NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
IN BRIEF
By Avishka Ashok and Arshiya Banu
INTERNATIONAL
The EU: Foreign policy chief says China and Hong Kong violated “democratic principles”
On 8 May, the European Union’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stated that the appointment of John Lee, a former security officer as Hong Kong's new leader, violated democratic principles. Lee, who oversaw the repression of Hong Kong's democracy movement, was named Hong Kong leader by a select committee of Beijing loyalists. Borrell said: "The European Union regrets this violation of democratic principles and political pluralism and sees this selection process as yet another step in the dismantling of the 'one country, two systems' principle." He added that the EU expects Chinese and Hong Kong authorities to follow through on their national and international obligations, including the ultimate aim of universal suffrage for the Chief Executive and Legislative Council members. (“Appointment of HK leader John Lee violates democratic norms, says EU foreign policy chief,” The Strait Times, 08 May 2022)
REGIONAL
Taiwan: PLA Navy encloses Taiwan in a training mission
On 8 May, Global Times reported that the Chinese Liberation Army (PLA) Navy’s Liaoning aircraft carrier group, which began a realistic combat training mission in the West Pacific about a week ago, has reportedly been practising intensively in the Philippine Sea to the east of the island of Taiwan and south of Japan over the past few days, a location that is critical to preventing potential external interference in the event of a reunification-by-force operation in the Taiwan Strait. With the carrier group to Taiwan's east, the PLA reportedly dispatched different types of fighter planes and naval vessels from the Chinese mainland west of the island of Taiwan, effectively surrounding and enclosing the island under the watch of US and Japanese aircraft carriers. (“PLA encircles Taiwan island with carrier drills amid US, Japanese provocations,” Global Times, 08 May 2022)
Cambodia: China’s Foriegn Minister holds a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister to discuss regional development and peace
On 8 May, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn met online via video link and discussed global governance and the Asian outlook. Wang Yi urged the world leaders to pay attention to the Asian voices as “global governance enters the Asian moment.” He also explained China’s efforts in building a just and equitable global governance system by initiating the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative. Wang Yi further called on the Asian countries to unitedly protect the region from the growing cold-war mentality that threaten to undermine the peace and development in East Asia. He said: “While China welcomes countries outside the region to play a positive and constructive role in promoting peace and development in the region, it does not accept any action undermining regional peace and stability or solidarity and cooperation.” (“Chinese FM meets Cambodian counterpart, calling on world to listen more to Asian voices,” Xinhua Net, 09 May 2022)
INTERNAL
Hong Kong: John Lee gets elected with new electoral system
On 9 May, Xinhua Net reported that the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of China’s State Council announced that Hong Kong has a new voting system and is prepared for a brighter future at a new starting point. After John Lee was elected to a six-year term as Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) with an overwhelming majority of votes. The office stated that the chief executive election was yet another successful test of the HKSAR's new electoral system, following the Election Committee elections in September and the election of the seventh-term Legislative Council in December. It added that the new system, which follows the "one country, two systems" approach is more suited to Hong Kong's realities. (“China central gov't office says Hong Kong takes fresh look with new electoral system,” Xinhua Net, 08 May 2022)
Environment: 600 children suffer repeated nosebleeds due to increased emissions from automaker production plant
On 8 May, the local government in Changsha reported on its official Weibo account that a team had been sent to the Chinese automaker BYD’s factory after hundreds of children suffered a nosebleed due to the increased pollution. The authorities took up the case to investigate the gas emissions caused by the company after the neighbouring residents lodged a complaint. The Strait Times reported that according to a local report, over 600 children residing near the production plant of the company have suffered repeated nosebleeds since April 2022. The company has responded to the accusations and called the complaints baseless and malicious while explaining that the plant complies with the regulations and has taken steps to reduce the odour caused by the plant. (“Chinese automaker BYD probed for pollution amid reports of nosebleeds in children,” The Strait Times, 09 May 2022)
Shanghai: Strait Times investigates Communist Party Chief Li Qiang’s successes in the city
On 9 May, the Strait Times reported that the political situation in the city did not match with the public outcry caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and it may be because of the Shanghai Communist Party chief Li Qiang’s close relationship with President Xi Jinping. The report observed that Li is being seen as a member who could also make the Politburo Standing Committee this year. It is also noticed that the COVID-19 outbreaks have caused many Chinese politicians to lose their careers but Li has managed to sustain his seat despite the harsh and long lockdowns. (“Shanghai Covid-19 crisis puts political spotlight on key Xi ally Li Qiang,” The Strait Times, 09 May 2022)
ECONOMY
Central Bank of China: Authorities conduct reverse repos of 10 billion yuan
On 9 May, the Central Bank of China conducted a reverse repos of 10 billion yuan. The bank set the repos rate at 2.1 per cent for seven days with the objective of stabilising the liquidity in the banking system. (“China central bank conducts reverse repos to boost liquidity,” Xinhua Net, 09 May 2022)
Foreign Trade: China records a 7.9 per cent increase in total trade in Jan-Apr 2022
On 9 May, the General Administration of Customs reported that the total foreign trade in the first four months of 2022 marked an increase compared to the previous year. The information revealed by the government showed an expansion of 7.9 per cent in China’s total imports and exports in the January-April 2022 period. The total trade amounted to 12.58 trillion yuan. (“China's foreign trade up 7.9 percent in first four months,” Xinhua Net, 09 May 2022)