CiCM 21st February 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Panchen Rinpoche Affirms Unity with CPC Leadership during Spring Festival Meeting: Panchen Erdeni Chos-kyi Gyal-po, a prominent figure in Tibetan Buddhism, met with senior Chinese official Shi Taifeng in Beijing on February 21^st. Shi Taifeng is head of the United Front Work Department, conveyed greeting for the Tibetan New Year and emphasized the importance of Panchen Rinpoche’s unity with the CPC leadership under Xi Jinping. He encouraged the religious leader to develop and adapt Tibetan Buddhism in the Chinese context of a socialist society and contribute to national unity by maintaining a high degree of consistency with the Party central committee with Xi Jinping as the core in terms of ideology, politics, and actions. Panchen in response pledged to strengthen his political understanding and religious knowledge, while upholding the patriotic traditions of the Tibetan Buddhist community. He also affirmed his commitment to safeguarding national unity and ethnic solidarity. This meeting underscored the CPC’s continued efforts to engage with religious leaders and promote their adaptation to China’s political and social context. However, the extent to which these interactions represent genuine collaboration or reflect potential pressure on religious communities remains a complex and nuanced issue.

China, France deepen strategic partnership, aim for more flights and cultural exchange: China and France pledged to solidify their comprehensive strategic partnership during high-level talks held between Minister Wang Yi and French President Emmanuel Macron at the 25th China-France Strategic Dialogue. Both sides agreed on increased cooperation in areas like climate change, clean energy, and cultural exchange. A key highlight was the agreement to increase the number of direct flights connecting China and France. This aims to facilitate an increase in people-to-people exchanges and support the ongoing “China-France Year of culture and tourism” which features hundreds of planned cultural events throughout 2024. Wang Yi reiterated the country’s commitment to high-quality development and increased openness. He expressed hope that France would create a favorable business environment for Chinese companies. China and France agreed that “multipolarity is indispensable to peace and stability”, signaling their intention to work together on tackling geopolitical conflicts. Macron reaffirmed France’s adherence to strategic autonomy and the One-China policy. This dialogue marks a significant step towards strengthening the China-France partnership. The increased focus on cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and addressing global challenges paves the way for a more stable and prosperous future for both nations and the world at large.
Mainland Fishermen return after incident near Kinmen island: Two fishermen miraculously survived a deadly incident near Kinmen Island, sparking outrage and renewed tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Their boat capsized after being "brutally treated" by Taiwanese authorities, leaving two colleagues deceased. Upon their return to the mainland, the survivors recounted their ordeal, expressing fear and disappointment with Taiwan's handling. Meanwhile, mainland authorities vowed to strengthen patrols and law enforcement in the disputed waters. While local authorities and opposition parties expressed condolences, the ruling DPP remained silent, further fueling mainland criticism of their callous attitude. Experts in China warn that unless Taiwan authorities show basic respect for mainland fishermen and refrain from provocations, the risk of cross-strait conflict could escalate. The mainland, they emphasize, possesses numerous options to counter any confrontational stance. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragile peace in the region.
India and China hold 21st round of military commander-level talks: China and India held the 21st round of commander-level talks where both sides agreed to "turn the page" on the situation and maintain communication through military and diplomatic channels. The talks, held on the Chinese side of the Moldo-Chushul border meeting point, saw "active, in-depth, and constructive communication" on resolving outstanding border issues, according to a statement from China's Ministry of National Defense. Guided by the "important consensus" reached by the leaders of both countries, they agreed to strive for a mutually acceptable solution "as soon as possible" and maintain peace and tranquility in the disputed border areas in the interim. This positive development comes after months of tension and several face-offs along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border between the two nations. While details of the agreed-upon solution remain unclear, the commitment to communication and a peaceful resolution marks a hopeful step forward.
10 central enterprises sign letter of initiative - may speed up layout and development of AI: While AI like the new video-generating model Sora raises concerns about job displacement, a different story unfolds at the macro-level. China’s central enterprises are actively embracing AI, viewing it as a key driver for industrial renewal and high-quality economic growth. Central enterprises are leading this change. 10 state-owned giants pledged to open AI application scenarios to society, fostering collaboration. This move aims to accelerate AI development and empower traditional industries. The focus lay on building intelligent computing centers, promoting open cooperation, and fostering industry-specific AI ecosystems. Employees, especially younger generations, are actively learning AI tools to remain competitive. A recent survey shows 69% use AI tools like ChatGPT, demonstrating proactive adaptation. However, the anxiety persists, fuelled by news of AI replacing white-collar jobs.
China Prioritizes Private Economy Growth with Dedicated Law in the Works: China's took a significant step forward in its commitment to fostering a thriving private sector with a symposium held by key government bodies consisting of the Ministry of Justice, the National Development and Reform Commission and the Legal Affairs Committee of Standing committee of NPC discussing the development of a Private Economy Promotion Law. This initiative aims to solidify legal protections and optimize the business environment for private enterprises, boosting their contribution to the country's economic growth. The key concerns addressed were protecting property rights and entrepreneur interests, ensuring legal safeguards for private ownership and fostering trust within the business community. Fair market competition is to be promoted by leveling the playing field for private and state-owned enterprises, prompting healthy competition and innovation. The government will facilitate equal access to production factors and financial resources for private business and address concerns about fair law enforcement and tackling issues like overdue payments impacting small and medium-sized enterprises. The symposium emphasized the importance of aligning the law with the spirit of Xi Jinping's pronouncements on the private economy and the directives of the 20th National Congress. Participants, including private enterprise representatives, experts, and scholars, highlighted the need for open deliberation, gathering diverse perspectives to create an effective and operational law.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Women with Disability denied boarding sparks outrage: A woman in China, identified as Ms. Zhang, was denied boarding on a China Southern Airlines flight despite notifying them of her wheelchair needs and receiving prior approval. Ms Zhang upon arrival was denied boarding due to the absence of a travel companion, contradicting the airline’s policy and prior confirmation. She garnered widespread attention online, with many criticizing China Southern Airlines for discrimination. This incident, sparking outrage online, highlights the continuing fight for equal access and treatment for individuals with disabilities. This incident compels airlines and other institutions to adopt inclusive approaches, ensuring everyone enjoys barrier-free travel and opportunities. This echoes a similar incident in 2023 where a blind woman and her guide dog were denied entry to a park, highlighting the broader issue of disability discrimination.

