NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Global Times
IN FOCUS
By Dincy Adlakha
China's hypersonic missile test; The US concerns and Beijing's responses
On 17 October, the Financial Times published a report that stated, "China tested a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile in August that circled the globe before speeding towards its target, demonstrating an advanced space capability that caught US intelligence by surprise." The report cited five unnamed sources who are familiar with the test. It is reported that the missile missed its target by 24 miles. One of the five correspondents that the US was taken by surprise since they did not have any intel regarding this. The report also mentioned that China used the Long March rocket to launch the missile.
The US concerns
The Pentagon has not issued a formal statement on the report yet. However, the Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said: "We have made clear our concerns about the military capabilities China continues to pursue, capabilities that only increase tensions in the region and beyond. That is one reason why we hold China as our number-one pacing challenge." Michael Gallagher, a Republican legislator, pointed that the test should be taken as a call to action and that the increased nuclear missile capabilities of the PLA are a threat to America. He suggested that American technology has helped China develop its hypersonic missile programme.
The US concern over China's nuclear missile capabilities is not new. The absence of China from all arms-control treaties is a major issue raised by the US repeatedly. Throughout 2021, intelligence agencies have been warned by the satellite images released showing 200+ intercontinental missile silos being built in China. In August, the head of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, General Glen VanHerck said in a press conference that China "recently demonstrated very advanced hypersonic glide vehicle capabilities" which is a threat warning for the US. The concern is higher due to the timing of the test and the report as well, as seen in context with the Chinese aggression near Taiwan.
The Chinese responses
In response to the report, Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry answered a few questions at a regular media briefing. He declined the report and said that a routine test to check the reusability of the spacecraft was done in July. He validated his stance by saying: "it's not missile, but a spacecraft…It is of great significance to reducing the cost of using spacecraft and providing a convenient and cheap way for mankind's two-way transportation in the peaceful use of space. Several companies around the world have conducted similar tests." Many experts in China have backed the claim and conceded that it is common for China to test such technologies through spacecraft. It is also common for such spacecraft to shed debris in their path and before the fall.
Global Times has continued the fight for the Chinese stance by publishing articles that mention the space and arms race mentality of the US leading China to increase its nuclear deterrence. These articles stressed on the Chinese peaceful expansion in space.
The hypersonic missile and its potential
The technology used for such hypersonic glide vehicles is currently being developed by the US, Russia and China. These are extremely powerful missiles that orbit the Earth in their own momentum. Although they are slower than ballistic missiles, they can be maneuvered while in track which makes them harder to be traced and even more difficult to defend.
According to the public list of China's arsenal, it does not possess such a missile. But with all the three countries alarmed by the FT report, there are chances of a new announcement by either of the three countries which might give a new push to the debate.
References
Demetri Sevastopulo, "China tests new space capability with hypersonic missile," Financial Times, 17 October 2021
"Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on 18 October, 2021," Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, 18 October 2021
Yang Sheng and Deng Xiaoci, "China's routine space vehicle test 'a transparent act for peaceful use, not militarization'," Global Times, 18 October 2021
Paul D. Shinkman, "China Sets Sights on Taiwan With New Hypersonic Missile Test," US News, 18 October 2021
IN BRIEF
By Avishka Ashok and Keerthana Nambiar
INTERNAL
Beijing commemorates Joan Hinton's 100th birth anniversary
On 19 October, China commemorated the 100th birth anniversary of US-born nuclear physicist Joan Hinton in Beijing. The occasion was held in the presence of 80 representatives gathered to remember her contribution to improving China's dairy automation technologies, praise her for her humanitarian assistance. Hinton who is also known as Han Chun is a prominent nuclear physicist and one of the few female scientists to take part in the US Manhattan Project to develop the first atomic bomb. Hinton later settled in China with her husband and dedicated decades to dairy farming designing and operating China's first mechanical farm making a huge contribution to Chinese stockbreeding and mechanization. ("China commemorates US physicist who contributed to China's revolution in the 1940s," Global Times, 21 October 2021)
China's Ministry of Science and Technology approves four wildlife observation stations in Tibet
On 21 October, China Daily reported that the Ministry of Science and Technology has approved four new national-level wildlife observation stations in the Tibet autonomous region. The region's department of science and technology claims that the region will have a total of nine new wildlife observation stations with the new additional four. According to the regional department of science and technology, "the main functions of the observation stations are to serve the sciences of ecology, earth science, agronomy, environment, material, and other fields, and to carry out high-level scientific research by obtaining long-term field positioning observation data". The new stations are focused on alpine grassland ecosystem observation and research, alpine lake, and environment observation and research, high altitude electromagnetic environment and electromagnetic safety, and atmospheric process and environmental changes in the region. ("Tibet to get four new national level wildlife observation stations," China Daily, 21 October 2021)
