NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
IN BRIEF
Avishka Ashok and Arshiya Banu
REGIONAL
Japan: Chinese spokesperson criticises Japan’s decision to dump nuclear-contaminated water into sea
On 17 May, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin urged Japan to reconsider its wrong decision to dump nuclear-contaminated water into the sea and to suspend all preparations. Wenbin made the comments in response to Tokyo Electric Power Company's recent decision to begin undersea excavation work one kilometre from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The excavation is being done in advance of the building of an undersea tunnel outlet to deposit the tainted water. Wang stated that the Pacific Ocean littoral countries, including China, are deeply concerned by Japan's decision and strongly oppose such actions. He said: "Such an attempt to result in a fait accompli is irresponsible. The Japanese government should immediately put a hold on it." (“China urges Japan to revoke wrong decision of dumping nuclear-contaminated water into sea,” Xinhua Net, 18 May 2022)
Philippines: President on call with Chinese president Xi
On 18 May, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke on phone with the new President of Philippines, Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos regarding bilateral relations and regional development. Xi congratulated Marcos again on his election as president and emphasised that Marcos has observed and participated in the growth of China-Philippine relations, describing Marcos as a builder, supporter, and advocate of the friendship between the two countries. Xi cited a Philippine proverb: “"If you do not know where you have come from, you cannot go far," and urged both countries to continue their friendship and stay faithful to their primary objectives. Xi added that the two countries should recognise the general trend, write a great story about China-Philippines friendship in the new era, and carry out the blueprint for bilateral friendly cooperation in order to usher in an even brighter future for bilateral ties. (“Xi talks with Philippine president-elect over phone on ties,” Xinhua Net, 18 May 2022)
INTERNATIONAL
Tajikistan: Chairman of NPC video calls Tajik counterpart
On 17 May, chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee spoke on a video call with Rustam Emomali, chairman of the National Assembly of Tajikistan. According to Li, China and Tajikistan have witnessed the consistent consolidation of political mutual trust, the continuous deepening of cooperation in various fields, and the fruitful achievements of Belt and Road (B&R) cooperation under the strategic guidance and direct promotion of the two countries' leaders. Li expressed China's gratitude for Tajikistan's unwavering support on issues affecting China's core interests and key concerns, promising to continue to assist Tajikistan's efforts to develop in accordance with its national reality. Emomali stated that Tajikistan's National Assembly is ready to deepen exchanges with the NPC to facilitate bilateral ties and all-round cooperation and added that Tajikistan actively supports B&R cooperation and that the two countries have had successful cooperation in areas such as the economy, trade, people-to-people exchanges, and security. (“China's top legislator meets Tajik National Assembly chairman,” Xinhua Net, 17 May 2022)
The US: Chamber of Commerce warns China of imminent decline in investments
On 17 May, President of the American Chamber of Commerce Michael Hart warned that China’s draconian COVID-19 regulations will stymie foreign investment for years to come as travel restrictions obstruct project pipelines. Hart stated that there are few indications that American companies are quitting the Chinese market, but the years-long process of research and due diligence for projects has been delayed. He said: "We're very concerned about the ongoing and future investment by US and other foreign companies into China because people can't get access in terms of travel," and noted that there will be a decline in investments. While much of the globe has relaxed coronavirus restrictions, China has imposed stringent limitations on flights into the country and has pushed on a zero-COVID policy to avoid overburdening the country's health resources. (“China's Covid-19 controls will impact foreign investment for years: US lobby,” The Strait Times, 17 May 2022)
INTERNAL
Heavy rains: Chinese Climate centre predicts last year’s terrible rains to make a comeback this year
On 17 May, the Strait Times reported that as the rainy season in China begins, forecasts from the National Climate Centre show that flooding in the north and south of the country might be as terrible as it was last summer, when heavy downpours killed hundreds. Torrential rains hit 22 counties in Guangxi's southern province last week, affecting over 27,000 people and damaging over 2,300 hectares of crops, costing the government 104 million yuan (S$21.31 million). Numerous cities in Guangdong, another southern province, have closed kindergartens, primary and senior schools due to the rains. Floods are common in China during the summer, particularly in low-lying districts around the Yangtze River and its tributaries. However, as global warming delivers more extreme weather, the storms have become more intense. (“Climate change threatens China with yet another deadly flood season,” The Strait Times, 17 May 2022)
Xinjiang: UN Human Rights chief prepares for visit
On 17 May, Human Rights Office spokesperson Liz Throssel stated that the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet will arrive in China "shortly" for a long-awaited visit, including to Xinjiang province, where authorities are accused of severe human rights violations. Bachelet is expected to visit China's far-western Xinjiang region by the end of the month, after years of requesting "meaningful and unfettered" access. Throssel said: "She [Bachelet] will be meeting high-level government officials," adding that "the purpose of a visit is really... a dialogue with the Chinese government, with the Chinese authorities on a range of domestic, regional, and global human rights issues". Throssel stated that Bachelet and her team would "be raising issues relating to Xinjiang with the authorities.” (“UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet to visit China 'shortly' with stop in Xinjiang, The Strait Times, 17 May 2022)