NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Xinhua Net Wang Ye
IN BRIEF
By Keerthana Nambiar and Avishka Ashok
INTERNATIONAL
The EU: China holds virtual summit and discusses bilateral relations and the crisis in Ukraine
On 1 April, China and the European Union held a virtual summit and called for greater cooperation between the countries. China's Premier Li Keqiang urged the countries to enhance dialogue and coordination, maintain peace and tranquillity, and stabilize the global economy. Ukraine was one of the most discussed issues at the summit. The objective of the EU was to acquire China's help in resolving the crisis in Eastern Europe. European Council President Charles Michel addressee a press briefing and explained the EU's request to China to not help Russia circumvent the sanctions of the West. Premier Li responded to the statement and said that China would follow its own methods of ensuring peace in the region. President Xi Jinping also encouraged the EU member countries to view China from an independent perspective, without the biased image created by the West. ("Chinese premier calls on China, EU to enhance dialogue, coordination, deepen cooperation," Xinhua Net, 1 April 2022; “China tells EU it will pursue Ukraine peace in its own way," Reuters, 2 April 2022)
Ukraine: China accused of cyberattacks on military websites
On 1 April, The Times reported that China had launched a huge cyberattack on Ukraine’s military and nuclear facilities and accused of China being complicit to Russia’s invasion. According to The Times, the Chinese government coordinated an attack on Ukraine's defence military websites. UK government confirmed that the National Cyber Security Centre has opened an investigation. On the other hand, the Ukrainian security service has denied the supply of any information regarding the alleged attacks. The Times elaborated that there was a series of cyberattacks that peaked on 23 February 2022. (“China accused of cyber-attacks on Ukraine before Russian invasion,” The Guardian, 2 April 2022)
The UK: Foreign Ministry opposes six-monthly report on Hong Kong
On 1 April, China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian addressed a press briefing and expressed China's opposition to the report on Hong Kong published by the UK government. The report published by the UK is the latest six-monthly report on Hong Kong. It criticized China's policy in Hong Kong and the National Security Law that was recently implemented in the city. Zhao urged the UK to stop interfering in Hong Kong and other internal matters of China. He said: "Since the implementation of the national security law, national security has been protected, rule of law and justice has been upheld, and the legitimate rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents and foreign nationals in Hong Kong have been better protected." ("China urges Britain to abandon colonial mindset, stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs," Xinhua Net, 1 April 2022)
INTERNAL
Winter Olympics: Groups and individuals to be awarded for their contributions to the Games
On 2 April, China announced that 149 groups and 150 individuals will be awarded for their contribution to the preparation and competition of the Beijing Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympics. The 149 groups include government departments, companies, volunteer teams, universities, hospitals, national Olympic teams and the media. China has set a new record this Winter Olympics with the largest-ever presence and 15 medals. (“China to award 149 groups and 150 individuals for outstanding contributions to Beijing Winter Olympics,” Global Times, 2 April 2022)
Environment: Top political advisor calls for democratic supervision of Yangtze River
On 1 April, China's top political advisor Wang Yang addressed a symposium of non-CPC members and non-affiliated party members and pushed for enhanced supervision over the Yangtze River. The symptoms were also attended by the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. He said: "Democratic supervision of the environmental protection of the Yangtze River is an important political task that the CPC Central Committee has entrusted to the central committees of other political parties and individuals without party affiliation." ("Top political advisor stresses enhanced supervision over Yangtze River environmental protection," Xinhua Net, 1 April 2022)
ECONOMY
People’s Bank of China: China to step up efforts to stabilize the markets
On 2 April, China’s central bank announced that China will be strengthening efforts to prevent the financial market's downfall. In a recent video conference by the People’s Bank of China on stabilizing the financial market in 2022, the bank will form concrete measures and establish a market-oriented financial safety net to defuse financial risks. (“China's central bank stresses defusing financial risks in 2022,” CGTN, 2 April 2022)
TECHNOLOGY
Huawei Technologies: Meng Wanzhou to become rotating chairwoman
On 2 April, China’s tech and telecoms giant Huawei Technologies has awarded Meng Wanzhou. Finance chief the new rotating position of chairwoman. “The company is optimizing and refining its internal governance structure to make sure the company is built to last,” a Huawei spokesman said. “The supervisory board is responsible for the company’s survival, development and long-term prospects.” (“Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou named chairwoman in rotating role,” The Straits Times, 2 April 2022)
Space: Shenzhou-13 Taikonauts prepare for return to earth
On 1 April, Xinhua Net reported on China's Manned Space Agency's announcement that the Taikonauts onboard the Shenzhou-13 were preparing for their return to the earth. The three taikonauts left for the mission on 16 October 2021 the longest space mission undertaken by the agency. The team has completed two extravehicular activities, two live science lectures and other science and technology experiments during the mission. They also used manual teleoperation equipment for the first time. ("China's Shenzhou-13 taikonauts preparing for return in April, Xinhua Net, 1 April 2022)