REGIONAL
"ASEAN can ward off AUKUS' Cold War tactics": China Daily editorial
On 20 October, the China Daily published an editorial titled, 'ASEAN can ward off AUKUS' Cold War tactics. It focuses on the new tripartite defence alliance which will "create instability" in the Asia-Pacific. The editorial says that along with China, Malaysia and Indonesia are also concerned about the dangers that the AUKUS framework would bring in with the plan to develop nuclear-powered submarines. It stresses that the US' plan to isolate China will create greater problems because the Southeast Asian countries would stick with China due to the mutually beneficial trade partnerships. The article further discusses how ASEAN members must be wary of the AUKUS alliance and should set up a firewall to safeguard regional peace and stability. With reference to the recent incident of the US nuclear submarine striking an underwater object and ASEAN's passive response was criticized in the note. It concludes with a message that the ASEAN members must focus on regional cooperation for peace and development and "not least, because it is in their best interests." ("ASEAN can ward off AUKUS' Cold War tactics: China Daily editorial," China Daily, 20 October 2021)
Taiwan's foreign minister's visit to Eastern Europe spikes Beijing
On 21 October, China expressed its displeasure after Taiwan's Foreign Minister's announcement to visit Eastern European countries- Slovakia, Czech Republic. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin expressed his "strong dissatisfaction" with the two countries allowing the visit and warned not to "undermine the political foundation of bilateral relations." Joseph Wu, Taiwan's foreign minister said, "We will more actively seek the support of the international community and look forward to strengthening relations between Taiwan and the democratic countries of Central and Eastern Europe." ("China angered by Taiwan foreign minister's Eastern Europe trip," Reuters, 21 October 2021)
INTERNATIONAL
Rwandan Ambassador expresses gratitude to China on 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties
On 21 October, Global Times published an interview with the Rwandan Ambassador to China, James Kimonyo. The interview was conducted on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Rwanda and China. On bilateral relations, Kimonyo acknowledged China's assistance in Rwanda's infrastructure building, health sector, education, trade, agriculture and economic development. He also appreciated China's help in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in Rwanda by supplying medical essentials and vaccines for the people. He further denied the accusation of a debt trap and said: "The accusations against China have no basis whatsoever. I just gave you an example of Rwanda, we borrow money from different financial institutions, and China's debt share for Rwanda is not more than 9%. 91% is from these other institutions." ("African countries content with cooperation with China; accusations against China-Africa relations ridiculous: Rwanda Ambassador," Global Times, 21 October 2021)
China-Africa Thinktanks Forum commences in Hangzhou
On 20 October, the 10th China-Africa Thinktanks Forum was conducted in Hangzhou. The forum is being conducted just before the China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) which is scheduled to be held in Senegal. The Thinktanks Forum aims to promote the understanding between African countries and China and endorse the growth of the China-Africa comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. The objective of the forum is to bring the African people and the Chinese closer so that they can collaborate towards a collective future. On 21 October, three parallel forums were held within the forum, focusing on the shared future, infrastructure development and building the health sectors. ("10th China-Africa Think Tanks Forum kicks off as runup for the FOCAC," Global Times, 20 October 2021)
New US bill seeks to sanction Chinese individuals for aggression in the South China Sea
On 20 October, Chinese political analysts following the US-China tensions reported that some of the US lawmakers were attempting to sanction Chinese entities and individuals through the South China Sea and East China Sea Sanctions Act. The act enables the US to sanction individuals who propagate China's aggressiveness and claims in the South and East China Sea. The Bill says: "The President must also impose prohibitions and restrictions on correspondent and payable-through accounts related to sanctioned entities. The Department of State must periodically report to Congress identifying countries that recognize China's claims to the contested territories. Certain types of foreign aid may not be provided to such countries." As of now, the bill has been approved by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. ("US politicians push new bill to sanction China on maritime issue, 'will receive retaliation if it passes'," Global Times, 20 October 2021)
Moscow Format talks emphasize China's need and role in resolving the Afghan crisis
On 20 October, the Moscow Format talks were held in Moscow where 10 countries participated and debated the role of China and Russia in the Afghan Crisis and its challenging future. The political and military situation in Afghanistan, the establishment of an inclusive government and rebuilding the country are the core aims of the meeting. China and Russia are part of numerous multilateral organizations that concern themselves with the Afghan security crisis. China and Russia criticized the US for not being a part of the forum. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said: "the US' absence reflects its escapist psychology of being irresponsible on Afghan issues." ("'Moscow format' talks highlight China-Russia coordination on Afghan issue, conspicuous US absence," Global Times, 20 October 2021)