NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
IN BRIEF
By Avishka Ashok and Arshiya Banu
INTERNATIONAL
WHO: Director-General criticizes China’s Zero-COVID policy
On 10 May, the Director-General of the World Health Organization Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed a news briefing and criticized China’s “zero-COVID” policies. He said: “We don't think that it's sustainable considering the behaviour of the virus now, and what we anticipate in the future. We know a lot about that virus and we have better tools. So these are the additional opportunities that we have to make a shift.” Weibo also removed a United Nations post on Tedros’ comments soon after it was posted. Shanghai and Beijing are tightening the restrictions after President Xi Jinping urged the authorities to double the ‘Zero-COVID’ policy. The strategies are being criticized by the West for the harsh nature of restrictions despite the fall in cases through the country. (“As Shanghai's Covid-19 cases fall, WHO's Tedros criticises China's 'unsustainable' restrictions,” The Strait Times, 10 May 2022)
Slovenia: China celebrated establishment of 30 years of diplomatic ties
On 12 May, China’s President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with Slovenia’s President Borut Pahor on the occasion of celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In his message, Xi noted that China and Slovenia had treated each other with respect and an an equal since the establishment of the former; resulting in mutually beneficial cooperation and heightened cultural and economic exchanges. He said: “In the face of COVID-19, the people of the two countries have supported each other, demonstrating the profound friendship between China and Slovenia.” Pahor also congratulated China for its fast-paced development and appreciated the country’s support in enhancing the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. (“Xi, Slovenian president exchange congratulations on 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties,” Xinhua Net, 12 May 2022)
COVID-19: China hits milestone with supply of more than 2.2 billion vaccine doses
On 11 May, Xinhua Net reported that China has delivered over 2.2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine to more than 120 countries and international organisations, the majority of which are developing countries. Since the outbreak, China has undertaken the largest and most extensive global emergency humanitarian response in the People's Republic of China’s history. China had offered anti-COVID supplies to 153 countries and 15 international organisations by early May, including 4.6 billion protective gowns and more than 430 billion face masks. In addition, China has dispatched 37 medical expert teams to 34 countries and shared COVID-19 prevention and control awareness with over 180 countries and international organisations. (“China has provided over 2.2 billion COVID vaccine doses to world,” Xinhua Net, 11 May 2022)
Australia: Chinese envoy reassures Australia about the Solomon Islands agreement
On 12 May, Chinese ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian stated that China's involvement with South Pacific Island countries poses no danger to Australia, despite fears that Beijing may create a military base in the Solomon Islands. Xiao tried to reassure his host country as word surfaced of a planned visit by a high-level Chinese delegation to the Solomon Islands following the completion of a bilateral security agreement. He wrote: “The cooperation between China and the South Pacific Island countries is conducive to people’s wellbeing on both sides, and regional prosperity and stability, and will by no means threaten Australia’s security,” and added that China’s rise should not be seen as a threat to Australia. (“Chinese ambassador says Solomons pact no threat to Australia,” The Asahi Shimbun, 12 May 2022)
INTERNAL
Xinjiang: Foreign Ministry welcomes visit by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
On 11 May, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian addressed the daily press briefing and welcomed the visit by United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet to the Xinjiang region. Zhao said: “Bachelet's trip to China will take her to the country's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The preparatory team of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has arrived in China and is currently undergoing quarantine in accordance with relevant anti-COVID-19 protocols.” He further informed that the preparatory team was already working and that the two sides were discussing the arrangements for the visit. (“China welcomes upcoming visit of UN human rights chief,” Xinhua Net, 11 May 2022)
Hong Kong: Four individuals arrested on the suspicion of endangering national security
On 12 May, the Asahi Shimbun reported the arrest of a Catholic cardinal Joseph Zen, singer-actress Denise Ho, lawyer Margaret Ng, scholar Hui Po-keung and former Legislative Council member Cyd Ho Sau-lan on the charges of colluding with foreign entities and endangering the national security. The police statement accused Zen, aged 90, and the others of providing financial relief to the participants of pro-democracy protests in 2019 through the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund. The authorities have demanded the four individuals to submit their travel documents. The UK based human rights group Hong Kong Watch Chief Executive Benedict Rogers commented on the development and said: “Today’s arrests signal beyond a doubt that Beijing intends to intensify its crackdown on basic rights and freedoms in Hong Kong. We urge the international community to shine a light on this brutal crackdown and call for the immediate release of these activists.” (“Catholic cardinal, others arrested on Hong Kong security law,” The Asahi Shimbun, 12 May 2022)
REGIONAL
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea: China warns against imposing sanctions
On 11 May, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations Zhang Jun cautioned the world leaders from issuing more sanctions against North Korea. Zhang pushed for diplomatic talks and negotiation and said: “Dialogue and consultation is the only correct way to resolve the Korean Peninsula issue. The United States is a direct party to the issue and holds the key to breaking the deadlock. As such, it should take concrete actions to respond positively to the reasonable concerns of the DPRK and create conditions for an early resumption of dialogue.” He further explained that sanctions must be viewed as a means to an end and should serve the primary purpose of political settlement. However, it cannot be replace diplomatic negotiations. (“Chinese envoy warns against more sanctions on DPRK,” Xinhua Net, 12 May 2022)
Cambodia: China criticizes the US for its indiscriminate use of explosives during the Vietnam war
On 11 May, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian addressed a regular press briefing and responded to a question relating to the Cambodian media reports claiming the US was responsible for the discovery of explosives in the country. According to the reports, a US produced explosive device containing 500 kilograms of explosives was discovered in front of the Royal Palace in the capital city. In April 2022, five other unexploded ariel bombs were discovered in the country, each weighing over 200 kilograms. Zhao said: “During the Vietnam War, the United States used cluster bombs and bio-chemical weapons and committed heinous crimes in Southeast Asian countries including Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.” Zhao further explained that during the war, the US had released more that 15 million tonnes of explosives of which 80,000 are unexploded and are currently strewn across 20 per cent of the country’s territory. (“China slams U.S. for leaving unexploded bombs in Southeast Asia,” Xinhua Net, 12 May 2022)