China
World battling Against Covid-19 Pandemic
The World is undergoing serious economic, social and health crisis as the Covid-19 outbreak originating from Wuhan China, has spread to almost all the continents of the World except Antarctica – the Unhabitated Continent.
Hundreds of People died in china, Iran, France, South Korea and Italy. Italy has been severely gripped by a coronavirus. The Covid-19 after bringing catastrophe in Asia reached Europe and Africa.
Though Africa has limited cases as reported but given the alarming and catastrophic situation rising every day. The South Asian countries i.e. Pakistan, India, Bangladesh though ill-prepared to fight against this Pandemic have done a tremendous job in terms of preparations and taking preventive measures to limit the spread of the fatal Covid-19.
As hundreds of cases are reported positive, fear, economic crisis, education and health effects have played havoc to the countries to fight Covid-19. The World Health Organizations (WHO) has declared it pandemic asking countries to follow the precaution or preventive measures as circulated by WHO and Isolation facilities for those diagnosed positive.
The States have started diverting their funds towards fighting this novel Virus and having set up Emergency Health Centers and Isolation Centers for quarantining those arriving from worst-affected countries i.e. China, Iran, France, America and Italy.
Sindh has been the worst affected by this Virus with 413 confirmed cases as most of the cases are imported from Iran via Taftan.
These include those pilgrims (Zairian) who are returning from Iran after visiting holy places. CM Sindh has so far done a marvelous job by setting up Isolation and Screening Camp at Sukkur to diagnose and keep them at the facility to avert any possibility of contraction to their families.
Punjab Stands 2nd with growing cases of 312 and the number is rising .KP stands 3rd with sudden appearance of 121 cases since these confirmed cases are also imported through Taftan border as the affected patients had recently returned from a pilgrimage from Iran. Baluchistan is on 4th Number with 119 confirmed cases, AJK/GB 82 and Islamabad capital with 20 cases.
The media is regularly breaking and updating news every moment regarding the novel coronavirus, adding the rise to the concerns regarding the sudden outbreak of the pandemic to more countries. The concerns and feelings of fear run high amid cancellations and postponement of all sporting activities, education, colleges, universities and Wedding or public gatherings.
Companies such as Google, Yahoo, Twitter, Microsoft and Apple have advised their employees to stay at home and work from their home. They also circulated the WHO guidelines among their employees and avoid gatherings of more than 10 people as announced in the latest guidelines of WHOM.
Countries are strictly following the preventive measures communicated to the people by WHO experts and putting bans on unnecessary travel in the city or out of city or borders.
It is the alarming and panicking situation since No vaccine nor has injection been made to treat those affected with the novel coronavirus. WHO cautions the countries having limited facilities to conduct tests and treat the patients advising states around the world especially the Asia and Europe to take preventive measures until the vaccine to treat this deadly virus could be discovered by Medical scientists and microbiologists?
At the moment Covid-19 has caused more deaths than Ebola outbreak in African countries, especially in Congo. According to reports that as per, the calculations based on the Center of disease control, the scenarios suggested that as many as 2.4 million to 21 million people in the U.S. could require hospitalization, potentially crushing the nation’s medical system, which has only about 925,000 staffed hospital beds as reported by Media.
The number is very low to house the huge number of affected people from covid-19. It may bring a panicking situation in a developed country like the USA. Less than a tenth of those are for people who are critically ill.
It would be disastrous to deal with the pandemic given the Medical facilities available at the US and the African states.
At the moment, China is the worst hit with 3287 deaths due to novel coronavirus followed by Italy with 7503 deaths, South Korea with 107 deaths, Iran with 2000 deaths.
Luckily, the situation Africa is under control since so far there are a few reported cases but there is no confirmation of the Virus cases yet.
The African nations have started preparations for fighting this deadly virus, they have one advantage of fighting with the Ebola virus and the lessons learnt from dealing with that epidemic such health and hygiene requirements.
Though African countries have limited resources and facilities yet they have started following the WHO Precautionary measures to deal with Possible outbreak of the deadly virus that has spread all over the world.
Its implications are dreadful and catastrophic for the world at large. The world has been struggling to deal with this pandemic as Schools, colleges, universities, restaurants; religious Places have been shut over the fears of this Pandemic.
