CiCM 30th-31st December 2023

NEWS IN CHINA

Africa, Brazil’s donkey trade restrictions hit Chinese medicine Ejiao supply: China's supply of traditional Chinese medicine, or ejiao, will be impacted by the impending ban on the donkey skin trade by the African Union and Brazil. Due to its anti-aging effects, the demand for ejiao, which is made from the collagen of donkey skin mixed with herbs, China uses more than 5 million donkeys annually, of which 2 million are imported. The remaining donkeys are imported by frequently robbing farmers or subjecting them to severe abuse. Tanzania and Ivory Coast have endorsed the African Union's proposal for a 15-year ban; Kenya, on the other hand, closed Chinese-owned donkey slaughterhouses in 2020 as a result of theft incidents. A bill banning the slaughter of donkeys and horses has advanced through commissions in Brazil. Ejiao's fervent demand in China has resulted in a domestic shortage and possible involvement in an illegal trade. The prohibitions from two important markets, Brazil and Africa, might push the ejiao business to look for environmentally friendly substitutes. The Donkey Sanctuary, a Britain-based charity, hopes this move will lead to changes in the industry. From 19.6 billion yuan in 2013 to 53.5 billion yuan in 2020, ejiao sales have increased. Experts caution that China's excessive donkey consumption endangers the supply of donkeys for ejiao as well as their usability as working animals for underprivileged populations.

State Council approves two nuclear plants: Emphasising support for innovation and development in the sector, China's State Council approved two new nuclear power projects. The projects that got the approval are Taipingling in Guangdong and Jinqimen in Zhejiang. Premier Li Qiang presided over the executive meeting, which emphasised the critical need for nuclear power security and emphasised the need for building sites to adhere to international safety standards. The meeting focused on the need to prioritise complete security without compromising safety oversight at every stage of the nuclear power industry in order to improve municipal sustainability and livability. The meeting also addressed a people-centric approach to urbanisation with the goals of promoting investment, increasing consumption, and creating a new paradigm for development. Reforming the household registration system, boosting investments in vital industries, and allowing rural residents to become urban residents are some examples of policy initiatives. The intention is to guarantee citizens without local household registrations equitable access to public services. Based on figures from the United Nations, China's urbanisation rate is expected to rise from 65.22 percent (data from the end of last year) to 70 percent by the end of 2030.

China adopts new law to safeguard food security: A food security law was passed by National People’s Congress Standing Committee in response to concerns about food security issues. China only has 9% of the world's arable land responsible for feeding 1.4 billion people. Under the new law, which emphasises farmland protection through redlines and restricts its occupation or conversion to other purposes, absolute security in staple foods and basic self-sufficiency in grains are mandated. The law stipulates creation of a national agricultural germplasm resource bank, enhancing crop varieties, and endorsing mechanised technology. China aims to reduce food waste in order to ensure food security, even though the country has harvested more than 650 million tonnes of grain continuously for nine years. The law, which goes into effect on June 1, 2024, strengthens the laws already in place for emergency response, land management, seeds, black soil conservation, and emergency response. Together, they create a strong legal framework for the governance of food security and aid China's modernization initiatives.

Shanghai launches its largest single offshore wind power project: Jinshan District hosted the opening ceremony for the onshore part of the Shanghai Jinshan Offshore Wind Farm Phase I Project, the largest offshore wind power project in the city. The project, which is being led by CNOOC Rongwind Energy Co., Ltd., Shanghai Green Environmental Protection Energy Co., Ltd., and China Three Gorges Corporation, intends to construct 36 wind turbines in the northern section of Hangzhou Bay, with a combined capacity of 306MW. The water depth varies between 10.2 and 12 metres, and by December 31, 2024, a full grid connection is anticipated. A 220KV offshore booster station, an onshore centralised control centre, and support for maritime industries including wind power, livestock, and ocean observation are all part of this project. The finished project is anticipated to produce 1,075.524 million kilowatt-hours yearly with an expenditure of around 3.127 billion yuan, saving 327,800 tonnes of regular coal and lowering carbon dioxide emissions by about 894,700 tonnes. The project, which is China Three Gorges Corporation's first offshore wind power project in Shanghai, strengthens the region's position in the offshore wind power industry and offers a competitive pricing model for electricity that is lower than benchmarks for coal.

