CiCM 4th April 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

PLA's Live-Fire Drills Along China-Myanmar Border Showcased with focus on Enhancing Rapid Mobility and Precise Targeting: China has carried out live-fire exercises along the China-Myanmar border by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theatre Command in order to evaluate their quick mobilization, accurate targeting, and coordinated attack abilities. China Central Television released videos featuring different forces participating in coordinated exercises, including air and ground units conducting live-fire drills together. The training focused on organized and synchronized manoeuvres, with several firepower units attacking specified zones simultaneously. The drill, taking place over several days, centred on examining force actions and quick movement to protect national sovereignty and border security. This is happening as conflicts in northern Myanmar escalate, endangering border security. China is calling on all parties to stop fighting and reduce tensions. Experts point out that the drill meets operational needs, given the significance of stability in the area for mutual cooperation, especially concerning the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor.
Efforts Urged in Hong Kong to Alleviate Border Bottlenecks: Over the Easter holiday, Hong Kong saw a notable increase in pressure at its borders with more than 4.26 million travellers arriving and departing, showing a 40% rise from the previous year. Legislators have recommended that the city improve its crowd control methods by suggesting the implementation of technology and the building of new border facilities such as the Huanggang port, set to be operational by 2026. They recommend using advanced technologies like autonomous driving for shuttle buses on bridges to enhance clearance efficiency and considering partnerships with Guangdong province and Macao to create an autonomous driving network. Moreover, there are suggestions to enhance the capability of high-speed train services and speed up the development of new land crossings such as Sha Tau Kok, which will be reconstructed to manage high volumes of holiday travellers. Lawmakers stress the importance of promptly sharing traffic updates at checkpoints to reduce traffic congestion.
Chinese Embassy Contribution to Combat Cholera in Zambia: The Zambia government received a donation of around $500,000 from the Chinese Embassy in Zambia to help fight cholera. This donation was a way for the embassy to help during the height of the cholera epidemic earlier this year. Wang Sheng, the representative at the embassy, emphasized the continued partnership between the Chinese Embassy and Zambian officials in carrying out aid initiatives. Even though there has been some progress in controlling cholera, Wang highlighted the necessity of continuous actions to completely eradicate the disease in the long run. The funds will be used to strengthen sanitation and water supply infrastructure to avoid future outbreaks. Furthermore, talks are underway about a Chinese vaccine company setting up manufacturing plants in Zambia to help reduce the threat of cholera. Situmbeko Musokotwane, the Zambian Minister of Finance and National Planning, expressed appreciation for China's assistance, acknowledging its role in Zambia's achievements in managing the outbreak. He also recognized China's continuous help to Zambia, including support during the nation's debt restructuring. Wang reassured Zambia of China's dedication to helping, especially with issues such as drought. This led to Zambia declaring a national state of disaster in late February due to food security and electricity issues.
China Backs Timor-Leste's Prompt Entry into ASEAN, Reaffirming Bilateral Partnership: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a meeting with Timor-Leste's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, where he reiterated China's backing for Timor-Leste's swift entry into ASEAN. Wang emphasized the substantial advancements in bilateral ties since upgrading to a comprehensive strategic partnership in September. He reiterated China's dedication to being a dependable ally to Timor-Leste, backing its progress and participating in global and local matters. Wang stressed the importance of putting into action the agreements made by the leaders of both countries to consistently strengthen their partnership. China promised to assist Timor-Leste in its development, with a particular focus on industrial revitalization, infrastructure, food security, and enhancing livelihoods. The nations want to synchronize their development plans and increase collaboration through the Belt and Road Initiative. They talked about strengthening partnerships in agriculture, infrastructure, and cultural interactions. Bendito reaffirmed Timor-Leste's support for the one-China principle and dedication to enhancing collaboration with China in different areas such as economy, agriculture, technology, and investment. Both parties discussed shared issues, highlighting their dedication to strengthening bonds and achieving mutual growth.
Chinese Representative Urges Urgent Humanitarian Aid for Children in Armed Conflicts: During a United Nations Security Council meeting discussing children impacted by armed conflicts, China's deputy permanent representative, Geng Shuang, highlighted the critical importance of providing immediate humanitarian aid to affected children globally. Geng emphasized the grave situation children are in, identifying them as the most innocent and vulnerable individuals. He praised Malta for organizing the meeting, hoping for tangible steps to overcome humanitarian challenges and improve child protection. Geng highlighted the serious crisis in Gaza by referring to statistics from the UN Children's Fund, which revealed more than 13,000 children have lost their lives in the last six months. He strongly advised the Security Council to put into effect Resolution 2728, which requests an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to ensure the safety of children. Geng emphasized the significance of carrying out council resolutions fully and effectively, and urged for the cessation of actions that harm civilians and the removal of the blockade on Gaza in order to make it easier to deliver humanitarian aid. Furthermore, Geng brought attention to the challenges faced by children in regions of conflict such as Afghanistan and Syria, denouncing the effects of sanctions and lack of adequate global assistance. He criticized the cut in humanitarian funds as a form of coercion and urged the removal of one-sided sanctions that are impeding aid operations. Geng also talked about serious abuses against children, such as being recruited by armed groups, and supported the need for holistic development projects to tackle underlying issues like poverty, lack of education, and healthcare access.
Railway Services in East China Return to Normalcy Following Taiwan Earthquake Disruption: Train services in the provinces of Fujian and Jiangxi in east China have begun operating again following an interruption caused by a 7.3-magnitude earthquake close to Taiwan. The restoration of services has been confirmed by local railway authorities after widespread train delays and cancellations resulting from the seismic activity. The earthquake near Hualien County in Taiwan caused tremors felt in various Chinese mainland provinces like Fujian, Guangdong, Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu. Consequently, train operations in Fujian and Jiangxi suffered disruptions, causing both delays and cancellations. Travelers were temporarily stuck in cities such as Quanzhou and Xiamen. China Railway Nanchang Group Co., Ltd. in Jiangxi increased the number of passenger trains by 97 on Thursday to meet the high travel demand during the Qingming Festival holiday. Qingming Festival, also called Tomb-Sweeping Day, overlapped with the reopening of railway services, emphasizing the significance of prompt transportation options during busy travel times.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

