CiCM 26th May 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

China issues New Regulations for Military-Industrial Facility Security: Xi Jinping has signed an order to promulgate a comprehensive set of regulations aimed at protecting Chinese military-industrial facilities. Jointly released by the State Council and the Central Military Commission, the new framework outlines strict guidelines to secure buildings and infrastructure critical to defense operations. These include research and production centers, testing sites, storage units, communication and observation stations, and specialized transport hubs such as ports and railways. Unauthorized access, photography, and documentation within designated protection zones is strictly forbidden, with violators subject to potential criminal penalties. The regulations also mandate the integration of security needs into broader socio-economic planning processes. Comprising 51 articles across seven chapters, the rules aim to ensure the safe and effective functioning of national defense assets, and are scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2025.
Chinese Premier Hold Talks with Indonesian President: Chinese Premier Li Qiang paid an official visit to Indonesia and met with. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. During the meeting, Li reiterated China's readiness to enhance strategic coordination and align development strategies under the Belt and Road Initiative. Both sides agreed to expand collaboration in digital economy, AI, new energy, aerospace, and maritime affairs, while also reaffirming support for regional peace and a binding South China Sea Code of Conduct. Multiple MoUs were signed during the visit in tourism, agriculture, media, and commerce. Addressing the Indonesia-China Business Reception 2025, both leaders emphasized long-term strategic ties and mutual development. Prabowo lauded China's historic support for developing nations and invited Chinese investment in high-tech and downstream sectors.
China issues Guidelines to Enhance Employment Services: Five key state organs including the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security have introduced a new guideline to improve the accessibility, equity, and professionalism of public services aimed at supporting employment. The directive outlines 20 targeted measures emphasizing inclusivity, digital innovation, and regional coordination. It calls for each provincial-level region to develop a unified public service catalog and to ensure comprehensive publication of employment-related information. The guideline further mandates the prompt integration of individuals facing job market difficulties into relevant assistance programs. Huang Junmei, a ministry official, noted that public service reform will help bridge mismatches in the labor market and ease these long-standing employment pressures.
China Unveils Plan to Advance Intelligent Supply Chains: China has introduced a comprehensive action plan aimed at accelerating the digital transformation of its supply chains, marking a key step toward modernizing its industrial base. The initiative prioritizes the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and blockchain, to enhance supply chain digitization, transparency, and efficiency. Key focus areas include strengthening agricultural and manufacturing supply chains, optimizing wholesale and retail logistics, and reducing operational costs. This plan aligns with broader national objectives to boost industrial resilience, security, and the seamless integration of digital technologies with the real economy. By 2030, China aims to establish fully functional intelligent supply chain systems across critical sectors and cultivate around 100 leading enterprises to drive this transformation nationwide.
China and Malaysia Chart a ‘Golden 50 Years’ of Bilateral Partnership: During Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Kuala Lumpur, China and Malaysia reaffirmed their strategic partnership, setting the stage for a new “Golden 50 Years” of bilateral cooperation grounded in mutual respect, equality, and shared success. During the meeting, Li emphasized deepening collaboration in emerging sectors such as the digital and green economies, artificial intelligence, and integrated supply chains. Both countries committed to advancing major infrastructure initiatives, including the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” project and the East Coast Rail Link. Cultural and educational exchanges were also prioritized, supported by mutual visa exemptions to strengthen people-to-people connections. Premier Li highlighted the importance of regional multilateralism, particularly as Malaysia assumes the chairmanship of the ASEAN-China-GCC Summit, calling for enhanced trilateral cooperation to safeguard free trade and economic stability. Prime Minister Anwar expressed strong support for China’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and reiterated Malaysia’s dedication to expanding joint ventures across energy, finance, and natural resources.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Netizens React to Apple’s Stock Decline: Apple has become a trending topic on social media following a sharp decline in its stock prices, which is causing noticeable ripples across its global supply chain. After falling more than 7% in the past five trading sessions and over 22% year-to-date, Apple’s market capitalization has dipped below the $3 trillion mark. Many netizens highlighted the impact on key Chinese suppliers listed on the A-share market, such as Luxshare Precision, Lens Technology, Goertek, Lingyi Intelligent Manufacturing, and Dongshan Precision, all of which opened nearly 1% lower. Online discussions also reflected broader investor worries about the valuation of tech stocks and the fragility of global supply chains amid ongoing economic uncertainty. Some users attributed the decline to geopolitical tensions, specifically pointing to Donald Trump’s tariff threats as a contributing factor. Market analysts echoed these concerns, urging the public to stay vigilant about potential downstream effects on the broader stock market.

INDIA WATCH

Global Times Examines India’s Strategic Position Amid US Tariff Pressures: An editorial in the Global Times shed light on India’s carefully balanced approach in navigating ongoing trade talks with the United States, following Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s recent discussions with his American counterparts. The article emphasized that while India aims for a phased trade agreement by 2026, tensions linger due to the lingering effects of US reciprocal tariffs. The editorial estimated that American tariff policies are expected to reduce India’s exports by approximately $5.76 billion in 2025, with significant impacts on sectors such as electronics, seafood, and jewelry, though the pharmaceutical industry appears largely insulated. In response, India has adopted a dual strategy: demonstrating goodwill by selectively lowering tariffs, while simultaneously signaling potential retaliatory actions against certain US imports. However, given that the US remains India’s largest export market, India’s capacity for escalating trade disputes is limited. Experts warn that further US tariff increases could unsettle global trade dynamics but might also serve as a catalyst for deeper regional economic cooperation within Asia.

Prepared By

Iklavya Dev

Iklavya is currently a Second Year student pursuing undergraduate degrees in Multimedia Communication and Political Science from K.C. College, Mumbai and Indira Gandhi National Open University respectively. He is deeply interested in the realms of Public Policy, Governance and International Relations, and aspires to broaden his horizons in the same through interactive working experiences and research. His research work includes various subjects ranging from Indian Foreign Policy and Defence Studies to Social Issues and Constitutional Law.