CiCM 9th May 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

China Launches Nationwide Food Safety Law Inspection: The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) has initiated a new round of inspections to assess the implementation of the Food Safety Law, aimed at strengthening supervision and ensuring public well-being. First enacted in 2009 and revised in 2015, the law has undergone several enforcement reviews in 2009, 2011 and 2016, with the latest inspection focusing on key provinces including Heilongjiang, Shanghai, Jiangxi, Henan, Guangxi and Gansu. Additional oversight will also be carried out by provincial congresses in Tianjin, Liaoning, Anhui, Hubei, Guizhou and Qinghai. The inspection prioritizes eight focus areas such as food safety risk monitoring, school food safety, and the regulation of food imports and exports. Cai Dafeng, vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, highlighted the initiative’s role in safeguarding public health, emphasizing the importance of effective legal implementation.

MPS Launches Kunlun-2025 to Strengthen Safety and Innovation: The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) announced the nationwide launch of the "Kunlun-2025" initiative on May 9, aimed at strengthening enforcement of environmental protection, food and medicine safety, and intellectual property rights. In alignment with the Central Economic Work Conference and the National Public Security Work Conference, this initiative supports the goals of the 14th Five-Year Plan. Public security organs will focus on combating complex and cross-regional criminal networks, enhancing detection capabilities and ensuring swift response to public concerns. The campaign emphasizes coordinated governance, data-driven investigations, and interdepartmental cooperation to improve public service efficiency. Key regions and sectors will be prioritized to ensure targeted enforcement and systemic improvements. Public participation will also be encouraged through the “Fengqiao Experience,” regular legal education and campaigns promoting consumer safety, innovation and legal compliance.

China Outlines Roadmap to Enhance Intellectual Property Development: China has released the 2025 Promotion Plan for Intellectual Property Powerhouse Construction, outlining a strategic framework to strengthen its IP ecosystem. According to the National Intellectual Property Administration (NIPA), the plan sets out 118 specific tasks across seven priority areas, with an emphasis on enhancing IP systems and reinforcing protection mechanisms. The initiative aims to upgrade IP laws and regulations, enhance core policies and develop frameworks for emerging industries and specialized technologies. Strengthening IP protection is a core objective of the plan, which is to be achieved through enhanced judicial enforcement, improved administrative measures and coordinated multi-party governance. Additionally, the plan seeks to expand public IP services and stimulate the growth of IP-related service industries.

China Unveils Plan to Advance Teacher Training Universities: China has announced a plan to enhance teacher education by developing high-level teacher training universities over the next five years. A notice, jointly issued by the Ministry of Education and the National Development and Reform Commission, outlines an integrated approach that combines infrastructure investment with capacity development. Emphasis will be placed on advancing scientific literacy and practical skills among future educators. The initiative will focus on construction of top-tier colleges, specialized disciplines and modern curriculum. Through these institutions, it aims to innovate teacher training models, create platforms for education research, develop regional hubs for social and educational services, and advance international academic exchange. Financial support for this initiative will come from central government budgets, ultra-long-term national bonds and local government special bonds. National and local authorities will determine institutional eligibility, with central agencies setting baseline standards. Implementation will be carried out in phases, based on institutional level of preparedness and detailed plans.

China and Slovakia Pledge Deeper Strategic Cooperation: During a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Russia, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s readiness to collaborate with Slovakia and other nations to address global challenges through solidarity and cooperation. The meeting emphasized the importance of strengthening China-Slovakia ties within the broader context of China-EU relations. Xi stated that advancing the comprehensive, high-level China-Slovakia partnership aligns with the interests of both nations. He noted that key agreements made during Fico’s visit to China in November are already being actively implemented, marking a period of accelerated bilateral engagement. Both leaders committed to deepening traditional friendship, expanding high-level exchanges, supporting one another on core issues, and enhancing cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Xi welcomed Slovakia’s participation as the guest country of honour at the upcoming China-CEEC Expo, expecting it to boost Slovak exports and encourage Chinese investment. PM Fico affirmed that deepening the strategic partnership with China is one of the top foreign policy priorities for Slovakia. He reiterated Slovakia’s adherence to the one-China policy and emphasized the importance of closer trade, investment and cultural ties.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Chinese Social Media Discusses USA’s Position Amidst India-Pakistan Conflict: A report by Guancha on Weibo about the USA’s reactions on India-Pakistan conflict sparked discussions. This post cited Reuters stating that U.S. officials reportedly mentioning that Chinese J-10 fighters harmed at least two Indian aircrafts. It also claims that one US official stated that one of the Indian fighter jets was a French-made Rafale aircraft. It further clarifies that the US is closely monitoring the battle between the Chinese and western advanced fighter jets. Netizens Commented on the importance to demonstrate the strength of China’s weapons so as to prevent some hawks in the US from fantasizing about winning against China. Some people also mocked experts who emphasized on the skills of pilots instead of Chinese aircraft’s performance. Some netizens also praised J-10C jets as being one of the cutting-edge technologies in the PLA. One comment also speculated that the US officials’ statements are aimed at promoting US-made F-16 jets over Rafale.

INDIA WATCH

Global Times Reports Travel Advisory Issued by Chinese Embassies in India and Nepal: Chinese embassies in India, Pakistan, and Nepal have issued travel advisories urging Chinese citizens to remain vigilant, exercise caution and prioritize safety while traveling to India or Pakistan. Particularly, the report notes that the Chinese Embassy in Nepal has issued an advisory as the Nepali government has enhanced security measures along the Nepal-India border due to India-Pakistan tensions. In light of this, it further highlights that the advisory suggests Chinese citizens in Nepal to avoid going near India-Nepal border and unintentionally crossing the border. The article also mentions that although India-Nepal has a visa-free arrangement, Chinese citizens cannot enter India via Nepal without a visa. If also clarifies that India imposes severe punishments for illegal border crossings such as long-term imprisonment and heavy fines. On the other hand, the advisory also reminds Chinese citizens in India to refrain from capturing photos of Indian border infrastructure and other sensitive areas. It suggests Chinese citizens in India to avoid entering in restricted areas without requisite permission.

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.