Daily Conversations Daily Conversations

NEWS IN CHINA

• Xi Delivered Speech at Symposium Commemorating Deng Xiaoping's 120^th Birth Anniversary: The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a high-profile symposium on August 22 to mark Deng Xiaoping's 120th birth anniversary. President Xi delivered an important speech, praising Deng as an outstanding leader, a great proletarian revolutionary, military strategist and the chief architect of China's reform and opening-up. Xi emphasized Deng's role in creating socialism with Chinese characteristics and establishing Deng Xiaoping Theory. He called for the continued study and application of Deng's theories in the new era, stressing their relevance to China's current development. Xi outlined key areas for advancing Deng's vision, including deepening reforms, promoting high-quality development, developing advanced socialist culture and achieving common prosperity. He also called Deng as “a great internationalist” for his contributions to world peace and development. The symposium, attended by top leaders from the CPC, PLA, State Council and representatives from various sectors, underscores the Party's efforts to connect Deng's legacy with current national development strategies.

• China's Private Sector Experiences Sustained Robust Growth: The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has released data showcasing significant growth in China's private sector. The data revealed that there are over 55 million private enterprises in China, accounting for 92.3 percent of all businesses. These private firms have seen an annualized increase of 11.1 percent in total import and export volume, representing 55 percent of China's total foreign trade. The NDRC is actively encouraging private enterprises to participate in major national strategic projects, including infrastructure, industrial upgrades and equipment renewal. A list of 189 key private investment projects for 2024 has been identified, spanning manufacturing, transportation and agriculture. The government is also expediting the enactment of a law to promote private economy development and establishing mechanisms for private enterprises to engage in national projects. Experts attribute this growth to targeted policy support and technological advancements. In a related development, China has approved five new nuclear power projects with significant private capital involvement, further demonstrating the expanding role of the private sector in critical industries.

• China and Africa Boost Exchanges in TV Programs and Audiovisual Production: The 6th Forum on China-Africa Media Cooperation and China-Africa Think Tank High-level Dialogue, held in Beijing on Wednesday highlighted growing collaboration in audiovisual production between China and African countries. Cao Shumin, Director of the National Radio and Television Administration of China, reported that by the end of last year, 237 audiovisual works and 180 agricultural programs had been translated into seven languages and broadcasted in Africa. China has signed agreements with 28 African countries to enhance cooperation in radio, television and film. Recent initiatives include the creation of special sections on Chinese streaming platforms iQiyi and Youku for China-Africa content, and the premiere of a co-produced TV series "Welcome to Maile" in Tanzania last month. The forum also discussed future joint productions and the exchange of media technologies. This growing media cooperation is seen as a significant step in deepening cultural exchange and mutual understanding between China and African nations, with a particular focus on engaging younger African audiences through digital platforms.

• Heavy Rainfall Disrupts Life in Guangdong, Thousands Relocated: South China's Guangdong Province has been hit by severe rainfall, leading to significant disruptions. Over 86,000 people have been relocated due to heavy rainfall on Wednesday. The downpour affected 65 townships and sub-districts, with precipitation exceeding 100 millimeters in many areas. The maximum accumulated rainfall reached 247.9 millimeters in a sub-district of Dongguan city. The severe weather has impacted transportation, with services suspended for some trains on the Guangzhou-Shenzhen and Guangzhou-Shantou railway lines. Guangzhou Baiyun Airport reported 55 flights delayed for more than an hour as of Wednesday evening. Local authorities have taken preventive measures to ensure public safety. The Guangdong meteorological observatory forecasted that the intensity of rainfall will weaken between Thursday and Friday.

• Li Qiang Visits Belarus, Vows to Promote Bilateral Partnership: Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Minsk on Thursday for an official visit to Belarus at the invitation of Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko. During his visit, Li met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko at the Palace of Independence in Minsk. Li expressed China's readiness to work with Belarus to push for high-level development of their all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership. He emphasized the vigor and vitality of China-Belarus relations over the past 32 years since establishing diplomatic ties, highlighting fruitful cooperation that has brought tangible benefits to people in both countries. Li also expressed China's willingness to strengthen multilateral cooperation with Belarus and promote the development of the global governance system in a more just and reasonable direction. President Lukashenko welcomed the visit by Li Qiang, praising the robust momentum of growth in Belarus-China relations, which he said currently stands at the highest level in history. The two leaders agreed to promote closer high-level exchanges and deepen practical cooperation in various areas, including economy, trade, agriculture and science and technology.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

INDIA WATCH

• Impact of Nationwide Medical Strike on Indian Healthcare: Chinese news outlet “The Paper” reports that India's healthcare system has been severely disrupted by a nationwide doctors' strike following the tragic case of the female doctor in a Kolkata hospital. The incident, which occurred on August 9, has sparked outrage across India's medical community. The report claims that over 300,000 doctors participated in a 24-hour strike on August 17, allegedly refusing to see non-emergency patients. The article has also attached a few images from hospitals across the country to indicate disruption of medical services. The protest, which began in West Bengal, quickly spread to other parts of India, including Delhi and Maharashtra. The article highlights the protesters' demands for improved safety measures for medical staff, especially female doctors and the establishment of a "committee to protect the health of medical staff." The Paper draws parallels between this incident and the 2012 Delhi gang rape case, suggesting that despite stricter laws, gender-based violence remains a significant issue in India. According to the article, this incident emphasizes widespread unrest and systemic issues in Indian medical institutions.

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.