Photo : in.china-embassy.gov.cn/
08 May 2024, Wednesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #828
By Shilpa Joseph
FRANCE
Macron and Xi hold talks commemorating 60 years of diplomatic ties
On 06 May, Xi Jinping, Chinese President added more significance through his visit marking 60th anniversary of China-France relations. Jinping and Emmanuel Macron, French President vowed to carry on their engagements with a continued sense of independence, mutual understanding, long-term vision, and mutual benefit along with global transformation. They agreed to work together for a peaceful and multipolar world order and to prevent a new cold war or bloc confrontation. Xi expressed his interest in importing more high-quality products from France and hoped for the same from France. China’s growing manufacturing and service sector hopes to attract more French investments and a market-friendly environment for increased cooperation between the two. Macron assure not to enact laws that would discriminate against Chinese businesses while maintaining market access for China. More Chinese businesses, especially high-tech ones, were welcomed to invest in and collaborate with France. They also sought deeper cooperation in areas of traditional strength, energy, aerospace, and emerging areas such as green energy, smart manufacturing, biomedicine, and artificial intelligence (AI). They also focussed on global issues such as climate change and marine biodiversity. Apart from this, improved people-to-people exchanges were emphasised by both to jointly organise the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism and taking measures to welcome more French students to China in exchange programs and short-stay visa exemptions extended to friendly countries including France. China also showed interest in sending a delegation for hosting the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. With an exchange of views on international and regional issues, they aimed to achieve a world of lasting peace and common security. The two countries issued four joint statements and signed around 20 bilateral cooperation documents focused on green development, aviation, agrifood, commerce and people-to-people exchanges. (“President Xi Jinping Holds Talks with French President Emmanuel Macron,” Embassy of the People's Republic of China in India, 07 May 2024)
SERBIA
Xi publishes article highlighting the state of Chinese-Serbia relations; Remembers NATO bombing of Yugoslavia 1999
On 07 May, Xinhua reported on Xi Jinping, Chinese President article on “May the Light of Our Ironclad Friendship Shine on the Path of China-Serbia Cooperation.” published in Serbian media, Politika. In the article, Xi highlighted China and Serbia have honed their relations through close cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels, through strategic partnership, and being the second largest trading partner. In trade, Serbia’s honey, red wine, beef, lamb, and agricultural produce are well received amongst the Chinese. Xi also highlighted the strong collaborations during COVID, people to people exchanges and scope of China-Serbia comprehensive strategic partnership showcasing a win-win cooperation. Xi listed China’s agenda with Serbia. The focus areas are expected to be on developing “new quality productive forces,” delivering midterm action plan for BRI and expansion of cooperation in technology, manufacturing, green energy, digital economy, and artificial intelligence.
In the article he also remembered the NATO bombing of Chinese embassy 25 years before in Yugoslavia which resulted in killing of three Chinese journalists. He said: “This we should never forget,” and added how the Chinese have chosen to accept peace and never allowed repeat of such event. Citing this, he called the Chinese-Serbia friendship as “forged with the blood of our compatriots” and promised to work together for “common progress.” (Huaxia, “Full text of Xi's signed article in Serbian media,” Xinhua, 07 May 2024)
NORTH MACEDONIA
Pre-election polls result in favour of the opposition
On 08 May, presidential elections is expected to shape its course in Europe. Pre-election polls indicated victory of the opposition nationalist VMRO-DPMNE party, led by candidate Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, secured twice as many votes as the incumbent President of the Social Democrats, since promises such as accession to the EU and fight against corruption were still underway. The challenges in achieving this goal included the demands of Bulgaria and Greece. The inclusion of the small Bulgarian minority of 3,000 people in the constitution and the use of the prefix “North” when addressing the state, demanded by Greece, were required for the negotiations for accession to the EU. However, the opposition does not comply with both these demands and stands in conflict with the ethnic Albanian parties by refusing to enter a coalition with the minority, thereby risking stability in the state. Yet, they bank on the North Macedonian insecurities to mobilize against the government. On the other hand, the voters have grown tired of the Social Democrats' promise of the European future and the neglect of other important issues. The high inflation rates and serious corruption problems were never addressed by the Democrats. (Boris Georgievski, “North Macedonia: Frustrated voters set to punish government,” Deutsche Welle, 07 May 2024)
POLAND
Polish security service discovers spy devices in meeting room
On 07 May, the Polish security services reported on finding of wiretapping devices in a meeting room where the meeting of the Council of Ministers was supposed to be held. Polish spokesperson Jacek Dobrzynski reported that the equipment could register both audio and video but was unclear about who planted them and when it was fixed. Poland, being a part of NATO had a high risk of being targeted by Russian espionage. Additionally, Polish authorities reported in March that they had used information from the Czech Republic to conduct searches concerning a possible Russian spy network in Poland. (“Poland finds spy devices in the government meeting room,” Deutsche Welle, 07 May 2024)
RUSSIA
Putin sworn in as President for another six years
On 07 May, Russian President Vladimir Putin was sworn in for another term in office in a ceremony in Moscow. During his oath, Putin said: “We are a united and great nation, and together we will overcome all obstacles, realize everything we have planned, and together, we will win.” Putin becomes the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Josef Stalin. After he first held office in 2000, served as Prime minister under President Dmitry Medvedev in 2008. The switch of prim ministership from Medvedev to Putin was due to the previous constitution while did not allow third consecutive term. After the constitutional reform, Putin will be able to rule till 2030 and for an additional term. (“Russia's Putin sworn in for new six-year term,” Deutsche Welle, 07 May 2024)
