CiCM 23rd May 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

China Condemns U.S. Ban on Foreign Students at Harvard, Vows to Protect Rights of Chinese Scholars Abroad: China strongly criticized the U.S. government’s recent decision to revoke Harvard University’s ability to enroll foreign students, calling the move politically motivated and harmful to bilateral educational cooperation. During a press briefing on Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed growing concerns over the ban, which reportedly affects thousands of international students and disproportionately targets Chinese nationals who make up roughly 20 percent of Harvard’s international student body. The decision, announced Thursday by the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, cites concerns over alleged ties between Harvard and the Chinese government, as well as accusations of fostering antisemitism and coordinating with the CPC. The abrupt policy revocation forces current international students to either transfer or risk losing their legal status in the U.S. When asked about U.S. lawmakers’ recent letter to Harvard President Alan Garber demanding disclosure of any affiliations with the Chinese military or the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, an entity on the U.S. sanctions list Mao reiterated Beijing’s firm opposition stating that they firmly opposed the politicization of educational cooperation and rejected baseless smears against China, adding that the referenced U.S. sanctions are illegal and should be lifted immediately.
China and Thailand Deepen Military Cooperation: Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun met with Royal Thai Armed Forces Chief Songwit Noonpackdee in Beijing, reaffirming strong bilateral ties amidst their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, celebrated as the "Golden Year of Thai-Chinese Friendship." Dong emphasized the enduring friendship and fruitful military cooperation between China and Thailand, highlighting plans to deepen collaboration through joint training and staff exchanges. He expressed China’s commitment to leveraging existing mechanisms to elevate cooperation. Songwit reiterated Thailand’s close, friendly relations with China, affirming support for the one-China principle and active participation in the Belt and Road Initiative. He stressed Thailand’s dedication to strengthening military ties across all levels and fields, and to working with China in multilateral forums to uphold regional security and stability.
China to Expand Nuclear Power Capacity with New Units in Fangchenggang: China has commenced construction of two new nuclear units, No. 5 and No. 6, at its Fangchenggang nuclear power station in Guangxi, using domestically developed third-generation Hualong One technology. Each unit will have a capacity exceeding 1.2 million kilowatts, with a combined annual output expected to reach 20 billion kilowatt-hours. Fangchenggang currently operates four units, with the first two online since 2016 and two more added in 2023 and 2024. Together, they have generated over 160 billion kilowatt-hours. Once completed, the site will have a total capacity of 6.9 million kilowatts and produce 53 billion kilowatt-hours annually, aiding in Guangxi’s energy transition to cleaner power generation.
China Launches Nationwide Initiative to Restore and Safeguard Rivers and Lakes: China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment unveiled a comprehensive action plan to protect and restore rivers and lakes nationwide. Spanning from 2025 to 2027, the initiative aims to enhance water quality, revive aquatic ecosystems, and better integrate the management of water resources, environment, and ecology. The plan builds on the 2015 Action Plan for Water Pollution Prevention, but marks a shift from pollution control to holistic water ecosystem management. A river or lake under the plan is defined by criteria such as ecological flow, biodiversity protection, pollutant control, and suitability for public enjoyment. Restoration measures will include controlling eutrophication, rehabilitating habitats, constructing fish passages, and securing flood control infrastructure. Surveys will be conducted on 2,573 previously identified rivers and lakes. The plan encourages ecological diversification by scientifically managing aquatic species and restoring key habitats, especially those crucial for fish and waterbirds during reproductive seasons. By 2027, China aims to reverse biodiversity decline in the Yellow River Basin and improve aquatic life integrity in the Yangtze River Basin. The plan supports the broader Beautiful China strategy, which saw surface water quality rated excellent in 90.4 percent of monitored sections in 2024. The plan, jointly issued by multiple ministries including the National Development and Reform Commission and Ministry of Finance, targets 40% completion of its beautiful rivers and lakes goal by 2027, with full realization set for 2035.
Shenzhou XX Crew Completes First Spacewalk on Tiangong Station: On May 23, Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station completed their first spacewalk of the Shenzhou XX mission, marking the 21st spacewalk in China’s manned spaceflight history. Commander Senior Colonel Chen Dong and Colonel Chen Zhongrui conducted an eight-hour operation, during which they installed debris-shielding devices, inspected extravehicular equipment, and repaired damaged components. Colonel Wang Jie supported the mission from inside the station alongside ground control teams. This was Chen Zhongrui’s first spacewalk and Chen Dong’s fourth, following his experience during Shenzhou XIV. The crew, aboard since April 25, has been conducting maintenance and rehearsals for medical emergencies. The Tiangong orbits Earth at approximately 400 kilometers and comprises a core module and two scientific capsules.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Rising Gold Prices Spark Debate on Chinese Social Media as Young Couples Opt to Rent Wedding Jewelry: Chinese media outlets are closely following a growing trend among young couples who are renting rather than buying gold jewelry for weddings. Amid surging gold prices which crossed 1,000 yuan per gram this month, this shift is prompting a lively national conversation about tradition, practicality, and modern consumption habits. State-run and private media have highlighted how financial pressure and changing values are driving the move. Domestic platforms like Xiaohongshu and Weibo are abuzz with related content, reflecting both curiosity and controversy. Traditionally, gold jewelry has been a vital part of Chinese wedding customs, especially in southern regions like Guangdong, symbolizing blessings, wealth, and stability. But the steep rise in gold prices since 2024 has made full ownership less feasible. Renting offers a cost-effective alternative, with rates between 10 and 20 yuan per gram per day, compared to over 100,000 yuan for a full 100 gram set. Reactions are split. Some netizens hail the practice as a smart, experience-oriented choice. Others argue it weakens the sentimental and cultural value of gold as a family blessing. Concerns over safety, rental conditions, and counterfeiting have also surfaced, with jewelry stores generally avoiding rentals due to liability risks. Experts quoted in Chinese media describe the trend as part of a broader shift in young people’s economic behavior favoring flexibility over ownership and emphasizing financial planning. Still, they advise caution, urging consumers to use certified platforms and verify rental agreements. The ongoing discussion reflects China’s evolving attitudes toward wealth, tradition, and personal values in a new economic era.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media's one-sided Reporting on India and Pakistan Extending Airspace Bans: Chinese media have extensively covered India's recent extension of its airspace ban on Pakistani airlines and military aircraft until June 23, 2025 in a biased manner. This development was framed within the broader context of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. Pakistan’s decision to ban its airspace to India from May 23, 2025 was triggered by India’s response to the recent terror attack in J&K’s Pahalgam. While India retaliated by a tit for tat move by banning the use of its own airspace to Pakistan, Islamabad has now decided to extend the ban. India in retaliation has also extended the airspace ban on Pakistani airlines and military aircraft until June 23. On May 23, 2025, when Pakistan announced the extension of its airspace closure for all Indian operators until June 24, citing security concerns, the move was widely reported in Chinese state-run media, which emphasized Pakistan's stance and the potential implications for regional stability. Chinese state-run media mostly focused on Pakistan’s decision, portraying it as a defensive response to Indian actions, and paid little attention to India’s side of the story. This difference in coverage suggests a clear bias in Chinese media, aligning with China’s broader foreign policy interests.

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.