CiCM 16th September 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services; Over 200 Innovations Revealed: The 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services, which began on September 12 in Beijing, is set to conclude on the afternoon of September 16. To date, over 100 companies and institutions have unveiled more than 200 integrated innovation achievements. In Hall 10 of the CIIE, located at Shougang Park, despite it being the event's final day, exhibitors from various countries and visitors in the cultural display area are making the most of the remaining time to engage in negotiations, make connections, and communicate. Mu En, a Ugandan exhibitor, expressed that it was his first time attending the Services Trade Fair and saw it as an excellent opportunity to showcase Ugandan products and culture. Li Chenyang, an exhibitor from Uzbekistan, highlighted how the fair provided a chance to see diverse global products, gain a deeper understanding of the Chinese market, and connect with international attendees interested in his offerings. He noted that the fair serves as a highly global platform. This year's CIFTIS featured nearly 200 forums and conferences, showcasing various exhibitions that emphasize the latest advancements in productivity. The focus was on specialized new technologies and applications, including satellite internet, big data, and computing power, as well as zero-carbon and low-carbon innovations. To date, over 100 companies and institutions have unveiled more than 200 integrated innovation achievements.
China Builds Laser Ground Station for Satellite Data Transmission: On Sunday, a laser communication ground system equipped with a 500mm-caliber antenna was successfully deployed on the Pamir Plateau in Xinjiang, northwest China. Developed by the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, this system eliminates the previous dependence on microwave ground stations for satellite data reception. It is expected to greatly improve China's ability to transmit large volumes of satellite data. According to Li Yalin, a senior engineer at AIR, China's rapid advancements in aerospace technology have led to an exponential increase in satellite data. However, the inability to transmit this vast amount of data quickly has become a major issue, hindering the effective use of the country’s space resources. Li explained that satellite-to-ground laser communications offer abundant spectrum resources and a bandwidth that is 10 to nearly 1,000 times greater than that of microwave communications. Additionally, the equipment is lighter, more compact, and consumes less power. This technology is expected to meet the growing demand for efficient and reliable satellite data transmission. Wang Jianping, senior engineer at AIR, highlighted that space-to-ground laser communications are affected by weather and atmospheric turbulence. The Mount Muztagata region on the Pamir Plateau, with its clear skies and dry climate, is ideal for year-round laser communication operations.
China Safeguards Rare Earth Reserves with 5 Million Tonnes Discovery: China plans to strengthen its rare earth reserves by nearly 5 million tonnes, following a recent discovery in Sichuan province, amid rising global competition, particularly with the U.S. Experts at a recent symposium by China Rare Earth Group revealed that 4.96 million tonnes of rare earths, vital for technologies like electric vehicles, wind turbines, and military equipment, were found in the Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture, one of China's poorest regions. China, the world's leading producer of rare earth elements, holds 44 million tonnes of deposits, according to the US Geological Survey. The state-owned China Rare Earth Group emphasized its commitment to safeguarding the nation's rare earth resources amid intensifying international competition. China's dominance in rare earths has become a growing geopolitical concern as tech rivalry between China and the US escalates. Pan Helin, an economist advising China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, noted that the rare earth discovery in Sichuan strengthens China's global market advantage. He stressed the need for China to not only consolidate its resource position but also improve efficiency and expand into downstream sectors. Although China dominated 80-90% of global rare earth production in the early 2010s, its share dropped to about 70% by 2023 due to increased global supply. The China Rare Earth Group, formed in 2021 through a merger of state firm units, aims to reinforce China's dominance in the sector.
