CICM 15th - 16th March 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

China Unveils Plan to Stimulate Domestic Consumption: China has introduced a new plan to drive domestic consumption, reinforcing its strategy of making internal demand the backbone of economic growth. Released by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, the initiative focuses on increasing income, easing financial burdens, and enhancing purchasing power. The plan outlines measures to boost employment, improve wage growth mechanisms, and expand investment opportunities for individuals. It also encourages leveraging rural housing assets and promoting high-growth sectors such as AI-powered products, smart wearables, and robotics. A region-specific approach will support rural and urban markets, including policies for winter tourism and streamlined visa-free entry for inbound travelers. By integrating consumption with broader social goals such as elderly care and childcare, the plan aims to enhance quality of life while sustaining economic momentum.
China reveals first space mining robot, ‘Interstellar Miner’’: China University of Mining and Technology creates one robot in the line of many ‘interstellar miners’. The robot has been designed to operate in microgravity environments, setting it apart from conventional designs like robot dogs and humanoid robots.The research team led by Professor Liu Xinhua pointed out the need for advanced drilling capabilities in extraterrestrial space exploration. A bionic six-legged structure gives the robot an added edge to survive the microgravity environment in the space, making bumpy asteroid terrains easy to traipse. It also incorporates a suspension and clutch system that enables it to adapt to varying atmospheric conditions. The prototype of this unique space robot has cleared the preliminary review but remains underdeveloped as a lot of conditions do not match. This project is seen as a step forward in China’s ambitions for space mining, as the country moves closer to advancing its extraterrestrial resource exploration.
China’s EV charging service to allow private investment by firms, growing further: The National Energy Administration of China is encouraging the entry of private enterprises into the battery services sector in order to meet the demand for EV charging. This includes added measures of green recharging and climate sustainability. China’s top energy authority highlights the private sector’s key role in expanding the nation’s EV charging market, attracting global investors, and driving technological advancements. As of early this year, private enterprises made up 80% of the country’s 10,000+ charging operators, with the four largest, all private, strengthening the network and easing government concerns.The country saw its total number of charging facilities reaching 12.82 million, up 49 percent on a year to year basis by the end of 2024, according to the National Energy Administration China’s Ev network is very strong and experts suggest it will have a large share in the global EV sector soon. The total charging volume by the end of last year exceeded 110 billion kilowatt-hours, marking a 38 percent year-on-year increase. Along its highway service areas, more than 35,00 charging stations have been installed, covering 98 percent of the network, this comes at a time when international speculation on China’s growth trajectory remains tight, more advancements are anticipated.
China cracks down on excessive phosphate use in shrimp industry days after new consumer guidelines were issued: CCTV’s 3.15 Gala on March 15 reported that several companies, including China Youth Ocean Fisheries, Baohui Aquatic Products, Lianyungang Yuquduo and Xianzhiyao violated the regulations by adding excessive amounts of water-retaining agents. When processing aquatic products, the reports found that frozen shrimp from Baohui Aquatic Products contained 7.57 grams of phosphate per kilogram, exceeding the national limit by 51.4%, while Liangji Frozen Food’s shrimp had 12.5 grams per kilogram, 145% above the legal standard. China’s regulations mandate zero additives and water-retaining agents in shrimp production, yet some producers violate these rules by using phosphates to enhance moisture, shelf life, and taste. Investigations found Shangfangzhou Food Company exceeded legal phosphate limits, soaking shrimp for over 10 hours to achieve 20% water retention. Excessive phosphate use poses health risks, prompting calls for stricter enforcement.
