CiCM 4th September 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan Meet Senegalese Leaders: On Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, hosted a banquet to welcome international guests attending the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing while the FOCAC summit is set to take place from September 4 to September 9. On the morning of September 4, President Xi Jinping met with Senegalese President Faye at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. President Faye was in China for a state visit and to attend the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. The 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is themed "Joining Hands to Promote Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future." Senegalese President Faye emphasized that FOCAC serves as a crucial platform for China-Africa collaboration and that this summit is an important opportunity to review and strengthen the partnership while exploring new prospects for mutual benefit. On Wednesday in Beijing, Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, met over tea with Marie Khone Faye, wife of Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Peng welcomed Faye, who was in China for her husband's first state visit and the 2024 FOCAC Summit. Peng emphasized the shared cultural traditions between China and Senegal, expressing hope for deeper mutual understanding and cooperation, particularly in women's education and health.
Vice Premier Urges Faster Development of High-Tech Industries: Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing emphasized the importance of driving industrial innovation through scientific and technological advancements, calling for the rapid growth of high-tech industries to create new momentum for high-quality development in China. Zhang, who is also a member of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau, made these comments during a research visit to Chongqing Municipality from Monday to Tuesday. During his visit, Zhang Guoqing toured the production lines and labs of four local companies to assess their progress in sci-tech innovation, industrialization, and certification services. He emphasized the need to align with the latest technological and industrial trends, advance core technologies, and achieve breakthroughs in cutting-edge science. Zhang also highlighted the importance of integrating industry, academia, and research, led by enterprises, to foster collaboration along the industrial chain and accelerate the application of scientific achievements. Zhang called for accelerating the adoption of digital intelligence and green technologies in high-tech industries, advancing the industrial internet, and applying artificial intelligence. He also emphasized leveraging China's vast market to expand high-tech applications and drive large-scale industry growth. Zhang stressed the importance of deepening reforms and enhancing policies to support high-tech industry development. He noted that China aims to build globally competitive high-tech clusters, urging local adaptation, avoidance of redundant projects, and prevention of irrational competition.
Global MPs Discuss Sustainable Development in Shanghai: On September 3, the 2024 International Parliamentarians Friendly Exchange Forum, organized by the China People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, took place in Shanghai. Over 40 current and former parliamentarians from more than 40 countries across five continents gathered at the Shanghai International Convention Center to discuss the theme "Revitalizing the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development." Prior to the forum's opening, the delegates toured various areas in Shanghai, including Chongming, Fengxian, and Pudong New Area. They observed "Shanghai-made" heavy equipment, witnessed the progress of rural development, and experienced firsthand the practice of Chinese-style modernization in the city. Tia Ru, Vice President of the Rio de Janeiro State Congress, visited China for the second time in five years. She noted the rapid changes in China over this period, particularly in scientific and technological innovation, ecological development, and rural revitalization. She remarked that these advancements hold significant reference value for Brazil, given its status as a developing country. At the forum, participants agreed that China not only focuses on its own development but also fosters an inclusive approach that offers global growth opportunities. During the sub-forum on the Belt and Road Initiative and global sustainable development, Josen Alvarado from Venezuela emphasized that the initiative is a forward-looking project that provides Latin America, including Venezuela, with significant opportunities to benefit and integrate into the global development landscape.
