CiCM 11th July 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

China Releases White Paper on Marine Eco-Environmental Protection: China's State Council Information Office released a white paper titled "Marine Eco-Environmental Protection in China." The document, comprising seven main parts, outlines China's efforts and achievements in protecting its marine environment. Key areas addressed include improving the marine eco-environment, coordinating protection efforts, implementing systematic governance, and advancing international cooperation. China positions itself as an advocate and active participant in marine eco-environmental protection, viewing these efforts as crucial to building a beautiful China and establishing itself as a strong maritime nation. The white paper highlights overall improvements in China's marine eco-environment, noting increased ecosystem services in certain sea areas. It also emphasizes China's role in promoting international cooperation for marine environmental protection. By publishing this document, China aims to present its strategies and accomplishments to the international community, fostering understanding and global cooperation in this critical field.
Apollo Go Robotaxis Gain Popularity in Wuhan, Sparking Debate on Employment Impact: Baidu's Apollo Go robotaxi service is gaining significant traction in Wuhan, China, with its fleet of over 500 driverless taxis rapidly attracting customers. The service, launched in August 2022, has become so popular that it's prompting complaints from local taxi drivers concerned about job security. In the first quarter of 2024, fully driverless taxis accounted for 55% of all ride-hailing services in Wuhan, rising to over 70% in April. Baidu aims to expand its fleet to 1,000 vehicles and break even locally by year-end. Passengers appreciate the lower costs, with a 10-kilometer ride costing 4-16 yuan compared to 18-30 yuan for traditional services. However, the service faces criticism, with over 300 complaints logged about slow reactions to traffic lights. Local taxi drivers are petitioning the municipal transport authority to limit its use, citing declining incomes. Additionally, over 300 complaints have been logged on a government-run transport management website, mostly concerning the robotaxis' slow reactions to traffic lights. As Baidu plans to expand this service to 100 cities by the end of the decade, the debate over the impact of autonomous vehicles on employment and urban transportation continues to intensify.
China's Visa-Free Policy Boosts International Tourism and Cultural Exchange: China's expanding visa-free policy is significantly increasing international tourism, with inbound trips reaching over 14.6 million in the first half of 2024, a 152.7% year-on-year increase. The policy now covers travelers from more than 50 nations and regions, allowing for 144-hour visa-free visits. Guangzhou, a key beneficiary of this policy, has launched a complimentary one-day city tour for international transit tourists. On July 11, the first group of 12 foreign visitors from Australia, the Netherlands, Argentina, and Russia enjoyed this tour, visiting cultural landmarks and modern architectural marvels. The tour includes a free Cantonese lunch, an English-speaking guide, and a gift of traditional Yue embroidery. This initiative not only enhances Guangzhou's appeal as a world-class tourist destination but also promotes Chinese culture globally. As foreign tourists share their experiences on social media, destinations across China, from major cities to attractions in central and western regions, are gaining popularity among international travelers.
China Announces Increase in Retail Prices for Gasoline and Diesel: China's National Development and Reform Commission announced on Thursday that retail prices for gasoline and diesel will increase starting Friday, July 12, 2024. The price hike comes in response to recent changes in international oil prices. Gasoline prices will rise by 110 yuan (approximately $15.42) per tonne, while diesel prices will increase by 105 yuan per tonne. This adjustment aligns with China's current pricing mechanism, which ties refined oil product prices to fluctuations in international crude oil prices. To ensure stable supplies during this price adjustment, the commission has directed China's three major oil companies - China National Petroleum Corporation, China Petrochemical Corporation, and China National Offshore Oil Corporation - along with other oil refineries to maintain oil production and facilitate transportation. This move highlights China's ongoing efforts to balance domestic energy prices with global market trends while maintaining a stable supply for its growing economy.
China Responds to NATO Summit Declaration: China has forcefully responded to NATO's Washington summit declaration, condemning its content as provocative and filled with Cold War mentality. The Chinese Mission to the European Union and the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian both issued statements rejecting NATO's accusations. They criticized the alliance for hyping up tensions in the Asia-Pacific region and making biased, smearing remarks about China. The declaration alleged that China's policies challenge NATO's interests and security, and accused China of enabling Russia's actions in Ukraine. In response, China reiterated its neutral stance on the Ukraine crisis and denied providing lethal weapons to either side. The Chinese representatives urged NATO to abandon its Cold War mentality, zero-sum approach, and misperceptions about China. They called on the alliance to stop portraying China as a threat and provoking confrontation. China emphasized its role as a force for world peace and a defender of international order, insisting that the Asia-Pacific region should be a place for peaceful development rather than geopolitical competition. Beijing has lodged solemn representations with NATO over the declaration.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Economic Pressures and Social Unrest- Public Violence Sparks Concern in China: Recent incidents of public violence and workplace conflicts in China have ignited heated discussions on social media platforms like Weibo. Users are linking these events to the country's economic downturn and rising unemployment. A series of altercations at Manner Coffee shops in Shanghai went viral, including one where an employee threw coffee powder at a customer. Another incident involved a man stabbing four US university tutors in Jilin province, reportedly due to unemployment frustration. These events, along with a knife attack at a Shanghai subway station, garnered billions of views on Weibo. Many commenters speculated whether high work intensity, low wages, and economic pressures contributed to the conflicts. Users shared concerns about declining job prospects, shrinking incomes, and increasing social tensions. The discussions reflect growing anxieties among China's middle class and youth about their economic future, with some netizens advising others to avoid conflicts with strangers due to perceived increases in public aggression stemming from economic stress.

INDIA WATCH

Heavy Monsoon Rains Cause Havoc in Uttar Pradesh: China's news agency Xinhua reported that heavy monsoon rains have wreaked havoc in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh, resulting in at least 22 deaths over the past 24 hours. According to relief department officials, incessant rainfall has caused river levels to rise, leading to the inundation of over 600 villages across 12 districts. The flooding has submerged more than 1,000 acres of agricultural land and affected approximately 800,000 people. In response to the crisis, relief and rescue teams have evacuated over 10,000 individuals to safer locations. The author states that, the situation in Uttar Pradesh is part of a broader pattern of monsoon-related challenges across India, with several states experiencing waterlogging and flooding. Notably, the northeastern state of Assam is grappling with full-fledged floods. This ongoing weather crisis highlights the increasing vulnerability of India's populous regions to extreme weather events, raising concerns about disaster preparedness and climate change impacts.

Prepared By

Vanshika Patel

Vanshika is a recent graduate from Ashoka University with a degree in Economics and a minor in Computer Science. Her interests lie in understanding the global economy and its impact on international communities, policy-making, and the social sector. She is particularly drawn to quantitative analysis and has a keen interest in international economics, aiming to contribute to data-driven decision-making in global economic contexts.