CiCM 27th-28th January 2023

NEWS IN CHINA

Xi calls for Sino-French collaboration in paving the way for peace and human development: Chinese President Xi Jinping and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, exchanged congratulations on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France. President Xi highlighted the historical significance of their diplomatic ties, breaking Cold War barriers and promoting global dialogue and cooperation. Facing current global challenges, both leaders pledged to uphold the original spirit of diplomatic relations, assuming their responsibilities as major countries and UN Security Council members. Xi expressed commitment to strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership, seeking new achievements and benefiting both nations and humanity. Macron reciprocated, recognizing the visionary decision of establishing diplomatic relations and stressing the increased importance of Franco-Chinese cooperation in addressing contemporary global challenges. He anticipated further enhancement of bilateral relations in 2024, looking forward to collaborative efforts with President Xi to deepen economic, cultural, and youth exchanges, and strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership for the next 60 years.
China's Kuaizhou rocket marks success in reusable technology test: On January 26, the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation’s Sanjiang Rocket Company achieved a milestone with the successful vertical takeoff and landing test of the Kuaizhou rocket's reusable technology. The test utilized the rocket company's liquid oxygen methane engine, demonstrating a 22-second flight with a precise 9-second hovering period at an accuracy of 0.15 meters. The test arrow exhibited a stable landing attitude, accurate positioning, and the rocket body remained in excellent condition, marking the mission as a success. This achievement serves as a crucial step forward in the development of the Kuaizhou series of reusable liquid oxygen methane launch vehicles.
Hong Kong Government establishes coordination group to boost international events attraction: The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has revealed plans to form an inter-departmental coordination group aimed at attracting world-class mega events in the city. Michael Wong, deputy financial secretary, will chair the group, consisting of representatives from relevant bureaus, departments, and statutory bodies. Kevin Yeung, secretary for culture, sports, and tourism, highlighted over 80 mega events, including the "International Chinese New Year Night Parade," scheduled for the first half of 2024. The establishment of the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund in 2023, with 15 approved applications, has further facilitated these initiatives, with six events either completed or currently underway. The HKSAR government sees international major events as strategically significant, fostering economic growth and drawing global industry leaders to experience Hong Kong's dynamism. Emphasizing Hong Kong as Asia's Events Capital, officials aim to showcase the city's allure on the international stage through successful event hosting.
CPC senior Official emphasizes High-Quality party building in central institutions: Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Cai Qi emphasized the promotion of high-quality development of Party building within central Party and state institutions. Cai, a member of the Political Bureau's Standing Committee and secretary of the Working Committee of the Central Party and State Institutions, addressed a conference on Party work and discipline inspection in these institutions. Recognizing progress in Party building over the past year, Cai urged a deep understanding of new tasks and requirements, emphasizing a heightened sense of responsibility. The meeting called for the consolidation of advancements in educational campaigns and the strengthening of primary-level Party organizations. Additionally, it underscored the need for intensified anti-corruption measures, comprehensive management, and regular oversight of Party members and cadres. The ongoing enhancement of oversight and discipline enforcement by discipline inspection commissions was emphasized to ensure effective implementation of tasks and contribute to the broader goal of building a strong nation and achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through a unique path to modernization.
China accelerates FTA pursuits to forge new global partnerships: China plans to advance extensive free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations in 2024, aiming to deepen economic integration and cultivate new partnerships. Officials underscored the importance of closer ties with other nations to enhance market access for Chinese businesses and provide an inclusive platform amid global economic challenges and geopolitical tensions. Key objectives include concluding the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 upgrade, negotiating FTAs with Honduras and upgrading talks with Peru. China also aims to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement. FTA negotiations are planned with key partners, such as the Gulf Cooperation Council, New Zealand, South Korea, and Switzerland. The strategy aims to diversify trading partners, reduce reliance on a single market, and support foreign trade firms amidst a complex global environment in 2024.
Northern provinces embrace ice and snow economy boom: Several Northeastern Chinese provinces, including Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning, are strategically focusing on the development of their ice and snow tourism industry. In Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang, officials are capitalizing on recent success in ice and snow tourism by planning to host the 9th Asian Winter Games in 2025. The government has implemented measures to activate the cultural tourism market, setting ambitious targets for the 2024 ice and snow season, aiming to receive over 100 million tourists with tourism revenue exceeding 150 billion yuan. Last year, Heilongjiang experienced substantial growth in tourism, with over 218 million tourists and tourism revenue reaching 221 billion yuan. Deputies at the Heilongjiang Provincial People's Congress underscored the importance of sustaining winter tourism momentum and expanding into summer tourism. Suggestions include enhancing transportation infrastructure and exploring new tourism formats, such as self-driving tourism. Jilin aims to make tourism a 1 trillion-yuan pillar industry, targeting total tourism revenue exceeding 600 billion yuan by 2024. Overall, these provinces are leveraging their natural advantages to boost their tourism sectors and stimulate broader economic growth.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

