CiCM 22nd May 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

Updated Regulations Impose Stricter Curbs on Official Extravagance in China: China has intensified its austerity drive by imposing new restrictions on officials’ behavior, banning alcohol, luxury dishes and cigarettes at official events. The updated Regulations on Practicing Thrift and Opposing Waste reinforce a decade-old campaign to curb official indulgence and promote discipline. Initially introduced following the 2012 eight-point rules aimed at restoring public trust, these guidelines now offer stricter control over public expenditures, travel, receptions and office decor. Lavish banquets and drinking, once deeply embedded in political culture, are now prohibited. Flashy government vehicles and ornate meeting setups are also restricted, with a preference for new energy cars and low-budget conferences. Regulations mandate that officials must avoid accepting gifts on domestic trips and refrain from extending foreign travel without authorization. Despite the symbolic weight of banning alcohol, analysts say the economic impact will be minimal, as official consumption of baijiu now constitutes a small portion of the market. Still, the move responds to public resentment over perceived official privilege, highlighted by incidents such as a Henan official’s death following excessive drinking. The new rules received support from both retired officials and grassroots cadres who view them as practical and health-conscious. Health issues like fatty liver and hypertension have become endemic among bureaucrats due to enforced social drinking. Spending on receptions, travel, and official vehicles has been significantly cut in the 2025 national budget, freeing funds for public welfare programs.

China Unveils Its First Offshore Carbon Capture and Storage Project: China has launched its first offshore carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) project in the Pearl River Mouth Basin, according to the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC). Located at the Enping 15-1 platform—Asia’s largest offshore oil production platform—the project marks a significant step in the country's low-carbon energy transition. Situated around 200 kilometers southwest of Shenzhen in waters approximately 90 meters deep, the platform supports a group of oilfields that produce over 7,500 tonnes of crude oil daily at peak capacity. The CCUS system captures carbon dioxide generated during oil extraction, purifies it, compresses it into a supercritical state, and then injects it into subsurface oil reservoirs. The entire process currently occurs at a rate of eight tonnes per hour and not only enhances oil production but also sequesters CO₂. This offshore implementation is notable, as most of the world’s 65 commercial CCUS projects are land-based.

China-Afghanistan Express Commitment to Deepen Bilateral Cooperation: On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Afghan acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Beijing and reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening political and economic cooperation with Afghanistan. Wang emphasized China’s respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and reiterated its non-interference policy, noting that China was the first country to exchange new ambassadors with the interim Afghan government since 2021. China pledged continued support for Afghanistan’s development, counterterrorism efforts and reconstruction, with a focus on expanding cooperation in trade, agriculture, energy, mining and security. Afghanistan, in turn, reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China principle and vowed not to allow its territory to be used for actions detrimental to China’s interests. Highlighting mutual trust, he called for enhanced security cooperation to safeguard regional stability. Both sides emphasized their shared commitment to regional peace and stability.

China Launches Crackdown on Online Abuse Targeting Businesses: The Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission has initiated a two-month nationwide campaign to curb online defamation, extortion and malicious marketing that undermine businesses and entrepreneurs. The initiative aims to foster a cleaner digital environment and reinforce a supportive business climate, aligning with national goals for high-quality economic development. The campaign specifically targets “black mouths”—individuals or online accounts that publish false or harmful content about companies to extort money or gain influence. These fraudsters often demand payment for content removal or favorable publicity, exploiting moments such as product releases or stock market entries to maximize pressure. Authorities also aim to address the misuse of online platforms under the guise of public supervision to manipulate business narratives. Other focal points include impersonation, data misrepresentation and privacy breaches involving corporate leaders. As part of a broader 2025 initiative to create a credible and law-friendly cyberspace, the campaign calls on internet platforms to assume greater accountability. Measures include strengthening content moderation systems, improving complaint mechanisms and actively deterring online abuse directed at businesses.

China Prepares for Emergency Measures Amid Rising Flood and Drought Risks: Li Guoying, Minister of Water Resources and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, chaired a national meeting on flood and drought control, emphasizing the need to uphold safety as extreme weather risks grow. He called for full implementation of Xi Jinping’s disaster preparedness directives, stressing a “people-first, life-first” approach. Li warned that drought may worsen in key river basins like the Yellow, Huai, Haihe and Yangtze, while heavy rains could cause flash floods and river swelling in southern regions. He urged strong early-warning systems, digital monitoring and basin-wide coordination to prevent casualties, embankment breaches and infrastructure damage. Flood control measures include improved forecasting, early warnings, and strict adherence to evacuation protocols. Authorities are instructed to ensure drinking water in dry areas, protect agricultural irrigation needs and strictly manage reservoirs, operating dangerous ones at low levels as a precaution. The focus remains on zero casualties and no collapse of key embankments or reservoirs.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Revocation of Harvard's International Enrollment Certification Sparks Discussions in China: On May 22, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the Trump administration has revoked Harvard University's certification to enroll international students. In a letter addressed to Harvard, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the university’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification is officially suspended effective immediately. This means that Harvard will be prohibited from admitting any new foreign students holding F or J non-immigrant visas for the 2025–2026 academic year. The letter also notes that current international students must transfer to other institutions in order to maintain their legal visa status, or risk becoming undocumented. DHS Secretary Noem also mentioned in a Fox News interview that similar actions are being considered for other universities. On Weibo, netizens expressed shock and dismay, especially given Harvard’s global academic reputation. Many speculated whether this move signals broader visa restrictions under Trump-era policy revival, while others debated the political motivations behind targeting elite institutions. One netizen also questioned if this action is a step towards hampering the foundations of the Unites States while another netizen speculated that this decision is motivated by the misconception in US that other countries cannot acquire advanced technology if they do not study there.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Reports Expulsions of Diplomats by India and Pakistan: Chinese media platform Sohu reports about the expulsion of diplomats by both India and Pakistan in continuation to a similar move by both countries earlier this month. It cites Pakistani foreign ministry’s statement which announced an Indian High Commission diplomat an ‘undesirable person’ for engaging in activities beyond his special status. The article further highlights the statement that cautioned Indian High Commission officials not to misuse their privileges. The biased nature of the article is evident in the fact that it uses the phrase “allegedly” while mentioning a similar rationale given by the Indian government for expelling Pakistani High Commission officials in India. The article also continues to wrongfully address Kashmir as the “Indian-controlled Kashmir” and adds to China’s biased narrative on the recent India-Pakistan conflict.

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.