CICM 2nd October 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

China’s Educational System Achieves Major Growth Since 1949: Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the dragon has seen a huge rise in education, going ahead to build the largest system for education globally. The number of students in compulsory education grew from 25.22 million in 1949 to 160 million in 2023, with the literacy rate and gross enrollment in primary, high school, and higher education improving significantly. Government investment in education and literacy standards has surged, enhancing teacher quality and infrastructure. Digitalization has also advanced, with 100% of schools having internet access. Primary, secondary and higher education enrollment has also seen massive progress, reflecting the Chinese government’s commitment to universal education. A combination of such policies has made China the second-largest population of university students globally.
Chinese President bolsters ties with President Putin on 75th Anniversary: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin exchanged congratulatory messages to commemorate the 75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between their countries. Both leaders emphasised the strength and depth of the Russo-Sino relations, which have evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership over a lengthy period. Xi highlighted that the two nations have not only stood the test of time but have also expanded their cooperation in various fields, including politics, trade, and technology. He expressed his intent to further strengthen bilateral ties to promote global peace and stability. Putin expressed confidence that the partnership would continue to foster security and stability, especially in Eurasia and beyond. Looking ahead, both leaders reaffirmed the longevity and reliability of the bond that the two nations share.
China’s Diplomatic Response to Escalation Between Lebanon, Iran, and Israel: On October 2, 2024, a spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to the intensifying conflict in the Middle East, specifically addressing the recent military escalations involving Lebanon, Iran, and Israel. According to the News Network, the spokesperson condemned the violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and called for the international community to take immediate action to prevent further escalation. China’s stance is rooted in its opposition to any expansion of conflict and its concern over the broader regional instability. The spokesperson also pointed to the ongoing Gaza conflict as the underlying cause of the current turmoil and urged all parties to pursue a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza. China’s response highlights how it wishes to take the role of a key diplomatic player, who advocates for peace and stability in the volatile Middle Eastern landscape.
Shanghai Hosts ‘Street Echoes’ Exhibition Featuring Global Graffiti Artists: Shanghai is currently accredited to hosting the “Street Echoes - Global Graffiti Art Exhibition,” a collaboration between A.F.A and the Museum of Graffiti from the United States. This exhibition, which is running from October to December, does an exceptional showcasing of the works of over 15 graffiti artists from various countries, including renowned figures such as Alan Ket and Jon One. This exhibition aims to elevate graffiti from its underground roots to mainstream recognition, highlighting its evolution over the past decades. Joy Chang, exhibition director of this exhibition has pressed on the fact that graffiti now influences contemporary trends across various sectors, including fashion and music. Tourists can enjoy and experience beautiful graffiti scenes with a finch of urban life, from subway cars and skate parks, and also participate in live painting sessions.
‘Chinese-style Modernization Benefits the Global South’ says Magid Munir: In an interview with the Chinese Xinhua News Agency, Magid Munir, the editor-in-chief of Egypt’s Pyramid Newspaper, reiterated his views of China’s role in supporting the development of the Global South. Having visited China multiple times since 2005, expressed great admiration for China’s commendable modernization, emphasising how the country has transformed into a major global power and has become an excellent example for all other nations. He specifically praised the Belt and Road Initiative as China’s “best gift to the world,” fostering economic growth and cooperation. Munir noted the fruitful collaboration between Egypt and China, particularly in industrial development, energy, and technology sectors, showcasing a successful partnership based on mutual benefits. He claimed that China’s Partnerships, especially in Africa and Egypt have contributed towards a holistic development of energy, technology and many other sectors.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Overcrowded Tourism Sites Spark Humor on Chinese Social Media: The hashtag "人人人人景点人人人人," which has been humorously conveying the image of overcrowded tourist attraction sites, is trending across Chinese social media platforms like Weibo. It remains a common sight during major holidays in China, especially National Day, when millions travel to popular attractions, creating conjugated and tough-to-navigate scenes of packed crowds. This regular situation highlights ongoing concerns about over-tourism but also serves as a lighthearted and humorous commentary on the challenges of holiday travel in China. The trending joke and meme is a mirror that reflects both frustration and amusement around navigating such crowded spaces. As humour serves as a broader social commentary in this situation, it is important to note that authorities are parallel to the same, seeking a decentralisation of tourism and promoting lesser-known tourist sites to reduce strain from popular destinations.

INDIA WATCH

India Rejects Japan’s Asian NATO Proposal Amid China Tensions: According to the South China Morning Post, India has rejected Japan’s suggestion for what is being called an "Asian NATO" despite the lingering and escalating tensions with China. Japan, which is increasingly looking to enhance security in the region, proposed the formation of a regional defence alliance that would be structured similarly to NATO, and that would aim at containing China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. However, India declined the very offer and reiterated that it remains firm to strategic autonomy and non-alignment in all regional security matters. From an increasingly Chinese perspective, the author states that such a rejection of a blueprinted Asian NATO, aligns with India's consistent stance on maintaining independence in international spaces, especially in light of its historical ties to the Non-Aligned Movement. And, this move clarifies India’s extremely cautious approach towards forming any hard military alliances, even when it stays involved in platforms like the Quad. SCMP states that by avoiding clear indications of an "Asian NATO," India is showcasing its preference for more diplomatic engagement and avoiding any possible aggressive military posturing against China, despite ongoing border tensions between the two giants.