CiCM 30th April 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Chinese Coast Guard expels Philippines ship from Chinese waters - In recent events, the China Coast Guard (CCG) expelled two Philippine vessels from waters near Huangyan Dao, a region claimed by China in the South China Sea. According to a briefing released by CCG, the two Philippine vessels expelled by CCG were identified as Philippine coast guard vessel 4410 and official ship 3004. Senior spokesperson of the CCG Gan Yu claimed in a statement to the media that all necessary ‘legitimate’ precautions were taken including monitoring, warning with water cannons, blocking and controlling, to drive away the vessels that illegally trespassed This incident, which involved the use of water cannons, underscores the ongoing territorial disputes in the area. It highlights the sensitive and complex geopolitical dynamics between China and the Philippines, both of whom have overlapping territorial claims in these strategic waters.
Former Chinese Vice-Minister of Justice under investigation - Liu Zhiqiang, a former senior Chinese justice official and member of the Interpol committee, is under investigation by China's top anti-corruption body, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. This probe is part of President Xi Jinping's broader anti-corruption campaign, which has intensified over its 11-year run, targeting high-ranking officials across various sectors. Liu's career included significant roles in the Ministry of Public Security and later the Ministry of Justice, highlighting his long-standing involvement in China's legal and security affairs. This case follows recent investigations into other senior officials within the same ministry, indicating a continued crackdown on corruption within China's security and law enforcement sectors.
Shenzhou-17 spaceship mission marks successful landing in Northern China - The Shenzhou-17 mission officially concluded as the spacecraft successfully returned to the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at 6:37 p.m. Beijing Time (10:37 UTC) on Tuesday, carrying three astronauts who had been on a six-month mission to the China Space Station since October last year. The crew performed 84 in-orbit experiments across multiple fields like biotechnology and space medicine, contributing significant scientific data. This mission sets a new precedent for China's space exploration capabilities and underscores ongoing advancements in their space program. The astronauts' return was also marked by China announcing the launch of Shenzhou-18, continuing their extensive research and exploration initiatives.
President Xi extends greetings to workers nationwide ahead of International Workers Day and May Day holidays- Chinese President Xi Jinping extended greetings to the nation's workers on the eve of International Workers' Day, emphasizing their significant contributions to China's development. His message underscored the importance of labor in achieving high-quality development and advancing Chinese modernization. Xi praised the workers' role in the nation's progress and urged continuous efforts towards building a strong country and rejuvenating the Chinese nation. He also called on government bodies at all levels to protect and promote workers' rights and interests, encouraging them to pursue their aspirations through hard work. Ahead of the May Day holidays, travel bookings in China have also soared. Data suggests that transportation, particularly railways and highways, will experience a significant increase in passenger volume, with estimates of around 144 million travelers commuting throughout the holidays.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Secret double life of Chinese murder fugitive revealed after 23 years on the run - A fugitive, surnamed Li, who had been on the run for 23 years after committing a double murder in Zhejiang Province, China, was recently apprehended. Li had been living under a false identity as a monk in a Buddhist temple in Guangdong Province, 1,000 km from the crime scene. His disguise included surveillance cameras around the temple and occasional use of a disguise in public. The police, acting on a tip-off, captured him while he was planning another escape to Tibet. This case has garnered significant attention for its unusual circumstances and the long period Li managed to evade capture, with one user on Weibo commenting - “What a blossoming life he had as a fugitive”. Another comment read - “Even the most fanciful novels and films are not as good as real stories”.

INDIA WATCH

Tagore’s artistic spirit as a cultural linkage between India and China - An article in China Daily highlighted the cultural linkage between China and India through the work of Rabindranath Tagore and the ‘strong empathy’ this has inspired. An exhibition in Bengaluru (India) titled ‘Rabindranath Tagore: The Spirit of Asia and Our Human Future’, commemorating the centenary of Rabindranath Tagore's 1924 visit to China highlighted the deep cultural and intellectual connections between India and China. The event also marked the historical interactions between Tagore and Chinese literary figures, enhancing mutual understanding and strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations. Ma Jia, charge d'affaires of the Chinese embassy in India hailed Tagore’s maiden journey as a ‘milestone event’ in the history of China-India bilateral relations through an artistic lens. The article is also a reflection on the cultural significance a personality such as Rabindranath Tagore hold in India-China bilateral ties.

Prepared By

Harshita Khaund

Harshita Khaund is a Masters student of International Affairs from O.P. Jindal Global University. Previously, she has undertaken her bachelors in Political Science from Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi. She has a keen interest in security studies, international economy, and conflict and peace studies.