CiCM 9th November 2023

NEWS IN CHINA

China releases white paper on the policies for governance in Tibet: The State Council Information Office of China released a white paper with details on the Communist Party of China’s (CPC) policies and achievements in the governance of ]Tibet, at a press conference held in Beijing. The paper is titled "CPC Policies on the Governance of Xizang in the New Era: Approach and Achievements," which details the progress and historic success achieved through the CPC’s guidelines. The white paper highlights the policies of the CPC that have "the CPC's past success in stabilizing Xizang and its plans for future development." It highlights many achievements of the CPC, ranging from 5G network coverage to religious freedom. The report stated that the Xizang autonomous region has achieved complete coverage of 5G networks by constructing 8,099 5G base stations and 312,600 kilometers of optic fiber cable connection. The CPC has also allocated 325 million yuan (about $45.26 million) between 2012 and 2022 to protect intangible cultural heritage in the region. The report stated that Xizang has also achieved a remarkable growth rate in its GDP, reaching 213,26 billion yuan ($29.7 billion) in 2022, and its annual growth rate stands at 8.6%, the highest in China. It claimed that the CPC has also ensured complete freedom of religious belief in the Xizang region and that all religious activities are carried out correctly: Xizang holds over 1,700 sites for Tibetan Buddhism activities, four mosques for around 12,000 native Muslims, and a catholic church for about 700 believers. Overall, the report claims that the CPC has successfully helped increase economic development and encouraged a spiritual civilization by promoting and maintaining societal values in the region. The document stated how it will help understand the future direction and strategy governing Xizang through past guidelines.
The Financial Street Forum held in Beijing ends: The 2023 Financial Street Forum Annual Conference in Beijing centered on "Better China, Better World - Strengthening Financial Openness and Cooperation and Promoting Economic Sharing and Win-win." The conference saw a turnover of over 400 experts, scholars, and entrepreneurs in the financial sector from over 30 countries and regions. The annual forum is jointly organized by the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, the People's Bank of China, Xinhua News Agency, China Banking and others, and was founded in 2012. Beijing Municipal Party Committee Secretary Yin Li emphasized implementing the Central Financial Work Conference's spirit and developing a modern financial system to help build an open and orderly economic development environment. The forum announced the establishment of two foreign-funded insurance brokerage companies, BMW (China) Insurance Brokers Co Ltd and ERGO-FESCO Broker Company Limited, that have received regulatory approval to function in Beijing. The National Financial Regulatory Administration gave the two companies the authority to conduct insurance brokerage business, like making insurance plans for policyholders in China. Pan Gongsheng, the Governor of the People's Bank of China and Director of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange stated the importance of a monetary policy that focuses on inter-cyclical and counter-cyclical adjustments, internal and external equilibrium, and preventing risks. He expressed how the central bank is ready to offer emergency liquidity support to debt-burdened local governments whenever required. He revealed how the central bank aims to support the development of housing-related public projects, including affordable housing. He expressed the importance of maintaining the primary stability of the yuan's exchange rate and his confidence in the steady progress of the yuan's internationalization. He also highlighted how China is almost on the way to achieving its target of a 5% GDP growth rate, the highest potential growth rate for an economy like China.
China sends emergency aid to earthquake-hit Nepal: Two Chinese cargo planes landed at the Pokhara International Airport to transport emergency relief materials for earthquake-hit areas in Western Nepal. The Chinese relief material included 600 cotton tents and 4,600 blankets worth 5 million RMB (690,000 USD). The handover ceremony was attended by Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song. Shrestha expressed his gratitude for having friends like China who always help them in times of need and crisis, like during the 2015 Nepal earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that the relief materials would be sent to the areas of Jajarkot and Rukum West districts, which were hit by a 6.4-magnitude earthquake on the 3^rd of November. Such initiatives of providing relief materials to Nepal help deepen and reflect the strong ties between China and Nepal. The Chinese government also gave Nepal 5 million yuan from the China-South Asian Countries Emergency Supplies Reserve immediately after the 6.4 magnitude earthquake. Furthermore, the China International Development Cooperation Agency dispersed an additional batch of emergency humanitarian assistance worth 15 million RMB yuan (2.07 million U.S. dollars) to Nepal. The Chinese government also provided further emergency humanitarian assistance and funds worth 10 million RMB yuan (1.37 million U.S. dollars) for post-quake reconstruction in Nepal, along with 100,000 U.S. dollars as emergency cash by the Red Cross Society of China for assistance in rescue and relief measures in the earthquake hit areas.
China shows robust economic recovery and global commitment at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum: The sixth annual Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Singapore brought together global leaders from the government and the private sector to discuss ongoing global economic challenges. While the global economy's recovery from the pandemic has been slow, China boasted about its robust economic recovery and strong economic growth. China’s GDP grew by 4.9 percent in the third quarter and 5.2 percent year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2023. In his speech at the forum, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng emphasized how China will focus on high-level opening-up and share the benefits of its institutional opening-up with global companies. He added that innovation is the driving force behind the country’s economic recovery and steady progress. Investment in high-tech sectors grew 11.5 % year on year in the first seven months, and the funds for scientific research and technologies went up 23.1 % in 2023.China further expressed its readiness to collaborate on peace, security, and mutual prosperity. Furthermore, Vice President Han expressed his views about China and U.S. relations based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. He added that if both nations worked towards maintaining stability in the Asia-Pacific region, it would benefit them both and would help contribute to regional peace and tranquility. It would also help the U.S. and China work with other nations in this region towards a more green economy and climate change, promoting a sustainable future for all. Furthermore, the Ministry of Commerce in China recently organized several special roundtable meetings in Shanghai for foreign-funded enterprises to address the demands and suggestions of foreign-funded companies in China. These roundtable meetings have started being held to improve foreign trade and investment services and enhance the business environment for these foreign enterprises. They serve as a platform for enterprises to voice their opinions without any pressure or restrictions and help strengthen trade and export.
China and Mongolia set to hold joint military exercise: The Chinese Defense Ministry announced that the militaries of China and Mongolia are set to conduct a joint military exercise in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region as per their annual plan for border defense exchanges and cooperation. The ministry stated that the exercise, "China-Mongolia Joint Action to Curb Border Crimes," would take place near the Changji Hui autonomous prefecture in Xinjiang, which lies close to the borders of both countries. The joint military exercise aims to enhance the collaborative capabilities of the two countries’ frontier forces to counter smuggling and terrorism near their borders. Furthermore, it seeks to maintain peace and tranquility in their border areas and deepen realistic exchanges and cooperation between them.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Cancer diagnoses among students cause social media platforms to go abuzz: Social media platforms have been abuzz with the news of several students being diagnosed with cancer at the Second Zhongshan Hospital. Several students who were studying and working in the breast cancer center laboratory in the past year have been diagnosed with cancer. This news has sparked a series of reactions from Weibo users, ranging from sympathy for the students to shock and anger towards the hospital. Many Weibo users even expressed suspicion towards the hospital's laboratory practices. A Weibo user wrote how they wished the affected individuals received proper treatment and did not understand why one has to go through such difficulties just because they are dedicated to their work. However, some reactions were not this sympathetic; Weibo users expressed their suspicion towards the hospital and that the hospital should clarify the situation as soon as possible so that there is no unnecessary panic and skepticism among people. One user even shared how they thought the hospital was disgusting and was sure that something fishy must be going on.

