CiCM 27th March 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

China’s Commerce Ministry Expresses Concern over U.S Trade and Export Controls: China’s Ministry of Commerce has expressed concerns over the recent decision by the United States to include several Chinese entities on its export control Entity List, emphasizing the potential impact on global industrial and supply chain stability. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security added 80 entities, including the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence and subsidiaries of Inspur Co. Ltd., citing national security considerations. In response, a ministry spokesperson called for a fair and open business environment and affirmed China’s commitment to safeguarding the legitimate rights of its enterprises. Meanwhile, Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng held discussions with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, addressing key economic and trade concerns. Both sides acknowledged the importance of candid dialogue in fostering mutual understanding and affirmed their commitment to continued communication to support a stable and constructive bilateral economic relationship.
China Eastern Airlines Expands Operations: From March 30, 2025, the Civil Aviation Administration of China will implement the summer and autumn flight schedule. In alignment with this, China Eastern Airlines will deploy 803 passenger aircraft and operate over 960 routes, with an average of 3,197 daily flights, marking a 1.7% increase from 2024 and a 12.5% rise compared to 2019. Notably, the domestically produced C919 aircraft will continue expanding its commercial operations, conducting 280 flights per week. On the first day of the new schedule, the C919 will launch two new routes: Shanghai Hongqiao-Shenyang (MU6339/6340) and Xi’an-Guangzhou (MU2303/2312). With this addition, China Eastern’s C919 network will encompass 12 routes, with Shenyang becoming the 10th city served by the fleet, further enhancing connectivity across key destinations, including Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Xi’an, Guangzhou, Taiyuan, Chongqing, Wuhan, and Hong Kong.
Cross-Border Railway Cooperation between China and Vietnam: Vietnam’s Minister of Construction, Tran Hong Minh, recently met with Chinese officials, including Zheng Shajie of the National Development and Reform Commission and Liu Wei, Minister of Transport, to discuss cross-border standard-gauge railway cooperation. The talks focused on projects like the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway, aimed at enhancing connectivity and trade. Zheng emphasized the importance of quality in advancing these initiatives, while Liu highlighted plans for the Honghe Jiehe Highway Bridge and transport facilitation. Tran Hong Minh affirmed Vietnam’s commitment to these efforts, noting six agreements signed since late 2023 and three more planned, including a railway cooperation committee. The Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong project, approved in February, spans 390.9 kilometers with a 1,435 mm gauge, targeting completion by 2030 at a cost of US$8.369 billion. Experts like Zhao Weihua note its potential to boost Vietnam’s trade with the EU by reducing transit times, aligning with Vietnam’s economic capacity and shortening travel durations significantly.
China and France Strengthen Ties for Cooperation and Free Trade: Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Beijing to discuss strengthening cooperation. Li emphasized the importance of high-level exchanges and expanding partnerships in aviation, aerospace, nuclear energy, and emerging sectors like AI and biotechnology. He called for resisting protectionism and ensuring a fair environment for Chinese businesses in France. Marking 50 years of China-EU diplomatic ties, Li expressed a commitment to deepening bilateral relations through dialogue and mutual respect. He urged France to play an active role in fostering EU-China cooperation. Barrot highlighted the need for both nations to uphold multilateralism as UN Security Council members. He reaffirmed France’s commitment to strategic independence, opposing trade protectionism and supporting stronger EU-China economic ties. France seeks to enhance collaboration with China in trade, investment, and climate action. Both sides agreed on the importance of stability and open cooperation in addressing global challenges.
China's Ministry of Commerce to Prioritize Four Key Areas of Consumption This Year: China is advancing the trade-in of consumer goods to promote green and smart consumption. Li Gang, director of the Department of Market Operation and Consumption Promotion at the Ministry of Commerce, announced that over 70 million units of eco-friendly vehicles, home appliances, and household products will be introduced this year. The initiative focuses on four key areas. First, China will support high-quality brands in launching new products through exhibitions and flagship stores. Second, digital consumption will be expanded through online shopping festivals, innovative e-commerce initiatives, and seamless online-offline shopping experiences. Third, green consumption will be promoted with pilot programs for second-hand goods circulation and eco-friendly practices. Fourth, intelligent consumption will be fostered by integrating AI into consumer products and retail, enhancing purchasing experiences. These efforts aim to modernize consumption, drive sustainable growth, and enhance the quality of life for consumers across China.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Controversy Over Overtime Policy Sparks Debate on Worker Rights in China: A Chinese company's overtime policy has sparked online outrage with many condemning it as unfair and harmful to worker welfare. Employees at Foshan Hui Chuang Plastic Mould Co., Ltd. are required to work at least 10 nights of overtime per month, a policy that has sparked concerns about potential exploitation and unfair labor practices. Many critics argue that while overtime is common in certain industries, mandating such frequent night shifts places undue pressure on workers, affecting their health, well-being, and work-life balance. The added stipulation that employees who do not meet the overtime requirement must pay their own social security contributions further raises questions about whether the policy is truly voluntary. Critics see this as an indirect form of coercion, where workers may feel compelled to accept excessive overtime to avoid additional financial burdens. While the company claims that employees are compensated for their extra hours, the controversy has highlighted broader concerns about workplace rights, fair compensation, and the need for stronger enforcement of labor protections in China. Some companies, like DJI and Midea, have introduced policies to curb excessive work hours, but experts argue that deeper changes are needed to address overwork culture and strengthen labor law enforcement while ensuring fair wages and benefits for employees. Netizens too reacted to the ongoing debate with comments like “Forcing people to work like this for such low pay is essentially modern-day exploitation”.

INDIA WATCH

Article on Global time Highlights India-China diplomatic engagements: A Recent Global Times article highlighted Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s remarks on Wednesday, stressing that while challenges persist between India and China, they can be resolved through dialogue rather than conflict. The author of the article highlighted that the External Affairs Minister of India’s statement came as India considers easing trade restrictions imposed after the 2020 Galwan clash, signaling a shift in its strategic outlook. Recent diplomatic engagements suggest a positive turn in bilateral relations as per the article. On March 25, officials from both nations convened in Beijing for the 33rd Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on China-India Border Affairs, focusing on boundary negotiations and regional stability. Discussions also addressed economic collaboration, direct flights, and cultural exchanges.The article concluded stating that as China and India approach the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025, both countries would seek to strengthen engagement, restore dialogue mechanisms and deepen trade cooperation.

Prepared By

Cherukuri Venkata Subramanya Sai Narayana

Cherukuri Venkata Subramanya Sai Narayana holds a Master’s degree in Police and Security Studies from the School of Police Science and Security Studies, National Forensic Science University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. He has a strong academic interest in conflict and security studies, with a particular focus on maritime security. During his postgraduate studies, he authored a thesis on India’s Maritime Security: Dealing with Alliances and Conflicts in the Indian Ocean Region. He remains actively engaged in analyzing global events, applying his knowledge and expertise to assess geopolitical developments with a critical perspective.