President has held talks with a President-elect and view the development as China’s change in foreign policy towards its east Asian countries. China is giving importance to its relations with South Korea and hopes that the country doesn’t blindly follow the US in the international order. (“Xi talks with South Korean president-elect over phone,” Xinhua Net, 25 March 2022)
India: Chinese foreign minister meets Indian National Security Advisor
On 26 March, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited New Delhi and met Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The meeting focused on long-term vision and win-win cooperation between the two. The Chinese foreign minister proposed a three-point approach to safeguard peace and security in the region while sticking to their own developmental paths. The two leaders also recognised the importance of resolving border disputes between the two countries to ensure the general momentum of bilateral relations. They also discussed the Russia-Ukraine issue and the need for peace. (“Chinese FM calls for long-term vision, win-win cooperation in ties with India,” Xinhua Net, 26 March 2022)
Sri Lanka: China provides emergency aid amid food shortage in the island
On 26 March, the Chinese embassy in Sri Lanka announced that China will provide 2000 tons of rice as emergency food to the island country. The aid will cost up to USD 2.5 million with transportation. It was arranged as the Sri Lankan government requested assistance due to food shortages in the country. The government noted that the COVID-19 pandemic and damaged supply chains have led to a global food shortage and that Sri Lanka is facing a major wave at the time. The Chinese embassy said that it will continue to support Sri Lanka in its social and economic development, as much as China’s capacity allows. (“China provides 2,000 tons of rice as emergency food aid to Sri Lanka,” Xinhua Net, 26 March 2022)