CiCM 13th September 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Chinese Defense Minister Calls for Unified Efforts for Peace: On Friday, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun urged nations to collaborate in promoting peace and stability during a period of global change. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, Dong emphasized the importance of mutual respect, genuine engagement, and finding common ground while acknowledging differences among the international community. At the same time, Dong stressed the need for nations to adopt an open and inclusive approach, advocating for cooperative efforts that lead to mutually beneficial outcomes. He emphasized that collaboration should focus on creating solutions that serve the interests of all parties involved, fostering long-term peaceful coexistence. Furthermore, Dong urged countries to work together in advancing the development of a multipolar world, one characterized by greater equality, fairness, and a stable international order. Dong also stated that the Chinese armed forces are fully committed to carrying out the Global Security Initiative, expressing their readiness to establish a new framework of security partnerships with military forces from around the world. He underscored China's willingness to collaborate closely with other nations' militaries to enhance global security and stability. This year’s forum, which is centered around the theme "Promoting Peace for a Shared Future," has attracted participation from over 1,800 representatives, including officials and experts from more than 100 countries and international organizations, further highlighting the global interest in addressing security challenges collaboratively.
Xi Urges Progress in Making China a Leading Education Nation: The National Conference on Education took place in Beijing from September 9 to 10, with Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese President, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, in attendance. During his keynote speech, Xi stressed that the aspiration to become a global leader in education has been a longstanding goal for the Chinese nation since modern times. He highlighted that this objective serves as a crucial foundation, guiding principle, and strategic pillar for China's development into a great nation and the broader goal of achieving national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization. Xi called for steady progress toward realizing this vision. On September 10, China celebrated its 40th Teachers' Day. Xi Jinping, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee, extended warm greetings to teachers and education workers across the country. During the National Conference on Education, Xi emphasized that education is fundamental to building a strong nation and achieving national rejuvenation. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, education has been prioritized as crucial to the country's future. Major steps have been taken to implement the strategy of revitalizing China through science and education, modernizing the education system, and aiming to become a global leader in education by 2035. These efforts have resulted in significant reforms and progress in China's educational landscape.
Chinese Vice Premier Pledges Enhanced Service Sector Cooperation: Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang expressed China's readiness to collaborate with all nations to enhance cooperation in the service sector and trade in services. Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, commented during his keynote address at the Global Trade in Services Summit at the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services. Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang stated that China is eager to collaborate with all parties to seize new opportunities for further opening up and development. He highlighted China's commitment to advancing institutional reforms in service trade, driving new growth engines, and accelerating the digital, smart, and green transformation of the sector. Ding also emphasized China's readiness to work with other nations to explore the vast market, integrate service trade with high-end manufacturing, foster a cooperative and developmental environment, and enhance service and digital trade partnerships among Belt and Road countries. On Thursday, Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, along with Yin Li, a member of the CPC Central Committee's Political Bureau and secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee, visited the fair's venue and spoke with company leaders. Ding urged Chinese companies to enhance their services for global benefit and invited foreign businesses to invest in China, leveraging the country's growth opportunities.
264,000 New Job Opportunities Created for Veterans: At a press conference on September 13, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Ei Jinjia, emphasized that veteran employment is a fundamental livelihood issue and remains a top priority for the Ministry. Last year, 195,000 veterans received support to pursue self-employment, return to school, upgrade their education from junior college to undergraduate, or pursue a master's degree. Additionally, 131,000 veterans benefited from the tuition reduction policy. Simultaneously, vocational skills training was tailored to meet market demands and individual preferences. Last year, 111,000 veterans received various forms of vocational training. Support was provided to local veterans' affairs departments to establish employment information systems and ensure timely dissemination of job information. Over the past year, 11,000 job fairs were held nationwide, leading to 390,000 individuals expressing interest in employment. Additionally, employment cooperation agreements were signed with more than 20,000 companies, resulting in the creation of 264,000 new job positions this year, significantly expanding employment opportunities for veterans. Pei Jinjia noted that the educational level of retired soldiers is increasingly high, with over 70% being college graduates. He highlighted that their military training has instilled many valuable qualities in them. Pei urged more employers to consider hiring retired soldiers.
Xi Urges Reform in Gansu to Advance Modernization: Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on Gansu Province in northwest China to advance reforms, foster innovation, and focus on concrete efforts to enhance the well-being of its people and drive regional prosperity. He emphasized the importance of contributing to Chinese modernization through these efforts. Xi, who is also the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, made these comments during an inspection visit from Tuesday to Friday. During his inspection tour of Gansu Province, Xi Jinping emphasized the need for Gansu to make significant progress in ecological conservation and restoration, accelerate the transition to green and low-carbon practices, comprehensively deepen reform and opening up, promote comprehensive rural revitalization, enhance livelihood security, and strengthen ethnic unity. On Tuesday afternoon, Xi visited the Fuxi Temple in Tianshui City, where he explored efforts related to the protection and preservation of cultural heritage. The temple honors Fuxi, a legendary ancestor of the Chinese nation. Xi Jinping stated that safeguarding and preserving valuable cultural heritage is crucial for ensuring that the wisdom and creativity of our ancestors continue to inspire future generations and boost national pride and confidence. On Thursday morning, Xi Jinping met with senior officers, as well as representatives of soldiers and civilian staff from the Chinese People's Liberation Army stationed in Lanzhou.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Confrontation at Old Summer Palace Sparks Online Debate on Patriotism and Nationalism: A recent confrontation between a Chinese key opinion leader (KOL) and Japanese tourists at Beijing’s Old Summer Palace has sparked widespread debate on social media. The KOL, known as Asianman, who has 326,000 followers on Douyin, reacted angrily when asked to move while the tourists were taking photos. He insulted the tourists' Chinese interpreter, calling them a "traitor" for helping Japanese visitors, and falsely claimed Japan played a role in the 1900 destruction of the palace. The incident quickly escalated online, with some defending Asianman for not being obliged to move, while many criticized him for historical inaccuracies and stirring up ethnic tensions. Critics argue that such aggressive nationalism harms China’s international image, especially when based on false information. The debate highlights the tension between patriotism and international perception in China, where nationalist sentiments can quickly ignite larger social discussions. Many emphasized that Asianman’s views do not reflect those of all Chinese citizens, urging for a more balanced approach to national pride and international relations.

INDIA WATCH

Modi-Yunus Meeting Uncertain Amid Complex India-Bangladesh Dynamics: According to the South China Morning Post, some analysts suggest that India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is cautious about meeting Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, due to the sensitive nature of ongoing issues, particularly regarding the status of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh's ousted leader. As per Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at The Wilson Center, engaging with Yunus would compel India to address delicate topics, including the potential extradition of Hasina, who maintains close ties with Indian leaders. The article further cites Lailufar Yasmin, a professor at the University of Dhaka, who believes that such a meeting would represent a shift in India’s regional approach, advocating for a more proactive and innovative diplomatic strategy in South Asia. The article highlights that while Hasina's administration fostered strong ties with India, it has also faced allegations of human rights violations, including forced disappearances and election rigging. However, it is important to note that these perspectives reflect the article’s analysis and not necessarily the stance of all parties involved.

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.