CiCM 25th October 2023

NEWS IN CHINA

China and Bhutan strengthen ties: In an effort to establish diplomatic ties with Bhutan, China held talks with the Himalayan kingdom on 23rd and 24th of October in a "warm and friendly atmosphere" where both countries vowed to resolve their border disputes early. For the resolution of these disputes, an Cooperation agreement for the Responsibilities and Functions of the Joint Technical Team to de-limit and demarcate the 764 square kilometre long stretch of Bhutan's northwestern and central areas which China lays claim to. The two Asian nations also pledged to work collectively on a Three Step Roadmap. Led by Tandi Dorji, the Bhutanese Foreign Minister and his Chinese counterpart, foreign vice-minister Sun-Weidong, this meeting is followed up to earlier discussions held in May as well as August that stressed on the need to improve joint co-operation to overcome hostility.
Top Chinese brass meets with governor of California: The Governor of the American state of California, Gavin Newsom met with the Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss greater collaboration between the two countries in combating the climate crisis. The visiting Governor attended a series of high-level meetings in Beijing after which he was enthusiastically welcomed by the Chinese leader. The latter stressed the importance of the potential climate change and green development had in forming the basis of collaboration between America and China. Xi also acknowledged the countries' shared economic interests and hoped for the development of positive relations between both. This meeting was preceded by a virtual call between the China-US working group a day earlier. The two governments came together to discuss their microeconomic policies as well as assess the global situation in terms of political-economic cooperation. Such efforts allow for co-operation between China and America, who have historically been opposed to each other in matters from military to economy. Through such talks, the two countries hope to restore a normal, rational track of communication.
New laws set up for digital protection of minors: In order to steer the youth away from increasingly addictive social media platforms, China has sought to tighten digital regulations. Many children continue to play video games much past the limit assigned to them by renting out accounts through the use of adult identification cards. Others opted to buy or rent adult accounts. Such practices have raised concerns about children's addiction to online games. In 2021, the National Press and Publication Administration directed all gaming servers to allow minors to play only between stipulated time periods such as 8 PM and 9 PM on weekends and holidays in addition to ensuring that websites switch to real-name registration systems. The Cyberspace Protection Regulations for Minors, passed by Li Qiang, the Chinese Premier envisions a cyberspace that benefits the physical and mental health of young users. The law requisites the provision of softwares and apps that can protect minors from acquiring an addiction to the internet. Additionally, the move attempts to develop provisions that impose a curfew from 10 PM to 6 AM where kids under the age of eighteen will not be access the internet. The regulations also take into cognisance the impact of cyberbullying on young users and call for the development of warning systems that will detect harrassment.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs releases outlook on China's foreign policy in neighbourhood: On 24th October, 2023 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a report titled "Outlook on China's Foreign Policy on its Foreign Policy in the New Era". The report outlines China's strategy for strengthening diplomatic ties with other Asian countries in its neighbourhood. The report emphasises that China has always prioritised co-operation with its neighbours as well as worked to promote peace and stability in the region. The report details China's assessment of Asia in the present as well as the future as well as underlines the People's Republic's goals, aspirations and objectives to ensure co-operation with its neighbours. The report takes cognisance of changinh world relations as well as the dynamic shifts in power within Asia. The report also stated that China will attempt to strengthen its political, economic, security and cultural ties with its neighbours through the implementation of inclusive and mutually beneficial policies that promote "win-win" dynamics. In rejecting the "Cold War" mentality and promising to hold up international systems including the United Nations, the report also suggests that China will prioritise individual security and sustainable collaboration. The report additionally, unequivocally rejects any aspirations for Taiwanese independence and urges Asian nations to hold up the One-China policy to promote peace and stability in the region. Lastly, the report outlines the visions for a "New China" which, in agreement with Xi Jinping's Thoughts on Diplomacy, endeavours to build a peaceful, secure and economically prosperous "home".
China set to promote Patriotic Education Act in Hong Kong, Macao to follow: Adopted by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the Patriotic Education Act promotes the "one country, two systems'' education model in Hong Kong and Macao. The decision to bring Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan under the Patriotic Education Act stems from the Chinese government's desire to integrate these compatriots into mainland China as well as quell separatist endeavours. Such endeavours seek to enhance the spirit of patriotism within these regions. The law also guarantees education about the policies of reunification to the people of Taiwan to eliminate ideas of independence. Such a law, supporters have argued, will carry and enhance Chinese cultural traditions over to these regions and will aid with integration. Schools will also be required by law to conduct visits to patriotic sites to enhance local nationalist spirits. The law lays emphasis on the role of cultural artefacts such as museums and festivals in the preservation and enhancement of patriotic feeling.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Propaganda film endorsed by President faces the criticism: Launched during the National Conference on Propaganda, Thought and Cultural Work, the film "When Marx met Confucius" has come under fire on social media. The movie is based on a short story by communist writer Gul Moruo titled "Marx Enters the Confucian Temple." As the name suggests, the film depicts a conversation between Karl Marx and the Chinese philosopher Confucius. The purpose of the film however, beyond finding common ground between the two historical figures, is to reinforce and propagate Xi Jinping's idea of "second combination". The primary purpose of the film is to establish a connection between Communism and Confucianism as undying opponents of "nihilism" and "Western" thought and present them as two sides of the same coin. The film however, has been subjected to great criticism and ridicule by social media users. Several users pointed out the apparent differences between the two philosophies. Others have quoted from poorly-written dialogue to show how both ideologies are presented as in search of "greater happiness' ' and "world peace" in addition to critiquing the film for its poor production quality. While some users sided with a Marxist perspective, others tended to support Confucianism. Common consensus however, emerged with general dislikes of the film for being "intellectually challenged" and making viewers feel "sick".

INDIA WATCH

China's growing warmth towards countries like Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan is simultaneously accompanied by increasing aggression along the Line of Actual Control. The most recent round of talks with Bhutan is but one attempt as part of a slew of policy decisions to appease and befriend India's neighbours. Cordial ties between China-Bhutan have strategic as well as security implications for India. Bhutan and India have shared close ties historically with Bhutan serving as an important destination for Indian exports. Bhutan's tryst to establish diplomatic ties with China after almost five decades of non recognition is also of great consequence to India because of the Dokhlam area which China and Bhutan lay claim to. The government of Bhutan, in recent statements however, has said that any negotiation over Dokhlam will involve India. The control over this region is of special significance to India because it offers direct access to the Siliguri corridor, which connects the Indian landmass to Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet. India is set to suffer strategically and economically as well as face a greater security threat from China if it does not work fast to re-align Bhutan to its policies as well as adopt a more pro-active role in ensuring that it's interest is not compromised or sidelined. Such a changing geo-political situation also draws focus to the growing hostility India faces from its own neighbours and China's role in cementing this divide.

Prepared By

Tarini Agarwal

Tarini Agarwal is a twenty-year-old student at Lady Shri Ram College for Women with a passion for history and penchant for writing about issues of contemporary relevance.