NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Global Times
IN BRIEF
By Avishka Ashok
INTERNATIONAL
The US: Xinjiang Regional spokesperson condemns the ban on cotton and other products
On 24 June, the Xinjiang regional spokesperson Xu Guixiang referred to the US ban on products from the region and opposed the decision for causing economic losses to Chinese and US consumers and companies. Xu said: “The so-called forced labor allegation is the lie of the century by anti-China forces in the US and the West and the US' law to ban all products from China's Xinjiang region has severely infringed the interests of both Chinese and American companies and consumers, damaged the global supply chain and also poisoned the international business environment.” He further stressed on the 28 international labor treaties approved and implemented by China and defended the country’s human rights track record. He also emphasized that the Xinjiang Autonomous Region had also implemented all rules and regulations related to labor laws and and provided a good and stable environment to all ethnicities to work and ameliorate their standard of living. (“US malicious 'forced labor' law based on lie of century poisons intl businesses: regional spokesperson,” Global Times, 25 June 2022)
Afghanistan: China announces emergency fund to handle after effects of earthquake
On 24 June 2022, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin announced that the country would send additional emergency humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan after an earthquake of 5.9 magnitude hit Kabul and other parts of the country on 22 June. The earthquake resulted in the death of over 1500 people. The ministry announced that it would help Afghanistan with capital assistance, tents, quilts and other supplies. Wang addressed the press briefing and said: “The food support promised by China has arrived in Afghanistan and is being distributed quickly, and China is also ready to strengthen cooperation with Afghanistan on disaster prevention and reduction, especially disaster monitoring and forecasting.” (“China to send additional humanitarian aid to quake-hit Afghanistan,” Global Times, 24 June 2022)
Latin America: China joins Academy of Social Science as an observer state
On 24 June, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi addressed the 24th General Assembly of Latin American Academy of Social Science and delivered a virtual speech. Wang took the opportunity to strengthen China’s cooperation and exchanges with the Latin American Academy of Social Science and announced that China was officially accepting the role of an observer country. On the occasion, he said: “Facing the changes and a pandemic both unseen in a century, China and Latin American and Caribbean countries have supported each other and worked together to overcome difficulties, bringing China-Latin America relations characterized by equality, mutual benefit, innovation, opening-up, and benefit for the people into a new era.” (“China to strengthen exchanges, mutual learning with Latin America: Chinese FM, Xinhua Net, 25 June 2022)
REGIONAL
Taiwan: China condemns US aircrafts pass through
On 25 June, the spokesperson of China’s Eastern Theatre Command’s Colonel Shi Yi announced that the fly through by the US Military aircrafts had endangered the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Colonel Shi Yi informed that China was monitoring the US aircraft’s operation and opposed the deliberate actions of the US. The Chinese air and ground troops have been on high alert since the pass through which took place on 24 June. (“Chinese military says US plane in Taiwan Strait endangered peace,” The Strait Times, 25 June 2022)
Taiwan: Annual high-level security talks with the US comes to an end
On 25 June, the Strait Times reported that the US and Taiwan concluded the three-day annual high-level security talks in Washington. The talks took place in the background of China’s recent incursion into Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone and China’s insistence on the Taiwan Strait not being an international waterway. (“US, Taiwan conclude high-level security talks amid growing China tensions,” The Strait Times, 25 June 2022)
Mekong River: China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand conclude 118th joint patrol
On 24 June, China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand concluded the 118th joint Mekong River patrol. Three Chinese law-enforcement vessels returned to the Yunnan province after the end of the patrol. The exercise included five vessels from the countries and 109 officers who sailed for four days and covered 760 kilometers to ensure the safety and stability of the Mekong River. In China, the Lancang river is considered to be an important cross-border shipping waterway. The countries have been patrolling the river since 2011 to prevent illegal border-crossing, drug trafficking, internet fraud and other border-crimes. (“118th joint patrol on Mekong River concludes,” Xinhua Net, 25 June 2022)
INTERNAL
Hong Kong: President Xi to attend 25th anniversary of handover to China
On 25 June, the Asahi Shimbun referred to an announcement by the Xinhua Net and reported that President Xi Jinping would be attending the 25th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong city to mainland China. Xi is expected to attend the ceremony and the first meeting of John Lee, the incoming Chief Executive of the city. Xi’s visit to Hong Kong will be his first visit outside of Beijing since the pandemic began in 2019. The decision to attend the events of the historic day reflects the significance given by the Chinese government to the cause of integration of the city with the rest of China. (“China’s Xi to visit Hong Kong for handover anniversary,” The Asahi Shimbun, 25 June 2022)
Property sector: April and May 2022 observes a drop in prices by 60 per cent
On 25 June, the Strait Times reported on China’s slowing property sector and explained the concerning trends in the industry. The report noted that property salesmen were able to sell at least three properties a day during the peak period. However, there has been a slowdown in the property market since 2016. Data suggested that prices of property in 70 big cities in the country fell by almost 60 per cent in April and May 2022. The property sector is now facing huge debts from investors within and outside the country; a development that has concerned economists within the country. (“China's once-sizzling property market has started to cool,” The Strait Times, 25 June 2022)