NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
IN BRIEF
By Avishka Ashok
INTERNATIONAL
Micronesia: China’s Foreign Minister reviews relations and encourages future cooperation
On 2 June, the Micronesian Secretary of Foreign Affairs Kandhi Elieisar met with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi virtually through a video conference and discussed the mature nature of China’s relationship with the Federated States of Micronesia. Elieisar said: “China has been sincere and cordial in conducting pragmatic, productive cooperation with Micronesia since the establishment of diplomatic ties.” He further appreciated China’s contributions to the socio-economic developments in Micronesia and the support provided by Beijing to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Wang Yi, on behalf of China, encouraged bilateral cooperation especially in the field of blue economy and the Belt and Road Initiative. The leaders identified agri-fishery, infrastructure, trade and investment and tourism as the other areas for the two countries to deepen cooperation. Wang Yi also highlighted China’s cooperation with other Pacific Island countries and said: “The second China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting has just been successfully held, and all participants gave full credit for the significant outcome China and Pacific island countries have achieved through enhancing unity and coordination over the past nearly 50 years.” (“Micronesian foreign secretary hails mature, strong relationship with China,” Xinhua Net, 02 June 2022)
Cook Islands: Prime Minister discusses bilateral cooperating with Wang Yi
On 2 June, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi virtually met with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister of the Cook Islands Mark Brown from Papua New Guinea as he visits eight Pacific Island Countries. The leaders pledged to deepen bilateral practical cooperation and promote closer relations with each other. Wang Yi highlighted China’s support to the Cook Islands in assisting with livelihood projects and conducting tripartite cooperation with New Zealand. Wang Yi further encouraged cooperation on tourism, infrastructure, sub-national programs and education to facilitate the economic recovery in the country. Brown responded warmly to the suggestions and said: “The Cook Islands cherishes its relations with China and firmly believes that its future is closely linked with China. The island country stands ready to work with China to push for greater development of bilateral relations in the next 25 years.” (“China, Cook Islands pledge closer ties, deepened practical cooperation,” Xinhua Net, 02 June 2022)
Australia: Trade with China experiences stable growth in 2021
On 2 June, the Ministry of Commerce Spokesperson Gao Feng announced that the economic and trade cooperation with Australia reported stable development in 2021. China also continued to be Australia’s largest trading partner, despite the stress in diplomatic relations. Feng said: “Bilateral trade amounted to approximately 231.2 billion U.S. dollars last year, a rise of 35.1 percent year on year. China's imports from Australia reached 164.82 billion U.S. dollars in 2021, jumping 40.6 percent from a year ago.” He further observed that in the previous 50 years of diplomatic relations with Australia, economic and trade cooperation had been most successful and were the driving factors that encouraged the bilateral relations between the two countries. (“China-Australia trade sees stable growth in 2021: commerce ministry,” Xinhua Net, 02 June 2022)
Canada: Armed Forces accuses China of harassing patrol aircrafts
On 2 June, the Asahi Shimbun reported that Canada’s military had accused China of harassment as its planes were forced to change routes after Chinese warplanes restricted their movement close to the North Korean airspace. The statement released by the Canadian Armed Forces claimed that the Chinese Air Force approached a Royal Canadian Air Force CP-1140 Aurora long-range patrol aircraft multiple times between 26 April and 26 May. The statement read: “In these interactions, PLAAF aircraft did not adhere to international air safety norms. These interactions are unprofessional and/or put the safety of our RCAF personnel at risk.” The statement further claimed that the Canadian aircrafts were at risk of crashing into the Chinese aircrafts at numerous instances. (“Canada says Chinese warplanes harassed its patrol aircraft on North Korea sanctions mission,” The Asahi Shimbun, 2 June 2022)
REGIONAL
Taiwan: China opposes signing of agreements with the US
On 2 June, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council Spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang opposed any kind of discussion or signing of agreements between the Taiwanese government and the US government. The statement was made in response to the Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan’s announcement regarding the “initiative on 21st-century trade” with the US. Ma said: “The DPP authorities colluded with external forces to seek "Taiwan independence" and selfish political gains at the cost of the interests of the island's enterprises and people.” He further implored the US to adhere to the “One-China” principle and the three China-US Joint Communiques. (“China voices firm opposition to agreements with sovereignty implications between U.S., Taiwan region,” Xinhua Net, 02 June 2022)
Taiwan: The US reinstates previous statement on Taiwan on the State Department website
On 3 June, the Strait Times reported that the US State Department had updated its website and changed its stance on Taiwan’s independence, a month after it deleted some statements relating to acknowledging China’s position on Taiwan. The recent update reinstated the phrase: “we do not support Taiwan independence,” but does not reflect a change in the US policy towards Taiwan, according to the State Department. The change was first reported by the Taiwan’s Central News Agency. (“US updates fact sheet, again, to say it does not support Taiwan independence,” The Strait Times, 03 June 2022)
Japan: Private companies gradually resume production in Shanghai
On 2 June, the Asahi Shimbun reported that Japanese companies were gradually reopening their operational units in Shanghai despite risks of another lockdown in case of an outbreak. The report claimed that Japanese manufactures and other companies suffered heavy losses during the state-imposed two month lockdown in the city. Companies such as Toyota, Honda Yaskawa Electric Corp., Panasonic, and Sony had to completely suspend production in April and May, leading to a steep fall in production and revenue rates. However, all of the above mentioned companies are now aiming to regain its production and manufacturing level by early June or latest by July. (“Japanese firms resume work in Shanghai, aware of ‘China risk’,” The Asahi Shimbun, 02 June 2022)
INTERNAL
Corruption: Government sentence former Party Chief to death for bribery and insider trading
On 3 June, the Strait Times referred to the announcement by the state broadcaster CCTV and reported that former Communist Party Chief and Securities Regulator of Sanya city Tong Daochi was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve. Tong was accused of taking bribes worth 270 million yuan during his tenure at the Securities Regulatory Commission. He is also accused of offering assistance to individuals and companies in stock listings, financing and other matters. Furthermore, Tong is accused of participating in insider trading during his tenure as the Deputy Director of China Securities Regulatory Commission. The two-year reprieve could be shifted to imprisonment depending on his conduct in the coming two years. (“China sentences ex-city party chief to death with reprieve,” The Strait Times, 03 June 2022)