People are advised through the media campaigns and instructions circulated by WHO to adopt the precautionary measures to remain safe from this disease. Though the symptoms include fever, cough, close breathing affecting lungs, the precautionary material is being aired on Media to apprise people of this deadly virus that has been spreading at a massive scale.
Unfortunately, the medical scientists and microbiologists have not been able to discover any antidote to control it from the spread and contain it. Even WHO appears to be helpless against this disease rather circulated precautionary measures to remain on the safe side until a vaccine could be made for the treatment of the virus?
The physicians have been advising the common treatment for fever such as Paracetmol ,cough syrup and self-isolation to recover from this pandemic as preventive measure .
Till date, there are 100 reported cases in African Countries with two deaths happened in Morocco and Egypt each.
According to statistics of WHO the Country wise break up of reported cases of Virus covid-19: Algeria -20, Burkina Faso-2, Cameron-2, Democratic Republic of Congo -1, Egypt highest number of cases -59 includes one death, Morocco -3 with one death, Nigeria 2, Senegal 4, South Africa -13, Tunisia -5 and Togo -1. So far, the situation in African countries is normal only Egypt has the maximum number of cases reported.
The African Countries have been well prepared to contain the outbreak that has played havoc around the world specifically in Asian countries i.e. China, Iran and Europe. There are at least 471742 reported cases worldwide and over 21297 deaths owing to this deadly virus including 3287 deaths in china alone followed by 7503 deaths in Italy and Spain 3647.
The Ebola Experience has enabled the African nations to develop a comprehensive plan to fight this Novel Corona Virus. There are about 100 cases have been reported in 11 African Countries while there were only two deaths.
Most of the cases in Egypt are those passengers who had travelled from abroad and the crew members of the ship coming from the countries which are being worst or moderately affected by the deadly coronavirus. The reported cases are just imported out of Africa as there is not any domestic viral outbreak.
However, apart from the rest of world, African states have done a tremendous job to contain Covid-19 by adopting strict preventive measures by completely banning Travel from the countries which are the worst affected by the Corona Virus.
In this connection, Rwanda has not reported any case, yet it has advised the citizens to maintain hygiene in the country. Rwanda has installed hand Washing Taps and sanitizers to defeat the viral outbreak in the country.
Similarly, Kenya has not reported any cases, yet it has established the 120-bed Quarantine centre and two Testing facilities at Nairobi.
Nigeria has also made mandatory to use hand sanitizers while visiting banks, restaurants, Office and supermarkets to limit the spread of deadly Novel Corona Virus.
Even several health workers have been deployed by the Government of Nigeria at the international Airports to screen the passengers to avert any possibility of a contracting virus.
According to News reports that the Experience of Nigeria’s dealing with the Ebola Virus has enabled the African Nations to adopt the preventive measures to limit the contraction of Novel Coronavirus in the country.
All the Airline companies have suspended their flights over the fears of Covid-19 that include Rwanda Air, Kenyan Airlines, and Royal Air Morocco.
The lessons learnt from the Ebola virus have strengthened the preparation of African Nations to fight Novel coronavirus effectively since they have focused on maintaining hygiene in light of their dealing with the Ebola outbreak.
They have learnt that hand washing is the first line of defence against any viruses. The case studies of Ebola have furthered their defence.
On the other hand, China has been able to overcome the outbreak by bringing the number to single digits. WHO has also recommended learning from China how it faces this pandemic.
Chinese Experience should be utilized to help control the pandemic in Italy as it has been worst hit by Covid-19 where the death toll crossed 7503 People and Iran 2000 people.
Even WHO should take experts from African countries, China and Europe to develop a strategy to fight this pandemic. The pandemic has been contracted in India with confirmed cases of 665, Pakistan with confirmed cases of 1067 as per the latest information available. The numbers are constantly growing increasing concerns of people regarding the preparedness of various nations against this Pandemic.
Though, the cases reported and confirmed in South Asia are mainly those who travelled to Iran, Syria, and China. There is so far no confirmed case of domestic nature though 8 death cases have reported in Pakistan ,13 deaths in India ,5 deaths in Bangladesh.