Zou Lijuan Achieves Milestone at 2024 Paralympics: At the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games in Paris, China maintained its lead in the medal standings with a total of 53 gold, 40 silver, and 22 bronze medals, thanks to strong performances by their athletes on Tuesday. In the women's shot put F34 final at Stade de France, Zou Lijuan achieved a season-best throw of 9.14 meters, securing China's 200th gold medal in track and field events at the Paralympics since they first competed in 1984. In the women's discus throw F11 final, Zhang Liangmin won gold with a 39.08-meter throw, Xue Enhui took silver with 37.67 meters, and Italy's Assunta Legnante earned bronze with 38.01 meters. In the men's 1500-meter T54 final, Jin Hua won gold with a time of 2:49.93, and Dai Yunqiang secured bronze with 2:54.54. On Tuesday, Chinese swimmers occupied all three spots on the podium in two events. In the men's 50-meter backstroke S5 final, Yuan Weiyi won gold with a time of 32.47 seconds, followed by Guo Jincheng with 33.02 seconds and Wang Lichao with 33.06 seconds. Similarly, in the women's 50-meter backstroke S5 event, Lu Dong claimed gold with a time of 37.51 seconds, He Shenggao took silver with 39.93 seconds, and Liu Yu won bronze with 42.37 seconds.
China's Y-20 Makes First Overseas Flight Performance in Egypt: The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force's Y-20 large transport aircraft made its debut in an overseas flight performance at the Egypt International Airshow, currently taking place. In addition, the Chinese defense industry is showcasing a wide array of products. Experts noted on Wednesday that this highlights strong military exchanges and practical cooperation between China and Egypt. Responding to an invitation, the PLA Air Force's Y-20 aircraft, along with the Bayi Aerobatic Team, is participating in the inaugural Egypt International Airshow, which began on Tuesday, according to a press release from the PLA Air Force. On Tuesday, the Y-20 made its debut in overseas flight performance, executing six maneuvers such as steep climbs, dives, sharp turns, and rapid landing, demonstrating the aircraft's impressive maneuverability, according to the PLA Air Force. Additionally, J-10 fighter jets from the Bayi Aerobatic Team are set to perform at the Egypt International Airshow. The event is taking place at El Alamein International Airport from Tuesday to Thursday. Before the airshow, the Y-20 and J-10 fighter jets flew over the Giza Pyramids on August 28 to commemorate the strong China-Egypt friendship, according to the PLA Air Force. This marked the Bayi Aerobatic Team's first performance in Africa, as noted by PLA Air Force spokesperson Xie Peng. China's flight displays and defense product exhibition at the Egypt International Airshow highlight its intent to strengthen military exchanges and cooperation with Egypt and other African nations.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Chinese Woman Faces Backlash for Road Rage Attack on Ex-Soldier: In Qingdao, Shandong province, a wealthy woman, Wang, 38, attacked a former soldier after he refused to let her dangerously reverse into oncoming traffic. After hitting a bus, Wang exited her car and assaulted the soldier with her hands and phone. A video shows the injured driver bleeding but not retaliating. Police later announced that Wang had been administratively detained for 10 days and fined 1,000 yuan (US$140) for assault. A netizen noted that Wang was driving a Land Rover SUV worth 1.3 million yuan (US$180,000). A local community officer revealed that Wang, originally from a small village, had moved to the city after marrying and previously ran a clothing store. Her current employment status is unknown. The assaulted driver, 26-year-old Lin, served in the military from 2019 to 2022. The incident has generated significant backlash on mainland social media, amassing 150 million views on Weibo. Online reactions include praise for Lin’s restraint and service, criticism of the disparity between his hospitalization costs and Wang’s fine, and frustration over the perceived arrogance and lawlessness of the wealthy. Many are calling for Lin to receive financial compensation and expressing disappointment over the treatment of veterans.

INDIA WATCH

India Expands Border Infrastructure for 24/7 Access to Ladakh Capital says Chinese media house: The Paper reported that the Indian Army established two of the highest-altitude tank maintenance facilities near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh to support combat operations. The article stated that four months later since the development, India has made further moves with the Border Roads Organization (BRO), under the Ministry of Defense, announcing intensified infrastructure development along the Sino-Indian border. Of particular focus to Chinese media was the construction of a new road leading to Leh, the capital of the "Ladakh region" in India. Leh, strategically located close to the Line of Actual Control between China and India, will gain its first all-weather road connection to other parts of India once this road is completed. According to the article, In August 2020, the Global Times reported that India is constructing a new road from Manali to Leh to enable covert troop and tank movements, cutting travel time by 3 to 4 hours and avoiding paths targeted by Pakistani forces. These reports come at a time of ongoing border consultations between the two countries in the form of the 31st Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs that took place a week prior.

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.