China's record spring migration and tourism boom ignited by viral travel surge: China has initiated its annual "chunyun" migration 15 days ahead of the Spring Festival, with an anticipated 9 billion passenger trips during the 2024 travel rush. The transport ministry expects 80% of these trips (7.2 billion) to be self-driving, while 1.8 billion will involve railways, highways, waterways, and civil aviation. China's railways are projected to handle 480 million passenger trips, a 37.9% YoY increase. The 40-day travel surge involves family reunions, contributing to economic recovery through vibrant consumption in the tourism market. Social media has fueled travel desires, particularly with ice-and-snow themes trending, making Harbin a popular destination. The Harbin railway bureau introduced a northeast folk culture-themed train to enhance the travel experience. Data from travel platforms indicates a sevenfold increase in tourism reservations compared to last year. The passion for travel extends internationally, with reciprocal visa policies resulting in an anticipated surge in outbound tourism. Dai Bin, President of the China Tourism Academy, predicts over 264 million inbound and outbound trips in 2024, generating substantial tourism revenue. Domestic tourism is thriving, with a predicted 6 billion visits and surpassing $844.19 billion in revenue this year.

INDIA WATCH

The deepening strategic partnership between India and France, as highlighted by the selection of President Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest for India's Republic Day Parade, also carries implications in the context of the China factor. The evolving geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific, marked by China's assertiveness and growing influence, adds a significant dimension to the Indo-French collaboration. Amidst concerns over China's territorial claims, maritime activities, and broader geopolitical ambitions, India and France find common ground in upholding international maritime law and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region. The Indo-French defense collaboration, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity and robotics, gains significance in the context of the technological competition and cyber threats emanating from China. As both nations work together on cutting-edge defense technologies, they contribute to enhancing their capabilities and resilience in the face of evolving security challenges, including those posed by cyber intrusions and technological advancements by potential adversaries. Furthermore, the strategic shift in India's defense procurement, diversifying sources beyond traditional partners like Russia and the US, aligns with the broader global strategy of mitigating dependence on a single power. This approach becomes particularly relevant in the context of China's growing influence in the defense and strategic spheres. India's participation in international groups like the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, Australia, and India, also reflects a regional response to China's rise. The Indo-French partnership, with its focus on the Indo-Pacific region, aligns with the broader efforts to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific, countering any attempts to alter the status quo through unilateral actions. while the India-France partnership has its roots in historical ties and mutual interests, the contemporary strategic dynamics, including concerns related to China's influence and activities, play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of their collaboration. As both nations strengthen their defense and security cooperation, they contribute to a multipolar balance in the Indo-Pacific region, countering potential challenges posed by China's geopolitical ambitions.

Prepared By

Elias Sebin

Elias Sebin is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Relations from South Asian University, New Delhi. His areas of research interest include the geopolitics and social dynamics of the Latin American, West Asian, and African regions as well as gender dynamics and intersectional feminism in South Asia. An avid traveller on a shoestring budget, his short fiction and travelogues have previously been published in several online publications including LiveWire, The Reading Room Co., and Gulmohur Quarterly.