China’s tech boom is reshaping investment trends as global investors are recommended to invest in China: Advancements such as Deep-Seek AI and the increasing integration of cutting-edge technologies into China’s economic framework have carved out a distinct niche for the Chinese. This newly established growth trajectory is now pushing investors both domestic and international to skew the logical investment narrative to Beijing. Reflecting this shift, Securities Times recently introduced a column titled China’s Asset Revaluation, featuring in-depth interviews with prominent business leaders and industrialists to map the evolving economic landscape. Laura Wang, Chief Equity Strategist for China at Morgan Stanley, argues that now is the optimal time for global investors to increase their exposure to Chinese stocks. She highlights three key factors driving this momentum. First, enhanced business operations and shareholder return strategies have led many Chinese firms to actively boost investor confidence. Second, the launch of the Private Enterprise Forum has underscored Beijing’s continued commitment to the private sector, bolstering corporate confidence as major firms ramp up investments. Finally, China’s rapid ascent as a global tech powerhouse is redefining its investment narrative, shifting focus from micro-level opportunities to broader macroeconomic transformations.
Xinhua reported that Chinese-Built Road Boosts Connectivity and Economy in Northern Namibia: The Chinese The newly inaugurated John Mutorwa Road in Rundu, Kavango East Region of northern Namibia has boosted major connectivity and economic access across locally distant communities.Constructed by China Henan International Cooperation Group (CHICO), it was named after Namibia's deputy prime minister and minister of works and transport, marking an important milestone for the region.During construction, 61 unskilled workers from local communities were employed, reinforcing the government’s push for job creation. CHICO's work was praised for its quality and efficiency, with Kennedy Chigumira of the Roads Authority highlighting adherence to engineering standards. Wei Jinming, counselor for economic and commercial affairs of the Chinese Embassy in Namibia, noted the takeaways of the project, smooth implementation and great impact, marking another milestone in China-Namibia cooperation that effectively benefits local people.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Chinese Animated film 'Ne Zha 2' gains a massive fanbase in Japan: “Ne zha: The demon child churns the sea” is a recently released Chinese film that gained positive reaction after its release in Japan. The high quality CG visuals, quality and delivery of objectives were the three things that made it rise above average Chinese content in Japan. The animated blockbuster held its premiere in Tokyo on Friday. Since Friday, Ne Zha 2 has drawn large crowds across 32 theaters in major Japanese cities, with a Japanese-subtitled release set for April 4. On Chinese social media, netizens have expressed immense pride in the film’s overseas success, calling it a breakthrough moment for domestic animation. Many are thrilled to see a Chinese production gaining traction in Japan, a country known for its dominant anime industry. Others are hopeful that Ne Zha 2's reception will open more doors for Chinese animated films globally. Discussions have also highlighted comparisons with Japanese animation, with some netizens emphasizing how far Chinese animation has come in terms of quality and storytelling.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese news agency Guancha analyses Modi’s recent statement about healthy competition and friendly relations after disputes: Guancha reported on the Indian Prime Minister Modi's comment on the need for friendly relations between India-China, claiming a call to ‘healthy’ competition amidst rising disputes. The article states that the Prime Minister reportedly spoke about China-India relations in an interview with American podcast host Lex Fridman, emphasizing the deep historical roots between the two countries and the need to eliminate differences through dialogue. Modi pointed out that both the sides were partaking in constant discussions, aiming to achieve a better dynamic, mentioning the historical connection. The author comments that the discussion got extended to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, pushing the boundaries of speculation further. The article applauded Modi’s decision of trying to have better outcomes and partnership between the two nations, culminating into better economic and social prospects for the country.

Prepared By

Guncha Shandilya

Guncha Shandilya is a History student at Delhi college of arts and commerce, her interests are as varied as Japanese animation to Beaux-arts architecture. She wants to be a diplomat in the future and loves to explore various histories based on IR contexts. She believes in respecting all forms of life and is on a constant quest for connections. She is a published writer and takes cheesecakes very seriously!

Trishala S

Trishala S is a Research Associate at the Organisation for Research on China and Asia (ORCA). She holds a degree in Sociology with a minor in Public Policy from FLAME University. Trishala’s research interests lie at the intersection of socio-political dynamics, family and gender studies, and legal frameworks, with a particular focus on China. Her work examines the effects of aging populations, gender disparities, and rural-urban migration on social welfare, labor policies, and the integration of migrants into urban environments. She is also the coordinator of ORCA's Global Conference on New Sinology (GCNS), which is India's premier dialogue driven China conference. She can be reached at [email protected]