CiCM 12th October 2023

NEWS IN CHINA

China calls for cease fire: China called for a cease-fire and dialogue to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict which it claims aligns with UN resolutions and seeks to break the cycle of destruction and disaster in the Middle East. China claims it has consistently supported the coexistence of Israel and a Palestinian state in accordance with the Oslo Accords and UN resolutions. The immediate priority is achieving a cease-fire and protecting civilians, with an emphasis on implementing the two-state solution and establishing an independent State of Palestine. China has urged the UN Security Council to promote dialogue, achieve a cease-fire, and restore peace in the region. China is advocating for an immediate role in de-escalating the conflict through mediation and dialogue, emphasizing the importance of preventing further casualties and supporting a two-state solution. The Chinese Foreign Ministry also confirmed that three Chinese nationals have been killed, two are missing, and several others have been injured during the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. China expressed deep condolences to the victims and their families and extended sincere condolences to the injured. Relevant Chinese diplomatic missions abroad are coordinating treatment for the injured and handling the aftermath of the incident.
Huawei unveils 5.5G equipment: In an effort to accelerate the development of 5G and usher in the 5.5G era for the information and communications technology sector, Huawei has unveiled the first comprehensive series of 5.5G equipment in the world. The 5.5G era is expected to provide 10-gigabit peak downlink speeds, gigabit peak uplink speeds, and utilize technologies like passive internet of things to support a market of 100 billion IoT connections. Huawei's product solutions aim to enhance network capabilities and assist operators in efficiently building 5.5G networks as they transition to the 5.5G era, further unlocking 5G's potential for future services.
Bank of China to strengthen BRI initiatives: Bank of China (BOC) has taken the mantle to strengthen its support for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to further promote China's high-standard opening-up and boost the ailing economy. The bank currently operates in 64 countries and regions, 44 of which are involved in the BRI. BOC aims to expand its financial services to more domestic and overseas businesses, focusing on trade and investment. Additionally, the bank plans to establish new overseas facilities to cover more BRI participating countries and regions, extend support for traditional infrastructure as well as new infrastructure projects related to green development and the digital economy. Cross-border renminbi settlements in BRI countries and regions have been growing significantly, with BOC actively participating in this growth.
Xi Jinping visits Jingdezhen: Chinese President Xi Jinping conducted an inspection visit to Jingdezhen City and Shangrao City in Jiangxi Province, east China. During his visit, he explored the preservation and inheritance of ceramic culture, enterprise technological innovation, wetland park ecological conservation, and rural revitalization. Xi also stopped at Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation during the visit to learn about its operations and innovations.
China monitors US aircraft transiting Taiwan strait: The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theatre Command deployed combat aircraft to track and monitor a U.S. Navy P-8A patrol and reconnaissance plane as it passed through the Taiwan Straits. The PLA stated that this response was in accordance with China's laws and regulations and emphasized its commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and regional peace and stability. China, which claims sovereignty over Taiwan, and the United States have different views regarding the jurisdiction of the Taiwan Strait. China sees it as within its jurisdiction, while Taiwan and the U.S. consider it an international waterway. China sent fighters to monitor and warn the U.S. aircraft, stating that its troops remain on high alert to defend national sovereignty, security, and regional peace. This comes amid frequent military activities in the Taiwan Strait and its surrounding areas by both China and the U.S.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Rumours of acclaimed football player Lionel Messi visiting China spark buzz on social media: Football fans in China are excited about the possibility of seeing Lionel Messi visit the country with his new club, Inter Miami, in postseason matches scheduled for next month. Messi previously visited China with the Argentina national team in June, scoring a goal in a friendly match against Australia. Chinese journalist Bin Yan hinted on social media that Messi would be wearing a pink jersey, potentially after winning his eighth Ballon d'Or in Paris on October 30, and then playing in China on November 5. The news generated enthusiasm among Chinese fans, who eagerly anticipate Messi's return. Some commented on social media: “Last time the national team, this time the club welcomes the world champion to come to China again.” While another wrote “I will really cry,”.

INDIA WATCH

Border tensions between India and China have had significant consequences for many Chinese companies operating in India. Some, like Huawei and ZTE in the telecom sector, have faced exclusion from 5G trials in India that prevent them from participating in new technology or 5G network deployments. In response to border conflicts in 2020, the Indian government banned over 300 Chinese apps. Since then, Chinese firms in India have been subject to increased scrutiny and additional approvals for their investments. Non-participation of Chinese giants has allowed Nokia and Ericsson to capture the market. However, ZTE has been trying to enter the Indian market via a joint venture(JV) with Indian companies. India has been trying to develop its indigenous capacity in telecom services with Reliance and Bharti Airtel launching 5G services in India. The rollout has been swift and has been hailed as the fastest deployment by a country in the world even meriting it the 3^rd position in terms of 5G speeds registered. The security concerns surrounding 5G equipment suppliers, especially Huawei, have led the United States and Australia to be cautious due to Huawei's opaque ownership, ties to the Chinese Communist Party, and China's espionage laws. This unease is part of a broader technological cold war between the U.S. and China, where both countries are pushing third parties to either choose Huawei and risk U.S. ties or ban Huawei and face repercussions from China. This could potentially lead to a division in global cyberspace and technology, creating two distinct spheres of influence and even a "digital iron curtain," as countries make choices between the U.S. and more cost-effective Chinese options, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. India’s Reliance and Bharti Airtel can capture this space owing to their low-cost plans that will suit these low-income countries and the global goodwill India possess that can help establish trust between these telecom companies and low-income countries, something that the Chinese telecom companies severely lack.

Prepared By

Alok Kumar Chaurasia

Alok has recently finished his M. A. In Politics with International Studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University. He is currently a China Studies fellow at Takshashila Institution.