Luckily, after a long time, SAARC Leadership held the online Video conference to exchange level of readiness against this Novel Corona Virus. The Video Conference was held on the request of Indian PM Narendra Modi. Dr Zafar Mirza proposed a regional Mechanism to fight covid-19 and even demanded to lift Curfew in IOK over the concerns of Novel Corona Virus.
Finally, it is essential to follow WHO prescriptions to remain secure until the vaccine could be developed for this deadly virus. Medical experts claim that the vaccine may take 18 Months to be available to fight this Pandemic.
WHO has cautioned the developing countries around the world to take preventive measure to prevent people from falling prey this pandemic especially those who have limited resources and ill-prepared to fight this Deadly Covid-19 effectively.
The Circumstances in Sindh are very alarming, Government of Pakistan must take strong measures of screening at Taftan border with the composition of experts from Health Ministry both Public and Private Sector to fight this Pandemic and contain it from spreading rapidly.
Lockdowns have been announced throughout Pakistan as per WHO Guidelines for Social Isolation to limit the covid-19 outbreak in the country . The Situation is under control but violation of Lockdown have been reported as people are nonserious despite Sindh CM’s strict directions regarding Preventive measures .
PM has also announced a Hefty Relief Package to tackle the issue of Economic Slowdown owing to covid-19 and providing relief to People engaged on daily wages whose livelihood has been on risk .
On the other hand , hantavirus has started ringing alarm bells as one death has been reported in china . Hantavirus is caused by mice waste and have similar symptoms as we have been told about Covid-19 but luckily , it does not spread like covid-19 .
Analysis
Understanding China’s Alternative Order and Lessons for America
The vision of Chinese President Xi Jinping for a new global order is reshaping international dynamics. This agenda seeks to challenge traditional Western dominance and establish a multipolar system based on Chinese principles. As China works towards redefining global institutions, norms, and power structures, it prompts a critical examination of the implications for the United States and the international community. This is especially important in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape.
Table of Contents
China’s Vision for a New World Order
President Xi Jinping’s vision for a new global order is rooted in the idea of a “community with a shared future for mankind.” This vision encompasses key initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. By promoting common security, economic development, and state-determined political rights, China seeks to position itself as a central player in shaping the future of international relations.
Assessing China’s Progress and Challenges
While China’s aspirations for global leadership are evident, the effectiveness of its strategies and the reception from the international community are subject to scrutiny. Despite Beijing’s efforts to expand its influence, there are indications of setbacks and resistance. China’s assertive diplomatic approach, characterized by the “Wolf Warrior” style, has raised concerns and alienated potential allies. Additionally, economic challenges and growing scepticism towards China’s intentions have hindered its quest for global acceptance.
Lessons for America
As China’s alternative order gains momentum, the United States must reassess its approach to international relations and global leadership. By understanding the motivations behind China’s initiatives and the responses they elicit, America can adapt its strategies to navigate this evolving geopolitical landscape effectively. Embracing a nuanced perspective that acknowledges both China’s ambitions and limitations can inform a more constructive engagement with Beijing and the broader international community.
Real-Time Data and Analysis
Recent data from the 2023 Pew Research Center study highlights the global perceptions of China and the United States. While China faces challenges in garnering favourable opinions and trust internationally, the United States maintains a stronger reputation for contributing to peace and stability. These findings underscore the importance of reputation, diplomacy, and soft power in shaping global perceptions and alliances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, China’s pursuit of an alternative world order presents both opportunities and challenges for the international community, including the United States. By critically examining China’s ambitions, successes, and setbacks, America can glean valuable insights for refining its own foreign policy and strategic priorities. As the global landscape continues to evolve, understanding China’s role and impact is essential for navigating the complexities of contemporary international relations.
China
China’s Sinking Cities: The Looming Crisis of Subsidence and Rising Sea Levels
Introduction
China’s coastal cities, home to over 400 million people, are facing a dual threat of subsidence and rising sea levels, according to a recent study. The study, published in the journal Science, found that a quarter of China’s coastal land will sink below sea level within a century, putting millions of lives and trillions of dollars in infrastructure at risk.
