CiCM 8th May 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Xi Jinping arrives in Belgrade for a state visit: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Belgrade for a state visit to Serbia at the invitation of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Upon his arrival, Xi was warmly welcomed by President Vucic and his wife Tamara Vucic at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. The Serbian air force even sent two fighter jets to escort Xi’s plane upon entering the country’s airspace. The visit marks Xi’s second trip to Serbia in eight years and is seen as a significant milestone in enhancing bilateral relations. During his visit, Xi expressed the deep traditional friendship between China and Serbia, highlighting the strong political mutual trust and fruitful cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Xi emphasized the importance of the comprehensive strategic partnership established in 2016, and the shared commitment to international fairness, justice, peace, and development. The meeting received a positive response from the Serbian people, showcasing a deep-rooted friendship between China and Serbia. The visit aims to deepen cooperation between the two countries, focusing on equality, mutual benefits, and a new chapter in their relationship characterized by stronger momentum, greater scope, and higher quality collaboration. Xi’s visit to Serbia follows his trip to France, showcasing China’s efforts to strengthen ties with countries like Serbia and Hungary amidst tensions with the European Union.

Peng Liyuan advocates for increased global investment in girls and women’s education: Peng Liyuan, wife of President Xi Jinping and a UNESCO special envoy for girls and women’s education, emphasized the importance of global investment in girls and women’s education during a meeting with UNESCO Director-General - Audrey Azoulay in Paris. Peng highlighted China’s efforts in promoting girls and women’s education, particularly through initiatives like the Spring Bud project, aimed at supporting girls to return to school and enhancing teaching conditions in underprivileged areas. She also presented a tapestry named Blooming Spring Bud, a creation by beneficiaries of the project. Peng’s decade-long role as UNESCO special envoy has involved visiting schools worldwide to witness the positive impact of education on women’s lives. Azoulay commended Peng’s dedication and contributions, acknowledging China’s role in advancing girls’ and women’s education globally. The meeting concluded with discussions on further collaboration between UNESCO and China to advance women’s education worldwide. Additionally, Peng visited the Orsay Museum in Paris with Brigitte Macron, wife of French President Emmanuel Macron to appreciate renowned paintings and promote cultural exchanges between China and France, fostering mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations.

Wang Huning emphasizes a strong sense of Chinese national community in Guangxi Visit: Between the 6th to 8th of May, Wang Huning investigated Guangxi, emphasizing the importance of implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping thought on ethnic work. He highlighted the need to integrate the consciousness of the Chinese nation into various aspects of work, focusing on national unity, cultural heritage, ecological protection and rural development. Further, Wang Huning emphasized the significance of Guangxi as a model for national unity and progress, urging the incorporation of the Chinese nation's consciousness into all spheres of life in the region. While on his visit to Nanning, he stressed the historical exchanges and integration among ethnic groups in Guangxi, advocating for a correct understanding of Chinese history and the promotion of national unity. Wang commended Guangxi for its efforts in promoting the consciousness of the Chinese nation's community and called for continued work in strengthening national unity, social stability and border tranquility. He underlined the importance of enhancing the party’s leadership in ethnic affairs and advancing the party’s ethnic work in the new era.

China accuses Australian helicopter of disturbing naval training: The spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Defence Zhang Xiaogang has accused an Australian navy helicopter of deliberately flying within close range of Chinese airspace in a ‘provocative move” during a naval training exercise in the Yellow Sea. Recently, China blocked an Australian ship-borne helicopter over international waters in the Yellow Sea. China claimed that the Chinese jet pilot took “necessary measures”, to warn and alert the Australian side, which it described as ‘professional and safe”. Earlier, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles had described the Chinese jet’s interception as a “very serious incident.” China said the Australian helicopter had “disturbed” its normal training activities and urged Australia to “stop provocations” to prevent misunderstanding and miscalculation. The spokesperson asserted that a Chinese fighter jet issued a warning to an Australian military helicopter in the Yellow Sea due to its disruptive actions towards Chinese naval training exercises. Zhang defended the Chinese military’s response as legitimate, reasonable, professional and safe and urged Australia to respect China’s sovereignty and security concerns.

China encourages use of BeiDou Navigation System in electric bicycles: China is encouraging domestic manufacturers of electric mopeds and scooters to install the BeiDou high precision satellite positioning system in their products. The government has called on electric bicycle manufacturers to increase investment in research and development and to produce lightweight, intelligent and networked products to better meet consumer demand. China is a major producer and user of electric mopeds and scooters, with ownership of such vehicles reaching 350 million in the country. However, the industry faces challenges such as low industrial concentration and weak innovative capabilities, which the government aims to address through these policies. China has urged companies to upgrade its quality and improve the safety of its production, sales, product use and charging facilities, as well as the recycling of products.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Xiangpiaopiao’s provocative tea slogans spark online debates: Xiangpiaopiao, a popular Chinese tea brand, has garnered widespread attention for its new tea product featuring satirical slogans related to the discharged Fukushima wastewater issue. These slogans have ignited a viral response on social media platforms, drawing both praise and criticism for their bold and provocative nature. The brand’s marketing strategy has successfully captured public interest and sparked discussions about environmental concerns and corporate social responsibility. This highlights the power of creative marketing in generating business and engaging consumers in today’s digital age. This revelation prompted a 400 percent increase in live streaming sales over the weekend. Tens of thousands of viewers flocked to the brand's live stream, resulting in a significant boost in daily sales. The company's response, including acknowledging and rewarding staff involved and pledging donations to environmental causes, garnered further attention. XiangPiaoPiao clarified that the initiative was a personal action by employees rather than a company-led effort.

INDIA WATCH

China launches anti-dumping investigation against Indian Cypermethrin: China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) initiated an anti-dumping investigation into cypermethrin imports from India following an application from a domestic chemical company, Jiangsu Yangnong Chemical Industry Co. Report by Global Times notes that the move comes amidst rising tensions between the two countries. Chinese experts have tried to justify China's rationale for the probe, given what they perceive as India's unfair treatment of Chinese industries within its borders. Cypermethrin, a crucial ingredient in insecticide formulations, finds extensive use in agriculture and healthcare sectors for pest control. The investigation period, spanning from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, aims to scrutinize dumping actions, with the probe scheduled for conclusion by May 7, 2025, extendable by six months under special circumstances. Liu Zongyi, Secretary-General of the Research Center for China-South Asia Cooperation, highlighted India's history of anti-dumping investigations against Chinese industries, attributing it partly to India's aspirations to leverage the US-China trade war for its own industrial advancement. Zongyi emphasized the need for a fair and just perspective on international economic competition given inevitable competition in some economic sectors.

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.