CNAD-#33- China's ??????????& Updates about ????+ (????????????????????????????????????????????)
Dr. Vithiyapathy Purushothaman
Postdoc Lecturer at Shenzhen University. PhD from USTC, China, through the Ministry of Human Resource Development of India and a Chinese Government Scholarship. Associate Member at the Chennai Centre for China Studies.
Everyday Briefing: 2024-04-23
??Several earthquakes hit near Taiwan's Hualien County, starting with a
All earthquakes had a depth of 10 km.
?? Chinese authorities are intensifying efforts to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall in Guangdong Province. At a meeting involving various government bodies, including the Ministry of Emergency Management, strategies for rapid disaster relief and rescue operations were emphasised. Teams from the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters are being deployed to guide evacuations in areas prone to flooding and geological disasters, prevent secondary incidents, and restore normalcy. Relief supplies, including folding beds, coverlets, and emergency kits, have been allocated to affected areas. The heavy rainfall has resulted in four fatalities and ten missing persons. Approximately 110,000 residents have been relocated, with 25,800 urgently resettled.
????China Internal??
?? On World Earth Day, China released data on its technically recoverable oil and gas resources. According to official figures, as of the end of 2023,
China's technically recoverable oil reserves were 3.85 billion tonnes, marking a 1 percent increase from the previous year.
Additionally, the country's technically recoverable gas reserves reached 6.68 trillion cubic meters, reflecting a 1.7 percent year-on-year increase.
The data also revealed that China's technically recoverable shale gas reserves stood at 551.61 billion cubic meters.
China has undertaken a large-scale ecological restoration effort known as the Shan-Shui Initiative, aiming to restore 10 million hectares of natural spaces by 2030. At a World Earth Day event, the Ministry of Natural Resources announced that over 100 million mu (approximately 6.7 million hectares) of land have already been restored. The initiative encompasses various ecosystems, including mountains, forests, grasslands, and waterways, across 29 provincial-level regions. It involves 31 projects for Yangtze River and Yellow River basin protection, seven for the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, and 21 for the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, among others. Charles Karangwa from the IUCN praised China's achievements in ecosystem conservation and restoration.
?? The People's Bank of China has initiated the process of gathering public feedback on detailed rules concerning the regulation of non-bank payment institutions. These rules, part of broader efforts to enhance supervision and management, aim to clarify key concepts outlined in regulations issued by the State Council in December. The document outlines administrative procedures for licensing non-bank payment institutions and emphasizes transparency and efficiency to create a law-based business environment. Additionally, it addresses the protection of payment users' legal rights by specifying requirements for data retention and transaction records, as well as adjustments to fees. China's non-bank payment industry has experienced significant growth, with annual transactions exceeding 1 trillion and totalling 400 trillion yuan.
?? A growing number of young Chinese are embracing a low-carbon lifestyle, opting for electric cars, public transport, and products with a low-carbon label. China's drive to achieve "dual carbon goals" has raised public awareness and nurtured a market for green products. Many Chinese companies are catering to consumers' increasing consciousness of their carbon footprint. For example, a Shenzhen-based company released a zero-carbon open-ear headphone, Cleer ARC 3, maximizing recyclable materials and green electricity. This move aligns with China's "dual carbon goals," aiming to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
??Science and Technology??
?? A team of Chinese scientists conducted a clinical trial showing that brain-computer interface (BCI) rehabilitation can enhance upper limb motor function in stroke patients. BCI translates brain "ideas" into instructions and has been used in stroke rehabilitation.
Researchers from Beijing Tiantan Hospital led a trial involving 296 ischemic stroke patients, randomized to receive either BCI or traditional rehabilitation for one month.
Results, published in Cell Med, revealed significantly higher score changes in the BCI group compared to the control group. China has nearly 200 medical BCI enterprises, with 25% focusing on implantable technology and 75% on non-implantable technology, according to a report by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology.
?? Chinese researchers have developed a new algorithm utilizing machine learning to automatically derive kinematic parameters of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), crucial for predicting catastrophic space weather. CMEs, large masses of plasma ejected from the sun, pose significant risks to space activities and infrastructure. The algorithm, outlined in a study published in the Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series, involves recognition, tracking, and parameter determination. The algorithm accurately determines parameters like velocity and angular width by training a neural network to identify CMEs in images and tracking their motion. This innovation enables the detection of weak CME signals and provides vital morphology information, enhancing real-time CME warnings and predictions.
???China-Foreign Affairs??