Subsidence and Sea Level Rise
Subsidence, or the sinking of the land, is a natural process that occurs when the ground settles or compacts over time. However, in China’s coastal cities, the process is being accelerated by human activities, such as the over-extraction of groundwater and the weight of buildings.
The study, conducted by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of California, Berkeley, analyzed satellite data and found that the rate of subsidence in China’s coastal cities has increased by up to 50% in the past decade. The researchers also found that the subsidence is linked to changes in groundwater levels and the weight of buildings.
At the same time, sea levels are also rising due to climate change. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), sea levels have risen by about 3.3 millimetres per year over the past 25 years. In China’s coastal cities, the combination of subsidence and sea level rise is creating a crisis that is only expected to worsen in the coming decades.
Impact on Coastal Cities
The impact of subsidence and sea level rise on China’s coastal cities is already being felt. In Shanghai, the city’s iconic Bund waterfront has sunk by up to 2.6 meters over the past century, while in Tianjin, the city’s central business district has sunk by up to 2.5 meters.
The subsidence is causing a range of problems, from increased flooding to damage to buildings and infrastructure. In some areas, the subsidence has caused roads and buildings to crack, while in other areas, it has led to the flooding of entire neighbourhoods.
The cost of addressing the subsidence and sea level rise crisis in China’s coastal cities is estimated to be in the trillions of dollars. The Chinese government has already spent billions of dollars on measures such as building sea walls and pumping sand onto eroding beaches. However, these measures are only a temporary solution and do not address the root causes of the subsidence.
Expert Opinions
Experts warn that the subsidence and sea level rise crisis in China’s coastal cities is a ticking time bomb. “The situation is very serious and requires urgent action,” said Dr. Xiaojun Yin, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and one of the authors of the study. “We need to reduce the extraction of groundwater and find ways to reduce the weight of buildings.”
Dr. Robert Nicholls, a professor of coastal engineering at the University of Southampton, agrees. “China’s coastal cities are facing a perfect storm of subsidence and sea level rise,” he said. “The Chinese government needs to take urgent action to address the root causes of the subsidence and invest in long-term solutions to protect its coastal cities.”
Conclusion
China’s coastal cities are facing a crisis of subsidence and sea level rise that is only expected to worsen in the coming decades. The crisis is being driven by human activities, such as the over-extraction of groundwater and the weight of buildings. The Chinese government needs to take urgent action to address the root causes of the subsidence and invest in long-term solutions to protect its coastal cities.
The cost of addressing the crisis is estimated to be in the trillions of dollars, but the cost of inaction is likely to be much higher. Millions of lives and trillions of dollars in infrastructure are at risk. The Chinese government must act now to prevent a catastrophic flood from engulfing its coastal cities.
China
German leader’s China trip criticised for prioritising business interests over Brussels’ de-risking agenda
German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s recent trip to China has sparked controversy and criticism. Many are unhappy with her apparent prioritisation of German business interests over supporting Brussels’ de-risking agenda. In public remarks during the trip, Merkel did not voice support for the EU’s efforts to limit economic dependence on China, instead focusing on promoting German businesses and their interests in the country.
Some have called Merkel’s approach a “disaster” and “regrettable”, arguing that it sends the wrong message to China and undermines the EU’s efforts to reduce its economic reliance on the country. Critics have accused Merkel of prioritising short-term economic gains over long-term strategic interests, and of failing to adequately address issues such as human rights abuses in China.
The controversy surrounding Merkel’s China trip highlights the complex relationship between Europe and China, and the challenges facing the EU as it seeks to balance economic interests with strategic concerns. As tensions between the US and China continue to escalate, the EU faces pressure to take a more assertive stance on issues such as trade, human rights, and security.
Table of Contents
Chancellor’s Controversial China Visit
Criticism of German Leader
German Chancellor’s recent visit to China has been met with criticism from some quarters. Critics have accused the Chancellor of prioritizing German business interests over the de-risking agenda of Brussels. In her public remarks in China, the Chancellor did not throw her support behind the European Union’s agenda of reducing risks associated with China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The critics have argued that the Chancellor’s visit was a missed opportunity to promote the interests of the European Union. They have raised concerns that the Chancellor’s focus on German business interests could undermine the EU’s efforts to address the risks associated with China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Focus on Business Interests
During her visit to China, the Chancellor focused primarily on promoting German business interests. She led a delegation of German business leaders to China and signed several trade agreements.
