CiCM 19th-20th October 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Xuzhou Hosts Conference to Strengthen Ties with Latin American and Caribbean Nations: Xuzhou, Jiangsu province, hosted the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Day and a Cooperation and Exchange Conference. The event gathered over 200 participants, including government officials from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Jiangsu’s foreign affairs office, alongside representatives from Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) embassies, consulates, and businesses. Xu Wei, minister counselor of the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasised on how Jiangsu, as a leader in Chinese modernization, has immense potential to deepen cooperation with LAC countries. Song Lewei, secretary of the Communist Party of China Xuzhou Municipal Committee, emphasised the significance of Xuzhou’s ties with LAC nations, highlighting the XCMG Brazil Industrial Park as a successful model of economic cooperation. The event featured exchanges between sister cities, business alignments and cultural exchanges, serving as a key platform to foster practical cooperation and promote cross-regional partnerships between Jiangsu and LAC countries.

Chinese Drone maker DJI Sues US Government for Inclusion on Blacklist: Shenzhen-based DJI Technology, the world's largest drone manufacturer, filed a lawsuit against the United States Department of Defense on Friday, contesting its inclusion on the Pentagon’s list of companies suspected of cooperating with the Chinese military. DJI was placed on this list in 2022. The list serves as a warning to US businesses and entities about potential "national security risks" associated with firms on the list. DJI claims the designation is incorrect and has caused substantial financial losses, as the company accounts for over half of the commercial drone sales in the US. The company argues that this designation has tarnished its reputation, led to the loss of business deals, and banned it from contracting with multiple US federal agencies. DJI also stated that the Defense Department did not engage with the company for over 16 months after the decision was made, leaving DJI no choice but to seek legal relief. The company claims that existing contracts have been terminated and new deals have been refused as a result of this action. However, Global Times reported about scepticism expressed by experts about the success of the lawsuit owing to complex legal system in the US.

Yantian Port Expands Global Shipping Network with 16 New Routes: Yantian Port District in Shenzhen has added 16 new shipping routes, further enhancing the reach of China’s export network. This expansion aligns with a broader increase in China’s foreign trade. As an important logistics centre, Yantian Port manages over one-third of Guangdong’s foreign trade and a quarter of China’s exports to the U.S. The new routes include cross-border e-commerce lines, with the likes of a route connecting Shenzhen with Los Angeles. Additionally, six new combined ports have been launched in the Greater Bay Area, allowing goods to be shipped directly from local enterprises to Yantian Port, improving efficiency. According to Huang Wei, deputy chief of Dapeng Customs, the combined port model has significantly boosted container throughput. The growing network has contributed to an overall increase in trade with 160 countries, including 9.4 percent growth with ASEAN countries and 6.3 percent with Belt and Road partners. During the first three quarters of 2024, China’s total foreign trade reached 32.33 trillion yuan, witnessing a growth of 5.3 percent year-on-year.

Xi Jinping Congratulates Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto: On October 20, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping reached out to Prabowo Subianto to congratulate him on his inauguration as the President of Indonesia. Xi highlighted the friendship between China and Indonesia, describing their comprehensive strategic partnership as one that continues to advance steadily. He emphasised that both nations are entering a new phase in their relationship, which is focused on jointly building a community of shared future. Xi underscored the significance of the upcoming 75^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia in 2025, viewing it as an opportunity to further enhance bilateral cooperation. He expressed his eagerness to maintain close strategic communication with President Subianto and to lead the development of their partnership to new heights. This relationship is portrayed as a model for collaboration, unity, and mutual benefit among major developing countries, aiming for shared progress in addressing regional and global challenges. Vice President Han Zheng attended the inauguration of Prabowo on behalf of President Xi Jinping. Indonesian experts have hoped that Prabowo will be able to attract more Chinese investments and achieve technology transfers from China to develop downstream industry.

BRI Cooperation Conference Witnesses Deals Worth 5.57 Billion Yuan: More than 1,070 participants from 63 countries and regions, including 49 involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), gathered in Linyi, Shandong province, for the Linyi Trade City International Sourcing Conference for BRI Cooperation. Held from Thursday to Saturday, the event aimed to explore trade cooperation opportunities. By Friday, trade deals worth 5.57 billion yuan ($784.36 million) were secured. Delegates engaged in discussions with over 3,000 local production and business enterprises. The conference featured one main venue and 13 specialized sessions, showcasing a wide range of products, including small commodities, home building materials, cultural and sports goods, daily necessities, ceramics, hardware and garden machinery. Linyi is known for its 131 specialized wholesale markets and is one of China's largest market clusters and serves as a comprehensive logistics hub integrating multiple transportation modes. In recent years, the city has expanded its international markets, leveraging opportunities from the BRI through initiatives such as cross-border e-commerce zones, aviation ports, and a China-Europe freight train assembly center. The city has established trade relations with 129 BRI nations and regions, further enhancing its global presence.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

China’s Table Tennis Prodigy Stuns Social Media with Remarkable Skills: A young Chinese table tennis sensation has captivated social media, drawing widespread attention for his abilities beyond his years. The ‘wonder boy’ has been tipped as a future champion, impressing netizens. His performance clip presents his incredible speed, precision, and reflexes, have left his fans talking about his potential to shape the future of Chinese tennis. Observers have noted that the boy holds qualities resembling those of past champions, such as his strategic gameplay and his techniques. Many believe he could soon rise to the top, and pursue China’s legacy of dominance in this sport. On social platforms like Weibo, users have shared their admiration, with some predicting that he will follow in the footsteps of icons like Ma Long and Fan Zhendong. Him going viral has created chatter not only about his bright future but also about how important it is to encourage young talent in sports.

INDIA WATCH

India’s Proposed Partnership with the US on Critical Minerals Seen as a Part of Geopolitics: Global Times reported on India’s proposed partnership agreement on critical minerals with the US, with an objective to help local electric vehicles (EV) manufacturers in the US market. The article criticises this initiative as guided by geopolitical objectives rather than commercial benefits. It argues that owing to India’s dependence on China for minerals, these efforts would not bring desired results for India and it may just become a part of USA’s anti-China Indo-Pacific strategy. Qian Feng, director at the National Strategy Institute of Tsinghua University, commented that India has been diversifying its key mineral resources due to concerns over national energy security and reliance on Chinese imports. In October 2023, India signed a memorandum of understanding with the US to expand critical mineral supply chains. Additionally, India joined the US-led Minerals Security Partnership to secure energy minerals and has been pursuing strategic partnerships in Africa and Latin America. Qian argued that these actions are likely to intensify competition between China and India, potentially impacting China's access to key mineral supplies abroad. He also pointed out that any US decision on India's proposals will likely be delayed until after the U.S. presidential election in November 2024. However, he claimed that the US is clearly seeking to involve India more in its Indo-Pacific strategy aimed at containing China's influence in the region.

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.