NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : CGTN
IN BRIEF
Avishka Ashok
INTERNAL
COVID-19: Xi’s “People First, Life First” policy
On 21 April, Xinhua Net reported that President Xi Jinping, who is also the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the chairman of the Central Military Commission, has personally taken charge of planning and directing the COVID-19 response in order to lead the country in containing the virus's spread and minimising its economic impact. China has been attempting to strike a balance between protecting public health and reducing the impact on the economy of the COVID-19 epidemic since it began over two years ago. The country is currently speeding up its attempts to restrict the fast-spreading variety Omicron and deal with the economic pressures that have resulted. To ensure the people's well-being, Xi proposed the principle "People First, Life First." Every life, according to the notion, is valuable. China has minimized COVID-19 resurgences and reduced COVID-19 infections, severe cases, and deaths to a fairly low level, thanks to this people-centered philosophy. (“Xi Focus: China's endeavor to maintain economic growth amid COVID-19 fight,” Xinhua Net, 21 April 2022)
Hong Kong: YouTube suspends John Lee’s channel
On 21 April, the Asahi Shimbun reported that YouTube has taken down the campaign channel of John Lee, Hong Kong's lone candidate for the position of next leader, on Wednesday citing the US sanctions against him. To promote his campaign, Lee had created a Facebook page and a YouTube channel, which he used to live stream his meetings with local media and public figures. In 2020, he was sanctioned by the US for undermining the city’s autonomy and restricting its liberties following Beijing’s implementation of a strict national security law. Google, YouTube's parent firm, stated that it "complies with applicable US sanctions laws and enforces related policies under its Terms of Service." It added: “After review and consistent with these policies, we terminated the Johnlee2022 YouTube channel.” However, Lee will be permitted to maintain a demonetized presence on Facebook and Instagram, and steps have been taken by Meta to prevent the use of payments services. (“YouTube takes down Hong Kong leader candidate’s channel,” The Asahi Shimbun, 21 April 2022)
REGIONAL
Boao Forum for Asia Conference 2022: President Xi delivers a keynote address; calls for joint efforts in recovering the economy
On 21 April, China’s President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech virtually at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2022. In his speech, President Xi stressed on a people-centred approach and working towards economic recovery with people’s well being as a vital objective. Xi said: “When policies are implemented, measures adopted and actions taken, we should always give top priority to bettering people's lives.” He also stressed on the widening north-south divide which has been aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. (“Xi stresses people-centered approach in promoting economic recovery,” Xinhua Net, 21 April 2022)
Laos and Cambodia: Diplomats discuss new era relations with Yang Jiechi in Beijing
On 20 April, China’s Diplomat Yang Jiechi, Lao Ambassador to China Khamphao Ernthavanh and Cambodia’s Ambassador to China Khek Caimealy Sysoda met in Beijing to discuss the new era of relations with the countries. Yang encouraged the countries to enhance strategic communication, promote political mutual trust, upgrade economic and trade cooperation and promote partnership in the anti-pandemic work. He said: “China is willing to advance multilateral coordination and cooperation with the two countries to jointly maintain regional peace and stability, and safeguard fairness and justice globally.” (“Senior Chinese diplomat meets with Cambodian, Lao ambassadors,” Xinhua Net, 21 April 2022)
INTERNATIONAL
G20 Meeting: Finance Minister pushes for joint economic efforts in stabilizing economy
On 21 April, China’s Finance Minister Liu Kun addressed the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting and encouraged the member countries to work towards stabilizing the world’s economy. Liu also called for the G20 members to establish a feeling of community and work towards responsible economic policies. While encouraging the members to participate in the Global Development Initiaitve, he said: “China welcomes all parties to support and participate in the Global Development Initiative, with a view to accelerating the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” (“G20 members urged to help stabilize world,” Xinhua Net, 21 April 2022)
Azerbaijan: China celebrated 30 years of diplomatic relations
On 20 April, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a telephonic conversation witjhh the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov to celebrate 30 years of the countries’ bilateral relationship. Wang Yi appreciated the relations between Azerbaijan and China and said: “Standing together through thick and thin over the past 30 years, Wang said, the two countries have jointly burnished the golden banner of friendly and cooperative partnership.” He also extended China’s support to Azerbaijan’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Bayramov also congratulated China on hosting the the Winter Olympics and thanked the country for assisting in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. (“Chinese FM holds phone talks with Azerbaijani counterpart on 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties,” Xinhua Net, 21 April 2022)
Armenia: FM calls Chinese counterpart
On 21 April, CGTN reported that Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke on the phone with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on Wednesday. During the call, Wang stated that since the commencement of their diplomatic relationship 30 years ago, the two nations' relations have withstood the test of changing international circumstances and have consistently maintained a positive trajectory, yielding positive benefits. China will always respect Armenia's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, he continued. Armenia's foreign minister stated that Armenia will stick to the one-China policy and will fully support China in protecting its vital interests. According to Mirzoyan, Armenia places a high priority on developing relations with China and that the state is willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with China in all areas, improve communication and coordination on international and regional issues, and push for stronger progress in bilateral relations. (“Chinese, Armenian FMs hold phone talks over 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties,” CGTN, 21 April 2022)
IMF: China’s economic policies amidst risks
On 21 April, Kristlalina Georgieva, managing director of International Monetary Fund (IMF) said that an extended slowdown in China would have significant ramifications worldwide but Beijing has the flexibility to alter policies to provide support. On 19 April, on the risk of widespread Covid-19 lockdowns and supply chain disruptions, the IMF downgraded China’s growth forecast for this year to 4.4 percent, significantly below Beijing’s target of approximately 5.5 percent.
Ms Georgieva said China's measures to combat its economic slowdown are critical for global recovery in a video speech to the annual Boao Forum for Asia. China's President Xi Jinping claimed the country's economy is resilient and that its long-term trajectory has not changed at the same event. Foreign brokerages have been cutting GDP projections for China in light of mounting headwinds, after weakness in March activity data elevated outlook risks as the lockdown in the megacity of Shanghai goes on. (“IMF chief warns of risks from a prolonged China showdown,” The Strait Times, 21 April 2022)