CICM 7th October 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

2024 WIC Wuzhen Summit to Be Held in China, Focusing on AI and Digital Cooperation: The 2024 World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit will take place from November 19 to 22 in the Zhejiang province of China, emphasising “Embracing a People-Centered and AI-for-Good Digital Future.” This year’s summit will introduce new initiatives, including the WIC Distinguished Contribution Award and a committee on artificial intelligence, alongside 24 sub-forums covering various topics like digital cooperation, digital economy and cybersecurity. The summit will gather representatives from across the world from the government and technological sectors. Preparations are well underway, aiming to strengthen international collaboration and promote a shared future in cyberspace. The summit has a trademark role in its significance as a catalyst for international cooperation in the evolving digital age.
Tourists Flock to Yunnan’s Ailao Mountains, Prompting Safety Warnings: As tourists flock to Yunnan’s Ailao Mountains during the National Holiday, authorities are issuing warnings due to the influx of visitors venturing into restricted, dangerous zones. Influenced by viral videos, many risk accidents in regions with unpredictable weather, weak signals, and dangerous wildlife. Local officials have banned unapproved activities in these areas, imposing fines to ensure visitor safety and protect biodiversity. Despite the risks, tourists seek adventure in this once-hidden destination, fueling the area’s growing popularity. The people coming in here particularly those by influencer Zhang Junjie, whose treks into the region’s remote forests have captured the imaginations of millions. Despite the risks, tourists continue to flock to these untamed areas, creating a delicate balance between promoting sustainable tourism and ensuring safety. Authorities are urging visitors to stay within the established safe zones to avoid tragedies, similar to past incidents in these dangerous regions.
Celebrating 70 Years of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps: The Xinjiang International Convention and Exhibition Center hosted a grand conference on October 7, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC). Key officials, including Vice Premier He Lifeng, attended the event, where they delivered congratulatory letters from the Central Military Commission and the State Council. He Lifeng emphasized the Corps’ vital role in promoting Xinjiang’s development, enhancing national unity, and securing the border over the past seven decades. He urged the Corps to continue aligning with the party’s directives to strengthen social stability and economic progress. Furthermore, he added the need for innovative approaches to address regional challenges while ensuring sustainable growth. Other speakers underscored the historical achievements of the XPCC and called for a renewed commitment to the principles of socialism. The conference reinforced the importance of the Corps as a key institution in shaping Xinjiang’s future, focusing on social cohesion and modernization efforts.
China’s National Railway Sets Single-Day Passenger Record on October 7: China’s national railway system reached a new milestone, transporting an estimated 18.6 million passengers, with 13,103 passenger trains in operation, including 1,705 additional trains. The surge in travel was driven by the return flow from the National Day holiday. To ensure smooth travel, local rail authorities strengthened transportation links and implemented services like late-night connections and luggage transfers at key stations. Safety inspections of power supply facilities were also carried out to ensure uninterrupted railway operations. High passenger flows were particularly concentrated on routes such as Beijing-Shanghai, Xi’an-Chengdu, and Changsha-Shenzhen. The high demand for travel was driven by family visits, tourism, and students returning to school. Measures like night services, ticketing flexibility, and luggage transfers were introduced to ensure smooth travel experiences. This achievement reflects China’s efforts to meet the growing demand for rail transport and maintain efficient service.
Steady Progress On the Harbin’s Southwest Ring Project: Wang Decheng, deputy manager of the 13th project department at Long Jianyi Company, spent the “Eleventh Day” holiday on-site, overseeing the construction of Harbin’s Southwest Ring Project. He and thousands of workers contributed to the ongoing 100-day string of work, witnessing daily progress. Red flags fluttered amidst bustling scaffolding and construction vehicles, as teams focused on key sections such as the Songhua River Special Bridge. Collaborating with Harbin University of Technology, a real-time safety monitoring system was introduced for the secure construction of the tower columns. Project head Yan Xuemin reported that 81% of roadbed clearing and 83% of bridge piling have been completed. Additionally, 71% of cover beams and 44% of beam plate prefabrication are finalized. Over 650 pieces of machinery support the project’s progression. By the end of the year, 85% of the roadbed and 75% of the bridge’s concrete work are expected to be completed. The project marks a key step in enhancing Harbin’s metropolitan infrastructure, contributing to the city’s regional development.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Chinese Actress Goes Viral After Responding to the Pressure to Have Kids: Chinese actress Qin Lan, gained widespread attention after her social media response to being urged to have children. She declared, “My uterus is not your business,” pushing back against societal expectations of women to bear children. Her statement resonated with many, sparking discussions on gender roles and personal autonomy in China. The actress’s message highlighted the growing frustration among women who face immense pressure to conform to traditional family structures, with her words becoming a rallying cry for reproductive rights and freedom of choice. Netizens have expressed strong support for the actress and her statement, many applauding her for how she challenged the social norms. Comments from netizens reflect both support and frustration, where they felt like someone was finally reflecting and representing their struggles. Others criticised the pressure on women to conform to traditional roles, stating that “every woman should have the freedom to make her own choices.”

INDIA WATCH

India’s Air Force Chief Calls for Defense Tech Advancement Amid China Rivalry: According to the South China Morning Post, India’s Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh highlighted the need for India to accelerate its defence technology and production to keep pace with China. Singh pointed to delays in India’s domestic aircraft production, particularly the Tejas Mark-1A, which has yet to be delivered. While expressing confidence in India’s human capabilities, Singh acknowledged that China’s rapid technological advancements, including the production of over 100 J-20 jets annually, place India at a disadvantage. According to the author, Air Chief Marshal’s remarks underscore concerns about the growing military gap between the two nations, especially as tensions over their Himalayan border remain unresolved. This tech disparity could influence future India-China relations, with India needing significant improvements in defense production to maintain balance in their military standoff. While efforts are ongoing, the Air Chief Marshal emphasized that such advancements will take time, further complicating India’s ability to counter China’s rapid modernization. India’s defense technology challenges reflect broader geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning China.

Prepared By

Anvita Plawat

Anvita is a post graduation student of International Relations at Jamia Millia Islamia with a keen interest in geopolitical and security studies. Her academic pursuits are complemented by her extensive research on the South China Sea. Beyond her academic and leadership roles, she actively engages in initiatives promoting sustainability, menstrual equity, and gender rights.