CiCM 5th May 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

Xi Jinping Urges Chinese Youth to Serve National Modernization Goals: On the occasion of China’s Youth Day, President Xi Jinping has called on young people across the country to actively contribute to China’s modernization efforts by serving in areas where they are most needed—particularly in rural and border regions. In a reply letter addressed to a group of volunteer teachers working at a remote primary school in Karajol township, located in the Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang, Xi praised their efforts in improving local education, fostering ethnic unity, and safeguarding border stability. Recognizing a growing trend of youth volunteering in China’s western and underdeveloped regions, Xi commended these young individuals for demonstrating commitment, responsibility, and dedication to national priorities. He encouraged the country’s youth to embrace strong ideals, cultivate patriotism, enhance their capabilities, and work diligently in support of China’s long-term development goals.
China, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN Call for Regional Unity Amid Global Protectionism: At the 28th ASEAN Plus Three Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, held in Milan, Italy, finance leaders from China, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN member states issued a unified call for stronger regional cooperation in response to rising global protectionism and economic volatility. In a joint statement, participants voiced concern over increasing trade barriers, unstable financial conditions, and weakening growth among key global partners. Chinese Finance Minister Lan Fo’an, who co-chaired the meeting, stressed the importance of strengthening regional mechanisms, such as the ASEAN Plus Three (10+3), to counter growing uncertainty fueled by unilateralism and protectionist trends. Lan highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to promote regional stability amid global economic fragmentation. The joint statement, published on the ASEAN website, warned that mounting protectionist measures are contributing to trade and investment disruptions and increasing capital flow volatility across the region. It reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based trading system anchored in the World Trade Organization. The finance ministers and central bank governors also agreed to enhance the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization.
President Xi Jinping to Visit Russia for Victory Anniversary Commemorations: According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chinese President Xi Jinping will undertake a state visit to Russia from May 7 to 10, where he will attend commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The visit comes at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. During his visit to Moscow, President Xi will hold talks with President Putin on bilateral ties and key international and regional issues. According to a ministry spokesperson, the two leaders will seek to deepen political trust, strengthen strategic coordination, and advance practical cooperation across various sectors.
Shanghai Engages Expats to Shape Inbound Tourism Strategy: As part of its preparations for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), Shanghai is actively seeking input from foreign residents and consular representatives to strengthen its appeal as a premier destination for inbound tourism. Local authorities announced the initiative during a recent symposium organized by the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Shanghai Committee. Participants from countries including Japan, South Korea, the U.S., Malaysia, and Indonesia offered a range of recommendations, from enhancing multilingual services and promoting historical and cultural experiences to creating local-style performances inspired by Broadway musicals. Digital access emerged as a major concern. While 90,000 Shanghai businesses now accept foreign bank cards, expats highlighted continuing challenges with platforms like Alipay and WeChat. They called for simplified registration for foreign users and improvements in mobile payments and ticketing processes that accommodate passport holders instead of requiring Chinese IDs. Attendees also urged broader use of global travel platforms and social media to enhance Shanghai’s international visibility. Visa-free policies were credited for recent growth in tourism, with calls to expand such measures further.
Tourism Experiences Significant Growth During China’s May Day Holiday: During the five-day May Day holiday, China saw a significant surge in travel and tourism activity, with an estimated 314 million domestic trips made, marking a 6.4% increase from the previous year. Tourist spending also rose sharply to 180.3 billion yuan (approximately 25 billion U.S. dollars), up 8% year-on-year, highlighting the continued strength of consumer activity. The holiday period boosted various sectors including transportation, tourism, and retail, as highways were jammed, train tickets sold out quickly, and popular destinations were crowded. Local governments organized vibrant nighttime events such as carnivals, light shows, and concerts, drawing nearly 76 million visits to cultural and tourism zones—a 5.2% rise from last year. Technology played a key role in improving the travel experience, with cities like Suzhou using AI systems for crowd management and scenic areas offering innovations like robotic exoskeletons and drone deliveries. International travel also rebounded strongly, with 10.9 million inbound and outbound trips recorded, a 28.7% increase.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

China’s Youth Lead the Charge in Making Sustainability a Joyful Lifestyle: Across China, a growing movement led by environmentally conscious youth is redefining sustainability, not as a sacrifice, but as a vibrant, fulfilling way of life. From recycling clothes and rescuing food waste to embracing plant-based diets and DIY home decor, young people are transforming eco-anxiety into creative, everyday action. The trend reflects a broader shift toward low-impact living that blends creativity with conscience. Reports from outlets such as Xinhua and China Daily have emphasized how young people are transforming eco-anxiety into practical, joyful daily actions that align with national green development goals. On Chinese social media, digital influencers like Su Yige are using platforms such as Bilibili and Xiaohongshu to advocate sustainable living through thrifting, plant-based diets, and DIY home decor championing eco-living as accessible and pleasurable rather than restrictive. Surveys indicate that over 90% of Chinese college students are concerned about the environment and are taking active steps toward greener lifestyles. Apps like Xianyu, with over 600 million users, promote a reuse economy, while local governments offer public transit discounts and other incentives to encourage low-carbon behavior.

INDIA WATCH

India Bans Imports from Pakistan Citing Security Concerns, Reports China Daily: According to a report by China Daily, India has announced a blanket ban on all imports from Pakistan, invoking national security and public policy considerations. The decision comes in the aftermath of the April 22 terrorist attack targeting tourists in Pahalgam, in the Indian-administered region of Jammu and Kashmir, a development that has further heightened tensions between the two neighbors. The article highlights a statement from India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which confirms that the prohibition applies to all goods, whether directly or indirectly imported, or in transit, originating in or exported from Pakistan, regardless of their import status under existing trade classifications. The ban is to take immediate effect and will remain in place until further notice.

Prepared By

Ipsha Bhalsagar

Ipsha Bhalsagar, an Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering graduate from the Government College of Engineering, Nagpur, blends her technical expertise with a passion for international relations, diplomacy, and design. Currently a Content Intern at The Indian Netizens and a Design Intern at IFPD, she explores geopolitics while contributing creatively. She has authored research on India’s maritime security and participated in global roundtables and workshops. With experience in content writing, public speaking, and data visualization, Ipsha is keen on bridging technology and social sciences, aspiring to enhance research through data-driven insights in diplomacy and international affairs.