NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
IN BRIEF
Avishka Ashok
INTERNATIONAL
Green Hydrogen: Former Australian Prime Minister appreciates China’s contribution to the industry
On 19 May, Xinhua Net reported that China was viewed as a green hydrogen powerhouse at the Green Hydrogen Organisation’s (GH2) two-day event which aimed to promote the use of the resource as a clean alternative to fossil fuels. The event was co-organized by GH2 and the Spanish government. Former Australian Prime Minister spoke with Xinhua Net and said: “China is playing a leading role: the vast majority of the world's electrolysers are made in China, and China is rolling out more renewable energy than any other country, including more hydro.” He also stressed on the increasing use of green hydrogen and said that it would be expected to represent 20-25 per cent of the global energy sources by 2050. China’s National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration also revealed that China was the largest producer of hydrogen; providing an output of over 33 million tonnes in 2021. (“Global assembly organizer says China "green hydrogen powerhouse",” Xinhua Net, 19 May 2022)
Croatia: Cakovec establishes sister city relationship with Jiangsu province
On 18 May, Xinhua Net reported that the Mayor of Yancheng city Zhou Bin held a virtual meeting with the Mayor of Cakovec city Ljerka Cividini of Croatia where they established a sister-city relationship. The meeting took place on 16 May and is aimed at enhancing the cooperation between the two cities in all sectors. The Chinese ambassador to Croatia said: “It is hoped that the two cities will take this opportunity to strengthen communication and exchanges, tap the potential of cooperation, expand cooperation fields, and add new impetus to the continuous and in-depth development of the comprehensive cooperative partnership between China and Croatia.” (“Sister city relationship set up between Chinese, Croatian cities,” Xinhua Net, 18 May 2022)
Cuba: Chinese Embassy prepares to celebrate 175 years of diplomatic relations
On 18 May, China’s Ambassador to Cuba Ma Hui referred to the bilateral relations with Cuba and said that the two countries enjoyed great ties since historic times. The remarks were made as the two countries prepare to celebrate 175 years of diplomatic relations. Ma stressed on the recent cooperation on agriculture, biotechnology and public transport and said: “We share common ideals and will continue to work on the building of our socialist systems for the betterment of our peoples and countries.” Xinhua Net further reported that China was Cuba’s primary economic partners and providers of technical assistance. (“China, Cuba enjoy excellent bilateral relations: Chinese ambassador,” Xinhua Net, 19 May 2022)
INTERNAL
COVID-19: Peking University students protests against harsh restrictions
On 18 May, the Asahi Shimbun reported that students at Peking University initiated a peaceful protest against the administration’s harsh COVID-19 restrictions which sought to implement further separation by erecting a sheet-metal wall on campus. The students were already disgruntled with the existing measures such as prohibiting the students from ordering food, having visitors and daily testing. The University administration laters backed out from the plan of erecting the sheet-metal in the campus and pacified the upset students with other concessions. (“Students protest, discontent grows over China’s COVID-19 policy,” The Asahi Shimbun, 18 May 2022)
People’s Bank of China: Former head of Monetary Policy Department under investigation
On 18 May, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection announced that the organisation will be investigating the former head of the People’s Bank of China’s Monetary Policy Department Sun Guofeng for violating discipline and laws. Sun was suspended from his position earlier this month. Head of Financial markets at the Central Bank Zou Lan will be replacing Sun. However, Sun’s removal is not bound to change the monetary policy of the People’s Bank of China. (“China's anti-graft watchdog investigating former central bank official,” The Strait Times, 18 May 2022)
ECONOMY
Foreign businesses: President Xi promises to reopen Chinese markets
On 18 May, President Xi Jinping addressed a trade summit and pledged to open up China’s economy to the world right after further tightening the COVID-19 restrictions in Beijing city. Xi’s statement followed the warning issued by the American Chamber of Commerce on the consequences of the restrictions which may cause an exodus of foreign investments and businesses from the country. The incessant curbs on movement and other production activities has resulted in a complete suspension of businesses in China. Xi responded to the growing anxiety amongst the foreign investors and partners and said: “China's resolve to open up at a high standard will not change. The door of China will open still wider to the world.” (“Xi says China will 'open still wider' despite tight border controls,” The Strait Times, 18 May 2022)
REGIONAL
Japan: Foreign Ministers discuss history of relations and express hope for future relations
On 18 May, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a virtual meeting with Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and urged the country to remove obstacles in the bilateral relations. Urging Japan and China to follow the consensus reached by the countries in 2021, Wang Yi pushed for consolidation of the political relationship and promotion of more people-to-people exchanges. Wang Yi also commented on Japan’s close ties with the US and said: “Japan and the United States are allies, while China and Japan have a treaty of peace and friendship. We hope that Japan will not pull chestnuts out of the fire for others, and will avoid pitting itself against its neighbours.” (“Chinese FM urges Japan to remove factors disrupting ties,” Xinhua Net, 18 May 2022)
North Korea: Bordering Chinese city tests all its residents for COVID-19
On 18 May, the Strait Times reported that the Chinese government was testing all its residents in Dalian city which borders North Korea after the COVID-19 cases in the neighbouring country shot up in the last few weeks. The port city has a population of 7.5 million who could be at risk of contracting the virus because of the close proximity with North Korea and the recently resumed freight rail route to the country. The government has initiated a gender based testing to monitor households and the spread of the infection in the city. (“Chinese port city Dalian near North Korea beefs up Covid-19 controls,” The Strait Times, 18 May 2022)