7^th Session of National People’s Congress Standing Committee concluded: Important appointments and legislative changes were made during the end of the 14th National People's Congress's seventh session in Beijing, China. Dong Jun was named China's defence minister, Sun Yeli was named minister of culture and tourism, and Lu Zhiyuan was named minister of civil affairs during the session. In addition, it resolved to call the 14th NPC's second annual session on March 5 to discuss plans for social and economic development, local and federal budgets, and the updating of the State Council's Organic Law. In addition, the meeting recommended that the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference hold its second session on March 4. The NPC Standing Committee strengthened the effort to combat bribery by amending the Criminal Law. With effect from March 1, the amended law toughens penalties for recurrent bribery in significant national projects and adds new sanctions for industries like healthcare, finance, environment, and safety production. A food security law, changes to the Company Law, and a decision to revise the Charity Law were also adopted during the session.

Who is Dong Jun?

To take over the post left vacant since Li Shangfu's removal in October, China named Dong Jun, a veteran PLA-Navy (PLAN) Commander, as the new defence minister. The selection of Dong, 62, by the National People's Congress Standing Committee underscores China's priority on naval expertise in key positions, breaking the convention for the first time by appointing non-army commander as defense minister. He retired in 2021 as the Chief Commander of PLAN and has experience in serving all major fleets of PLAN including Northern Sea Fleet, Eastern Sea Fleet (manages Taiwan strait) as well as Southern Theatre Command (manages South China Sea dispute). He handled maritime engagement, cooperative drills with Russia, and supervised the disputed South China Sea while serving in important positions. He has led joint military exercises with Russia and Pakistan in recent times. His appointment will help facilitate improvement in US-China military dialogue that resumed recently after more than a year. Dong’s leadership as defense minister is likely to help strengthen China’s position in two of its biggest maritime disputes vis-à-vis Taiwan and South China Sea.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

University students in China help a delivery man pay for medical bills after an accident: On November 12, Xiang Jianju, a delivery driver from Shanghai, broke his femur trying to avoid pedestrians on his electric bike. generous Fudan University students, upon observing the accident, covered his hurt legs and took him to the medical facility. Xiang first turned down medical care because of an expensive 10,000 Yuan medical deposit, but the students, aware of Xiang's financial limitations, launched a quick crowdsourcing effort on November 15 and, in only three hours, raised the 50,000 Yuan objective. Chen Zheng, a volunteer, overcame administrative setbacks by paying 5,000 Yuan in advance to guarantee Xiang’s hospital admission. Furthermore, students Wang Ling and Liu Yan talked to the local authorities, verifying that the collision was caused by the pedestrians. On November 20, Xiang underwent a successful surgery when steel pins were put into his femur fracture. Social media discussions have been triggered by this incident, drawing attention to the challenges faced by Chinese delivery workers. Increased labour protection and social security for vulnerable populations are urgently needed, according to online conversations. The incident raised awareness of the difficulties encountered by Chinese delivery workers and sparked demands for better labour laws and social security benefits for lower-class populations. These ideas were mirrored in social media comments, which emphasised how urgently workers need assistance and improved protection.

INDIA WATCH

The India-China nuclear relationship is currently relatively calm, despite continuous border conflicts. Both nations uphold a no-first use policy, and authorities have refrained from discussing the prospect of nuclear escalation. But India's nuclear stance is called into doubt by China's growing nuclear arsenal. China's nuclear arsenal saw a rise, rising from 350 warheads in January 2022 to 410 in January 2023. By the end of the decade, China might be able to equal the intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities of either the US or Russia, according to nuclear experts. This escalation in nuclear capabilities demands close scrutiny, and the SIPRI report noted that there is evidence of India's increasing focus on long-range missiles that may be able to strike targets in China. The dedication of the Defence Ministry to expanding its attack capabilities is seen in the continuous improvement of the Agni series ballistic missiles, including the Agni-V, which has a range exceeding 5,000 km. Furthermore, India's investments in cutting-edge missile defence systems are intended to safeguard its resources and fend off possible attacks, strengthening its entire nuclear deterrence. India is closely monitoring the ongoing nuclear development in China, emphasising the need for vigilance in the face of evolving strategic capabilities. Amid geopolitical tensions, India's strategic surveillance reflects the country's commitment to safeguarding its national interests and maintaining a vigilant stance in the evolving dynamics of nuclear developments in the region.

Prepared By

Saranya Menon

Saranya Menon is a UG2 student at FLAME University, majoring in International Relations with a minor in Public Policy. Excited to apply academic knowledge, she is interning at ORCA to gain practical insights into foreign policy and looks forward to enhancing her understanding of International Relations through this internship.