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Saturday, March 20, 2021

China-US high level strategic dialogue: Chinese diplomats deal vigorous counterblows to condescending US representatives; common ground hard to reach on contrasting logics



中美高层战略对话在即 美不行待客之道 中方严正回应! 20210319 |《今日关注》CCTV中文国际


  
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Alaska summit spat: What's China's take on the US? | DW News




  US-China talks in Alaska: Beijing threatens "firm actions" against "US interference"




美中高層阿拉斯加會談 觸及香港貿易問題?(原音呈現)|20210319|TVBS新聞|LIVE 


















 
Unsurprisingly and without any greetings, the world closely watched the China-US Alaska talks turn into an intense back-and-forth within minutes of opening, but the two sides' hardline stances were still beyond the expectations of observers.

Two days of difficult talks were expected to be the best opportunity for the Chinese and US administrations to get to know each other; so far, the US’ aggressiveness and disregard for diplomatic protocol, and rapid and sharp counterattacks by the Chinese delegation, have made the world take notice. Chinese observers said continuing talks despite the intense argument is why this dialogue is so significant.

The US delegation attending the China-US Alaska high-level meeting unjustifiably attacked and accused China's domestic and foreign policies and seriously prolonged its opening remarks, the Chinese delegation said after the meeting's first session.

"This is neither hospitable nor good diplomatic etiquette. China has made a stern response to this," the Chinese delegation said.

The Chinese delegation was invited to Anchorage to have a strategic dialogue with the US side with sincerity and was ready to conduct the dialogue in accordance with the procedures and arrangements agreed upon by the two sides.

The Chinese delegation made the remarks after the first session of China-US talks in Alaska concluded on Thursday local time.

Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Leading Group for Foreign Affairs, stated China's position at his opening remarks, saying China hopes this dialogue is sincere and honest.

We thought too well of the US; we thought the US would follow the necessary diplomatic protocol… In front of the Chinese side, the US side is not qualified to speak to China from a position of strength, Yang said.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China-US relations have encountered unprecedented difficulties as China's legitimate rights and interests have been unreasonably suppressed. It harms the interests of the peoples of the two countries as well as world stability and development, Wang said, adding that the situation "should not be continued."

"The old habit of the US hegemonic behavior of willfully interfering in China's internal affairs must be changed," Wang said.

The US launching new sanctions against China just a day before the Chinese delegation's departure to Alaska was not hospitality and only proved its weakness and inability, Wang said, noting that "it will in no way affect China's legitimate position or shake the will of the Chinese people."

At the invitation of the US, top Chinese diplomats and other delegates led by Yang and Wang, the first foreign delegation to visit the US since the inauguration of US President Joe Biden, started "high-level strategic dialogue" with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Thursday in Anchorage, Alaska, one of the coldest places on US soil with a freezing temperature of minus 19 degrees Celsius.

As agreed by both sides, the officials will hold three meetings from Thursday to Friday, local time, media reported.

The opening remarks of the two sides were described by American media as "combative," as China stated firmly its core interests while the US continued to make unwarranted accusations about China's human rights situation and internal affairs about Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Taiwan.

Chinese analysts said that both the Chinese and US delegations were under huge pressure, and China's firm stance was setting the tone for the high-level dialogue.

Lü Xiang, a research fellow on US studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, told the Global Times on Friday that Chinese delegates' opening remarks clearly expressed China's resolute position on its core interests, which was telling the US and the world that no matter how long the dialogue will last, China's position will not change.

After the Chinese delegates' opening remarks, Blinken, who had finished his opening remarks before Yang, held journalists in the room for his further remarks, according to Reuters.

According to the agreed protocol, the opening remarks of the two sides were to be eight minutes altogether, but afterward, Blinken held journalists to give further US remarks and then immediately requested them to leave.

Chinese delegates asked journalists to stay to witness China's further response, according to a reporter with Phoenix TV. Opening remarks ended up lasting about 90 minutes.

Yang Xiyu, a former Chinese diplomat and senior research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies in Beijing, told the Global Times that Blinken made extra remarks out of concerns that he would be lashed out fiercely by his domestic audiences if he did not.

