CiCM 13th August 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

China's Aircraft Carrier Shandong Conducts Strategic Far Seas Drill: The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) launched its second far seas drill of 2024 in the West Pacific with its aircraft carrier Shandong. The carrier group, including advanced destroyers and a frigate, was spotted 261 miles south of Japan's Miyako Island on August 12, a location of significant strategic importance. This area in the Philippine Sea, east of Taiwan, northeast of the Philippines, and northwest of Guam, is crucial for potential operations involving Taiwan and could be used to block external interventions. The drill, occurring less than a month after a similar exercise in July, demonstrates the Shandong's increasing combat readiness and maintenance efficiency. Flight operations with fighter jets and helicopters were observed during the exercise. Chinese military experts emphasize that these routine drills enhance the carrier group's systematic combat capabilities. The timing and location of the deployment, coinciding with the USS Abraham Lincoln's departure from the area, underscore the ongoing naval strategic posturing in the Indo-Pacific region, reflecting the complex dynamics of regional maritime activities and potential flashpoints.
Macao Sets Date for Chief Executive Election Amid Record Voter Turnout: The Macao Special Administrative Region has announced October 13, 2024, as the date for its chief executive election. This comes after a record-high 88.12% voter turnout in the election for the Chief Executive Election Committee members, with 5,521 eligible voters casting ballots for 344 of the 400 committee members. The 400-member committee, which includes representatives from various sectors, will be responsible for electing the new chief executive. Candidates must obtain nominations from at least 66 committee members to run. The election process emphasizes the "patriots administering Macao" principle, with candidates required to support the Macao Basic Law and undergo screening by the National Security Commission. The campaign budget for each candidate is capped at 6.44 million Macanese patacas ($802,000). This election marks a significant political event for Macao, showcasing increased civic participation and adherence to the "one country, two systems" framework.
China's Generative AI Sector Thrives with 190 Models and 600 Million Users: China's artificial intelligence industry is experiencing rapid growth, according to Zhuang Rongwen, chief of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC). Over 190 generative AI service models have been registered with regulators and made available for public use, attracting more than 600 million registered users. The CAC plans to optimize filing procedures for large models, reduce compliance costs for enterprises, and encourage AI applications in various industries. Zhuang also emphasized the importance of AI security, pledging to improve legislation and develop coordinated governance. This development follows China's issuance of the world's first provisional management rules for generative AI services in July 2023, highlighting the country's commitment to becoming a leader in AI technology and regulation.
Chinese Foreign Minister to Visit Myanmar Amid Regional Tensions: Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to visit Myanmar and Thailand from August 14-17, 2024, amidst escalating tensions in the region. The visit to Myanmar aims to deepen bilateral cooperation and advance the building of a China-Myanmar community with a shared future. In Thailand, Wang will chair the Ninth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Foreign Ministers' Meeting and attend an Informal Discussion with ministers from Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. The visit comes at a critical time, following the collapse of a Chinese-brokered ceasefire in Myanmar and significant rebel gains near the Chinese border. The trip also occurs amid heightened tensions between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea. Wang's visit is seen as an attempt to reassure Myanmar's military authorities and address concerns about China's ties with rebel groups.
Mainland China Returns Four Taiwan Fishing Crew Members, One Still Under Investigation: The Fujian Coast Guard has sent back four crew members of a Taiwanese fishing vessel to Taiwan, while continuing to investigate the captain for suspected illegal fishing. This action follows the 2^nd July seizure of the vessel near Quanzhou city, which was found carrying five crew members and 1,335 kilograms of fish. The four released crew members were found to have committed minor violations not warranting criminal charges. The State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson, Zhu Fenglian, emphasized that mainland authorities prioritize protecting fishery resources and maintaining order in relevant sea areas. The Coast Guard reported that the vessel had violated seasonal fishing bans and used gear with mesh sizes smaller than regulations allow, potentially harming marine resources and the environment.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Olympic Diver Quan Hongchan's Success Sparks Social Media Frenzy: Chinese social media platforms are abuzz with discussions about Olympic diver Quan Hongchan's impact beyond her gold medals. Users on Weibo and Douyin are sharing images and videos of the sudden tourism boom in Quan's hometown, Maihe village. Many netizens express amazement at how quickly the village has adapted, with one popular comment noting, "It's incredible how an Olympic win can transform an entire village overnight!" Others are debating the pros and cons of this sudden fame, with some praising the economic boost for the local community, while others worry about potential disruption to Quan's family life. Quan's "piece of cake" gesture after winning gold has gone viral, with fans creating memes and imitating the pose in their own photos. E-commerce platforms are seeing a surge in searches for Quan's favorite items, like turtle dolls and "ugly fish slippers," showcasing the young athlete's unexpected influence on consumer trends. The phenomenon has sparked broader discussions about the power of sports success in creating instant celebrities and its impact on local economies in China.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Portrays Improving Sino-Indian Relations Amid Military Developments: A recent Global Times article offered an intriguing view of India-China relations, criticizing the US media outlet's coverage while subtly highlighting diplomatic progress. The piece cites the 30th Meeting of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on China-India Border Affairs and notes de-escalation efforts since the 2020 Galwan Valley skirmish. The article portrayed a recent report on India's new Zorawar light tank as an attempt to disrupt improving ties, arguing that such coverage ignores recent positive developments. The article downplayed the immediate military tensions by contrasting the delayed deployment of India's tank (not before 2027) with China's operational Type 15 tank since 2019. Chinese experts argue that both countries have made significant progress in border de-escalation and disengagement. While maintaining a competitive tone regarding military capabilities, the piece suggests both nations have moved past recent conflicts. This portrayal, though from a Chinese perspective, demonstrates China's strategic communication in framing its relationship with India, balancing acknowledgment of military developments with emphasis on diplomatic progress and criticizing external attempts to sow discord.

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.