CiCM 9th October 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Ministry of State Security Pledges to Strengthen Intelligence Sharing with Pakistan: The Ministry of State Security, China’s top anti - espionage agency has vowed to cooperate with Pakistan in order to strengthen their intelligence sharing, following a deadly attack on Chinese citizens in Karachi on Saturday. The Ministry published an editorial stating that the fight against terrorism is the joint responsibility of the international community and an important priority. The editorial also said that China would cooperate to combat terrorism on multiple levels, including strengthening the mechanisms for counterterrorism intelligence sharing, early warning alerts, financial, judicial and law enforcement assistance. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that terrorist forces sought to undermine China- Pakistan but would not succeed.
He Lifeng Visits 9th Division of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps: He Lifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council led a central delegation to Baiyang City for the 9th Division for the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. This delegation visited the Wei Deyou Patriotism Education Base, and had a cordial exchange with Wei Deyou about border defense. He Lifeng spoke about the need to vigorously promote the spirit of the Corps, and inspire people to devote themselves to the Corps’ cause. He pointed out the need to build a modern city with the characteristics of the Corps when visiting the Baiyang City Construction Project Command. The central delegation also visited the machine picking operation site of the 10th regiment of the 1st division in Aral City to investigate modern agricultural production. He Lifeng noted that it is necessary to take advantage of the Corps’ land and promote scientific and technological innovation.
Chinese Coast Guard Confront Philippine Ships in South China Sea: The Chinese Coast Guard confronted two Phillipene vessels near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. A spokesman for the Chinese Coast Guard, Liu Dejun stated that the Philippine ships were identified by their hull numbers, and later took “professional, reasonable, and legitimate control measures” against them. He further reiterated China’s position of having full jurisdiction and sovereign rights over the waters surrounding the region, and urged the Philippine authorities to stop these territorial infringements. Clashes between both the countries have seen a significant uptick, spiraling the already tense situation in the South China Sea region into a tense phase of confrontations.
Official Defense Spokesperson Remarks on US Interference in Taiwan: On 9th October, a spokesperson from the Chinese Ministry of National Defence, Wu Qian made remarks on the United States’ interference in the Taiwan Strait. He said that the US must stop its double faced approach when dealing with China. This was in response to the media’s question regarding the US’ decision to further fund 567 million dollars into its military assistance to Taiwan. Wu further stated that this move by the US is a violation of the one - China principle and the joint China-US communiques, severely infringing upon China’s national security interests and sovereignty. He expressed his condemnation of this action, which would send the wrong message to the Taiwanese separatist elements, and undermine peace and stability in the region.
Li Qiang Visits Laos for important meeting: Chinese Premier Li Qiang attended the East Asia Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting held in Vientiane, Laos. This was in invitation by Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Sipsay, and an official state visit. The Premier commented on Laos’ role as the rotating chair of ASEAN, saying that the country has actively played a leading role in fostering practical cooperation, and promoted progress and achievements since the beginning of this year. China is firmly in support of ASEAN’s key position in building regional cooperation and optimistic about its role in broader international affairs. China is also willing to share in-depth views with ASEAN countries to promote collaboration in the region. Li Qiang further pointed out that the China-Laos comprehensive strategic cooperation has deepened and become more practical, ushering in a new era of bilateral relations between the two countries.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Female Stand-up Comedian trend on Chinese social media: Recent controversy regarding a female stand up comedian with the stage name Caicai trended on Chinese social media due to her talking about experiences with menstruation and purchasing sanitary napkins. Her stand-up, that recently aired across China, has resulted in a lot of conversation with period shaming becoming a trending topic on Chinese social media platforms. This has also generated discussions about the comeback of the stand up comedy industry in China, which is also providing a platform for a new generation of female comedians. Comedians such as Yarong and Caicai have been known to utilise the medium for stand-up to talk about broader female experience of discrimination in society. That said, Netizens online, have criticised this by saying that female comedians should not so narrowly focus on the female experience but rather cater to a wider audience. However, others have disagreed, pointing out that if male comedians like Xu Zhisheng can repeatedly joke about their appearance, female comedians should be able to discuss women’s issues. Mao Yuyang, a young woman from Zhejiang Province said that she learned a lot from watching routines of female stand up comedians. She also said that Caicai’s performance helped her understand that period shaming was a form of social discrimination.

INDIA WATCH

Global Times article reacts to India’s military development, says India must not see China as Rivals: The Global Times in a recent article reported that Chinese experts have stated that India should not perceive China as a rival for its military development. This was in response to a claim made by the Chief of Indian Air Force, that China is outpacing India in areas like technology, infrastructure and defense production. The report further claimed that the India's military establishment was sensationalizing China’s national defense development, and was using China as an excuse to allow for more funding and put further pressure on India’s domestic defense industry. The piece also claimed such developments were an unfavorable to improving bilateral ties between the two countries. It concluded by stating that even though India has the full right to build its defense capabilities, it should not view China as a competitor in this arena since China had no intention of engaging in an arms race with India.

Prepared By

Veda Jain

Veda Jain is currently a third-year student at Flame University, majoring in International Studies and minoring in Literary and Cultural Studies. She has a strong interest in modern Chinese politics and is keen on analyzing the dynamics of Indo-China relations.