CiCM 31st January 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

In the 11th Session of the Political Bureau of CPC Central Committee, Xi Jinping unveils Strategy for High-Quality Development and Innovation Focus: In the recent collective study session of the CPC Central Committee’s Political Bureau, Xi Jinping underscored the need for high-quality development, aligning it as a core principle of the new era. He highlighted the significance of embracing a modern economic system, advocating for self-reliance in advanced science and technology andfostering a new development pattern. The session also addressed the need to balance deep reforms with high-level opening up, as well as synchronizing high-quality development with elevated security levels. The session saw contributions from various members, including Ma Xingrui and He Lifeng, who shared insights from their fields and local experiences. Xi stressed the importance of applying innovations to industries and industrial chains, transforming traditional industries, and developing emerging and future industries to enhance the modern industrial system. Interestingly, the green development approach was underlined as foundational to high-quality development, with the new productive forces being inherently green. Strategies for accelerating the green transformation, supporting carbon peak and neutrality goals, and developing green technologies and industries were discussed. Finally, Xi discussed the need for production relations to evolve in line with productivity development, a high-standard market system to facilitate smooth flow of advanced production forces was tied to education reforms and talent cultivation, with an emphasis on fostering a culture of innovation and tolerance for failure.
Shanghai eases home buying rules for non-registered singles: In a paper titled “Notice on Optimizing the City Housing Purchase Restriction Policy,” the Shanghai Municipal Housing and Urban-Rural Development Management Commission and the Municipal Housing Administration jointly stipulate that starting from January 31, those who have continuously paid social insurance or personal income tax in Shanghai but are not registered residents can purchase one house in the areas outside the outer ring (except Chongming district). This is done to meet the residents' needs better and promote regional job-housing balance and industry-city integration. Notably, the policy also opens the housing market to older, unmarried couples who no longer need to meet the “five years of security+ being married” condition to purchase a house. This decision should be seen in light of the strict policies introduced, especially among the first-tier cities during the overheating period of the market. The real impact of the policy will be studied after the Spring Festival enthusiasm dies down.
China will enhance cooperation with the UN for more just, reasonable global governance: Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Dennis Francis, the president of the 78th session of UNGA, in Beijing on Tuesday. Han said that as a permanent member of the UNSC, China believes in practicing true multilateralism and firmly safeguards the authority and status of the UN. It advocates equal, orderly, multipolar work and inclusive economic globalization that benefits all. Wang Yi said China also supports the General Assembly in playing a more active role and acknowledged the UN's support for the one-China principle. Calling China an important cooperative partner of the UN and a staunch force in safeguarding world peace and development. Francis reiterated the UN’s adherence to the one-China principle and his expectations from China to play a more important role in promoting sustainable development, advancing international cooperation, and addressing global challenges.
China Ousts Renowned Rocket Scientist Amid PLA Corruption Inquiry": China is set to remove prominent rocket scientist Wang Xiaojun from the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). This action is part of a broader investigation into corruption within the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force. Wang Xiaojun, known for leading the development of Long March 7 rockets, crucial for China’s space endeavors, will no longer be a CPPCC representative. The decision, not yet finalized, follows a regular meeting led by CPPCC chairman Wang Huning, a Politburo Standing Committee member. The move is part of Beijing's ongoing crackdown on senior officials in strategic sectors, including those associated with the rocket force, responsible for nuclear and missile development. Recently, several high-ranking aerospace-defense executives and leaders of the rocket force were dismissed from top legislative bodies. This development underscores the Chinese government's stringent approach to rooting out corruption in its military and space programs, both of which are closely intertwined. Wang Xiaojun, a significant figure in China's space program, had graduated from the National University of Defense Technology, specializing in rocket engines.
China receives 20 key criminal suspects in a cross-border exchange with Myanmar: Ten major criminal suspects, including six leaders of the telecom fraud groups, have been handed over to the Ministry of Public Security of China by the Myanmar government. For a long time, criminal groups in northern Myanmar have organized fraudulent dens, openly carrying out fraud through telecommunications and the internet against Chinese citizens. In addition, they have been accused of serious violent crimes such as intentional homicide, injury, and illegal detention. The Chinese public security authorities had previously announced a reward for the apprehension of Bai Suocheng and other key leaders, who have now been arrested. They had sent a working group to Myanmar to engage in talks and consultations concerning the perpetrators.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Chinese social media buzzes with the news of Criminal Wu Xieyu's final execution: On January 31, Zheng Xiaojing learned that Wu had been taken for execution, making their scheduled meeting unnecessary. Wu had been convicted of intentional homicide, fraud, and trading identity documents. The Supreme Court had approved the death sentence after finding that he had killed his mother, believing that her life had no meaning, and later deceived friends and relatives to obtain 1.44 million yuan. He used over ten identities to avoid detection. His crimes were deemed especially heinous, causing severe social impact. He is said to have shown no remorse, leading to confirmation of his death sentence of life deprivation of political rights with additional penalties. Zheng had previously urged the Supreme People’s Court not to approve the death penalty, noting Wu’s stable mental health and desire for atonement. There were several arguments for a mental evaluation after the 50,000-word handwritten letter sent by Wu to his relatives and friends.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese cross-border exchange of criminals marks an era in international law enforcement. This could bode well for India, especially in cases relating to Myanmar. India's relationship with Myanmar, particularly in the wake of the 2021 military coup, is a delicate balance of strategic, humanitarian, and democratic concerns. India has seen air raids in the Indian state of Mizoram from armed groups working in Myanmar. These attacks have been seen as a violation of Indian air space and soil; this has, in the past, led to escalated conflicts in the region. The political unrest in Myanmar has impacted India's Northeastern states, notably with refugee influxes and heightened security issues. India faces a dual challenge: Myanmar's closeness to China and internal security threats in its border regions. India’s approach has been cautious, focusing on supporting Myanmar's democratization while avoiding direct confrontation with the military junta. This stance reflects India's historical ties with Myanmar's military and the shared border, making the situation a complex interplay of international diplomacy and regional security. In response to these challenges, India has been working to deepen its engagement with Myanmar so that required interventions can be carried out and international law can be enforced across borders.

Despite the differences and competition, China’s recent statement about the importance of equal, orderly, inclusive, and multipolar work in the international body can overlap with India’s position on creating an equitable space. Although China firmly opposes India’s candidature for the UNSC, it accepts the authority of the United Nations. As India observes an active role in the international community and cements its relationship with the UN, it might be able to make critical advances toward making the international community truly fair and multilateral.

Prepared By

Alisha Mehra

Alisha is a 2nd year student pursuing Development Studies with a minor in International Relations at IIT, Madras. Her interdisciplinary course offers her a unique perspective on Public Policy and Global Polity issues. She is passionate about China Studies, Economics and Climate and loves to explore the interconnections between the them.