CICM 14th October 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Yangzhou Grants Paid Leave to Workers for Elderly Care Amid China’s Aging Crisis: Yangzhou, of Jiangsu province, has come up with new and progressive regulations that grant workers five days of paid leave annually to take care of hospitalised elderly parents. This policy explains the efforts to address the demographic challenges posed by China’s rapidly ageing population. Yangzhou, with 28.6% of its 4.5 million residents aged 60 or older, faces one of the country’s highest proportions of elderly citizens. This policy will be effective from January 1, 2025, and further extends free public transport and attraction access to residents aged 65 or above. The age limit was previously 70. Hospitals in Yangzhou will offer enhanced geriatric services, including dedicated departments for senior citizens. This initiative is parallel and similar to many moves across China, such as in Anhui and Xi’an, where caregiving leave policies prioritise only children. These efforts highlight the growing focus on eldercare solutions as China adapts to the social and economic demands of a greying society.
Xi Jinping and Indonesian President Joko Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation: On October 14, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping in a phone conversation with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, highlighted the deep bilateral ties established over Joko’s 10-year presidency. Xi applauded Joko’s significant contributions to Sino-Indonesian relations and presented great confidence that Indonesia’s new government would continue fostering cooperation under their shared vision of a ‘community of shared future’. Xi fostered China’s commitment to advancing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Indonesia, looking forward to focusing on the sustainable operation of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway as a model for future collaborations. He also proposed discovering many new areas of cooperation to benefit both nations. As the world celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference in 2025, Xi called for fresh efforts to uphold the spirit of peaceful coexistence and promote solidarity among developing countries. President Joko, in response, acknowledged the importance of China’s contributions to Indonesia’s economic growth and expressed optimism about the future of the warm ties and strategic partnership between the two countries under Indonesia’s newly elected government.
Expansion of Cochlear Implant Coverage in China Provides Hope for Hearing-Impaired Patients: More than 10 Chinese provinces have recently included cochlear implants in their extended medical insurance plans, offering a maximum reimbursement of up to 450,000 yuan. With around 27.8 million hearing-impaired individuals in the country, the extremely skyrocketed cost of cochlear implants has stopped many from seeking treatment. Ever since the inclusion of these implants in insurance last September, hospitals like Jiangxi Children’s Hospital have successfully treated over 170 patients. families have benefited from an average reimbursement rate of 70%, reaching 90% for low-income families. The National Health Insurance Administration is also looking to expand coverage to further reduce costs for patients. This initiative is particularly crucial for infants under three, who are in a critical developmental phase for hearing, language, and communication. For many, like Wang Shengming, the ability to hear is not just a medical breakthrough but a profound life-changing experience.
The 6th World Media Summit Opens in Urumqi, Focusing on Artificial Intelligence and Media Change: The 6th World Media Summit commenced on October 14, 2024, in Urumqi, Xinjiang, under the theme ‘Artificial Intelligence and Media Change’. The summit hosted over 500 representatives from 208 media organisations, government bodies, and international institutions across 106 countries and regions. Participants discussed the integration of artificial intelligence in media, the responsibilities of news organisations in the digital age, and the promotion of Xinjiang’s high-quality development and openness. Ma Xingrui, Secretary of the Party Committee of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, emphasised the summit’s significance as a platform for global media collaboration and communication, fostering common human values and a shared future. Fu Hua, president of Xinhua News Agency, highlighted the urgent need to address “Where is media change going?” in the context of AI’s rapid development, calling for global media to unite in fulfilling their responsibilities.
China’s Li Qiang Promises Upgraded Economic Corridor with Pakistan in Islamabad: During his visit to Pakistan, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasised the strengthening of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the enhancement of bilateral cooperation across various sectors. This visit, marking his first to Pakistan, included discussions with Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, where both leaders expressed commitment to upgrading CPEC initiatives to foster economic development and stability in the region. Li highlighted the importance of CPEC as a crucial component of the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to enhance connectivity and trade between China and Pakistan. He assured that China would continue to support Pakistan in infrastructure development and other economic projects, underscoring the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. Both sides agreed to work together in agriculture, energy, and technology sectors, reflecting a shared vision for economic growth. This meeting reinforces the collaborative spirit of Sino-Pakistani relations, which are vital for regional stability and prosperity.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

China’s “Joint Sword-2024B” Military Exercise Intensifies Tensions with Taiwan: On October 14, 2024, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) conducted the large-scale “Joint Sword-2024B” exercise in the East China Sea, escalating regional tensions. The operation involved advanced fighter jets and bombers from the PLA’s Eastern Theater Command crossing the Taiwan Strait, highlighting China’s growing military prowess. The exercise sparked varied reactions on Weibo. Some users expressed immense applause and national pride, with posts that hailed the idea of a re-unified China. However, others shared concerns about the heightened risk of possible regional instability. The display of air superiority and coordinated strikes not only conveyed a strong warning to Taiwan but also signalled China’s intent to deter U.S. military involvement. The use of particular social media hashtags amplifies nationalist sentiments and showcases the PLA’s social media efforts to solidify public support for its actions, giving a possible explanation of an amalgamation of military manoeuvres and social influence in China’s strategic approach.

INDIA WATCH

India Recalls Envoy to Canada Amid Diplomatic Standoff Over Sikh Leader’s Killing: According to Chinese media reports, India has recalled its top envoy to Canada amidst an ongoing diplomatic dispute over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader. The tension began after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed a potential Indian involvement in Nijjar’s murder, an accusation India firmly rejected as ‘absurd’ and ‘unacceptable’. Both countries have since witnessed a low slope of diplomatic ties, with this latest move from India signalling a further escalation in the standoff. Chinese outlets highlighted the impact of the controversy on bilateral relations and emphasised the unresolved nature of the investigation. With Nijjar’s killing becoming a flashpoint, Chinese media has framed the situation as a significant diplomatic crisis that risks straining India’s relations not just with Canada but also with other Western nations. Both sides continue to seek support from the international community, deepening uncertainties around the resolution of the dispute.

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.