CiCM 31st August and 1st September 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

New September Regulations: State Secrets, Fake Orders, Prize Tax: The updated "Regulations on the Implementation of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Guarding State Secrets" (referred to as the "Regulations") will take effect on September 1. These regulations mandate that agencies and units establish a confidentiality responsibility system, holding them primarily accountable for maintaining confidentiality within their organizations. The regulations also enhance the management of confidentiality in internet usage, specifying that staff must not use non-confidential information systems or devices to store, process, or transmit state secrets. Additionally, the use of smart devices must adhere to national confidentiality regulations. The regulations align with the definition of state-owned enterprise managers in the Implementation Regulations of the Supervision Law. They require that the bodies responsible for appointing and removing these managers enforce disciplinary actions for legal violations according to cadre management authority. The regulations also specify that the state will ensure proper placement of retired military officers through various means, such as retirement, transfer, and pensions. Retired sergeants will be placed through pensions, self-employment, or job placements, while retired conscripts will be supported through self-employment and job placements. Priority placement will be given to retired personnel who served in wars, held key combat roles, are children of martyrs, or served in challenging or specialized positions, such as flying ships, or nuclear-related duties.
China's Economy has Unleashed Vibrant Growth and Effective Policies: On September 1, "News Broadcast" highlighted China's positive achievements in new industrialization, summer transportation, computing power, industrial transfer, and the summer box office. The data boosts confidence, underscoring the stability and improvement of China's economy. At its Third Plenary Session, the 20th CPC Central Committee advocated improvements to the system and process for fostering high-quality economic development, as well as methodical arrangements for further deepening reform. The plenary session proposed enhancing the integration of the real and digital economies and ensuring sustained investment in manufacturing. Minister Jin Zhuanglong stated that the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will promote new industrialization, develop quality productivity, and maintain a strong manufacturing sector. This will involve integrating manufacturing with digital economy development, upgrading traditional industries, strengthening emerging sectors, and accelerating the creation of a modern industrial system centered on advanced manufacturing. The 62-day summer travel season concluded on September 1. The Ministry of Transport reported that between July 1 and August 31, cross-regional travel reached approximately 10.917 billion people, a 3.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023. China's eight "East Data and West Computing" hubs have attracted over 200 billion yuan, with data center racks exceeding 1.95 million. A city-wide network with delays under 1 millisecond is in progress, and new data centers now have a PUE of 1.04, advancing green development.
Wang Yi says China to strengthen political trust with South Africa: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated on Sunday that China is eager to collaborate with South Africa to enhance strategic communication and deepen political trust, aiming to elevate bilateral cooperation. Wang, a member of the Communist Party's Political Bureau, highlighted that both China and South Africa are major developing countries and significant members of the Global South. In a meeting with South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola, Wang highlighted their mutual trust and support, calling the nation's partners in development and champions of international justice. Lamola agreed, noting strong political trust and significant progress in economic and trade relations. China is now South Africa's largest trading partner. The South African Government of National Unity respects China's sovereignty, recognizes Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Xizang as internal affairs, and supports the one-China policy and national reunification. During their meeting, both countries praised their cooperation and pledged to boost collaboration in economy, trade, investment, and green development. Lamola is in Beijing for the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit from September 4 to 6. China's top foreign trade agency announced that Chinese and African business leaders will meet in Beijing next week to discuss new China-Africa industrial cooperation and aid African integration into global supply chains. Wang highlighted FOCAC's role in advancing Africa's development and enhancing international engagement. China is committed to collaborating with African countries, including South Africa, to ensure the summit's success and further Africa's development.
China International Fair for Trade in Services to promote 'global services': The 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) will take place in Beijing from September 12 to 16, focusing on higher standards of opening-up, quality improvement, and innovation. According to the Ministry of Commerce, this year's fair, themed "Global Services, Shared Prosperity," aims to expand opening-up, deepen cooperation, and drive innovation. The event will feature a high-level global trade-in services summit, over 100 forums and events, and the release of authoritative reports. Tang Wenhong, assistant minister of commerce, noted that more than 80 countries and international organizations will participate, with 13, including Portugal and the Food and Agriculture Organization, holding independent on-site exhibitions for the first time. France will be the guest of honor at this year's CIFTIS for the first time. Sichuan and Hainan provinces will be the provinces of honor, showcasing featured exhibitions and themed events. China aims to offer new global development opportunities through its modernization achievements. Since its launch a decade ago, CIFTIS has attracted over 900,000 exhibitors and buyers. This year, the Ministry of Commerce has introduced national and pilot free trade zone versions of negative lists for cross-border trade in services, and the State Council has released guidelines to promote high-quality service consumption and trade. Over 420 Fortune 500 and leading industry firms will attend, along with 37 local trade delegations and those from State-owned companies and financial enterprises, promising significant practical outcomes.
China Railway Corporation releases updated passenger regulations: On September 1, China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. introduced the 2024 "Railway Passenger Transportation Regulations," updating rules to meet passenger needs better. The new regulations feature 5 chapters and 114 articles, with 24 revisions from the 2023 version, and include three new annexes: "Ticket Purchase Instructions," "Travel Instructions," and "Safe Travel Instructions." Key updates include expanded ticket change flexibility, allowing modifications up to and including the day after departure, and continued fee waivers for changes more than 48 hours before departure or within 48 hours including the departure date. Reimbursement vouchers can now be issued both at station ticket windows and automatic machines, and military and police ID cards are now accepted for real-name ticket purchases. Student discount procedures now include online verification. the rules for the use of through-train tickets are being revised. The regulations also enhance through-train ticket options, offering more purchasing choices between departure and destination points. The 2024 China Railway Group Passenger Regulations revise over-station boarding rules. Previously, the 2023 regulations allowed train staff to handle ticket replacements if there was capacity after a passenger's journey. The new regulations state that if the train is at full capacity, passengers cannot board or make up tickets, aiming to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety and order on trains.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