Whether he made a further response or not will not affect the dialogue, but he needed it considering domestic pressure and domestic political interest, Yang Xiyu said.

The "combative" opening remarks, which took place amid the increasingly complicated conflicts of two countries, were rather as expected, but the dialogue in the following sessions will not only discuss what the two sides argued about but will also explore the areas that the two sides could cooperate in to stabilize bilateral relations, Yang Xiyu said.

In his extended remarks, Blinken said US allies also raised concerns about China, with Chinese analysts saying this did not show the US' sincerity, as the issues between China and the US should be dealt with by the two parties, instead of forming cliques or pressuring allies.

Yang Xiyu said that China and the US made their opening remarks based on different standards and international rules, and China's were based on peaceful coexistence and noninterference in internal affairs, while the US' were based on putting human rights over sovereignty.

Thus, the two countries should set up a new rule-based communication means rather than the rules established during the colonial period to make future talks effective, He said.

For example, Blinken accused China of espionage, but the US failed to offer any solid evidence. The two sides should also set up rules on cybersecurity issues, including actions and criteria recognized by both on investigating evidence, Yang Xiyu said. 

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Thursday, March 18, 2021

RM20bil aid for the people: the 6th economic stimulus package, Pemerkasa

 

PUTRAJAYA: The government has unveiled its sixth economic stimulus package, the RM20bil People and Economic Strategic Empowerment Programme (Pemerkasa), which, among others, will see targeted assistance given to the people and sectors still affected by the pandemic.

Focusing on 20 initiatives, Pemerkasa is also aimed at giving the economy a jump-start and to support business continuity, as the government reaffirms its commitment to care and listen to the people.

Unveiling Pemerkasa, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin identified five focus areas to promote economic recovery – control the spread of Covid-19, accelerating economic recovery, strengthening Malaysia’s competitiveness, ensuring inclusivity by reducing development gaps within regions and communities, and transforming the economy.

Of the RM20bil under Pemerkasa, RM11bil is fresh fiscal injection by the government.

Muhyiddin said among the efforts in driving economic recovery was to revitalise the tourism and retail sectors which had been hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Prime Minister said to alleviate the burden and to support the recovery of the tourism sector, the government would extend tourism tax and service tax exemptions on accommodation provided by hotel operators until Dec 31,2021.

“We will also extend tax incentives to tour companies until the year of assessment 2022, allow deferment of monthly income tax instalments from April 1 to Dec 31,2021 to companies in the tourism and industries such as cinemas and spas.

“The sector will also be provided entertainment duty exemption on admission fees to entertainment venues such as theme parks, stage performances, sporting events and competitions as well as cinemas in the Federal Territories, ” Muhyiddin said in a special address yesterday.

The scope of special relief on individual income tax of up to RM1,000 will be expanded to include expenses on travel packages provided by travel agents registered with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) while the HRDF levy exemption for affected businesses under the tourism and retail sector will be extended until June 2021.

Muhyiddin said in addition, the government had agreed to a one-off special assistance grant of RM3,000 to more than 5,000 tourism agencies registered with Motac.

The government will provide a one-off cash assistance of RM600 to homestay operators registered with Motac, which is expected to benefit more than 4,000 Malaysian Homestay Programme hosts or entrepreneurs.

“When most of us are vaccinated, the government will consider allowing interstate travel in stages and may even establish a special green lane for border travel involving air transport.

“At the moment, the government will need time to assess all the necessary aspects and weigh the risks before a decision is made, ” he said.

To assist cash flow and reduce operating cost for hotel operators, theme parks, convention centres, shopping malls, local airline offices and travel and tour agencies, a special discount on electricity bills of 10% will be extended for another three months until June 30.

The total cost borne by the government for this extension is RM135mil.

The Prime Minister said the Perikatan Nasional government remained committed to moving forward in planning various economic recovery strategies for the well-being of the rakyat.

“The government has done its level best to ensure that no groups are left behind from receiving government’s benefits.

“Perikatan as a caring government always listens and cares about the well-being of the people.

“This trust will be shouldered responsibly and sincerely for the sake of the people and the nation, ” he added.