The Chancellor’s focus on business interests has been praised by some as a pragmatic approach to promoting German economic growth. However, others have criticized her for ignoring the EU’s de-risking agenda and failing to promote a united front against China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Overall, the Chancellor’s visit to China has been a subject of controversy. While some have praised her for promoting German business interests, others have criticized her for failing to support the EU’s de-risking agenda.
EU De-Risking Agenda and German Stance
Lack of Support for Brussels
During her recent trip to China, German Chancellor Angela Merkel did not throw her support behind the European Union’s (EU) de-risking agenda. This agenda aims to reduce the EU’s dependence on China and mitigate the risks associated with economic engagement with the country. Merkel’s lack of support for this agenda has drawn criticism from some quarters.
The de-risking agenda was introduced in response to concerns about China’s human rights record, as well as its economic practices, such as the theft of intellectual property. The EU aims to reduce its dependence on China by diversifying its economic partnerships and investing in domestic industries. Merkel’s failure to endorse this agenda has raised questions about Germany’s commitment to the EU’s broader goals.
Implications for EU-China Relations
Merkel’s focus on German business interests during her trip to China has been seen as a sign of Germany’s increasing economic dependence on China. This has raised concerns about the potential implications for EU-China relations. Some experts have suggested that Merkel’s stance could undermine the EU’s efforts to present a united front on issues such as trade and human rights.
Moreover, Merkel’s failure to support the EU’s de-risking agenda could make it more difficult for the EU to negotiate with China on issues such as market access and intellectual property protection. This could have negative implications for both the EU and Germany, as China is an important market for German businesses.
In conclusion, Merkel’s lack of support for the EU’s de-risking agenda and her focus on German business interests during her recent trip to China have raised questions about Germany’s commitment to the EU’s broader goals. This could have negative implications for EU-China relations and make it more difficult for the EU to negotiate with China on key issues.
Reactions and Consequences
Domestic Response
The German Chancellor’s China trip has drawn criticism from various domestic quarters. Critics have accused the Chancellor of prioritizing German business interests over the EU’s de-risking agenda. The opposition parties have been particularly vocal in their criticism, with some accusing the Chancellor of undermining EU unity.
The SPD, the junior partner in the governing coalition, has called for an urgent debate in the Bundestag to discuss the Chancellor’s China trip. The party’s leader, Saskia Esken, has said that the Chancellor’s remarks in China are “regrettable” and that they do not reflect the EU’s position on China.
International Perspective
The Chancellor’s China trip has also raised concerns among Germany’s EU partners. Some EU officials have expressed disappointment that the Chancellor did not use her visit to throw her support behind Brussels’ de-risking agenda. They have also expressed concern that the Chancellor’s focus on German business interests could undermine the EU’s collective approach to China.
The French President, Emmanuel Macron, has been particularly critical of the Chancellor’s China trip. In a recent interview, he called on Germany to show more solidarity with its EU partners on China. He also criticized the Chancellor for not taking a tougher stance on human rights issues in China.
Overall, the Chancellor’s China trip has sparked a heated debate in Germany and the EU. While some have praised the Chancellor for promoting German business interests, others have criticized her for undermining EU unity and failing to support Brussels’ de-risking agenda.
-
Featured3 years ago
The Right-Wing Politics in United States & The Capitol Hill Mayhem
-
Elections 20242 months ago
Analyzing Trump’s Super Tuesday Triumph and Nikki Haley’s Strategic Moves
-
News2 years ago
Prioritizing health & education most effective way to improve socio-economic status: President
-
China3 years ago
Coronavirus Pandemic and Global Response
-
Canada3 years ago
Socio-Economic Implications of Canadian Border Closure With U.S
-
Conflict3 years ago
Kashmir Lockdown, UNGA & Thereafter
-
Democracy3 years ago
Missing You! SPSC
-
Democracy3 years ago
President Dr Arif Alvi Confers Civil Awards on Independence Day