18th October 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

China-Thailand Joint Military Training: The China-Thailand “Commando 2024” joint army training was held in Kunming, Yunnan Province in southwest China. Advanced simulation technologies and innovations using artificial intelligence were used, including robot dogs and ornithopters. This marked the seventh “Commando” event between the Chinese and Thai militaries. Experts have said that this exercise not only strengthens domestic operations but also helps China better position itself to export military technology. The joint exercise included training in demolition blasting, joint search and suppression, helicopter landing, etc. It was focused on joint counter-terrorism operations. China and Thailand have also reportedly decided to carry out instructional training on reconnaissance equipment operations.

Zhang Guang Pleads Guilty in Bribery Case: The first trial in the bribery case against former Standing Committee member and Vice President of the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Zhang Guang, was held on 18th October. This was a public trial held by the Intermediate People’s Court of Nanchang City in Jiangxi Province. The People’s Protectorate of the city had filed an indictment stating that the defendant, Zhang Guang, used his various positions of power to help people involved in business operations, job hunting, school enrollments and job promotions. He was also alleged to have illegally accepted RMB 21.2 million through properties. Zhang Guang pleaded guilty in court and expressed his remorse. The verdict is yet to be announced by the court.

GDP Grows by 4.8% in First Three Quarters: The State Council Information Office held a press conference, where officials from the National Bureau of Statistics announced the country’s economic performance over the first three quarters. Over that period of time, they outlined that China’s GDP has grown by 4.8% indicating stable economic growth and development. In the last month, production and demand indicators and market expectations improved. Factors that promote economic recovery have also reportedly increased. In the first three quarters, the added value of industrial enterprises above the designated size increased by 5.8%, and the total profit nationwide of industrial enterprises was 5652.7 billion yuan. This was a 0.5% increase from the previous years. The added value of the agricultural industry increased by 3.7% in the past years.

Chinese Foreign Minister Holds Talks with UK Foreign Secretary: Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, held talks with David Lammy, British Foreign Secretary, in Beijing. Wang noted that as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council as well as major global economies, both China and the UK have the responsibility to maintain the international order. Both parties also highlighted their willingness to promote mutually beneficial cooperation in areas like trade, green development, finance, health, technology and education. Lammy said that the British government is committed to resolving differences with China in a mutually respectful and coherent manner. This is the first visit to China by a UK cabinet minister under the new Labour party government. Analysts have said that although this visit is not enough to mark a warming of relations between the two countries it is the vital first step towards the normalization of diplomatic ties.

75th Anniversary of China-Mongolia Diplomatic Ties: A reception was held in Beijing to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Mongolia. The Vice Chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee and Political Bureau member, Li Hongzhong addressed the gathering. He talked about the remarkable progress China-Mongolia relations have seen since their establishment. He also expressed China’s willingness to work with Mongolia to allow for mutual advancement in the path of modernisation. Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene also stated that his country will continue to carry forward the traditional and long-standing friendship between the two countries. He said that this would include a deepening of bilateral cooperation and exchanges in various fields.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Netizens Debate over Rick Owens Clothing Controversy: International fashion designer Rick Owens and his friends recently visited Beijing’s Forbidden City and were asked to leave by the security personnel due to their unconventional attire. Owens’ friend posted about the incident on social media, expressing his dissatisfaction with the fact that they were asked to remove their makeup and return wearing “normal clothes.” He said that their attire felt like an expression of their identity, and it was dehumanizing and humiliating to be treated in such a manner. This sparked controversy on Chinese social media platforms. While many netizens rushed to support their freedom to dress in any way they liked, others pointed out that while traveling internationally, they must respect local culture and history. Many people also said that adapting to the cultural expectations of the place one visits is a way of demonstrating your understanding and respect for their traditions. People also posted about how the group’s avant-garde style was detrimental to the image of the place, and looked untidy, thus breaking the dress code of the Forbidden City.

INDIA WATCH

China Criticizes India Over Taiwan’s New Representative Office in Mumbai: Chinese news agencies reported the opening of Taiwan’s new representative office in Mumbai, India, adding to the offices already in Chennai and New Delhi. Beijing has urged India to not indulge in any official interaction with Taiwan, and that doing so would adversely affect the Delhi-Beijing relationship. Xinhua news agency reported Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning’s reaction to the situation, where she said that there is only one China in the world and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. Taiwan has ties with 11 countries and opens “representative offices” in countries where it does not have formal diplomatic relations. The author states that China has also, in sharp contrast, expressed its appreciation for South Africa in its bid to move Taiwan’s de facto embassy out of the country’s capital, Pretoria. China has also lodged a protest with Indian representatives and said that adhering to the one-China principle is a political commitment India must abide by.

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.