CiCM 25th - 26th January 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

China and Netherlands Commit to Strengthen Relations: Chinese Vice Premier, Ding Xuexiang met with the Dutch leaders in Hague. The two sides jointly agreed to promote an open world economy and enhance cooperation across different fields, especially green transformation. He met with several leaders like the Dutch King Willem-Alexander, Prime Minister Dick Schoof, and Deputy Prime Minister Sophie Hermans during his two-day visit. He also highlighted how China and the Netherlands have developed an open and pragmatic partnership under the guidance of both countries’ leaders. Ding emphasized China’s eagerness to establish better communication with the Netherlands and its readiness to welcome Dutch companies to expand cooperation and promote high-quality development in China. However, Ding further added that he expects the Netherlands to maintain a fair, non-discriminatory environment for Chinese companies, promote mutual interests, and ensure stable supply chains. Ding’s visit to China is also significant since it coincides with the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties between China and the European Union. He also stated that China is willing to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with the European Union and expects the Netherlands to play a pivotal role in this. King Willem-Alexander said that the Netherlands values mutual trust and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China and advance bilateral relations.
China and US Discuss Future of Bilateral Relations: Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi emphasized that China and USA should find the right way to get along in the new era in the first phone conversation with the new US Secretary of State, Mark Rubio as the Trump administration took office. Wang stated that both sides must uphold shared understandings, maintain communication, manage differences, and expand cooperation with principles that encourage mutual respect and peaceful co-existence. Regarding the issue of Taiwan, Wang elaborated that Taiwan has always been an integral part of China since ancient times, and China will never allow it to cede away. He also stated that the USA has given its commitment to the One China policy in the three joint communiques and it should not backtrack on them. On his part, Rubio said that the US does not recognize the “Taiwan Independence” and hopes to solve the issue amicably in a manner that is acceptable for both sides in the Taiwan Strait. He also noted that the USA-China relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the 21st century and since it is crucial for determining the future of the world, it is important for both countries to resolve differences and manage the relationship maturely and prudently. Additionally, Wang also mentioned that major countries like the USA should contribute towards promoting world peace and development and play a positive role in shaping the future for both the people of China and the United States.
China Develops Landmark Deep-Sea Radar: China’s intelligence network has achieved a significant breakthrough with the successful development and testing of a groundbreaking deep-sea radar that can detect and track aircraft flying above. The undersea radar can transform the dynamics of anti-submarine warfare for China by providing submarines with warnings and approximate coordinates of aircraft above. After several decades of Research and Development, China along with a few other maritime powers has been able to detect low-altitude flying targets using seabed-based systems in shallow waters. The research team that Zhang Bo and Peng Zhaohui led from the Chinese Academy of Sciences proposed a unique approach by theorizing that a portion of the sound waves that are emitted by aircraft is capable of traveling long distances when they are reflected on the sea surface after hitting the seabed. The research team encountered a significant challenge when the reflected signals would also coincide with the signals that directly reached the detector, creating false signals. The mixed signals reduced the accuracy of estimating the target’s altitude and coordinates. The scientists eventually discovered a solution to this problem by exploiting an overlooked physical trait of sound waves underwater. In 2022, China secretly tested this technology when a high-flying aircraft came seventeen kilometres within the deep sea radar. The radar obtained the coordination of the aircraft position with a margin error of less than one kilometre. Due to the sensitivity of the technology, the data gathered from the test was kept confidential as Zhang and Peng continued to work on improving the performance of the radar.
Chinese Startup Develops Low-Cost Artificial Intelligence Models: Chinese tech startup, DeepSeek is transforming the landscape of the Artificial Intelligence industry (AI) with its open-source approach and development of low-cost models. The production of competitive AI systems by Chinese firms has garnered significant curiosity and coverage from US media and AI forums. A report by CNBC elaborated on concern about the development of such AI models and stated that such models can outperform America’s best despite being built cheaply and with less powerful chips. Tian Feng, former dean of the Intelligence Industry Research Institute at SenseTime, described DeepSeek’s capability to deliver impressive results with lower training costs along with the fully open-source approach to technology as a game-changing shift that can reshape the future of the AI industry. He also noted that developments achieved by the Chinese tech start-up have put unprecedented pressure on US AI companies. Li Baiyang, an associate professor of intelligence studies with Nanjing University also emphasized how DeepSeek’s approach challenges US monopoly and dominance in the field of AI technology. He also highlighted how US sanctions on China have prevented American companies from benefitting from China’s industrial innovation and despite the two countries being the leading powers in the global industry, there is also significant room for cooperation in AI governance.
Chinese Moon Mission Will Get Assitance from AI-Controlled Robots: A Chinese private Aerospace company will be sending two AI-controlled Lunar exploration robots alongside the Chang’e-8 moon mission in 2028. The AI robots are being developed by Starvision, a private company based in Hangzhou. Wang Chunhui, the company’s technical director highlighted how this is the first occasion where a private company is responsible for a subproject in space exploration, unlike previous missions which were mostly handled by industrial departments. He also stated that the two lunar exploration robots will interact autonomously and through data sharing and task delegation, the robots would work together as a team. Halil Ersin Soken, a professor of robotics who is associated with the project, noted that Starvision’s major contribution would focus on the AI processor, while the team of the mission will contribute with their expertise in navigation, algorithms, and other mechanical components like the rovers. Previous lunar missions like the Zhurong Mars rover were constrained with preprogrammed instructions which restricted their performance. To counter the challenge, the Chang’e mission would need to address various technical challenges, carry out tests in experimental conditions, and obtain the necessary approvals. Along with remote robotic exploration, the Chang’e-8 mission will also conduct tests on the lunar surface for a command and communication hub intended to be a part of a future lunar base. Sun Shujian, an aerospace and satellite expert with Zhejiang University highlighted that over the next year, the primary goal before the mission would be to validate key technologies and develop various prototypes that can simulate the moon’s gravity which is only one-sixth of Earth, making the task of controlling the robots a challenge.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Users on Rednote Connect With Their Hmong Heritage: Before last weekend’s TikTok shutdown and revival, many American users had already shifted to Rednote (Xiahongshu). During the first four days, American and Chinese users chatted about everything from learning Mandarin, making bicultural jokes, and sharing family recipes, the platform became a thriving space of cross-culture connection and many users embraced this opportunity to learn about each other. However, many American users were also trying to connect with other Hmong users. The Hmong, are an ethnic group from Southeast Asia who have a rich yet challenging history. After losing wars in ancient China, many Hmong users resettled in countries like Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand in the late 18th century. After World War II, the U.S. government also facilitated the resettlement of Hmong refugees from Vietnam and Thailand. Currently, over 327,000 citizens from the Hmong community live in the US. However, many Hmong users have assimilated into American society, eventually losing touch with their culture. Today, many Hmong users on Rednote are trying to establish connections with other Hmong users, while trying to discover their lost culture, language, and indigenous history. One user stated how he has met many interesting people through the platform and connected with them not only through text in Hmong but also via audio memes. Another user shared that after spending a week on Rednote, they were able to make connections with other Hmong users and their perspective on China has completely transformed, expressing excitement about the possibility of visiting the country. The user also emphasized that the new connections made over Rednote are beneficial for creating a fresh dialogue about the Hmong community internationally. A user also highlighted that this is a monumental event in the history of US-China relations and even if many American users shift back to TikTok after its revival, he would always remember that Hmong users were able to embrace each other virtually.

