NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
IN BRIEF
By Avishka Ashok and Arshiya Banu
TECHNOLOGY
Space: Breakthrough in space science as scientists figure out how to harvest energy from sun
On 26 May, CGTN reported that Chinese researchers have developed a new type of material vanadium dioxide (VO2) that absorbs heat from the sun during the day and emits energy into space to capture cooling at night, in a revolutionary technique to harvesting renewable energy. Their findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences online (PNAS). According to Pei Gang and Zou Chongwen, renowned experts from China's University of Science and Technology, the breakthrough is in harvesting "heat and cool" in a single structure, saving space and money. (“Chinese scientists make breakthrough harvesting energy from sun, outer space cooling,” CGTN, 26 May 2022)
REGIONAL
South China Sea: China’s Maritime Safety Administration announces military drill
On 26 May, China’s Maritime Safety Administration announced that the country would be conducting naval exercises in the South China Sea, 25 kilometers from the coast of Hainan. The military exercise is scheduled to take place right after Biden’s visit to East Asia where he warned China against flexing its military prowess in the region. The notice issued by the government body said: “Military exercises will be held and entry is prohibited.” An area of 100 square kilometers will be restricted during the military drill for over five hours. (“China plans fresh military exercises in South China Sea,” The Strait Times, 27 May 2022)
INTERNATIONAL
The Solomon Islands: Prime Minister meets visiting Chinese Foreign Minister
On 26 May, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and both expressed willingness to forge “iron-clad” ties and expand bilateral cooperation. Sogavare thanked China for giving anti-pandemic supplies, rapid-test equipment, and sending medical teams to his country, saying China has become the Solomon Islands' largest cooperation partner on basic infrastructure and a trusted development partner. He also expressed gratitude to China for delivering policing supplies and police advisers to the Solomon Islands in the aftermath of the Honiara violence. Wang voiced China's appreciation for the Solomon Islands' firm commitment to protect national interests, strong desire to deepen friendly cooperation between China and the Solomon Islands, and adherence to the one-China policy. (“China, Solomon Islands ready to forge "iron-clad" ties,” Xinhua Net, 26 May 2022)
Europe: First China-Europe train starts its journey
On 26 May, a Chinese freight train carrying fibreglass left Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwest China, for Budapest, Hungary. According to China Railway Lanzhou Group Co., Ltd., the 1,300 tonnes of fibreglass, valued 10.5 million yuan (about 1.6 million USD), would travel 8,500 kilometres, and arrive at its destination in 21 days. This is the first China-Europe freight train to leave Ningxia this year, as well as the first link between the two cities. The new route will significantly reduce enterprise delivery times, efficiently speed up goods circulation and payment, and lower transportation expenses. (“China-Europe freight train heads to Budapest,” Xinhua Net, 26 May 2022)
The EU: Chinese Foreign Minister holds phone conversation with new French European and Foreign Affairs Minister
On 26 May, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi talked on phone with new French European and Foreign Affairs Minister Catherine Colonna, who assumed office last week. Wang emphasized that the basic tone of China-EU ties is friendship, and cooperation is the norm, and added that the two sides are partners rather than adversaries. Wang called for measures to avoid "microphone diplomacy" and stated that China and the EU should respect one other, enhance mutual understanding, and engage in frank and in-depth conversation. He noted that China strongly supports European integration and that France, which now holds the rotating presidency of the EU, is committed to promoting Europe's strategic autonomy. (“Wang Yi: China, EU are partners, not rivals,” CGTN, 26 May 2022)
Libya: China calls for a political settlement to the impasse
On 26 May, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations Dai Bing urged the member countries to committedly work towards a political settlement in Libya. Bing highlighted the uncertainty in the political process in the country and the differences amongst the parties over the legitimacy of the government as the most urgent issues that must be resolved. He addressed the Security Council and said: “We call on all parties in Libya to put the interests of the country and people first, stay committed to the general direction of political settlement, exercise maximum restraint, refrain from taking any action that may escalate tensions, and maintain the hard-won peace and stability.” He further stressed on dialogue and consultations as the only solution to resolving the impasse in Libya. (“Chinese envoy calls for commitment to political settlement for Libya crisis,” Xinhua Net, 27 May 2022)
Israel-Palestine: China implores countries to work on a well-tailored approach to the conflict
On 26 May, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations Zhang Jun stressed on a well-tailored approach to bring peace between Israel and Palestine as violence continued to spike in the last month. Zhang said: “During the past month, the security situation in the occupied Palestinian territory has remained turbulent, with multiple clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians, resulting in the continued increase in Palestinian civilian casualties. Attacks against Israeli civilians also occurred from time to time.” Zhang further highlighted the importance of upholding the status-quo of holy sites and implored the member countries to refrain from taking unilateral actions that would risk the peace and sanctity of the place. (“Chinese envoy calls for well-tailored approach to Israeli-Palestinian issue,” Xinhua Net, 27 May 2022)
The US: Secretary of State delivers a speech on relations with China
On 26 May, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered a 45-minute speech on the US-China bilateral issues at the George Washington University and explained that the US does not aim to restrict China’s growth but wishes it to follow the international rules. He further explained that the US does not seek to change China’s political system but will defend the international law and institutions that protect the peace and security of all countries. He said: “We are not looking for conflict or a new Cold War. To the contrary, we're determined to avoid both.” He referred to China as “the most serious long-term challenge to the international order” and claimed that the country had become more repressive and aggressive under the leadership of President Xi Jinping. (“China strategy is about rules-based order, not ‘new Cold War,’ Blinken says,” The Asahi Shimbun, 27 May 2022)