NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
IN BRIEF
Avishka Ashok and Arshiya Banu
INTERNATIONAL
The US: China condemns the US’ act to help Taiwan regain WHO observer status
On 16 May, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian stated that China rejects and deplores the United States' insistence on passing the measure into law, which will help Taiwan recover observer status at the World Health Organization (WHO) and urged the US to handle Taiwan-related problems carefully and appropriately. US President Joe Biden has signed a measure directing the Secretary of State to design a strategy to reclaim Taiwan's WHO observer status. Zhao said: "We urge the U.S. to adhere to the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, comply with international law and basic norms governing international relations, prudently and properly handle Taiwan-related issues, and not to use this bill to help Taiwan expand its so-called 'international space', otherwise it will cause further damage to China-U.S. relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait." (“China rejects U.S. bill to help Taiwan regain WHO observer status,” Xinhua Net, 17 May 2022)
Pakistan: Chinese Premier speaks with Pakistani PM on phone
On 16 May, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang spoke with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on phone regarding bilateral relations and the recent attack on Chinese nationals. Li noted that President Xi Jinping’s successful visit to Pakistan in 2015 has enhanced the level of bilateral strategic cooperation between the two countries and indicated that China has always prioritised its relations with Pakistan in its diplomacy with its neighbours and will continue to strongly support Pakistan in safeguarding national sovereignty and security. Li also stated that the Chinese side is startled and appalled by the recent terrorist attack in Karachi on Chinese nationals, and vehemently condemns the attack. Sharif, in response, expressed his deep condolences over the deaths of Chinese people and his sincere sympathies for the injured. He stated that Pakistan strongly condemns terrorism, values the lives and safety of Chinese nationals in the country, and treats Chinese victims and those injured as equals, and that the country will do everything possible to uncover the truth, apprehend, and punish the perpetrators in accordance with the law. (“Chinese premier, Pakistani PM hold phone call on bilateral ties,” Xinhua Net, 16 May 2022)
INTERNAL
Xinjiang: Leaked list shows county in Xinjiang to have highest prison rate in the world
On 16 May, the Asahi Shimbun reported that one in 25 people in Konasheher county in Xijiang had been imprisoned and sent to a detention centre on terrorism-related charges. The report took data from a review of a leaked list published by the Associated Press. According to the list, more than 10,000 had been sentenced to prison in the county alone. The list is said to be the most detailed by far and reveals the government’s campaign that aimed to shut down on terrorist activities by targetting the Muslim majority province. The Xinjiang spokesperson Elijan Anayat has repeatedly denied accusations of targeted arrests and said:“We will never specifically target specific regions, ethnic groups, religions, much less the Uighurs. We will never wrong the good, nor release the bad.” (“Uighur county in China has highest prison rate in the world,” The Asahi Shimbun, 16 May 2022)
Airlines: To compete with Boeing and Airbus, China's C919 plane is predicted to double in price.
On 17 May, the Strait Times reported that a China-developed airliner, which Beijing hopes could compete with Boeing and Airbus, will cost nearly twice as much as expected. China Eastern Airlines Corp stated in a filing to the Shanghai Stock Exchange earlier that it intends to acquire cash to purchase four C919 aircraft from China's state-owned aerospace giant Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC). The price of each plane is 653 million yuan (S$134 million). The C919 would be priced similarly to narrow-body competitors such as the Airbus A320neo, which has a list price of US$111 million (S$154 million) and the Boeing 737 Max, which has a list price of US$117 million. (“China-developed C919 jet expected price doubles, to match Boeing and Airbus,” The Strait Times, 17 May 2022)
ECONOMY
Digital Economy: Chinese Vice-Premier will meet with tech executives to foster the development of the digital economy
On 17 May, the Strait Times reported that Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He will speak at a meeting with tech executives organised by the country’s main political consultative body to foster the development of the digital economy. The conference was closely watched for comments from Liu and others to see how far Chinese authorities will go to ease a regulatory crackdown on the once-freewheeling tech sector that has been in place since late 2020. Liu has been at the forefront of the government's attempts to secure private sector support. The meeting is organised by the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and Chinese tech founders such as Qihoo 360's Zhou Hongyi and Baidu's Robin Li are expected to attend. (“China's CPPCC starts meeting on digital economy: State media,” The Strait Times, 17 May 2022)
National Bureau of Statistics: As COVID-19 restrictions ease, China’s economy revives
On 17 May, the Asahi Shimbun reported that under anti-virus limitations, China's industrial and consumer activity fell even more than projected in April, but the National Bureau of Statistics chief Fu Linghui claimed the economy is reviving as anti-virus restrictions loosen and Shanghai, the country's commercial metropolis, reopens. After most businesses in Shanghai were shut down and its 25 million citizens were confined to their homes beginning in late March, fears that global industry and trade would be affected grew. This complicates matters for President Xi Jinping, who is anticipated to try to prolong his term in office this year. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, retail sales in Shanghai and other cities fell 11.1 percent year over year as shops, restaurants, and other consumer outlets closed. As factories shuttered, manufacturing fell by 2.9 percent. (“Official: China’s economy reviving as anti-virus curbs ease,” The Asahi Shimbun, 17 May 2022)
REGIONAL
North Korea: Air Koryo flies to Shenyang to pick up medical supplies
On 17 May, Reuters reported that North Korean aircrafts had traveled to China to pick up medical supplies as the country dealt with its first COVID-19 outbreak. The South Korean news agency Yonhap reported that three Air Koryo aircrafts landed in Shenyang city on 16 May and flew back with medical supplies. The news agency further expects more flights between the countries as the current amount of materials may not be enough. On 16 May, North Korea reported 1.48 million fever cases and 56 deaths. (“North Korean planes pick up medical supplies in China - media,” Reuters, 17 May 2022)