NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : FilePhoto/EPA/EEE/SouthChinaMorningPost
IN BRIEF
By Avishka Ashok and Dincy Adlakha
Global Times warns Taiwan against secessionism
On 12 October, Global Times published an editorial that targeted the news stories from Taiwanese outlet United Daily News. The article criticised the latest exchanges between US-Taiwan military officials and termed it as “provocation.” The strongly-worded article stressed that China will not back down without reunification. On 13 October, Global Times published another piece that criticised the “two-state theory” implied by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and her efforts to gain external support. This note listed that China out-strengths Taiwan and hence, there is no reason for a “hopeless resistance” from Taiwan. (“Crush the will of Tsai authorities and break cross-Straits stalemate: Global Times editorial,” Global Times, 12 October 2021; Yang Sheng, Liu Xuanzun and Deng Xiaoci, “Taiwan secessionists stage ‘doomsday madness’ in seeking foreign support,” Global Times, 13 October 2021)
INTERNAL
Regional government rejects claims of human rights violation in Xinjiang
On 12 October, the government in Xinjiang responded to the claims of human rights violation. At the 48th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Xinjiang regional government spokesperson Xu Guixiang gave his statement against the beliefs of international governments and organizations which claimed that an ethnic cleaning or a “genocide” was taking place in China’s eastern most region. Xu said: “At the recent 48th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, some Western countries made groundless accusations against China over Xinjiang-related issues based on disinformation, rumours, and lies.” According to Xu, the international community was using “human rights” as an excuse to unnecessarily interfere in China’s domestic politics. At the international gathering, the regional religious leader also displayed a holy plaque which was considered to be destroyed. (“China Focus: Xinjiang government refutes Western lies about human rights,” Xinhua Net, 12 October 2021)
China liberalizes power pricing while extending durations of carbon emission goals
On 12 October, the National development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China revealed its plans to expand the fluctuating power prices to ameliorate the pricing mechanism and to ease the instability on power demand and supply. A statement released by the NDRC said: “the floating range of market-based electricity transaction prices in principle will be adjusted to a two-way range of 20 percent, compared with the current ceiling of 10 percent and a 15 percent floor. Rates for coal-fired electricity for energy-intensive enterprises are not restricted by the 20-percent fluctuation limit.” The government will also liberalize the pricing for thermal power and encourage industrial and commercial users to buy electricity from the markets. The energy crisis in the country has also led the Chinese government to rethink its global emission goals. The government recently issued a statement according to which the phasing out of coal powered plants are said to be expanded for a longer period. (“China liberalizes power pricing in bid to help address shortages,” Global Times, 13 October 2021; “China’s plan to build more coal-fired plants deals blow to UK’s Cop26 ambitions,” The Guardian, 12 October 2021)
ECONOMY
Chinese economy suffers a slowdown in the third quarter
On 13 October, Global Times reported that the Chinese economy had suffered a slowdown in the third quarter due to the fall in China’s exports and imports. The Chinese economists connected the development to the growing economic challenges, the electricity shortages and the increase in global bulk commodity prices. A gradual downward shift has been observed in the economic growth and the imports and exports in this quarter. The chief economist at Chasing Securities said: “China's exports are entering a downward channel as a result of easing overseas demands and a slowdown in substitution effect, but the sector still has resilience at large and the exports slowdown could be managed in a stable manner." (“China's foreign trade growth slows in Q3, facing more economic challenges,” Global Times, 13 October 2021)
TECHNOLOGY
Chinese State media broadcasts new drone technology
On 13 October, the Asia News Day published a report on the new armed spy drone of the People Liberation Army. The Chinese state media also broadcasted the functions and capabilities of the new drone. The televised report claimed that the drone is capable of carrying out unmanned missions and strike operations. The brand new WJ-700 is part of the “unmanned combat system” initiative of the PLA and has been developed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation. (“New Chinese spy drone 'will make combat scenes in the movies a reality', state media claims,” Asia News Day, 13 October 2021)
INTERNATIONAL
China calls for measures to help Afghanistan and remove sanctions
On 12 October, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi virtually attended a special G20 meeting on Afghanistan. In his statement at the summit, special representative Wang called for unified action to help Afghanistan and urged the world to remove unilateral sanctions. Wang presented proposals to help the country by overcoming the humanitarian crisis, push for a terrorism-free Afghanistan and other inclusive development plans. China promised to provide Afghanistan with huge amounts of vaccines, food and water. (Fan Anqi and Liu Xin, “China calls for swift efforts to help Afghanistan, removal of unilateral sanctions,” Global Times, 13 October)
Harvard University shifts Chinese language programme to Taipei from Beijing
On 12 October, South China Morning Post cited a student newspaper The Harvard Crimson and confirmed that Harvard University will move its centre for the Chinese language programme from Beijing to Taipei. The director of the Harvard Beijing Academy summer study abroad programme, Jennifer Liu, mentioned that this shift was finalised due to a “perceived lack of friendliness from the host institution, Beijing Language and Culture University.” Although the course was suspended for a while due to COVID-19 restrictions, it shall begin afresh at National Taiwan University. (Laura Zhou, “Harvard moves Chinese language programme from Beijing to Taipei,” South China Morning Post, 12 October 2021)
Japan Times reports on the gap between the US and China on trade talks
On 12 October, Japan Times reported on the recent trade talks that took place between senior officials from the US and China. The report mentioned the remarks exchanged between US trade representative Katherine Tai and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He. Based on the response by the Chinese ambassador to the US, the report analysed Chinese demands from the US in terms of cancellation of sanctions and restrictions. However, the US is still limiting itself and is wary of dealing with state-supported Chinese firms. The report concluded that these divergent stances will not converge for suitable trade deals anytime soon. (“China’s response to U.S. trade talks shows gap between two rivals,” Japan Times, 12 October 2021)
The Korea Times covers growing apprehension in Africa over unprofitable Chinese deals
On 11 October, the Korea Times published a story on the growing number of projects sponsored by China that are losing popularity in Africa. The report maintains that many projects in Ghana and the Democratic Republic of Congo are not reaping much benefits to the local population. Furthermore, the DRC President even ordered a renegotiation of a USD 6 billion deal between state-owned firm Gecamines and a consortium of Chinese companies. According to the report, deals across Africa are concerning the local population due to a lack of materialization of benefits. China has struck numerous deals in Africa vowing infrastructure in exchange. (“China's African infrastructure deals face growing concern that locals don't feel the benefits,” The Korea Times, 11 October 2021)