China Divorce Court Orders Compensation for Insulting Disabled Wife: A man by the name of Zhao was ordered by a divorce court in China to compensate his disabled wife, Qian, with 30,000 yuan (US$4,200) for regularly disrespecting her, which included referring to her as "trash." The court labelled Zhao as a domestic abuser when he started abusing Qian after she became disabled from a car accident in 2015. Even though they had a good marriage and two sons, Zhao treated Qian with disrespect and verbal cruelty following her accident. During the proceedings, Qian agreed to end the marriage and requested compensation. The court determined that Zhao's actions amounted to psychological abuse and domestic violence, granting Qian compensation and only 40% of shared property. The incident sparked anger on social networking sites, with numerous individuals criticizing Zhao's behaviour and doubting the leniency of the punishment. China's 2016 Anti-Domestic Violence Law permits the incarceration of individuals for as long as seven years in cases of serious abuse. According to reports, there has been a notable increase in domestic violence incidents, with the Supreme People's Court processing 2.17 million cases in 2023, which is a 19.5% rise compared to the previous year and granting more personal safety protection orders to victims.

INDIA WATCH

(Kindly note that ORCA has re-oriented its India Watch section. The updated section will now assess how Chinese media and experts view Indian affairs, in an attempt to better understand China's perspectives on India)

Technological Triumph: India's "Tejas" MK-1A Takes Flight, Embarks on Journey of Advancement: A prominent media house in China, published an article discussing the most recent model of India's homegrown fighter jet, the "Tejas" MK-1A. This article was published in light of the recent accomplishment of the fighter jet taking its first successful test flight, reaching an important stage in its progress. The article however was quick to note the challenges present in front of the fighter jet's innovation. The article noted that during its first flight, the program experienced a crash on March 12, 2024, highlighting the difficulties it has encountered since its beginning. In Bangalore, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited celebrated the successful flight of the Tejas MK-1A, showcasing its ongoing advancements for Indian Air Force delivery. In spite of this accomplishment, the piece stated, more effort were required before the aircraft could be deployed. The Tejas was created by India to upgrade old fighter jets and support the aviation industry, taking more than thirty years and going through different versions. Despite ongoing challenges such as production efficiency and pricing issues, India's dedication to developing its own aircraft demonstrates strategic resolve and persistence. Nevertheless, it will be essential to tackle administrative inefficiencies and streamline production processes to reach the program's objectives. The Indian Air Force must maintain patience and confidence while working towards acquiring the entire fleet of Tejas MK-1As.

Prepared By

Triveni Mahajan

Triveni is a student of Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication at Bennett University and has contributed to the field of Indian Politics Journalism.