???? Tensions escalated in the South China Sea as Chinese and Philippine Coast Guards clashed at Ren'ai Jiao.
The U.S. deployed Typhon missiles to the Philippines, the first deployment since withdrawing from the INF Treaty in 2019.
A U.S.-Japan-Philippines summit underscores security concerns in the South China Sea, with President Biden affirming ironclad defence commitments. The Philippines' alignment with the U.S., including granting access to naval bases, is seen as a threat to China's sovereignty. ASEAN will unlikely support the Philippines in a U.S.-China conflict, maintaining neutrality.
The South China Sea is now a focal point of U.S.-China rivalry, with the U.S. seeking to encircle China through alliances in the Indo-Pacific Strategy.
On the other occasion, the Chinese Ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng rejected the idea of the Thucydides Trap as inevitable for U.S.-China relations. Speaking at Harvard University, Xie emphasizes China's willingness to cooperate with the U.S. based on mutual respect and win-win cooperation. He urges Washington to engage in reciprocal dialogue and cooperation, implementing mutual leaders' consensus. Xie advocates for managing differences and advancing cooperation to realize the "San Francisco Vision" and ensure stable bilateral relations. While acknowledging competition, Xie underscores the need for fairness in competition.
Upcoming State Visits to China:
???? Chinese Foreign Minister Wang discussed his recent visit to Papua New Guinea (PNG), where he met with Prime Minister James Marape and Foreign Minister Justin Tkachenko. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the comprehensive strategic partnership, agreeing to enhance cooperation in various sectors and maintain high-level exchanges. They also discussed the importance of respecting PICs' sovereignty and independence and promoting South-South cooperation.
Wang criticized the US's AUKUS initiative for potentially violating the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty.
???? The Maldives recently concluded parliamentary elections with the People’s National Congress, led by President Mohamed Muizzu, securing a significant victory. China congratulates the Maldives on this successful democratic exercise and respects the choice of the Maldivian people. China expresses readiness to continue fostering traditional friendship, enhancing cooperation, and deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries for mutual benefit.
领英推荐
?? The G7 Foreign Ministers issued a communiqué expressing concern over the situation in the East and South China Seas and reiterating opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo. China firmly rejects this manipulation of China-related issues at the G7 meeting, considering it interferes with its internal affairs. China's position on Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Xizang (Tibet) issues remains consistent. China advocates upholding the one-China principle for cross-strait peace, emphasizes the peaceful and stable situation in the South China Sea, and asserts that Hong Kong and Xizang enjoy social harmony. China urges the G7 to abandon its Cold War mentality and work with the rest of the world for peace, cooperation, and development.
???? China strongly condemns Japan's actions related to the Yasukuni Shrine, where Japanese officials, including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, made ritual offerings.
China opposes this action, considering it a symbol of Japanese militarism responsible for war crimes during World War II.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated that China firmly rejects Japan's actions and has lodged serious demarches. He urged Japan to confront its history of aggression, break from militarism, and regain trust through concrete actions.
???? The Philippine National Security Adviser denied awareness of any secret agreements with China regarding Ren’ai Jiao and emphasized the importance of asserting sovereignty in the South China Sea. China emphasizes the importance of maintaining stability at Ren'ai Jiao for both China and the Philippines. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin highlighted the existence of common understandings between the two countries regarding the situation at Ren'ai Jiao, established not only in the previous administration but also the current one. Wang expressed concern over the Philippines' denial of these understandings and urged them to adhere to their commitments. He warned that breaching agreements and provoking actions would escalate tensions and ultimately harm the Philippines. Wang urged the Philippines to confront the issue responsibly and make sensible decisions.
???? On March 21, 2024, during a meeting with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated China's steadfast commitment as Cambodia's most reliable partner and strongest supporter. King Sihamoni expressed gratitude for China's substantial assistance in Cambodia's economic and social development, emphasizing the significance of initiatives like the Cambodia-China community. Affirming Cambodia's adherence to the one-China policy, the King pledged active support for China's global initiatives. Wang Yi highlighted the elevated quality of the China-Cambodia community under their leaders' guidance and pledged to implement strategic agreements. He emphasized China's role in fostering Cambodia's development and proposed closer collaboration for mutual growth, prioritizing the China-Cambodia community's advancement.
???? Farmers in Pakistan's Bhakkar district are impressed by newly imported oilseed harvesters from China, designed to efficiently harvest oilseeds.
Pakistan heavily relies on imports for 89% of its edible oil needs, spending $3.6 billion annually.