INDIA WATCH

India-China Relations See Gradual Progress Amid Challenges: An article in The Global Times by Wang Qi highlights the visit of the Indian Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri to China and the recent developments in India-China relations. Misri who is on a two-day visit to China met with Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and both sides discussed various ways to implement key agreements and enhance exchange and dialogue, while promoting growth and stability of India-China relations. Chinese spokesperson Mao Ning also welcomed the Foreign Secretary’s visit to China and stressed that both sides need to strengthen interaction and resume exchanges and cooperation in various fields. The article elaborates on how China-India relations have shown signs of improvement and normalization context with the recent developments and meetings despite a border standoff and a complex geopolitical situation. In December, Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in Beijing where the two sides reached a six-point consensus on the border situation. In October, President Xi met with Prime Minister, Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan and urged that India and China should strengthen Cooperation and Communication. During the G20 Summit, Wang Yi met with Indian Foreign Minister, Jaishankar and discussed ways to make practical progress in bilateral relations.

Prepared By

Ruchir Ketkar

Ruchir Ketkar is a First year student pursuing Masters in Diplomacy, Law and Business at OP Jindal Global University. After completing graduation in Political science, he found his interest in International Relations and Global Affairs. With a keen inclination towards security and conflict studies, he has also authored several articles and research papers. He also tries to keep himself updated with the happenings around the world and tries to analyse them using his perspective and understanding.