NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Global Times
IN BRIEF
Avishka Ashok and Arshiya Banu
INTERNATIONAL
The US: Senior officials report on diminishing tensions with China
On 3 May, Reuters reported that Senior US officials say they have not identified conspicuous Chinese military and economic support, two months after warning that Beijing looked ready to assist Russia in its fight against Ukraine, a good development in the strained US-China relationship. However, they claim that they are still apprehensive of China's long-standing backing for Russia in general, but the military and economic assistance that they feared has not materialised, at least for the time being. The officials also stated that they are continuing to monitor the PRC and any other country that may lend help to Russia or evade US and partner sanctions. (“U.S. relieved as China appears to heed warnings on Russia,” Reuters, 03 May 2022)
Timor-Leste: President Xi congratulates new President Jose Ramos-Horta
On 3 May, China’s President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory note to the newly elected President of Timor-Leste Jose Ramos-Horta. On the occasion, President Xi observed that the two decades of diplomatic ties with Timor-Leste had greatly benefitted the two countries and deepened their practical cooperation. Xi said: “China attaches great importance to the development of China-Timor-Leste relations, and stands ready to work with President Ramos-Horta to bring the comprehensive cooperative partnership of good-neighborliness, friendship, mutual trust and mutual benefit between the two countries to a new level.” (“Xi congratulates Jose Ramos-Horta on election as Timor-Leste's president,” Xinhua Net, 3 May 2022)
INTERNAL
Space: Xi motivates the youth of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
On 3 May, Xinhua Net reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged young people in the aerospace industry to do more to help China achieve greater self-reliance in aerospace research and technology. Xi made the statements in a letter to a youth team at the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation working on space station building (CASC). He cited the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System satellites, Chang'e lunar probes, Tianwen-1 Mars probe, Xihe solar exploration satellite, and the Tiangong space station and its core module Tianhe as examples of China's space industry's continuous improvements. He noted that a huge number of young people in the sector had taken the lead and taken on significant responsibilities, reflecting the innovative spirit of the new generation of Chinese youth. According to Xi, making China stronger in the aerospace sector will take generations of effort. (“Xi Focus: Xi encourages youth to help boost China's aerospace sci-tech self-reliance,” Xinhua Net, 03 May 2022)
Hong Kong: World Press Freedom Index drops 68 places to 148th position
On 3 May, the Reporters Without Borders revealed the 2022 World Press Freedom Index at the Royal Overseas League in London. The report placed Hong Kong city at the 148th position, plummeting 68 spots from its 80th position in 2021. The report observed that the press freedom declined steeply since the implementation of the National Security Law in 2020. The report also alarmed the world of an upcoming era of polarization in the media industry. The report said: “The Hong Kong government takes orders directly from Beijing and openly supports its attempts to impose censorship and spread propaganda.” It also spoke of the Radio Television Hong Kong which has now been placed under a pro-central government management who has the authority to censor the anti-government programmes it previously aired. (“Hong Kong plummets in latest press freedom ranking,” Microsoft News, 3 May 2022)
REGIONAL
Japan: Chinese naval vessels pass near Japan’s territorial waters
On 3 May, Reuters reported that Japan’s defence ministry alleged that eight Chinese naval vessels sailed between islands in the southern Okinawa group, including several destroyers and an aircraft carrier. The ships passed between Miyakojima and Okinawa's main island. Despite the fact that there was no trespass into Japanese territorial seas, the Liaoning carrier's helicopters took off and landed, according to the ministry. The Taiwanese Defence Ministry called the situation "normal," and said it will keep an eye on the carrier group's activities. According to Japanese national television NHK, it was the first time a Chinese aircraft carrier had been reported to have sailed in the area since December last year. (“Chinese carrier sails through waters near Okinawa, Japan says,” Reuters, 03 May 2022)
South Korea: Envoys talk about rising tensions in the Korean peninsula
On 3 May, China’s Korean affairs envoy Liu Xiaoming met with his South Korean counterpart Noh Kyu-duk and said that Beijing remained committed to playing a constructive role in resolving the North Korean nuclear issue, a week after the North pledged to develop its nuclear arsenal "at the fastest possible speed." While denuclearization discussions with the US remain, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to speed up the development of his country's nuclear arsenal while overseeing a massive military display last week. Noh voiced concern over Pyongyang's latest missile launches and efforts to restore its Punggye-ri nuclear test site, and asked Beijing to help bring Pyongyang back to the negotiating table. (“China envoy vows to play 'constructive role' amid tensions on Korean peninsula.” The Strait Times, 03 May 2022)