CiCM 9th August 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

China’s CPI Increases and PPI Falls in July: Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Thursday indicated that China’s consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.5% annually in July. This is the sixth consecutive monthly increase as per recorded data. The CPI is a significant determinant of inflation. Dong Lijuan, an NBS statistician, commented that this increase can be accredited to a gradual rise in domestic consumer demand and an increase in food prices caused by high temperatures and rainfall in a few regions. The rate has increased from June’s year-on-year rate of 0.2%, which was a decline from the previous month. Dong stated that the monthly growth has been “relatively high” compared to previous years' rates. Food prices remained stable in July. The cost of pork increased by 20.4% in July 2024, compared to 2023. The cost of fresh vegetables grew by 3.3% and meat grew by 0.8%. The prices of non-food items also increased by 0.7%, which caused the CPI to increase by 0.54%. China’s CPI in July, barring food and energy costs, increased by 0.3% in comparison to June. When calculating the annual increase in July, there was a 0.4 increase. Experts have commented that the CPI will continue a “moderate rebound” in H2 of 2024 because of a rise in consumption demands, food prices, and 2023’s low base effect. Additionally, NBS data showed that China’s producer price index (PPI) decreased by 0.8% annually in July. This decrease was attributed to less market demand, a fall in prices of certain international goods, and more factors.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Criticises the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) for Being United States’s “white gloves”: The Chinese Foreign Ministry published a report about the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) on 9th August called “The National Endowment for Democracy: What It Is and What It Does”. The report called the NED the U.S. government’s “white gloves”. The report details how the NED has a practice of undermining state power in countries, interfering in other countries’ domestic affairs, provoking confrontation and division, misguiding the people’s opinions, and practicing “ideological infiltration”, in the name of spreading democracy. It wrote about how the NED infiltrates, subverts and sabotages other countries, and the report outlines multiple events where their actions have led to adverse effects and criticism from the global community. The report calls for countries to counter against and protect their sovereignty, security, and development from the NED. Additionally, it underscores the importance of peace, development, fairness and justice in the world. It notes that the NED is funded by the U.S. and may work with the CIA. It also writes that the NED claims to be an NGO and that it provoked color revolutions in countries like Iran, Ukraine, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), and Arab countries. Furthermore, the report writes that the NED is used covertly by the U.S. under the pretense of democracy. It emphasizes that the world is becoming multipolar and that while democracy is an important tenet of the international community, countries have the right to safeguard their interests and sovereignty.
China’s Ministry of State Security Reveals Case of Illegally Added Anti-China Content in Student’s Application: The case of a study abroad service agency illegally dabbling in anti-China content in Chinese students’ applications to universities to increase the probability of success was revealed by the Ministry of State Security (MSS) on 9th August. The MSS said that such actions are reckless towards students and undermine the image and security of the country. The case includes a student surnamed Zhang using an elite agency service to assist his plan of studying abroad. Xiao Rui, the agency’s head, told Zhang that the application’s success could be increased because of a “green channel” offered by some universities for applications with anti-China material. The agency “implanted” such content in Zhang’s application, making Zhang a victim to the agency. The guilty parties were caught and sentenced by the law in May 2024 after the case underwent thorough investigations. The MSS stated that with countries changing their international education stances, such occurrences have increased. They further stated that study-abroad agencies focus on their economic interests and subscribe to anti-China rhetoric, and threaten national security by encouraging students to alter their resumes and images. China’s Counter-Espionage Law emphasizes that fabrication, distortion, publishing and dissemination of information that undermines national security includes conduct other than acts of espionage.
China Initiates Dispute Settlement Appeal with WTO Against EU’s Anti-Subsidy Measures: On 9th August, China initiated an appeal to challenge the European Union’s anti-subsidy measures for Chinese electrical vehicles (EVs). The Ministry of Commerce said that it has initiated this appeal to protect the development and interests of the EV industry and global green transformation cooperation. Previously in July, the EU imposed provisional additional tariffs of 37.6% on battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The European Commission stated that these tariffs were to investigate whether China’s BEV value chain benefitted from subsidies at the expense of EU producers' benefits. China’s appeal states that the EU’s findings are not factual, have no legal foundations, violate WTO rules, and hinder global efforts to battle climate change. The appeal encouraged the EU to withdraw its accusations and promote China-EU trade and economic cooperation. Further, it called for the EU to safeguard the stability of the EV industry and supply chains.
Explosion Hits Cargo Ship at Zhoushan Port; Investigations Underway: On Friday, at 1:40 pm, Chinese local authorities reported a big explosion hitting a cargo container ship. The ship was docked at the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, Zhejiang Province, East China. No casualties have been reported, however, investigations are still underway. The explosion hit the bow of YM Mobility, a container ship, owned by Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation. The explosion produced flames and heavy smoke. The Ningbo Maritime Search and Rescue Center Office stated in a notice that it has initiated its emergency response plan. Additionally, all dock workers and crew members have been reported to be safe.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

PhD Student’s Adventure Without Phone Sparks Online Discussions: A PhD student’s trip throughout China without his phone and or access to technology has impressed and astonished the public. Throughout his travels to 24 provinces and regions for several months, Yang Hao was only equipped with two cameras with no internet connection. His research topic is the impact of digitalisation on people’s lives and thus he embarked on a challenge to explore what happens on a trip without relying on the internet. He wanted to explore a life without distractions from the digital world and encountered multiple challenges due to the lack of a mobile phone. His decision to travel without a phone and access to the internet has intrigued mainland social media users and sparked discussions among netizens. Some regarded his resolve to travel without electronics while stating their reliance on their phone, while others stated the importance of phones and electronics for safety and emergency purposes.

INDIA WATCH

Neeraj Chopra Wins Silver Medal at Paris Olympics for Javelin Throw: Xinhua, a Chinese news agency, reported that Neeraj Chopra won the silver medal in the javelin throw with 89.45 metres on Thursday night at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The article wrote about how his win was celebrated in his hometown in the state of Haryana. It stated that this was his second win after winning the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The article stated that this was India’s first silver medal at the Paris Olympics, which places India 63rd in the medal tally with four bronze medals. The article reported that Chopra stood second after Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem won the gold medal. The piece also stated about how India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Neeraj Chopra for his achievement.

Prepared By

Sanjana Shah

Sanjana Shah is a graduate in International Studies with a minor in Journalism from FLAME University, Pune. Her interests lie in exploring the nuances and intricacies of geopolitics and understanding the complexities that arise from the socio-political-economic nexus. She is deeply interested in history, defence and security studies, and humanitarian studies.