CiCM 1st August 2023

NEWS IN CHINA

China's Ministry of State Security urged citizens to support the implementation of the country's new anti-espionage law and join the fight against spying. The law was recently amended to expand the definition of spying and give law enforcement agencies greater investigative powers. Citizens were instructed to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities that could potentially harm the country's security. It also seeks to incorporate counter-espionage education into public training and encourages active citizen participation in counter-espionage work, with the promise of commendations, rewards, and protection for those who contribute to these efforts. This call comes amidst growing national security concerns and geopolitical tensions. Last week, Beijing issued a stern response to CIA director William Burns' statement at the Aspen Security Forum, where he revealed that the agency had made significant progress in rebuilding its intelligence networks in China. In reaction, the Chinese government vowed to take "all necessary" countermeasures to address this perceived threat to national security.
China's State Council inter-agency task force for COVID-19 response has issued a comprehensive plan for a new round of COVID-19 vaccinations targeting the country's elderly and other key groups. With the XBB sub-variants of Omicron now prevalent in the nation, the plan prioritises the administration of vaccines that have proven effectiveness against these highly immune-evasive variants. The authorities aim to bolster protection ahead of the approaching autumn and winter season, during which there could be an increased risk of virus spread. The plan specifically targets vulnerable populations, including people aged 60 and above, and those between the ages of 18 and 59 with serious underlying health conditions or weaker immune functions. Additionally, individuals with a high risk of infection due to occupational or other factors will also be given priority in this vaccination campaign.
China's Ministry of Commerce announced export controls on certain drones and related equipment, effective from September 1^st, 2023. The Ministry stated that the controls were not aimed at any specific country or region and aligned with international practices. The move is in response to the risk of civilian drones being repurposed for military use due to rapid advancements in drone technologies. China has enforced drone export controls since 2002, and the new measures aim to expand its scope. The ministry also clarified that export controls are not bans on exports, allowing regular exports for legitimate civilian purposes. DJI, a leading drone manufacturer around the world, expressed its opposition to military use and pledged compliance with the government's policy.
China's steel sector has invested $100 billion in new coal-based iron and steel capacity building since 2021, defying overcapacity and low profitability despite commitments to reduce carbon emissions. A report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) revealed that provincial governments approved a massive amount of new coal-based capacity, risking stranded assets as China aimed for carbon neutrality by 2060. The new plants are expected to emit greenhouse gases equivalent to the entire emissions of the Netherlands. Irrespective of declining steel output, investments in high-emission methods continued, with electric-arc furnaces seen as more climate-friendly but less invested due to higher costs and unclear standards.
Chinese space scientists have outlined their plans for lunar exploration in a recent paper. The country's lunar probe Chang'e-7, with a hopping detector, will investigate water ice in the moon's South Pole shadow pit. China plans to launch Chang'e-6 in 2024 to collect samples from the far side of the moon, followed by Chang'e-7 in 2026 to explore resources at the lunar South Pole. The mission will use a mini-flying probe with a water molecular analyser to study water molecules in the frost layer on the moon's surface. Other scientific payloads will be deployed on an orbiter to study surface water ice. Lunar water exploitation is crucial for future human presence in space, making the mission scientifically essential.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Ordinary Heroes: Acts of Bravery Amidst Devastation- Typhoon Doksuri wreaked havoc in China, causing widespread flooding and destruction in Fujian, Beijing, Hebei, and Tianjin. In the midst of the disaster, stories of heroism emerged, capturing the Chinese social media’s attention. One video that went viral and was republished by various Chinese media outlets (#小哥开铲车自发救援帮助多人脱困#) showed a man in Beijing using a front-end loader to rescue a stranded family of three from a flooded bridge, earning him praise as an "ordinary hero" for his selfless act. Chinese state media also highlighted the efforts of electricity workers in Hebei's Baoding who braved heavy rain and tough conditions to restore power to affected areas. In Handan, a fire-fighter named Zhao Yapeng descended from above to rescue a driver at risk of drowning, earning him online acclaim as someone who "dropped from the sky" to save a life. Amidst the chaos, videos of exhausted fire-fighters and servicemen working tirelessly during rescue operations were shared by zmedia channels, depicting their dedication and sacrifice. Netizens expressed admiration for these heroes, acknowledging the contrasting forces of nature and humanity that were at play during the disaster. The stories of these brave individuals served as a ray of hope amidst the powerlessness faced by many during the storm's aftermath.

INDIA WATCH

China's lunar exploration efforts, as demonstrated by the Chang'e-7 mission, are part of the country's larger space strategy aimed at asserting its technological and scientific prowess on the global stage. By successfully conducting lunar exploration missions, China seeks to enhance its status as a major space power and challenge the dominance of traditional spacefaring nations, such as the United States and Russia. The focus on lunar water-ice exploration is particularly significant, as water is considered a valuable resource for future space missions and human presence on the moon. Securing access to lunar water ice could provide China with a strategic advantage in developing sustained lunar bases or furthering its space exploration ambitions. China's space program is also closely tied to its national identity and pride. The successful execution of lunar missions and other space endeavours can be seen as a reflection of China's technological capabilities and an affirmation of the Communist Party's governance. The development of the International Lunar Research Station, which is part of China's lunar exploration blueprint, is also worth noting. This station could become a platform for international collaboration, allowing China to strengthen its diplomatic ties and influence in space affairs. China's lunar exploration program, particularly the Chang'e-7 mission aimed at investigating water-ice near the south pole of the moon, has significant implications for India. The advancements in space technology demonstrated by China could trigger a sense of technological competition for India, urging it to accelerate its own space missions and capabilities to keep up with its neighbour. However, in this regard, the Chandrayaan-2 mission, launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is a significant milestone in India's space exploration endeavours. With an Orbiter, Lander, and Rover deployed to investigate the unexplored South Pole of the Moon, Chandrayaan-2 has bolstered India's space presence and potential influence in the region, shaping the dynamics of space activities in South Asia. India's advancements in space exploration further contribute to its soft power projection and enhance its image as a country capable of pioneering scientific endeavours. Chandrayaan-2's exploration of the lunar South Pole holds implications for future resource exploitation and lunar research. As India gathers data on the moon's minerals and water molecules, it could play a significant role in shaping plans for sustained human presence on the Moon. The mission's findings could potentially contribute to future resource utilization, opening up new possibilities for space missions and lunar research.

Prepared By

Ramyani Kundu

Ramyani Kundu is an Undergraduate student from Shiv Nadar IoE, pursuing a B.A.(Research) English with a Minor in International Relations. Her research interests include understanding the role of narratives in geopolitical relations and foreign policy's of nation-states. She further posits interest in South/East Asian literature and Continental philosophy