CiCM 30th October 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

China disputes new EU tariffs on electric vehicles, files formal complaint: The Ministry of Commerce recently announced that China does not accept the EU’s decision on imposing additional tariffs on electric vehicles manufactured in Chinese markets. China will be taking key measures necessary to safeguard the interests of its companies. In response to the European Commission’s announcement of imposing additional tariffs on Chinese EVs effective for 5 years, China filed a complaint under the World Trade Organization’s dispute settlement mechanism. On one hand, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Commerce pointed out that the EU's anti-subsidy investigation in the Chinese EVs had lots of unreasonable and non-compliant aspects, including its use of ‘fair competition’ as a cover for protectionist ‘unfair competition’. On the other hand, Europe has expressed their willingness to hold consultations with China on price commitments which is being seen through the newly conducted round of consultations. China is hoping that the EU adopts a constructive approach for jointly advancing dialogues with them.
China’s leading aircraft manufacturer establishes operations in Singapore as China targets Southeast Asia: China’s leading aircraft manufacturer, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), has opened an Asia-Pacific office in Singapore which has been remarked as an important step against Boeing and Airbus in the foreign aviation market. COMAC’s office is expected to become a launch pad for C919, China’s home-grown narrowbody airliner and ARJ21 regional Jet in Southeast Asia. The state-owned manufacturer stated how even after opening an office in Singapore, there is still a greater need for expanding maintenance and tech support services beyond China. COMAC representatives also noted that the new office in Singapore would enable closer and comprehensive services for clients in the region, including international airlines, maintenance partners and suppliers. The office would also promote technical exchanges and guarantee supply chains in the region in its quest to lead the aviation industry, at par with Boeing and Airbus.
China and Finland to strengthen relations: China’s President Xi Jinping and Finnish President Alexander Stubb have agreed to deepen practical cooperation along with expanding people-to-people exchanges for greater cooperation in bilateral ties. Stubb’s four-day visit to China marking the 74th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, was welcomed by Xi’s support for Finland’s active participation in China’s modernization drive. Xi also announced China’s decision in implementing a unilateral visa-free policy for Finland. Both the countries have had robust economic ties with Finland being China’s third largest Nordic trade partner and China being Finland’s largest trading partner in Asia for several years with 2023’s trade volume reaching 8.2 billion dollars. Finland’s President also expressed the country’s desire to play an active role in promoting development of EU-China relations. Both the presidents also exchanged their thoughts on the Ukraine issue and the Palestine and Israel conflict, wherein China affirmed its stance of jointly working with Finland and other relevant stakeholders to continue working for a peaceful settlement. Xi and Stubb signed multiple cooperation agreements on education, environmental protection and circular economy.
Shenzhen’s economic momentum showcases growth ambitions, serving as a ‘model for China’ : Shenzhen city, the tech-hub of China, has been reported to achieve higher economic growth through its 5.4% increase in GDP in the first three quarters of the year, making it a means of countering the threat of amped-up containment measures by the US. Its economic expansion rate has surpassed the one seen in tier-one cities of Beijing and Shanghai whose GDPs saw a growth by 5.1 and 4.7 respectively. Along with this Shenzhen city’s GDP was also considered to be higher than Guangzhou by 2%. Along the same lines, the Executive Chairman of the Guangdong Society of Reform, Peng Peng, stated that despite Shenzhen facing challenges of technological decoupling and protectionism from the US, its ambitious and committed nature to upgrading its industries remains firm, further setting a good example for China in the face of geopolitical risks. This is seen through the industrial giants present in Shenzhen like Huawei Technologies, BYD and DJI which have made Shenzhen ‘China’s Silicon Valley’.
China expands medical insurance for assisted reproduction to boost fertility rates: In order to encourage fertility and support long-term balanced population development, China has incorporated 20 provincial-level regions with reproductive technology services under their medical insurance coverage. Guangdong province has included 13 therapeutic reproductive medical services in its medical insurance coverage, which includes ‘sperm selection treatment’ and ‘egg retrieval surgery’ and will be in effect from January 1, 2025. This will ensure a price cut in the services included under the medical insurance coverage, making it affordable for the public across all classes. There are also Chinese measures aimed at promoting long-term balanced population development which will include medical insurance to help families alleviate the economic burden they face while having children. To help couples facing challenges of infertility due to fast-paced lifestyle or delayed marriage and childbearing age, China has introduced a series of new birth support policies. Assisted reproductive technology services, among the policies, will qualify for medical insurance reimbursement.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Beauty Pressure amidst Celebrity Transformations Spark Debate on Social Media in China: In recent trends on Chinese social media, numerous celebrities have garnered attention for their significant physical transformations. These changes often involving dramatic weight loss or aesthetic enhancements have sparked discussions about body image and the pressures faced by public figures in the entertainment industry. Angelababy, a prominent actress and model, was trending on Chinese platforms for her stunning transformation, which has sparked both admiration and criticism among fans and followers. The transformation trend highlights the intense scrutiny that celebrities face, as many undergo rigorous diets and fitness regimens to maintain their public personas. Other stars in China, such as Zhao Liying and Yang Mi, have also been part of this conversation, showcasing their own transformations that align with changing beauty standards in China. Social media platforms like Weibo were buzzing with discussions, with some praising these celebrities for their dedication, while others expressing concern over the societal pressures that lead to such drastic changes.

INDIA WATCH

Opinion Piece on Negotiation mechanisms discusses the resolution of India-China border Tensions: In an article published by the CCTV news, the author Yuyuan Tan Tian emphasized on two negotiation mechanisms that were important between China and India to enable them to consensually reach resolutions. He elaborates stating that the mechanisms such as the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on China-India Border Affairs and the China-India Military Commander-level talks played important roles. The military level talks heavily focused on resolving issues along the border with an emphasis on promoting disengagement of front-line troops. Resolving the issue of patrolling in the border areas will not impact or change China and India’s position on the territorial sovereignty issue said the author of the piece. The author also quoted President Xi Jinping statement that, ‘both the countries should strictly proceed by keeping their overall interests of bilateral relations in mind and should properly handle the border issue for jointly safeguarding peace and tranquility in border areas’. As per the article, this statement was made for Narendra Modi amidst both the countries choosing their stance carefully. The author also stated that while India had a hopeful stance towards de-escalation process after every border clash, China did not waver in its stance of backing down on the territorial boundary issue. While India has made attempts of promoting ‘de-sinicization’ and decoupling from China for implementation of the strategic policy of industrial rejuvenation in hopes of seizing strategic advantages, this has proved to be a bad approach stated the author. The piece also discussed the Indian Foreign Secretary who has a good understanding of China and was pivotal in the betterment of Sino-Indian relations.

Prepared By

Aditi Khamkar

Aditi Khamkar is a third-year undergraduate student at FLAME University majoring in International Studies and minoring in Public Policy. Having completed an internship at International SOS, her interest in security has deepened, driving her to pursue a career as a security analyst. Passionate about making meaningful contributions, she aspires to write impactful analyses that address global security challenges.