INDIA WATCH

India, like China, has sent relief materials to Nepal following the 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the western region of Nepal. The Indian Air Force's C-130 J aircraft carried over 9 tonnes of relief material from India to Nepal to assist the humanitarian relief mission. Relief material worth rupees 10 crores was sent to Nepalgunj through the IAF aircraft that included materials like tents, tarpaulin sheets, blankets, sleeping bags, essential medicines, and medical equipment such as portable ventilators. This was followed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to provide all possible assistance to Nepal and that India stands with the people of Nepal in this time of crisis. The relief materials were handed over between the Indian ambassador, Naveen Srivastava, and Nepal’s deputy Prime Minister, Purna Bahadur Khadka. India, as a close friend and neighbor of Nepal, “remains committed to extending all possible support to those affected by the earthquake.” India has always acted as a first responder to the crises in its surrounding neighborhood, and this was seen during the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, where the Indian government sent out its most extensive rescue and relief operation called Operation Maitri. As part of the long-term assistance for post-earthquake reconstruction in the housing, health, and education sectors, India has provided Nepal with 1 billion USD. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar posted on X about “providing emergency relief assistance to the earthquake-affected areas of Nepal. As a first responder, India delivers medicines and relief material as part of India’s Neighborhood First policy in action.

Prepared By

Adhishri Seth

Adhishri Seth is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in Global Studies at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University Delhi, with a strong ambition to advance her academic career through a master's program in international relations. Her interests encompass a wide array of global topics, including world politics, political economic institutions, foreign policy, and global diplomacy, reflected in her dedication to extensive reading and research. Additionally, Adhishri is currently learning Mandarin, a crucial step towards understanding East Asian affairs, bridging both linguistic and cultural divides, and helping her to follow her dream of engaging more deeply with this intricate world.