INDIA WATCH

India and China recently held the 21st round of military commander-level talks to address the ongoing border standoff in eastern Ladakh. While the talks didn’t offer any immediate breakthroughs, their significance lies within the broader history of tensions and attempts at de-escalation between the Asian giants. The two countries have been engaged in a standoff since April 2020, with troops amassed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border disputed by both nations. Post the Galwan Valley clash in June of 2020, both countries have engaged in numerous military level talks, held at regular intervals, to disengage troops and de-escalate tensions. These talks have yielded mixed results. There has been some disengagement in specific areas leading to troop withdrawals from the Pangong Tso lake area and the Gogra Hot Springs. However, major friction points like Depsang Plains and Hot springs continue to see troop buildup and infrastructure development, delaying complete disengagement.

During the negotiations, there has been a continued commitment to dialogue where both sides have acknowledged the need for “complete disengagement” in remaining areas, indicating continued willingness to find a solution through talks. The talks however have been complicated by continued distrust between the two parties and the domestic nationalistic concerns which continue to influence the negotiation process. India's plans to stick with disengagement at Depsang and Demchok, followed by de-escalation and de-induction of soldiers. The undefined nature of LAC in certain sectors further complicated disengagement efforts. Sustained dialogue, confidence building measures and backchannel diplomacy can help play a big role in such a situation. Maintaining open communication channels through regular talks remains crucial to prevent further escalation and misinterpretations.

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.