CiCM 14th June 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

China Eastern Airlines Launches New Route for C919 Aircraft: On June 14th, China Eastern Airlines introduced a new route for the domestic C919 aircraft. The world's first C919 passenger plane, operated by China Eastern Airlines, carried 162 passengers from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport. The C919 will now operate two daily flights on this route. China Eastern Airlines has established a total of 36 "Shanghai-Guangzhou Express" flights, with an average frequency of one flight every hour and a half during peak times. This service aims to accommodate more passengers, including business travelers and tourists, both domestic and international. In addition to the Shanghai-Guangzhou route, China Eastern Airlines' C919 fleet, which now consists of six aircraft, also serves routes such as Shanghai Hongqiao-Beijing Daxing, Shanghai Hongqiao-Chengdu Tianfu, and Shanghai Hongqiao-Xi'an Xianyang. The daily utilization rate of these aircraft is consistently increasing. With the summer season approaching, the airline plans to attract young people and students to experience the C919. China Eastern Airlines is also expected to receive additional C919 aircraft as scheduled later this year.
Pepper Products Occupy Nearly 70% of the Domestic Market Share: On 14th June, the State Council Information Office hosted press conferences with the theme "Promoting High-quality Development". Luo Qiang, Vice Governor of Guizhou Province, stated that Guizhou's three-dimensional climate and unique terrain produce agricultural products with long growth cycles, environmental friendliness, and aromatic meat, along with popular vegetables. Guizhou Matcha has over 60 patents and has passed 500 EU tests. Jiangkou County, once impoverished, is now recognized as the "World Matcha Super Factory," boosting the income of nearly 100,000 local tea farmers. Guizhou focuses on nurturing businesses, leveraging leading enterprises' capital, talents, and technology, and enhancing both agriculture variety and market sales. The province has developed 12 national leading tea enterprises, ranking second in the country. In the past five years, edible fungi enterprises tripled, prickly pears' output value increased by over 30%, and pepper products now hold nearly 70% of the domestic market share.
China Criticizes Turkey's Additional Tariff on Imported Vehicles: On June 14th, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to Turkey's recent decision to impose an additional 40 percent tariff on vehicles imported from China. This follows Turkey's June 8th announcement of the new tariff, aimed at preventing a potential decline in its current account balance and supporting domestic automakers, according to Reuters. The additional tariff, set at a minimum of $7,000 per vehicle, will come into effect on July 7th, as stated in a presidential decision published in Turkey's Official Gazette. This tariff specifically targets passenger cars originating from China, leading to unequal treatment compared to similar products from other countries. MOFCOM argues that this discriminates against Chinese goods and breaches the principle of most-favoured-nation treatment. China has urged Turkey to eliminate these discriminatory tariffs promptly and has pledged to take "necessary measures" to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies. Turkey, currently advancing its electric vehicle (EV) industry, views the competitiveness of Chinese manufacturers as a significant challenge.
Chinese Agricultural Hub Nurtures Talent for SCO Member States: Over the last five years, the SCO Demonstration Base for Agricultural Technology Exchange and Training in Yangling, Shaanxi Province, northwest China has provided training to over 2,200 agricultural officials and technicians from Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries. Apart from practical training, the base has conducted specialized agricultural technology lectures, which have attracted more than 40,000 online learners. These statistics were disclosed at the annual symposium of the China Center for SCO Studies, which took place on 13th June in the Yangling Agricultural Hi-tech Industrial Demonstration Zone. The event brought together over 100 experts, scholars, and business leaders, highlighting the base's role in promoting international cooperation in agriculture. Despite accounting for less than 9% of the world's arable land, China produces approximately a quarter of the world's grain and sustains around a fifth of the global population. China has actively participated in global food and agriculture governance by engaging in exchanges related to agricultural science and technology with over 140 countries and regions. Furthermore, China has introduced more than 1,000 agricultural technologies and provided training to over 14,000 hybrid rice specialists in developing nations.
China Unveils Rules for Fair Competition Reviews: Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed a State Council decree, introducing regulations for fair competition reviews. From 1st August, administrative agencies and organizations legally authorised to manage public affairs must conduct fair competition reviews when formulating laws, rules and policies related to business activities, according to the regulations. While allocating duties to both central and local government departments, the regulations outline specific standards for fair competition reviews. The regulations also stress that stakeholders and public opinions should be taken into account during reviews to safeguard their interests. In its new development paradigm, China prioritizes the establishment of a unified national market characterized by high efficiency, standardization, openness, and fair competition. The Chinese government has pledged to eliminate regulations and practices that impede a unified market, ensure that all types of enterprises can participate in fair competition, and better protect the legitimate rights and interests of all business entities.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Social Media Celebrates Heartwarming Tale of Boy Finding Solace in Aunt, Highlighting Filial Piety and Family Bonds: A 10-year-old Chinese boy, Weiwei, who lost his mother in a car accident 18 months ago, has found solace in his aunt, Liu, who resembles his late mother. Despite living in different provinces, Liu and her siblings, including the deceased sister, have maintained a close bond. This heartwarming story, shared on Douyin, has moved many viewers and elicited a wave of emotional responses. Many users expressed heartfelt sympathy and admiration for the family's resilience and Liu's compassionate role. Comments flooded in, with users sharing their own experiences of loss and the importance of familial bonds in China. One user remarked, "Regardless of age, we always yearn for our loved ones, underscoring the significance of family," capturing the collective sentiment. The story also prompted discussions about the vital role of extended family in upholding filial piety and providing emotional support in the face of loss.

INDIA WATCH

West Bengal Health Authorities Assure No Risk of Avian Influenza Outbreak: Health authorities in West Bengal, India, assured on June 14th that there is no risk of an avian influenza or bird flu outbreak in the state, as reported by Xinhua. They emphasized that there is no need for alarm and no avian influenza-related guidance has been issued. Additionally, there are no restrictions on consuming poultry products such as chicken, eggs, and duck meat. The health department highlighted that a child from Kaliachak in Malda district was diagnosed with avian influenza in January but recovered after medical treatment. Another child, who traveled from Kolkata to Australia in February, tested positive for the disease upon arrival. Following these cases, active surveillance was conducted on family members and other individuals, but none tested positive for the virus. The World Health Organization recently confirmed a human case of bird flu in West Bengal. A four-year-old child was diagnosed with an H9N2 virus infection but has since recovered and was discharged from the hospital three months after treatment.

Prepared By

Diksha Takale

Diksha is currently an undergraduate student at FLAME University, Pune. She is pursuing her degree in BA with a major in Literary and Cultural Studies and minor in Sociology. Writing is a part of her primary focus in building her career and one way to cater to that is by diversifying her academic reach in a field such as international relations. She is an avid reader and writes fiction in her leisure time.