CiCM 8th July, 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Residents Evacuated as Dike Breach Threatens Hunan Province: Following a dike breach at Dongting Lake in Hunan Province, central China, residents are being relocated to safer areas. The breach occurred in Tuanzhou Township, Huarong County, prompting the immediate evacuation of approximately 5,000 people. Efforts are underway to repair the breach, with 75 meters of the 226-meter breach already sealed by Sunday. Over 4,700 rescuers are involved in the repair and relief operations. In response to the breach, four evacuation and resettlement sites have been established, accommodating 3,224 affected residents. Authorities are now focused on protecting a 14.3-kilometer embankment located two kilometers behind the breached dike. This secondary defense line is at risk due to erosion caused by the breach, which may lead to a piping effect. Over 300 police officers and firefighters are being deployed to prevent further damage. This effect can hollow out the structure of the embankment, potentially leading to additional breaches if not addressed promptly. The incident underscores ongoing challenges in managing flood risks in the region, exacerbated by heavy rainstorms.
Allegations of Cyber Espionage Against China Linked to US Budget and Surveillance Agenda: According to China's National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center (VERC), accusations labeling the "Volt Typhoon" hacking group as Chinese state-sponsored are part of a scheme orchestrated by US government agencies. The goal allegedly involves securing increased congressional funding and extending surveillance powers under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The campaign, ongoing since early 2023, aims to justify budget hikes for US intelligence agencies by exaggerating cyber threats attributed to China. The VERC report asserts that US agencies collaborated with cybersecurity firms to manipulate evidence, including pressuring companies to alter reports on "Volt Typhoon." This effort, supported by the Five Eyes alliance (US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand), seeks to bolster US cyber hegemony by portraying China as a cybersecurity adversary. Despite China's counterclaims identifying "Volt Typhoon" as a non-state ransomware group, the US maintains its narrative to justify extensive surveillance capabilities and budget allocations. Critics argue that these tactics unfairly target China, diverting attention from US cyber activities and imposing financial burdens on American taxpayers.
Chinese Automakers Experience Surge in Sales, Driven by Electric Vehicles: Chinese automakers have reported substantial growth in vehicle sales for June 2024, particularly in the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector. BYD led the pack with 341,658 units sold, marking a 35% increase compared to last year. Chery and Geely Auto reported significant sales increases in June, with Chery up 38% and Geely up 24%. Notably, their NEV sales surged, with Chery's rising 230.6% and Geely's 88%. Startups Li Auto, Nio, and Zeekr also showed strong growth, with Zeekr achieving over 20,000 deliveries for the first time. Despite these successes, many NEV startups have struggled to meet their 2024 sales targets, impacting dealership performances across China. The industry's growth is attributed to promotional events, trade-in policies, and the introduction of new models like Li Auto's L6 SUV and Xpeng's upcoming M03 sedan. As competition intensifies, automakers are optimistic about further boosting sales in the second half of the year.
Global Experts Urge Collaboration Against Influenza Threat: Health experts gathered at the 2024 World Influenza Conference in Hainan, China, advocating for international cooperation to combat influenza and other respiratory diseases. The conference, held in Boao, emphasized the need for integrated prevention strategies and enhanced pandemic response capabilities. Participants highlighted China's robust influenza monitoring system, which tracks disease activity in real time and informs global efforts in vaccine development and treatment. They underscored ongoing challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and animal-related infections, which contribute to the global spread of influenza viruses. Sylvie Briand from the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board stressed the importance of unified global action to prevent the continual mutation and cross-species transmission of influenza viruses. Sun Yang of China's National Disease Control and Prevention Administration outlined plans to strengthen infectious disease reporting systems and enhance international cooperation with organizations like the WHO. Experts concluded by calling for heightened public awareness, improved vaccines, and faster response measures to effectively combat future influenza pandemics.
China Leads Global AI Innovation at 2024 Conference: China's prowess in artificial intelligence (AI) took center stage at the 2024 World AI Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, where over 500 representatives from around the world gathered. The event witnessed the signing of agreements for more than 24 AI projects, amounting to a staggering 40 billion yuan ($5.48 billion) in investments. Key highlights of the conference included advancements in AI computing power, algorithms, and devices, reflecting China's accelerating push to dominate cutting-edge technology. The expo attracted a record-breaking 300,000 attendees and garnered 1 billion online views, underscoring global interest in AI innovations. Experts noted that the deals signed, particularly in generative AI models and humanoid robotics, signify the future direction of China's AI industry. Despite challenges such as US sanctions affecting chip supplies, Chinese tech leaders expressed confidence in their ability to thrive and narrow the technological gap with Western counterparts. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology emphasized ongoing efforts to foster breakthroughs in AI, quantum technology, and other key sectors crucial for China's technological advancement on the global stage.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Crackdown on Online Soccer Gambling During Euro 2024: In recent weeks, while fans across China were immersed in the excitement of Euro 2024 soccer matches, authorities cracked down on several online gambling operations disguised under the guise of international sports events. Police in various cities, including Beijing and Chengdu, dismantled multiple gambling gangs involved in illegal betting activities. In Beijing, authorities seized 21 suspects and confiscated electronic devices and bank cards used in operating illegal casinos. Similarly, in Chengdu and Dujiangyan, Sichuan province, arrests were made related to organizing bets worth significant amounts on overseas betting websites during Euro 2024. Additionally, police warned the public about scams targeting soccer fans. Fraudsters created fake versions of official Euro 2024 platforms to sell counterfeit memorabilia and lured victims through false prize notifications via text messages. These scams aimed to extract money under false pretenses or steal personal information through malware. The crackdown highlights the risks associated with online gambling and fraud during major sports events. Authorities urged people to remain vigilant, avoid participating in illegal betting, and protect their personal information online to prevent falling victim to such scams. Social media users showed mixed reactions to the crackdown, with support for police actions, frustration from scam victims, calls for stricter regulations, and skepticism about long term effectiveness. The incident highlighted the need for vigilance and awareness to prevent future scams.

INDIA WATCH

Indian Players Shine at Uganda Para-Badminton International 2024: China’s news agency Xinhua reported that Indian players achieved remarkable success at the Uganda Para-Badminton International 2024 held in Kampala from July 2-7. In the men's singles SU5 category, Jatin Azad from India defeated Ibrahim Aliyev of Azerbaijan with scores of 21-14, 21-16 to clinch the title. Similarly, in the women's singles SU5 final, Arati Janoba Patil emerged victorious over fellow Indian Latika Latika with scores of 21-16, 21-15. India's dominance extended to other categories as well. Kartik Suhag and Aman Thakur secured the men's doubles SL3-SL4 title, defeating Nigeria's Chigozie Jeremiah Nnanna and Obinna Preciuos Nwosu. Indian players also triumphed in the men's singles SL3 and SL4, women's singles SL3, and mixed doubles WH1-WH2. Simon Mugabi, CEO of the Uganda Badminton Association, praised the tournament's success, highlighting its role in providing local players exposure to international competition. He expressed satisfaction with the participation of several foreign players, underscoring the event's significance in promoting global sportsmanship and camaraderie in para-badminton.

Prepared By

Kriti Rai

Kriti is an undergraduate student at FLAME University pursuing Data Science and Economics. She is proficient in C++, Python, MySQL, and data visualisation tools such as Tableau. Her areas of interest lie in building predictive models and utilising machine learning to enhance decision-making and tackle real-world challenges.