Chinese Players Win All Titles at WTT Champions Macao: Chinese paddlers Sun Yingsha and Lin Shidong won the women’s and men’s singles titles, respectively, at the World Table Tennis (WTT) Champions Macao on Sunday. Sun defeated her fellow Chinese player Wang Yidi with scores of 11-7, 6-11, 12-10, 4-11, 11-8, 11-4. Despite coming to Macao immediately after the 2024 Paris Games without systematic training, Sun improved her performance as the tournament progressed. The new Olympic cycle has begun, and while it's early to focus on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, winning this title is a strong start. Sun expressed hope for continued success in upcoming matches and aims to perform well at the WTT China Smash in Beijing. Lin achieved a significant milestone by winning the men's singles title at the tournament for the first time in his career, defeating Germany's Dang Qiu with scores of 11-5, 11-6, 11-8, 11-8. Lin’s path to victory included notable wins over top players such as world No. 8 Tomokazu Harimoto from Japan and world No. 1 Wang Chuqin from China. Lin felt he performed well in the final, having prepared thoroughly for the match. Although he initially did not expect to reach the final, let alone win the title, his performance exceeded his expectations. This success was likely bolstered by his strong form from the previous tournament in Almaty, with each victory contributing positively to his confidence.
Promising Cooperation Between Chinese and African Agricultural Universities: Recently, three African university leaders visited China Agricultural University for the "WAFI Big Name Dialogue" at the 2024 World Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Conference. The delegation included Mwegoha, President of Mzubi University in Tanzania; Mwezi, President of the School of Business at Makerere University in Uganda; and Mandala, Vice President of Malawi University of Science and Technology. They participated in a high-end lecture organized by the China Rural Lecture Hall and the Weicun Forum, discussing African higher education and China-Africa cooperation in this field. The event, hosted by Professor Tang Lixia from the National Rural Revitalization Research Institute, attracted a diverse audience of students, scholars, and agricultural practitioners both online and offline. During the dialogue, Mwegoha highlighted the progress of Mzubi University and its collaboration with China Agricultural University, aiming to strengthen its partnership in agricultural education. Mwezi emphasized the Business School’s expertise in economics and management and sought further cooperation in rural development and poverty reduction. Mandala shared the story of Malawi University of Science and Technology's establishment with Chinese support and called for expanded collaboration with China Agricultural University. China Agricultural University has signed cooperation agreements with Mzubi University in Tanzania, Makerere University Business School in Uganda, and Malawi University of Science and Technology, focusing on joint research, personnel exchange, and student training.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

MMA Fighter Faces Divided Reactions After Reporting Assault Without Retaliation: Xu, a 25-year-old MMA athlete, recently faced backlash on Chinese social media after reporting an attempted sexual assault in Shanghai. Following the incident, Xu chose not to physically confront her attacker, citing concerns about inflicting serious harm and the potential for escalating violence. Instead, she reported the incident to the police, leading to the detention of the man involved. While some online users praised her decision to prioritize legal action, others criticized her for not using her fighting skills to retaliate. Xu, who has been training in MMA for four years and was formerly part of the national judo team, explained that her training is to pursue personal goals, not to engage in violence. Despite the mixed reactions, many commended her measured response, recognizing the difficult balance she had to strike in a dangerous situation.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Observes India’s Diplomatic Balancing Act in Ukraine-Russia Conflict: According to South China Morning Post (SCMP), India’s efforts to broker peace in the Ukraine-Russia conflict are being observed with interest as the country navigates a delicate balance between its longstanding ties with Russia and its strategic engagements with the West. Reports highlight Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where India has reiterated its stance on seeking a peaceful resolution. Chinese outlets have noted that while India’s neutral position on the conflict garners attention globally, it faces significant challenges. China’s reports emphasize that India’s refusal to join Western sanctions on Russia, despite growing pressure, reflects its broader goal of maintaining strong bilateral relations with Moscow. However, this balancing act also underscores India's desire to expand its global influence without being forced to take sides. Some commentators in Chinese media point out that India's role as a mediator, while ambitious, remains complicated by the lack of a direct invitation from both sides of the conflict. Nevertheless, India’s peace efforts are seen as part of a larger strategy to position itself as a credible and responsible actor in international diplomacy.

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.