THE UK
Hackers from China under suspect for a cyberattack on military
On 07 May, the UK government observed a cyberattack that targeted the military. According to Tobias Ellwood, a former parliamentary defence committee chairman and ex-soldier, the attack was directed towards the UK Defense Ministry's third-party payroll system. Since service personnel's names and bank details were targeted, Ellwood predict China to be the perpetrator. This accusation was also based on previous cyberattacks on the UK and the US, where hackers connected with the Chinese government had targeted the US officials, pro-democracy activists, and the UK electoral commission systems. However, China dismissed the allegations due to absence of evidence. (“UK says Defense Ministry targeted in cyberattack,” Deutsche Welle, 07 May 2024)
REGIONAL
EU elections in June bring out varied opinions on Migration and Asylum
On 07 May, in an opinion published by Euronews laid out the manifesto pledges for each of the parties, contesting in the elections for the European Parliament in June 2024. After a surge in the number of asylum applications reached a seven-year high, the top priority for the EU was on migration and asylum. The centre-right European People's Party (EPP) led by Ursula Von Der Leyen, European Commission President strongly stands for strengthening external borders, and internal borders, if necessary, with rigorous screening at all entry points. They plan on achieving this by employing more staff and allocating a higher budget to Frontex, the bloc's border and coast guard agency. A simultaneous strategy of transferring asylum seekers to "safe" third countries outside the bloc has been emphasised. By addressing the root causes of migration, Von der Leyen defends the multi-million-dollar agreements her European Commission has made with neighbouring nations, like Egypt, Tunisia, and Mauritania, to strengthen their domestic economies and reduce the number of unauthorized immigrants leaving. Whereas the Party of European Socialists (PES) expressed a humane approach by respecting Human rights and People’s dignity. The PES sided with the EPP on all aspects except their strong opposition to "any form of EU border externalisation" as they promoted the European mission for search and rescue in the Mediterranean. The liberals group, Renew Europe Now, was against the populist’s racist approach and the network of smugglers to trouble the refugees. The liberals stress the need for economic legal opportunities as the migrants can fill the gaps in the European labour market.
In the case of the Greens Party, its "mandatory relocation mechanism" focuses on the responsibility of the member states to protect the victims of natural disasters, and persecution and to offer special attention to LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers. The Greens criticise "dirty deals to dictators," referring to the Egypt and Tunisia agreements. The hard-right European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) party states that the citizens must not be forced to welcome illegal immigrants, thereby contradicting the system of mandatory solidarity. The party encourages the migrants to look for asylum outside the bloc. These principles resemble Giorgia Meloni, Italian Prime Minister’s proposal for an EU naval mission to "block illegal departures," rather than to save migrants in distress. The left dismisses the new pact on migration and asylum calling for a "break with Fortress Europe" and also suggests the dissolution of Frontex. The left advises the EU to promote peace and stability in the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa to tackle the refugee crisis. (Jorge Liboreiro, “EU elections: What do parties want to do on migration and asylum?,” Euronews, 07 May 2024)
EU adopts the first law to combat violence against women
On 07 May, in a press release by the Council of the EU, the first EU law to combat violence against women and domestic violence was officially adopted by the member states. The EU member states are expected to frame a national law on the matter in the next three years. According to the report, the law criminalised female genital mutilation, forced marriage, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, cyberstalking, cyber harassment, and cyber incitement to hatred or violence with prison sentences ranging from at least one to five years. By setting standards for the protection of victims of these crimes, fundamental rights of equality between women and men are ensured. The EU countries are to ensure that children are assisted by professionals and safeguarded when they report a crime. Additionally, steps to protect a victim’s privacy and prevent repeat victimisation are to be taken during criminal proceedings. However, there were negotiations that a common definition of rape was not mentioned in the law. (“Council adopts first-ever EU law combating violence against women”, 07 May 2024; “EU adopts first law tackling violence against women”, Deutsche Welle, 07 May 2024)
INTERNATIONAL
World Bank recommends switching to climate-friendly food options
On 07 May, World Bank published explaining on switching to climate-friendly options like poultry, fruits, and vegetables as a cost-effective way to save the planet from climate change. The World Bank suggests cutting red meat, dairy, and such climate-harming products which are responsible for 60 per cent of agri-food emissions. As countries signed the Paris Agreement agreeing to limit global warming to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius, the World Bank paid more attention to agriculture and food industries. According to the report, governments can partially close the gap by shifting their subsidies from higher-carbon items like dairy and red meat to lower-carbon ones. (“World Bank’s climate plan: Pricier red meat and dairy, cheaper chicken and veggies,” Federica Di Sario, Politico, 07 May 2024)
Chinese president visits Serbia and Hungary for strategic reasons
On 07 May, Xi Jinping’s visit to Belgrade after Paris coincided with the 25th anniversary of the US Air Force strike on the Chinese embassy in Belgrade in 1999, which occurred during NATO's Kosovo campaign. Beyond the remembrance of the bombing, Beijing’s interest in Serbia could be due to the significant investments in recent years, constructing roads, owning mines and factories, and providing funding for the building of a railway line that will connect Budapest and Belgrade. However, there are accusations in Beijing over pollution and exploitation of Vietnamese and Indian workers. In a similar effort, China has involved Hungary as the first member of the EU to join its Belt and Road development program. While China views this project in Hungary as a gateway to the EU, the European Commission is advocating to limit Chinese economic activities in the region. (Amandine Hess, “Why is the Chinese president visiting Serbia and Hungary?,” Euronews, 07 May 2024)