This reliance has led to the adoption of unhealthy alternatives like mustard oil due to the unavailability of quality oilseeds locally. However, the introduction of Chinese canola varieties through Pakistan-China cooperation offers farmers a healthier choice. As part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a memorandum of understanding between Chinese company Wuhan Qingfa Hesheng Seed Co. Ltd. and Pakistani company Evyol Group aims to make Pakistan self-sufficient in edible oil production. The cooperation includes providing high-quality hybrid seeds, increasing per-acre yields, and offering a healthier alternative for locals.
A delegation of Taiwan business representatives, led by Liu Chao-shiuan, co-president of the Cross-Strait CEO Summit, met with Song Tao, who heads both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.
Song reiterated the mainland's firm opposition to "Taiwan independence" and commitment to promoting peaceful cross-Strait relations based on the 1992 Consensus.
He emphasized the mainland's efforts to share development opportunities with Taiwan compatriots and address their needs. Song expressed hope that the CEO Summit could facilitate cross-Strait industrial cooperation. Liu pledged Taiwan's commitment to enhancing integrated development across the Strait and promoting economic cooperation. Additionally, Liu and Guo Jinlong, president of the mainland side of the summit, discussed the 2024 summit's theme and key issues, reaching consensus.
???? Namibia's Khomas Regional Council and officials from Jiangsu Province in China signed a five-year work plan aimed at enhancing their twinning partnership and addressing mutual development challenges. Khomas Governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua expressed gratitude for previous agreements and highlighted the significance of the work plan's focus areas, including sectoral partnership programs, education initiatives, policymaker exchange programs, and trade promotion. Executive Vice Governor of Jiangsu Province, Ma Xin, expressed readiness to elevate the relationship between the two provinces, emphasizing the importance of high-level exchanges and cooperation. He proposed leveraging the upcoming milestones, such as the 35th anniversary of China-Namibia diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of sister province relations, to enrich cooperation mechanisms and foster a new pattern of collaboration.
???? The Addis Ababa Light Rail Train (AALRT) has transformed residents' daily lives like Natnael Nigussie and Binyam Beyene in Ethiopia's capital. Nigussie, who runs a small business, now enjoys a faster and smoother commute to work, thanks to the light rail's efficient service. Since its introduction in 2015, the AALRT has become a popular mode of transportation for hundreds of thousands of people, offering a cost-effective alternative to other forms of transport. Beyond convenience, the light rail contributes to reducing carbon emissions and alleviating traffic congestion, addressing challenges associated with fuel imports and pollution in the city. Built by China Railway Engineering Corporation, the 34-km light railway serves 39 stations across Addis Ababa, making it an integral part of the city's transportation network.
???? Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, expressed concern over escalating tensions in northern Kosovo, citing violent incidents and disruptions caused by Kosovo authorities' actions targeting ethnic Serbs. He urged Kosovo to revoke unreasonable decisions and cease unilateral actions exacerbating tensions. Fu emphasized the importance of honoring commitments, particularly regarding the establishment of a Serb-majority municipalities association outlined in the 2013 Brussels Agreement. China supports a negotiated settlement respecting Serbia's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within the framework of Security Council Resolution 1244.
???? Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina) initiated the construction of a 220 MW photovoltaic power plant in northern Algeria, with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Algerian Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab. Located in Bir Naam, Biskra province, the project is expected to be completed in 16 months, generating over 600 jobs during construction and strengthening the region's electrical grid. This endeavor is part of Algeria's larger goal to develop a 2GW solar program to support its energy transition, with another 200 MW solar power plant already underway in El M'Ghair province, initiated by China State Construction Engineering Corporation.
??Cultural??Insights ??
Denis Francis, President of the 78th UN General Assembly, emphasized the importance of the Chinese language as a vital component of human cultural heritage during a Chinese cultural exhibition in Nanjing, marking the 15th UN Chinese Language Day. The event showcased Chinese calligraphy, painting, music, and tea to offer an immersive cultural experience.
Francis highlighted the role of language as a bridge connecting people and cultures, sharing his experience with Chinese calligraphy. UN Language Days, including Chinese Language Day, celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity. The exhibition explored the historical evolution, artistic representation, and innovative design of Chinese characters, featuring traditional Chinese music performances and interactive activities like calligraphy and tea tasting. China's Permanent Representative to the UN, Fu Cong, emphasized the enduring allure and contribution of the Chinese language and civilization to human progress.
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