NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
IN BRIEF
Avishka Ashok and Arshiya Banu
INTERNATIONAL
NATO: China objects bloc confrontations and provocative actions
On 5 May, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations Zhang Jun opposed NATO’s actions of forming blocs and confronting other countries in groups. Zhang Jun said: “Clinging to the anachronistic doctrine of security and keen to provoke bloc confrontations and create tensions in Europe and even the Asia Pacific region and the wider world, such practices as harmful to others as they are deleterious to the perpetrators themselves, and deserve nothing less than China's firm opposition.” He referred to the security crisis in Eastern Europe and claimed that it would be unreasonable to base one country’s security on the insecurity of others. He also accused the organization of wantonly launching wars against sovereign countries and creating human casualties and humanitarian issues across the world. He further discouraged the countries from creating a cold-war like situation in international affairs. (“China opposes NATO's provocation of bloc confrontations around globe,” Xinhua Net, 06 May 2022)
Opposing sanctions: Foreign Ministry Spokesperson urges countries to work towards global economy recovery
On 5 May, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian commented on the decision by the International Monetary Fund to downgrade its 2022 global economic growth forecast to 3.6 per cent and accused the unilateral sanctions for the worsening condition of the global economy. Zhao urged the US to work towards the stability of the global supply chains and take actions that are conducive to the global economic recovery as the world’s largest economy. He also praised China’s endless efforts in contributing towards the world’s economic activities and said: “National economic data for the first quarter of 2022 showed that China's economy has continued to sustain its recovery and development momentum, and its foreign trade and foreign investment continued to improve, showing strong resilience and vitality.” (“Sanctions only make world economy worse: FM spokesperson,” Xinhua Net, 05 May 2022)
The US: China’s Ambassador calls for a stop to politicization of trade relations
On 5 May, the Forbes magazine interview of China’s Ambassador to the US Qin Gang was published where he calls on the country to cancel the additional tariffs on Chinese goods. He also urged the US to avoid politicizing the business and trade relations between the two largest economies. Qin said: “Our trade and business relations have made remarkable achievements, benefiting the two countries and benefiting the world. We are natural partners, because our economies are highly complementary.” He further explained that the higher tariffs were in turn harming the US companies and consumers while not even reducing the trade deficit. (“Chinese ambassador urges U.S. to stop politicizing business, trade ties with China,” Xinhua Net, 06 June 2022)
Russia and Ukraine: Foreign Ministers laud China for its stance
On 5 May, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian stated that Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov and Ukraine foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba commended China’s fair and just stance on the current Russia-Ukraine conflicts. Zhao asserted that China would continue to play a positive role in the Ukraine crisis, encouraging all parties to resolve the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. He made the comments at a press conference in response to queries about whether China will communicate with Russia about ending the ongoing conflict and whether China will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. (“Both Russia, Ukraine FMs praise China's fair, just stance on current crisis in recent interviews: FM,” Global Times, 05 May 2022)
INTERNAL
Beijing: Worst outbreak yet forces people to work from home
On 5 May, millions of people in Beijing returned to work, with dozens of subway stations closed after a national holiday tempered by coronavirus restrictions. As they confront the pandemic's largest breakout since its beginnings, Chinese authorities have pushed ahead with their zero-COVID policy, which includes lockdowns and mass testing. Entire neighbourhoods in the capital have been sealed over a relatively small number of infections. Beijing recorded 50 local virus cases, a day after the city's most populous district, Chaoyang, with around 3.5 million people, was ordered to work from home. Office goers from the area were advised to drive themselves and avoid gatherings. (“Millions in Beijing back to work after break, urged to work from home to fight Covid-19,” The Strait Times, 05 May 2022)
Shanghai: Varsities prepare for summer graduates’ job hunt
On 5 May, Global Times reported that Shanghai universities are stepping up efforts to match graduates with potential employers, given that both are confined to their homes, in response to the toughest employment environment in history, as the Omicron epidemic has altered the regular job-hunting process of college graduates. Since the end of March, Shanghai has been under "static management," making in-person interviews with potential employers impossible for college students. In the midst of various constraints posed by the COVID-19 epidemic and structural problems in China's labour market, over 10.76 million students will graduate this summer and look for a job. (“Shanghai universities, companies join hands to stabilize jobs in toughest employment year,” Global Times, 05 May 2022)
REGIONAL
Cambodia: Ministry of Public Works and Transport praises BRI
On 6 May, Cambodia’s undersecretary of state and spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport Vasim Sorya corresponded with Xinhua Net and said that projects under the Belt and Road Initiative of China were greatly beneficial to the country and played an important role in boosting the economy. Some of the projects in Cambodia under the Belt and Road Initiative include the Sihanoukville Expressway, new Siem Reap International Airport, Morodok Techo National Stadium, roads and bridges, hospitals and rural water supply. Sorya said: “These projects have provided and will continue to provide a lot of tangible benefits to the economy and people of Cambodia. These projects have provided and will continue to provide a lot of tangible benefits to the economy and people of Cambodia.” (“China's BRI projects greatly benefit Cambodian economy, people: officials, experts,” Xinhua Net, 06 May 2022)
Taiwan: Defense Minister announces decision to cancel defence deal with the US
On 5 May, Taiwan announced that it will not proceed with a plan to purchase 12 MH-60R anti-submarine helicopters from the US’ Lockheed Martin Corp's Sikorsky business, citing the cost as a reason. Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said: "The price is too high, beyond the scope of our country's ability." M109A6 Medium Self-Propelled Howitzer artillery systems and mobile Stinger anti-aircraft missiles are two other weapons purchases that have been postponed. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, is undergoing a military modernization programme to increase its ability to defend itself against a Chinese attack, notably with precision weaponry such as missiles. (“Taiwan says it can't afford new US anti-submarine helicopters,” The Strait Times, 05 May 2022)