CiCM 5th December 2023

NEWS IN CHINA

Wang Yi meets the diplomatic envoys of European Union: Wang Yi, China's Foreign Minister, held a collective meeting with the envoys of the European Union (EU) and member states in Beijing. Wang Yi emphasized the significance of China-EU relations, stating that these ties are crucial for the prosperity of the Asia-Europe continent and the stability of the global structure. He highlighted the comprehensive recovery and positive momentum in China-EU relations under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both parties. As the 20th anniversary of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership approaches, high-level dialogues have been planned to discuss strategic and global issues, setting the direction and boosting confidence for the future. Wang Yi emphasized the importance of three key principles for China-EU relations. First is mutual respect, highlighting the constructive role that mutual respect plays in addressing global challenges. Second is the need for pragmatic approaches, ensuring that common ground and cooperation prevail in the face of challenges. Lastly, Wang stressed viewing the relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective, supporting European integration and strategic independence. He asserted that China's policy towards Europe remains stable and aligns with global trends. The EU delegation to China and the ambassadors of member states echoed Wang's sentiments, expressing the EU's commitment to constructive and stable relations with China. Emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and dialogue, they affirmed that the EU does not intend to decouple from China. The upcoming EU-China summit is seen as a crucial opportunity by both sides for high-level dialogue, expected to promote constructive progress in bilateral relations, including economic and trade ties.
University of Shanghai releases collection of selected translation of legislative texts of 40 countries part of BRI: The recent release of the "Selected Translations of Legislative Texts" book series in Shanghai highlights the crucial role of legal translation in the institutional development of China and the international ventures of Chinese enterprises, particularly those participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. The conference was organized by the School of Foreign Languages of East China University of Political Science and Law and Shanghai Institute of Political Science and Law. The participating leaders and scholars mainly came from the National People's Congress, the Supreme People's Procuratorate, the Shanghai People's Procuratorate, Shanghai Foreign Affairs Bureau and Shanghai Law Society. Professor Lu Yufeng, Director of Research, East China University of Political Science and Law, presided over the launch of the new book. Liu Yanhao, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Justice, emphasized the direct connection between legal translation and the needs of Chinese enterprises "going out." Shanghai, as a key player in the Belt and Road Initiative, hosts numerous state-owned and private enterprises engaging in overseas investments, exposing them to legal risks. As a response, comprehensive translations of laws related to investment, trade, and finance in key countries have been deemed of great significance.
Chongqing releases an ambitious action plan in a bid to become key exporter of cars: Chongqing, a significant player in China's automotive industry, recently unveiled its ambitious "Chongqing cars goes to sea" plan. By 2027, the Chongqing Municipal People's Government plan has set a target for Chongqing's annual car export volume to reach 10 percent of the national total. The action plan outlines key development goals, focusing on advancing the construction of an intelligent network of new energy vehicles export base. Chongqing seeks to transition from exporting products to exporting brands and technologies, with the ultimate aim of contributing significantly to the national export volume. To achieve these goals, the plan delineates focused missions, including enhancing export capacity; improving export channels; adapting to overseas market policies; strengthening brand influence; and continuous financial support. Notably, the initiative emphasizes the need for enterprises to actively participate in international markets, establish overseas sales channels, and optimize logistics and transportation processes. This comes with the establishment of an Intelligent Network New Energy Vehicle Export Alliance, coordinating with central enterprises and port logistics, and improving the city's ability to respond to overseas market policies and regulations. Additionally, the plan highlights the importance of emphasizing cross-border trade settlement, exchange rate risk management, and the innovation of cross-border financing models.
China successfully launched Egypt’s MisrSat 2 satellite: Lifted by a Long March 2C carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert at 12:10 pm CST on December 4, the MisrSat-2 satellite is a product of collaboration between the China National Space Administration (CNSA) and Aerospace Dongfanghong, a subsidiary of the China Academy of Space Technology. The MisrSat-2 satellite is a small optical remote-sensing satellite designed to collect data for Egypt's land and water resource development and agricultural operations. The satellite contract, signed in January 2019, outlined China's commitment to assisting Egypt in building an optical remote-sensing satellite, a ground control station, and a data research facility. Research and development commenced in September of that year, with ground testing conducted at the Egyptian Satellite Assembly, Integration, and Test Center in Cairo, funded and assisted by China. Chinese experts, along with Egyptian researchers and engineers, collaborated closely throughout the program. This collaboration has not only contributed to the success of the MisrSat-2 project but has also empowered Egypt to become the first African country capable of assembling, integrating, and testing satellites. The MisrSat-2 project has significantly advanced Egypt's space industry, providing high-resolution imaging capabilities with a 350-kilogram satellite. This achievement aligns with Egypt Vision 2030 sustainable development strategy, contributing to agriculture, mineral exploration, urban planning, and coastline monitoring.
Xi calls for giving better play to Constitution's role in governance: President Xi Jinping has issued an instruction emphasizing the crucial role of the Constitution in China's governance, coinciding with the country's 10th National Constitution Day. Xi, who is also the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, highlighted the importance of upholding the authority and sanctity of the Constitution while advocating for its continuous improvement and development. Xi underlined the Constitution as the fundamental legal basis for the Party's governance and the supreme legal norm for political and social life in the country. He called for strong confidence in China's political system, emphasizing commitment to the leadership of the CPC, the state system of people's democratic dictatorship, and the political system of people's congresses all mandated by the Constitution. He stressed the implementation of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics and urged efforts to accelerate the improvement of the socialist legal system with the Constitution at its core, continuously enhancing constitutional oversight. Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, also echoed Xi's instruction at a meeting in Beijing on National Constitution Day.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Chinese media celebrates Constitution Day: Chinese social media is immersed in commemorating the Constitution day of China, with a hashtag ‘The Constitution protects you and me throughout my life’. Many official pages of China’s prefectures have shared videos highlighting the role of constitution in protecting a person right from the moment they take birth. A video getting circulated through the official channels which emphasizes on the laws which protects people and at the same time the video reminded the public of their duties towards the nation. Laws such as Chapter 3, Article 49 of the Constitution which marks the obligation of adult children supporting their parents and Chapter 2, Article 34 of the Constitution which states that everyone has the right to vote and stand for election regardless of ethnicity, race, gender, occupation, family origin, religious belief, education, property status, or length of residence, except for those who have been deprived of political rights in accordance with the law were mentioned in video. Interestingly, the video also noted the rights of young people getting enrolled in armed forces, and mentioned Chapter 3, Article 55 of the Constitution according to which defending the motherland and resisting aggression is the sacred duty of every citizen of the People's Republic of China. It remarked that it is an honorable duty of citizens of the People's Republic of China to perform military service and join militia organizations in accordance with the law. Another video of Xi Jinping raising right fist and reading oath on the day moreover videos explaining the significance constitution in people’s life also made rounds through channels of media outlets and companies on Weibo. Many people energetically remarked that everyone shall be law abiding citizen, some used the phrase of small drops filling the bucket as metaphor to highlight the role of every citizen in smooth functioning of a country.

