CiCM 2nd May 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

China Tightens Data Governance with New Compliance Audit Regulations: The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) began the implementation of new regulations aimed at enhancing data privacy and security, requiring entities handling personal information of over 10 million individuals to conduct compliance audits at least once every two years. Introduced initially in February, the rules aim to enforce regular assessments of data usage, including how data is collected, stored and used. The measures also authorize professional audits for entities with higher data risks and prohibit the same auditor from reviewing a company more than three consecutive times to avoid audit frauds. These efforts align with the Personal Information Protection Law and reflect growing public awareness of privacy rights. A comprehensive audit guide accompanies the regulations, focusing on areas such as user consent, encryption and third-party data sharing. Analysts suggest the initiative may signal a broader shift toward proactive data governance standards, encouraging companies to view privacy compliance both as a legal obligation and a competitive advantage.

China's Railways Witness Record Passenger Volume During May Day Holiday: China's railway system experienced a surge in passenger traffic on May 1, marking the start of the May Day holiday. A record 23.12 million trips were made nationwide on May 1, reflecting an 11.7 percent year-on-year increase. Among these, 15.67 million passengers traveled via high-speed rail, up 16.1 percent from the previous year. To meet growing travel demand, China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. deployed 13,800 passenger trains, including over 2,000 additional services. Notably, 19 new Fuxing high-speed trains, operating at speeds of up to 350 km/h, were introduced ahead of the holiday. The travel period from April 29 to May 6 is expected to see a total of 144 million rail journeys. Popular destinations include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou and more. Rail authorities emphasized safe, efficient and well-coordinated operations throughout the travel peak until May 6.

PBOC Enhances Targeted Credit Support to Boost Economic Recovery: The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) has continued to leverage a variety of monetary policy tools tools to ensure stable credit expansion and optimize loan structures in support of economic recovery. By the end of March, credit growth notably targeted key sectors such as specialized and emerging SMEs in which credit reached 6.3 trillion yuan, up 15.1 percent year-on-year, whereas loans to the green sector exceeded 4 trillion yuan, and inclusive small and micro loans reached 3.5 trillion yuan. Consumer lending also expanded, with household loan balances nearing 60 trillion yuan and personal housing loans balance was about 38 trillion yuan. Medium and long-term loans in manufacturing, infrastructure and other industrial sectors grew at an above-average pace. Importantly, the average interest rate for newly issued corporate and micro loans declined, easing financial burdens. Looking ahead, the PBoC plans to maintain a moderately loose monetary policy, refine structural policy tools and enhance financial support for employment and growth-related sectors.

China Responds to US Statements on Trade Negotiations: A spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) stated on Friday that China recognizes the United States’ repeated high-level expressions of willingness to engage in talks on tariff and other economic issues. The US has also conveyed interest in dialogue through various channels. He further added that China is currently evaluating these developments. The spokesperson reiterated China’s consistent position: it is open to dialogue but will not shy away from confrontation if necessary. The spokesperson also emphasized that the trade tensions were unilaterally initiated by the US, and any meaningful negotiations must be based on sincerity, including the correction of past mistakes and removal of unilateral tariffs. The spokesperson warned that if the US continues to speak of cooperation while acting coercively or attempting to apply pressure under the pretense of dialogue, such tactics will not succeed with China.

China’s Judiciary Strengthens Intellectual Property Safeguards in Emerging Sectors: The "White Paper on Intellectual Property Procuratorial Work (2024)", released by China's Supreme People's Procuratorate, highlights ongoing efforts to enhance judicial protection of intellectual property (IP) in innovation-driven and cultural sectors. Procuratorial bodies intensified IP safeguards in high-tech fields such as artificial intelligence, chip manufacturing and power batteries, guiding cases in tech hubs like Shanghai, Zhejiang and Guangdong. In the cultural sector, attention has been placed on protecting digital content and creative works, including software, online games, e-books and more. A joint effort with five national agencies targeted 60 major infringement and piracy cases. Further, efforts have been made to protect IP in everyday life, targeting infringements related to food, medicine and consumer goods. For instance, prosecutors handled a down jacket counterfeiting case in Henan worth over 100 million yuan. The white paper also outlines measures to improve the legal business environment by enhancing supervision in civil and administrative litigation, and promoting fair market competition through data-driven legal oversight.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Off-Duty Doctor Commended for Quick Response to Roadside Emergency: A few days ago Shandong province, Dr. Liu Shuanglei, a physician from a pain management department, provided timely assistance to an injured elderly woman suffering due to a roadside accident. On his way home with his wife, Liu noticed the woman in distress and promptly assessed her condition, identifying a lower leg fracture. With limited resources, Liu ingeniously used his badminton racquets as splints and plastic bags as temporary bandages to stabilize the injury. He stayed by the woman's side until emergency services arrived, ensuring she received prompt medical attention at his hospital. His compassionate response received appreciation from the patient’s family and was widely praised across Chinese social media. Liu offered the help despite fears of blackmailing which stemmed from a 2006 incident in which a young man was falsely charged by the court for injuring an elderly woman while trying to help her. One netizen praised his emergency response instincts and his presence of mind to use available resources to help patients. Another netizen reacted “Hats off to the great doctor”.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Assesses India-Pakistan Air Force Capabilities: An article in Chinese media outlet The Paper discusses renewed focus on the evolving air power capabilities of both India and Pakistan amidst the ongoing crisis. The article argues that since India’s 2019 air strike mission in Pakistan, both air forces have undertaken modernization efforts. It highlights that India now operates a diverse fleet including Su-30MKI, Rafale, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, and Tejas fighters—amounting to over 500 aircraft. The article emphasizes that while Su-30MKI remains the backbone of the Indian Air Force with the integration of latest technologies, the Rafale acquisition from France also significantly bolstered India's operational readiness. The article also talks about India’s indigenously developed LCA Tejas as well as its improved Air Force infrastructure including air bases in border areas, hangars, runways and more. On the other hand, the article notes that Pakistan has integrated Chinese J-10CE fighters since 2022 along with F-16, J-7 and Mirage fighters. However, it highlights that Pakistan’s air power lags behind that of India’s capabilities, and argues that Pakistan could narrow this gap by acquiring more J-10CE and Xiaolong fighter aircrafts from China. It further argues that Pakistan faces limitations in its air power modernization due to lack of funding and technological know-how despite cooperation with other countries. The article concludes with an assessment that a country with better combat command and strategy along with higher modernization capacity will emerge victorious.

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.