CiCM 14th November 2023

NEWS IN CHINA

China's Ministry of Public Security has proposed disciplinary action to combat online frauds: This move follows a recent announcement by Chinese police, offering a cash reward for information leading to the capture of four telecom fraud ringleaders operating in northern Myanmar. Experts view this initiative as a strategic effort to curb the prevalence of telecom scams by increasing the consequences for offenders, ultimately serving as a long-term deterrent. The draft proposal under consideration comprises 19 clauses, encompassing six key aspects, including disciplinary principles, subjects, and measures aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of laws combatting telecom and online fraud. Most importantly the background for these joint disciplinary measures lies in the recognition that certain crimes extend beyond the scope of a single criminal law. The proposed measures aim to address the fact that telecom and online fraud are not isolated in nature. The "Punishment Measures" will not only punish offenders for engaging in telecommunications fraud and related crimes, but also punish those who illegally trade, rent, lend telephone cards, bank cards, Internet accounts, and pay accounts. Adhering to principles of graded punishment and proportionality, the draft specifies that individuals found criminally liable for offenses related to telecom and online fraud will face a disciplinary period lasting three years.

Outbreak of Norovirus in Shandong: An outbreak of norovirus struck Hongyi Middle School in Anqiu, Shandong province, affecting a total of 74 students. The city's bureau of education and sports provided an update on Monday night, revealing the symptoms experienced by the infected students and the measures taken to address the situation. The infected students exhibited symptoms commonly associated with norovirus, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Norovirus is known for its high level of contagion, often transmitted through contaminated food. It's important to note that norovirus is distinct from the flu virus. In response to the outbreak, Hongyi Middle School promptly organized medical treatment for the affected students. Fourteen students were sent to the hospital for observation and treatment. As of the latest update, ten students remain hospitalized, four have been discharged, and those who returned to school are no longer showing symptoms. The city's disease control and prevention center conducted sample collection and analysis, confirming that the norovirus was the causative agent behind the illnesses. This information is crucial for implementing targeted measures to prevent further spread.

A dynamic collaboration between China and USA on environment in the backdrop of APEC: After the meeting between President Xi Jinping of China and President Biden of the United States in Bali, Indonesia, the two global powers reaffirmed their commitment to concerted efforts in addressing the climate crisis. Following this summit, China's Special Envoy for Climate Change, Xie Zhenhua, and the US Presidential Special Envoy for Climate Change, John Kerry, engaged in talks in Beijing and Sunny Land, California, from July 16 to 19, 2023, and November 4-7, 2023, respectively. A joint statement was released. China and the United States conducted a comprehensive review of their shared responsibilities, reiterating and pledging to advance the effective and sustainable implementation of the April 2021 Sino-U.S. Joint Declaration on Strengthening Climate Action in the 2020s.To solidify their meeting, China and the United States pledged to enforce the decisions of the Paris Agreement, stressing the pivotal role they play, the two countries emphasized the significance of the twenty-eighth Conference of the Parties to the Convention (COP28) in shaping a meaningful response to the climate crisis in the critical decade and beyond. In a proactive move, China and the United States jointly launched the "Enhanced Climate Action Task Force in the 21st Century." This task force is tasked with engaging in dialogue and collaboration to expedite concrete climate actions in the current century, focusing on key areas outlined in the Joint Declaration. Anticipating COP28, China and the United States outlined their commitment to specific actions, emphasizing practical cooperation plans and projects in critical areas. Notably, they pledged support for the G20 leaders' declaration to triple global renewable energy installation by 2030, intending to accelerate renewable energy deployment in both countries.

Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to launch the first batch of comprehensive electric vehicles pilot areas: A groundbreaking initiative unfolded as the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, in conjunction with the Ministry of Transport and eight other key departments, officially introduced the "Notice on Launching the Pilot Project of the First Comprehensive Electrification of Vehicles in the Public Field”, marking a crucial moment in the journey toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation landscape. Fifteen cities, including the capital, Beijing, have been designated as pilot areas for the comprehensive electrification of vehicles. This strategic move aims to not only elevate the overall market development of new energy vehicles but also contribute significantly to the establishment of green and low-carbon transportation systems. These cities are envisioned as laboratories for the development of replicable and popularized experiences, playing a pioneering role in shaping the future of transportation. To achieve this, a multifaceted approach has been outlined, establishment of a robust charging and replacement service system, integration of new technologies and models, and innovative applications that propel the sector forward. The scope of the initiative is massive as it targets business vehicles, city buses, sanitation vehicles, taxis, postal express vehicles, urban logistics vehicles, airport vehicles, and special scene heavy goods vehicles.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Former VP of JD.com Receives Praise for ALS Recovery: In the realm of unexpected journeys, Cai Lei's story unfolds as a testament to the triumph of the human spirit over life-changing challenges. Known as an “anti-frozen disorder warrior”, Cai Lei recently made headlines when he shared the remarkable effectiveness of the first medication he took, capturing the attention of people from all walks of life. His story has gathered over 10Mn views. Cai Lei, the former vice president of JD.Com, found himself battling against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2019. This devastating diagnosis brought about drastic changes in his life, transforming a corporate executive into anadvocate for ALS research. Undeterred by the limitations imposed by ALS, Cai Lei, in a display of extraordinary resilience, shared that the first medication he tried had tangible effects. The next day, he felt a notable improvement in his leg strength, a change that endured for several days, allowing him to walk more steadily. Even his speech, once reduced to desperate shouts through a high voice, exhibited recent improvements. Many net-citizens praised him for his patience, determination and strength. While many praised the new technology, some hoped that humans could overcome the ALS disease one day.

INDIA WATCH

The impact of scams originating from China has reverberated in India and South East Asia. The recently enacted law in China prioritizes prevention and mandates all levels of government to raise awareness about telecom and online fraud. Education campaigns targeting vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and teenagers, are specifically directed by the law. China reported cracking 594,000 cases of telecom and internet fraud in 15 months, highlighting the scale of the issue. Despite these efforts, Chinese scammers have managed to orchestrate elaborate schemes, including a massive Rs 712 crore investment scam recently exposed by the Hyderabad police. The Indian government has responded with proactive measures to tackle the menace. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has mandated that dealers register with telecom operators, discontinuing the issuance of bulk connections. The government emphasizes a thorough know-your-customer (KYC) process for businesses to obtain connections, aiming to curb the vulnerability of Indians to various cyber threats. Additionally, the DoT has developed a facial recognition tool based on Artificial Intelligence to identify subscribers with multiple SIM cards linked to the same government ID. This tool, along with the discontinuation of bulk connections, aims to prevent fraudulent activities facilitated by scammers using multiple connections. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has played a crucial role in detecting and addressing cross-border scams. The Centre has identified and blocked 120 headers with Chinese links, preventing the misuse of headers by scammers. The investigation by the I4C revealed that these headers were hosted from China, indicating the international dimension of the fraud. As scams continue to evolve, the Indian government must remain committed to strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure.

Prepared By

Riddhima Singh

Riddhima Singh is a final year student at Jawaharlal Nehru University Delhi, pursuing Chinese Honours course. Through her degree she has had the opportunity to dive into culture, history and contemporary issues in Chinese society through language and research. Her research area surrounds the economic and fiscal policies of Communist Party of China and China's development model.