CiCM 15th May 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

China and Columbia Signs Cooperation Plan on BRI: During Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s visit to Beijing for the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Forum, China and Colombia signed a cooperation plan to jointly advance the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). President Xi Jinping emphasized leveraging Colombia’s formal accession to the BRI to upgrade bilateral ties, including increased imports of Colombian products and supporting Chinese investments in Colombia’s infrastructure. Xi also highlighted expanding cooperation in emerging sectors such as wind energy, new energy vehicles, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence, aiming for green, low-carbon development. Both leaders stressed the importance of enhancing collaboration in education, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, coinciding with the 45th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Xi described China-LAC cooperation as vital South-South collaboration aligned with global development goals, reaffirming China’s commitment to building a China-LAC community with a shared future.
President Xi Jinping Congratulates New Leadership in Togo: On 14 May 2025, President Xi Jinping extended his congratulations to Jan-Luxian Savi Detov on his inauguration as President of the Republic of Togo and to Fore Essozimna Nassinbe on his appointment as Chairman of the Council of Ministers. President Xi highlighted the mutually respectful relationship between China and Togo, characterized by sincerity, equality, and win-win cooperation for more than half a century. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership established during the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Moreover, Xi expressed his willingness to work closely with Togo’s new leadership to expand cooperation across various sectors for the mutual benefit of both nations.
China Restructures Military Education System, Establishes Three New PLA Academies: China’s Ministry of National Defense announced that it will restructure its existing military education institutions and establish three new military academies, following the Central Military Commission's approval. The move aligns with the guiding principles of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and aims to support structural adjustments across military branches and talent cultivation. According to Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin, the newly established academies include: a People's Liberation Army (PLA) university with its main campus in Hefei, Anhui Province; a PLA Information Support Force Engineering University based in Wuhan, Hubei Province; and a PLA Joint Logistics Support Force Engineering University headquartered in Chongqing. All three institutions will be classified as higher education academies and will begin the admission process toward high school graduates nationwide. Details on majors, enrollment quotas, and application procedures will be announced in line with China’s national recruitment plan.
China Issues New Guidelines to Advance Sustainable Urban Renewal: The General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council have jointly issued the "Opinions on Continuously Promoting Urban Renewal Action" to guide China’s ongoing urban development efforts. The document emphasizes the need to maintain overall stability while seeking progress, shift the model of urban growth, and establish sustainable frameworks for urban renewal. It calls for policy innovation, institutional support, and the transformation of development approaches to build livable, resilient, and smart cities with enhanced functionality and cultural continuity. The Opinions outline eight key tasks, including the transformation and effective use of existing buildings, upgrading old urban communities, and constructing complete community systems. It also promotes the renovation of old blocks, factory zones, and urban villages, while focusing on improving infrastructure, restoring urban ecosystems, and preserving historical and cultural heritage. Furthermore, the document stresses the importance of strengthening systemic support. This includes establishing sound implementation mechanisms, refining land use policies, ensuring housing safety throughout its lifecycle, and encouraging diverse financing models. It advocates a sustainable urban renewal model led by the government, operated through the market, and actively involving public participation, supported by a strengthened legal framework.
President Xi Responds to Danish Chamber of Commerce Founder: Chinese President Xi Jinping has replied to a letter from the founder of the Danish Chamber of Commerce in China, commending the chamber’s commitment to fostering China–Denmark and China–Europe ties. Xi praised the founder’s long-standing affection for China and the confidence shown by Danish enterprises in the country’s future. Xi reaffirmed that China remains a secure and promising destination for foreign investment, stating that “believing in China is believing in a better tomorrow.” He encouraged the Chamber and its members to continue acting as a bridge for mutual understanding, friendship, and cooperation between China and Europe. The founder had written to Xi to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Denmark and expressed a desire to deepen bilateral cooperation.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Tsinghua x Adidas Collab Sends Netizens into a Frenzy: The internet in China is abuzz over the viral Tsinghua University x Adidas collaboration. Launched to celebrate the university’s 114th anniversary, the collection fuses Adidas’ iconic three stripes with Tsinghua’s royal purple and official crest. From windbreakers and t-shirts to backpacks (priced between 129 and 899 RMB), the collection sold out almost instantly online. Some fans even made the trip to Beijing to buy in-store. With stock still scarce, many are now turning to resellers to score the coveted gear. The collaboration has also ignited playful debates online: is it acceptable to wear Tsinghua merch if you’re not a student? Critics say no, but many pushed back, comparing it to the global popularity of Ivy League sweatshirts, even in China. “Give it a few years,” one user commented, “these jackets will end up in vintage shops too.” While past collaborations like Tsinghua x Anta or Peking University x Li-Ning didn’t make quite the same splash, this drop signals a shift: Tsinghua has officially turned academic prestige into streetwear status.

INDIA WATCH

An Article in Global Times Covers China’s Response to India’s Criticism of Zangnan Naming: An article in the Global Times reported responses from China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson to a statement issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, which had sharply criticized China’s recent release of the fifth batch of standardized geographical names in Zangnan, referred to by India as Arunachal Pradesh. According to the article, India condemned the move as a “vain and preposterous” attempt by Beijing. In defense, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian asserted that the naming exercise falls "within China’s sovereign rights" and reiterated China’s long-standing claim that Zangnan has always been part of its territory. Lin also stated that China had exercised effective jurisdiction over the area prior to what Beijing describes as India’s "illegal occupation." The article further cited Chinese scholars, including Qian Feng of the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, who supported the move. They argued that India has no legal basis to oppose what China considers a routine administrative measure carried out in accordance with international law.

Prepared By

Aastha Pandey

Aastha is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Political Science at Amity University, Noida. She holds a Bachelor's degree in the same discipline from the University of Delhi, Dyal Singh College. Additionally, she has completed a diploma in International Relations and Affairs, further strengthening her academic foundation. Aastha is the Co-founder of Mudra by Aashi, a socially conscious fashion brand that actively supports animal welfare. Her commitment to social causes is also reflected in her experience interning with Saarthi NGO and volunteering as a COVID-19 relief coordinator. Deeply passionate about Asian geopolitics, She aspires to contribute to ORCA by writing insightful, research-driven newsletters that reflect her academic rigour and dedication to international affairs.