INDIA WATCH

Constitutionalism in India and China exhibits notable differences. While China commemorated its first National Constitution Day in 2014, emphasizing Xi Jinping's focus on the "rule of law," the approach leans heavily towards economic goals and anti-corruption measures rather than Western-style constitutionalism. Xi views the constitution as vital for economic reforms and public trust but avoids embracing political reform. In contrast, India lacks an explicit declaration of the separation of powers in its constitution, leading to overlapping functions among legislative, executive, and judicial branches. However, India firmly upholds the independence of its judiciary as a basic structure, subject to constitutional review. In China, judicial independence is compromised by the overarching authority of the National People's Congress and its Standing Committee, limiting effective constitutional supervision. The struggle for rule of law in China is challenged by the blurred lines of the separation of powers and a constitution that needs amendment for effective incorporation of rule of law ideals.

In stark contrast, China witnessed a divergence between its Constitution and the courts. Interestingly the 1982 Constitution, the fourth iteration, marked a departure from the preceding three, emphasizing economic construction over political rhetoric. The Qi Yuling case in 2001 was a watershed moment, as it represented the first instance of the Supreme People's Court citing the Constitution since its ratification in 1982. Qi's appeal highlighted the court's newfound engagement with constitutional interpretation, particularly in addressing an individual's right to education. However, the Qi Yuling case also illustrates the transient nature of constitutional engagement in China. By 2008, the Supreme People's Court abruptly abolished its usage, offering no explanation. This underscores the fragility of constitutional principles within the Chinese legal framework. On the other hand, in India, the Constitution allowed for the courts to be set up and to have the power of interpretation. In essence, while India's constitutional journey involved a non-violent social revolution grounded in constitutionalism, China's legal landscape appears more influenced by political dynamics. The Chinese Constitution, as of now, remains a document lacking the enduring principles of constitutionalism, with the legitimacy of the Communist Party often overshadowing the role of the legal system.

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.