NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : China Briefing
IN BRIEF
By Avishka Ashok
INTERNATIONAL
Germany: China continues to be biggest trading partner
On 4 April, the Federal Statistical Office reported that Germany’s exports to China in February rose by 6.4 per cent month-on-month and accounted for EUR 9.5 billion. According to the recently published data, China continues to be Germany’s biggest trading partner as it exported cargo worth EUR 13.8 billion in February. Germany’s exports also rose by 6.4 per cent and amounted to EUR 124.7 billion. (“German exports to China rise 6.4 pct in February: Destatis,” Xinhua Net, 4 April 2022)
Ukraine: Foreign Ministers discuss the war in Eastern Europe
On 4 April, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a telephonic conversation with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and wished for Russia and Ukraine to opt for peace talks until the ceasefire was reached. Kuleba updated Wang Yi on the current situation in Ukraine and appreciated China’s inputs in promoting peace in the region by pushing for a ceasefire. He said: “China is a great country which advocates the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and plays a key and active role in safeguarding peace.”
Wang Yi thanked Ukraine for safely evacuating the Chinese citizens and also hoped for future assistance in safeguarding Chinese nationals in the country. He also explained China’s position on the issue and said that the country has historically and traditionally aimed at safeguarding peace and opposing war. He said: “On the Ukraine issue, China does not seek geopolitical interests, nor will it watch the event from a safe distance while sitting idle, or add fuel to the fire.” He further pushed Russia and Ukraine to engage in talks regardless of how difficult the peace process would be. China also promised to continue playing a constructive role in bringing peace in Eastern Europe. (“China sincerely wants peace in Ukraine: FM,” Xinhua Net, 5 April 2022)
Ukraine: Chinese embassy in the UK opposes report by The Times newspaper
On 4 April, the Chinese embassy in the UK opposed a British newspaper’s report that China had hacked Ukrainian websites before the Russian invasion. The spokesperson claimed that the newspaper’s reportage was irresponsible and not credible. The spokesperson said: “It must be pointed out that for a time The Times reports on China have been untrue, deliberately distorting and even slanderous," the spokesperson said. "This seriously runs counter to the professional ethics of journalism and misleads the readers, so we strongly condemn this wrong practice.” (“Allegations of Chinese hacking in Ukraine not credible: Embassy,” CGTN, 5 April 2022)
Hungary: China’s Foreign Minister extends congratulations to the Fidesz Party
On 4 April, China Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone conversation with Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto and promised to continue the cooperation in bilateral issues and work towards building a stronger comprehensive strategic partnership. Wang Yi also congratulated the Fidesz Party for winning the parliamentary elections under the leadership of Prime Minister Viktor Orban. He said: “The election result shows that the independent policy pursued by the Hungarian side is in line with the country's national conditions and the common interests of its people, and is firmly and broadly supported by the people.” (“China, Hungary agree to enhance cooperation in various fields,” Xinhua Net, 4 April 2022)
INTERNAL
Society: Afternoon tea-houses record a surge in sales in the last decade
On 5 April, the Strait Times reported that the tea-houses in China were experiencing an upgrade in daily consumption as the purchasing power and standards of living improved in the country. T9 Premium Tea, one of the well known tea-houses in Shanghai recorded a revenue of over 6,00,00- yuan in four years. Even though each beverage is priced as much as two drinks from Starbucks, the tea houses in China are doing exceptionally well because of the diverse choices, refined flavours and great services. The report said: “Whether judging from the flurry of new Starbucks outlets constantly popping up, or the homegrown beverage brands springing up like mushrooms, China's afternoon tea market is transforming into a younger, more trendy and faster-moving category.” The report also highlighted two critical transformations in the tea-house business. The first major change came after 2015 when afternoon tea could be bought online and not just in offline venues. Secondly, between 2015-2020, consumers have increasingly started appreciating the traditional culture of afternoon tea drinking. (“Afternoon tea culture brewing up a comeback in China,” The Strait Times, 5 April 2022)
ECONOMY
Digital economy: Government seeks to employ 11 million in the sector
On 5 April, CGTN reported that the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security had released 56 new job categories. Out of the newly created jobs, a third of them were professions in the digital economy, showcasing the government’s push for the sector. The jobs created by the government in the field of digital economy account for 61 per cent of the part-time employment. The government data also revealed that the country is seeking to employ over 11 million people in the newly emerging field. (“China's digital economy fuels new occupations,” CGTN, 5 April 2022)
REGIONAL
Vietnam: China records 27.3 per cent growth in freight train trips
On 4 April, Xinhua Net reported that the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region coordinated 98 freight train trips between China and Vietnam in the first three months of 2022. The data was revealed by China Railway Nanning Group. The data showed a 34.1 per cent increase as 2,940 twenty-foot equivalent units of cargo were traded through the railway line between the countries. China exported mechanical equipment, electronic products and Chinese traditional medicinal materials while Vietnam exported over 11,366 tonnes of fruits. (“China-Vietnam freight train trips up 27.3 pct in first quarter,” Xinhua Net, 4 April 2022)
Laos: Newly launch railway line reports usage by 2.25 million passengers
On 4 April, Xinhua Net reported that the China-Laos Railway had successfully transported 2.25 million passengers and 1.31 million tonnes of cargo since the launch of the railway line in December 2021. The China State Railway Group Co. Ltd. said: “Trains on the railway have provided a safe, comfortable and convenient means of inter-city transport for residents along the route, while passenger trips have seen strong growth momentum.” The existence of the railway network has not only improved China’s connectivity with Laos but also with other Southeast Asian countries. The trade between the countries includes the export of over 100 kinds of products such as rubber, fertilizers, automobiles and flowers. (“China-Laos Railway sees brisk passenger, cargo transport over inaugural 4 months,” Xinhua Net, 4 April 2022)