CiCM 4th-5th May 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

China and France Discuss the Future of Global Governance: China and France recently participated in a forum in Paris, focusing on global governance reforms and the future of multilateralism. The forum highlighted the importance of true multilateralism for global governance and emphasized the potential for cooperation between China and France. Over 100 experts from both countries discussed and shared visions on global governance, citing examples like the Iranian Nuclear Issue negotiations and the Paris Agreement. Both sides agreed on the need for stronger global governance and emphasized that the Belt and Road initiative will be a useful asset for the world. The event was organized by the State Council Information Office of China and China International Communications Group and co-hosted by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Series and China-Europe-America Global Initiative. It aimed to strengthen the bilateral, comprehensive strategic partnership between China and France, especially as 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Wu Hailong, the president of China’s Public Diplomacy Association, stressed the significance of maintaining world peace and security in the context of upholding multilateralism and deepening global governance. “Improving global governance requires a consensus. We need to accelerate changes, build partnerships and be inclusive”, said Wang. The two-day forum highlighted strengthening consensus between China and France on global governance and the Belt and Road initiative.
Guangdong launches comprehensive probe of geological hazards regarding transport infrastructure: Guangdong has launched a comprehensive investigation of geological hazards in its highways, railways, and waterways to eliminate hidden safety dangers. Investigations have also begun on high-risk areas and highway sections prone to frequent downpours, riversides, soft foundation sections, steep downhill mountain roads, bridges and runners, sharp runners, sharp turns, and steep and high slopes. The provincial transport authority has sent working groups to various parts of the province to guide and supervise the implementation of the work plan. This comes after a highway section collapse accident in Meizhou city that killed 48 people and injured 30 others. The Guangdong provincial government has also ordered relevant cities and departments to introduce effective measures to prevent and handle possible geological hazards caused by torrential rains, including the collapse of highways and dikes, flooding, mountain torrents, mudflows, and landslides.
China denies interference in Canadian internal affairs: The Chinese Embassy in Canada has strongly refuted the claim of foreign interference in Canada’s internal affairs. The embassy expressed “strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition” to the “baseless accusation” that China has interfered with Canada’s internal affairs. The Embassy stated that China has “never mediated in Canada’s internal matters, nor do we harbor any intention to do so.” The embassy dismissed a recent report by Canada’s commissioner of elections that identified China as the most persistent and sophisticated foreign interference threat to Canada. The embassy claimed the report was “contradictory, biased and lacks credibility” and suggested it was an attempt to “mislead the public”. The embassy also accused Canada of having a history of interfering in China’s domestic affairs on issues concerning China’s core interests.
China’s space seeds are now used in the breeding experiment: CGTN has reported on the application of seeds from China’s space station in a breeding experiment. The seeds were taken from the rice that was grown on the space station during the Chang’e-5’s mission to lunar orbit. The rice was exposed to cosmic radiation and microgravity conditions during its time in space. Upon returning to earth, the seeds were grown in a laboratory and then in a field at the South China Agriculture University in Guangzhou. The seeds were harvested and identified through genomic selection, and the best ones were bred for further investigation. This experiment aims to explore the effects of space travel on plant growth and development, which could potentially lead to the creation of new crop varieties with desirable traits.
Chinese Think Tank Report on Modernisation Path and Cultural Cooperation: People's Daily has discussed a report released by Chinese think tanks, highlighting China’s approach to modernization. The report, titled “Chinese Modernization: The Way Forward”, was co-authored by researchers from the Institute of Party History and Literature of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Xinhua Institute. The report introduces the process of Chinese modernization and emphasizes its global significance. It states that the Chinese people, under the CPC’s leadership, have blazed a trail of Chinese modernisation. Further, the relationship between modernization, people-to-people and cultural exchanges has also been discussed. The report emphasizes that cultural cooperation should adhere to the spirit of independence, which is the primary connotation of the “China-France spirit” as summarized by President Xi. It also states that cultural exchanges should prioritize mutual learning, which is the main theme of the China-trance cultural exchanges and an inevitable choice for Chinese modernization to achieve the coordinated development between material and spiritual civilizations.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Lelecha’s Lu Xun tea promotion sparks controversy in China: The Chinese tea brand Lelecha has faced backlash for using iconic literary figure Lu Xun to promote their new “smoky oolong” milk tea product. On World Book Day, Lelecha featured Lu Xun’s portrait on their cups and other promotional materials for the special tea. However, this marketing campaign sparked controversy on Chinese social media. Many criticized Lelecha for the "commodification" of Lu Xun who was a revered 20th-century author and Marxist thinker. The use of the word "smoky" to describe the tea was also seen as disrespectful as Lu Xun was known to be a heavy smoker whose habit contributed to his early death. Additionally, the image of Lu Xun used by Lelecha resembled a famous painting by artist Yang Zhiguang, potentially infringing on the copyright. The Lelecha controversy was compared to a similar backlash against the tea chain HeyTea for collaborating with a museum on a product that, some felt, had exploited cultural heritage. Overall, Lelecha's attempt to capitalize on Lu Xun’s legacy for marketing purposes was widely criticized as inappropriate and disrespectful by the Chinese public.

INDIA WATCH

Canadian authorities arrest three men in connection to 2023 Sikh separatist assassination: CCTV report discussed Canadian PM Trudeau’s visit to a Sikh event where he refuelled contentious issue of the killing of Nijjar in September 2023. A day before this event, three Indian men were arrested in Canada on the suspicion of killing Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia. The report also mentioned that investigation have been carried out also to find any link of these suspects with the Indian government. Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau acknowledged the Sikh community’s anxiety over the murder, assuring all Canadians the right to live safely without discrimination. The three suspects, 22-28 were charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy. Police said they played the roles of hitman, driver, and lookout. India's external Affairs minister have constantly refuted Canada’s accusations as a 'political impulse” without evidence. The report argues that India is trying to portray this killing as a part of gang war and thereby, distancing the government away from this issue. It also infers that India-Canada relations are bound to deteriorate further as the investigation moves forward.

Prepared By

Prisha Thakore

Prisha Thakore, a first-year student at Flame University, Pune, delves into the realms of economics and finance with a focus on China and Southeast Asia. As an ORCA research intern, she explores the intricate connections between these regions and the global markets.