Djamel Ghrib, the Director of Economic Affairs at the African Union Commission speaking in Gaborone
The Pan Afrikanist Watchman
African countries have been urged to take full advantage of China’s Digital Silk Road program and employ artificial intelligence in their quest in detecting and subsequently shut corruption down. “Digital Silk Road is well-positioned to help African nations deal with corruption through the use of artificial intelligence,” said Djamel Ghrib, the Director of Economic Affairs at the African Union Commission (AUC), on the closing occasion of the AUC-IMF High-Level Conference on Good Governance and the Fight Against Corruption in Gaborone, Botswana on 14th June. Digital Silk Road, launched way back in 2015, is the technology dimension of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which extends from the ocean floor to outer space that enables artificial intelligence (AI), big data applications, and other strategic internet solutions. Ghrib said artificial intelligence as well as integrated e-platform solutions provide checks and balances in all transactions in order to bridge the gap between the government and the citizens thereby shutting down corruption.
China calls on BRICS nations to inject stability into a turbulent world
Yang Jiechi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on 15th June called on BRICS countries to inject more stability into a turbulent world when chairing the 12th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security via video link. Yang called on BRICS countries to practice true multilateralism, address both traditional and non-traditional security threats in a coordinated manner, advocate solidarity, and coordinate security and development to realize “common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security.” He also said that the Global Security Initiative put forward by China has contributed Chinese wisdom to solving the current dilemma of global security and provided an important guideline for building a world of lasting peace and universal security. All parties expressed readiness to work for fruitful outcomes at the upcoming BRICS summit.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will chair the 14th BRICS Summit in Beijing on 23rd June. The Summit will be held under the theme of “Foster High-quality BRICS Partnership, Usher in a New Era for Global Development” via video link.
69 countries speak in support of China’s position on human rights
In a joint statement read by Cuba on behalf of 69 cross-regional countries, the countries said issues concerning Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Tibet are China’s internal affairs, expressing opposition to the politicization of human rights, double standards and interference in China’s internal affairs under the pretext of human rights on 14th June at the ongoing 50th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that some Western countries have failed again in their attempts to smear China on issues related to Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Tibet, and interference in other countries’ internal affairs in the name of human rights will never succeed. Wang said that a handful of Western countries have repeatedly spread disinformation about China, further exposing their ill intentions.
Achievements of ‘One Country, Two Systems’ hailed in Hong Kong
The achievements of the practice of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle in China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) were hailed on 16th June as an international forum in that regard was held in the city. Attended by scholars and entrepreneurs from multiple countries online and in person, the Bauhinia Culture International Forum focusing on the theme of “One Country, Two Systems” was among the celebration events for the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland. John Lee, the newly-appointed sixth-term chief executive of the HKSAR, said in his address that the “One Country, Two Systems” principle and the Basic Law that enshrines it has brought forward notable successes over the past 25 years. Looking forward, Lee said that he and his team would rise up to challenges, focus on efficiency and effectiveness, and deliver results.
© Chinese Embassy Weekly Newsletter (20th June 2022)
