29th October 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Xi Jinping Congratulates Cambodian King on 20th Anniversary of Enthronement: Chinese President Xi Jinping offered his congratulations to Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni on the 20th anniversary of his enthronement. In his message, Xi praised the King’s contributions to Cambodia’s peace, stability, and growth, as well as his efforts to foster international cooperation and enhancing Cambodia-China ties. Xi highlighted that under the leadership of both nations, the China-Cambodia community with a shared future has advanced into a new era marked by high-quality and high-standard collaboration. He emphasised the progress made under the “Diamond Hexagon” cooperation framework, as well as the positive strides in the "Industrial Development Corridor" and "Fish and Rice Corridor" initiatives. Xi also noted the success of the China-Cambodia people-to-people cultural exchange year, which has strengthened bilateral relations and brought tangible benefits to both populations. Referring to Cambodia as an "iron-clad friend" Xi reaffirmed his commitment to deepening ties with the Cambodian Royal Family and strengthening strategic cooperation. He expressed eagerness to work with King Sihamoni to further enhance their partnership and achieve greater success in building the China-Cambodia community with a shared future.
China Announces Crew for Shenzhou-19 Crewed Space Mission: The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) revealed on October 29 that three astronauts, Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze, will undertake the upcoming Shenzhou-19 spaceflight. Cai Xuzhe, a veteran of the Shenzhou-14 mission, will serve as the mission commander, while Song and Wang are both first-time astronauts, selected from the third batch of Chinese astronauts. Notably, Wang Haoze will be the only female engineer on the crew and the third Chinese woman to participate in a crewed space mission. The Shenzhou-19 spacecraft is scheduled to launch from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on October 30, 2024. Song Lingdong, previously an airforce pilot, and Wang, a senior engineer from the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology, represent China’s growing emphasis on integrating diverse expertise into space missions. CMSA officials highlighted that the mission aligns with China's ongoing efforts to expand its manned space exploration program. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to training astronauts across diverse fields to achieve its long-term goals for space station development and further deep space exploration.
Politburo Study Session Emphasises Reform and Culture: Speaking at a Politburo study session for principal officials at the provincial and ministerial level of the Central Party School, Xi emphasised the importance of advancing reform and strengthening the development of China’s culture. The study session focused on ways to implement decisions taken during the Third Plenum. Xi pointed out that reforms are guided by core commitments to the Party’s leadership and socialism with Chinese characteristics. He also stated that leading officials must not shy away from risks and challenges, and open new horizons for reform. He pointed out that cultural development is a cornerstone of China's broader national rejuvenation efforts. Xi stressed the need to ignite cultural creativity across society, urging writers, artists, and scholars to immerse themselves in real life and innovate continuously. A focus on preserving and modernising traditional Chinese culture was also discussed, emphasising systematic protection with minimal intervention. Xi also called for refining talent selection mechanisms in the cultural sector and expanding cultural exchanges to strengthen China’s cultural soft power globally.
Foreign Ministry States South Korean National Arrested in China on Espionage Charges: A South Korean national has been arrested in China on suspicion of espionage by the Hefei national security Department, the first case of a South Korean to be arrested since the revision of China’s anti-espionage law in July last year. The individual, previously employed by Samsung Electronics, was detained in Hefei, Anhui, a hub for scientific and technological development. According to Chinese authorities, the arrest was carried out “in accordance with the law,” and the man’s legal rights would be protected. They also confirmed that the South Korean embassy had been notified and granted access for consular duties. Reports from Yonhap and the Chosun Daily suggest the man, in his 50s, was working for a Chinese semiconductor company at the time of his arrest late last year. The suspect is accused of leaking semiconductor-related information to South Korea, highlighting the heightened tensions in the tech and intelligence sectors between the two countries. The arrest of the South Korean national in China follows the arrest of another Samsung employee in South Korea for theft of chip processing technology to help a client set up a chip factory in China.
China Advances Waste-Free Cities Initiative to Promote Sustainable Urban Living: China is intensifying its commitment to sustainable urban development through its “waste-free cities” initiative, first launched in 2019. This ambitious program has expanded to include over 100 cities, all aiming to reduce waste generation, enhance recycling efforts, and promote environmentally friendly consumption habits. The initiative is rooted in the principles of a circular economy, which encourages industries to minimise waste output while engaging communities in effective waste sorting and recycling practices. Significantly, this initiative highlights the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and citizens. By fostering a culture of sustainability, these cities aim to serve as models for balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility. Additionally, local governments are implementing educational campaigns to raise public awareness about waste reduction and sustainable practices. The push for waste-free cities aligns with China’s broader environmental goals, including improved air and water quality, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. As urbanisation continues to accelerate, the success of this initiative is critical in ensuring that cities can thrive sustainably.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Douyin Reacts to Boy Giving Lunch to Mentally Impaired Mother: Users of Chinese social media platforms, Douyin, have expressed their appreciation for a 12 year old boy who cared for this mother by eating his classmates leftover lunch so that he could save his own lunch for his mentally impaired mother. Li Shibo from central Henan would hand over the schools free lunch to his mother who would wait outside the school gates. The boys teacher, Wang, recorded the incident and posted it to Douyin where users had an overwhelmingly positive response to Li Shibo’s actions. One user said, “This is the finest expression of filial piety” and another wrote, “He knows his mother is different from other parents, but he loves her regardless.” Users visited Li’s Douyin account and sent gifts, money and essential goods. The local civil affairs bureau was also involved and promised to find additional ways to assist the family.

INDIA WATCH

SCMP Op-Ed Claims China-India Border Deal is a Win for Russia: In the past week, China and India have reached an agreement to de-escalate tensions along their contested Himalayan border, marking the end of four years of hostilities. An op-ed in the South China Morning Post draws attention to how the deal was confirmed during a BRICS summit hosted in Kazan, Russia, where Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held their first formal meeting in five years. The article states that while the details of the agreement remain unclear, the timing is noteworthy, coming just ahead of the U.S. presidential election. It also states that Russian President Vladimir Putin is credited with facilitating the diplomatic breakthrough. His long-standing ties with both Beijing and New Delhi allowed him to mediate effectively, underscoring Russia’s continued relevance in global geopolitics despite its isolation following the invasion of Ukraine. The author states that Moscow has reportedly employed behind-the-scenes diplomacy over the years to foster dialogue between the two nations, highlighting a pragmatic “leadership-led relationship” between the Asian giants. He also says that Putin’s mediation offers a contrast to Russia’s destabilising actions elsewhere, such as in Ukraine or the Middle East. The article posits that the development could boost Putin’s geopolitical influence, particularly as he navigates an increasingly fragmented world order. However, the alignment between Russia, China, and North Korea raise concerns about future instability and shifting alliances.

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.