China swimming club’s educated women-only policy sparks debate: A swimming club in Jiangsu province, China, has ignited online debate by restricting membership to educated women under 45, claiming they have “a high IQ and personal qualities”. The 2049 International Swimming and Diving Training Centre in Jiangsu offers a bimonthly membership for women under 45 with a bachelor's degree at 576 yuan (US$80). The club’s management believes that educated individuals have better personal qualities and social understanding, citing locker safety concerns as a justification. It provides women-only group classes and one-on-one sessions for men. Although women-only gyms are popular for their safe environments, the club's educational and gender-specific policies have faced criticism. Some people questioned the club's policy, arguing that having a bachelor's degree shouldn't be a prerequisite for swimming. Others commented that better education doesn't necessarily equate to better morals. However, there were supporters who felt that businesses have the right to set their own rules as long as they are legal, and customers can choose which businesses to engage with. Liu Jian, a lawyer from Jiangsu Zhenyu Law Firm, indicated that the club's policies might breach the Law on Protection of the Rights and Interests of Consumers, which mandates fair treatment for customers. The local culture, sports, and tourism bureau has instructed the club to revise or remove its membership rules. The bureau also advised the club to adjust its activities and slogans to avoid misunderstandings.

INDIA WATCH

'New Delhi’s Miracle’; India, US Deepen Defense Ties: The South China Morning Post reported that India has secured two crucial defense agreements with the United States, marking a significant strengthening of American engagement in South Asia amid China’s growing military presence. During Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to the US, the two countries signed a Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) and a Memorandum of Agreement on Liaison Officer Assignments. Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon official, praised these agreements as a major step forward, suggesting that the US is moving from rhetoric to concrete support for India. Rubin emphasized India's urgent need for reliable alternatives to Russian military supplies, especially for aircraft engines and missiles. He suggested watching for the inclusion of high-end systems in future negotiations, hinting that US concerns about India's ties with Russia might be easing. He noted that while the first agreement is challenging, subsequent agreements are typically easier to negotiate. Rubin noted that the absence of congressional opposition indicates New Delhi has successfully gained Washington's consensus, reflecting growing US investment in India as Pakistan's influence wanes. India's new agreements place it among 18 SOSA partners, including Australia, Canada, and Britain, enhancing defense cooperation. Richard Rossow highlighted that the SOSA could expedite the delivery of crucial weapons and materials in times of conflict. India and the US have strategic agreements such as the 2016 Logistics Exchange Memorandum and the 2018 Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement.

Prepared By

Pavithra SR

I am a third-year undergraduate majoring in International Relations at Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence, Greater Noida specializing in gender, security, and digitalization. My interests include policy making and South Asian studies, with a particular focus on international migration, subaltern communities, and democratic studies. I am keen to conduct policy research in these areas in the future.