Muhyiddin also urged the public to register for the Covid-19 vaccination, advising all not to delay because the sooner people get vaccinated, the sooner everyone can enjoy a normal life.

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Pemerkasa: Something all can look forward to

 


  PETALING JAYA: The government’s People and Economic Strategic Empowerment Programme (Pemerkasa) includes hiring incentives and micro credit facilities to give a leg-up to the economic sectors most affected by the pandemic.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the government would allocate RM700mil to extend the Wage Subsidy Programme 3.0 for another three months, targeted at the tourism, wholesale and retail sectors.


Other sectors that were not allowed to operate during the movement control order would also benefit from this, he added.

“This initiative is expected to benefit 400,000 employees and 37,000 employers, ” he said.

Muhyiddin said the government would also enhance the PenjanaKerjaya 2.0 initiative under the Social Welfare Organisation (Sosco) by expanding the scope of hiring incentives to include temporary and gig workers.

This will include an allocation of RM300mil to assist 60,000 workers, where each worker will receive RM600 per month for a maximum of six months.

Employers offering short-term employment or gig service platforms registered with Socso will receive RM200 for each worker they hire.

The government will also extend the duration of PenjanaKerjaya’s apprenticeship programme to six months, where trainees undertaking this programme will be given an incentive of RM800 during their apprenticeship.

He said the government would continue to support the business continuity, especially local small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

“We will continue with the Prihatin Special Grant 3.0 (GKP) initiative to support businesses to recommence operations. Every eligible micro SME will receive a one-off assistance of RM1,000, ” he said.

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“Micro SMEs that have not received the GKP prior to this can apply for GKP 3.0 beginning April 1. GKP 3.0 is expected to benefit more than one million entrepreneurs.”.

He added that the government would increase the allocation for small-scale projects in 2021 from RM2.5bil to RM5bil..

“Among the types of small-scale projects which will be reserved for G1-G4 class contractors are the repair of public infrastructure and facilities damaged by floods, road repairs, social amenities, repair of strata housing including the replacement of elevators at public housing, and constructing stalls in municipalities, ” he said..

The government would also simplify procurement procedures to expedite the implementation of projects, he added..

Under Budget 2021, the government approved an allocation of RM1bil for micro credit financing facilities..

As such, Muhyiddin said the government would provide an additional RM500mil for micro credit financing through programmes under Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), the National Entrepreneur Group Economic Fund (Tekun Nasional), Mara and SME Corp..

“Through BSN, a fund of RM300mil will be made available with a financing limit of up to RM50,000 and the interest rate reduced from 3.5% to 3%. The loan tenure will be for five years and loan repayments will only commence after the sixth month..

“For entrepreneurs from the informal sector, Tekun Nasional will be providing an additional fund of RM60mil, especially for the Informal Financing Scheme with a financing limit of up to RM5,000 for small businesses operating from homes, night markets and wet markets..

“The Tekun Mobilepreneur programme will also be expanded to finance the repair or purchase of new motorcycles with a financing value of up to RM10,000..

“To complement this initiative, locally assembled motorcycles with an engine capacity of 150cc and below will be given a 100% exemption on excise duty from April 1 to Dec 31 this year, ” he said..

Financing assistance of up to RM20,000 will also be provided for repairing vehicles and up to RM50,000 for the purchase of vans or lorries under the POS-prenuer programme from Tekun..

“Through Mara, the Prihatin Micro Business Financing Scheme will be implemented, focusing on assisting 1,000 bumiputra micro SMEs in sustaining their business..

“A total of RM50mil will be allocated with a financing value of up to RM50,000 at an interest rate as low as 3%, ” he said..

“Additionally, SME Corp will provide RM50mil to assist local SMEs to obtain financing of up to RM250,000 at an interest rate as low as 3%.”.

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Tuesday, March 16, 2021

World Bank: Malaysia needs to do to achieve high-income status, but at a slow pace

Malaysia is likely to make the transition from an upper middle-income economy to a high-income economy within the next five years despite setbacks from the Covid-19-induced recession, says a new World Bank report.

However, according to the “Aiming High: Navigating the next stage of Malaysia’s development” report, Malaysia is growing slower than many countries that have achieved high-income status in the past.

“Compared to many other countries that have graduated from middle-income status, it has a lower share of employment at high skills levels and higher levels of inequality.

“And compared to countries in the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), Malaysia collects less in taxes, spends less on social protection and performs relatively poorly in terms of measures related to environmental management and the control of corruption, ” it said, adding that many of these fault lines were exposed during the pandemic.

Malaysia, it said, had been severely affected by Covid-19, adding that it would take “several years before the scars of the pandemic are fully erased”.

The 196-page report is expected to be launched today by Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz in a virtual event that will also see Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamad delivering his special address on Malaysia’s next development plan.

The report said policies that had enabled Malaysia to successfully transition from low to middle-income would need to be adapted to meet future challenges, adding that these policies and institutions which had worked in the past might no longer be appropriate.

Malaysia’s transition, it said, was also subject to a number of significant downside risks, especially the high level of uncertainty over what would be the “new normal” after Covid-19 and how this would impact the country.

“The Asian Tigers that achieved high-income status in past decades did so in a more benign international environment.

“Malaysia faces not only a global pandemic and a worldwide recession but also a looming international debt crisis, a heightened risk of a resurgence in trade disputes, the potential unravelling of global value chains, and the impact of disruptive technologies that will change the nature of comparative advantage, ” it said.

Domestically, Malaysia also faced ongoing political uncertainty and a significant increase in government debt from financing the economic measures to help the rakyat during the Covid-19.

While it was normal for Malaysia to experience decelerating growth before Covid-19 as it achieved a higher level of development, it appeared to have slowed down more than it should have relative to its potential.

“The country must adopt a new course for greater knowledge-intensive and productivity-driven growth. In this context, the Covid-19 crisis might usefully provide an opportunity to undertake much-needed reforms, ” it said.

The report also noted that as Malaysia positioned itself for the next phase of development and beyond the pandemic, many of the issues related to this transformation were being addressed and discussed, including through the 12th Malaysia Plan and the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030.

“With the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and its potential to depress growth into the future, issues related to Malaysia’s readiness for the future have become even more significant, ” it added.

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Quality better than quantity in foreign investments 

World Bank Malaysia cht
 
 

 
KUALA LUMPUR: As Malaysia looks to transform its economy, there is also a need to reorient its practices and policies to attract quality foreign investments that would help the nation achieve its aspirations.

According to World Bank Group lead economist for Malaysia Richard Record, (pic below) the country is now focusing more on quality investments rather than in quantity.


 

“It is becoming clear that Malaysia is now looking to attract a different type of investment. In the past, Malaysia was at a low level of development and there was a lack of capital. So foreign investment was an important source of investment.

“Now, it’s less so about that, and more about the types of technology, management practices, job creation and opportunities to move into new areas of competitive advantage.

“So Malaysia is looking for something a little bit different from foreign investment now and there’s an opportunity here to rejig some of the policies towards that attraction of quality investments, ” he said.

These reforms include improving speed and transparency in investment approvals and incentive offerings.

Record noted that moving towards an automated approval process would put Malaysia at the forefront.

There is also a need for a more coordinated promotional effort. While Malaysia has a lot to offer investors, Record noted that there were many institutions competing in parallel. Thus, a more coordinated approach would yield a higher return on investment.

According to a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development report, the inflow of FDI into Malaysia dropped by 68% last year.

However, Malaysia is not an isolated case as the report noted that global FDI collapsed in 2020, falling 42% to an estimated US$859bil from US$1.5 trillion in 2019.

“Malaysia is a highly open economy and is exposed to international business cycles. So it is inevitable that we saw a reduction in investment flows to Malaysia last year, ” said Record.

Meanwhile, World Bank Group country manager for Malaysia Firas Raad noted that Malaysia’s fiscal position coming out of the recovery will be somewhat constrained.

Hence, there will be a higher reliance on private investment.

“We are in a highly competitive environment because every government around the world is trying to attract investments. So this is where serious reforms and initiatives have to be implemented to make sure that Malaysia’s offering is really competitive with the countries we see in the region, ” he said. 


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