18th November 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

President Xi Jinping Calls for Multipolar World Order Ahead of G20 Summit: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday for the 19th G20 Summit. In a written statement ahead of the summit, he expressed his readiness to work together and equally with all parties involved towards an orderly and equal multipolar world, and economic globalisation which is both inclusive and universally beneficial. Xi also stated his hopes for the G20’s role as a significant platform for international economic cooperation. Experts are optimistic about this year’s G20 summit to create momentum for addressing global challenges, strengthening multilateral cooperation and promoting constructive dialogue.
Shanghai Eases Real Estate Policies to Boost Housing Market: In a bid to boost the property market, Shanghai further eased its real estate policies by eliminating the distinction between ordinary and non-ordinary housing, and increasing tax incentives for property transactions. Apartments larger than 144 square meters or properties intended for commercial use are considered non-ordinary. According to the new rules, the ending of the housing classification will allow value-added tax and other incentives to be aligned. Shanghai has also abolished the 2% tax rate for home transaction income for transfers of non-ordinary homes. Further, individuals selling houses owned for more than two years will be exempt from value-added tax. Shanghai also adopted a unified personal housing deed policy as with the rest of the country.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Responds to US-Philippines Security Agreement: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded to the US and Philippines signing a security agreement, allowing for the exchange of highly confidential military intelligence. Experts have said that this move will allow the US to expand its military influence in the region further and conduct reconnaissance activities that target China, and would embolden the Philippines to take more provocative action in the South China Sea. Lin said that no matter what kind of agreement is being signed or the type of security cooperation conducted, the agreement must not target a third party or harm their interests. He stated that they should not carry out acts that further escalate tensions and undermine regional peace. Lin further stressed the importance of positive neighbourly relations and strategic autonomy
China Announces Criminal Penalties for Refusing to Comply with Court Rulings: The Chinese Supreme People’s Court (SPC) and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate jointly issued a judicial interpretation and announced criminal penalties for individuals who refuse to comply with court rulings. The interpretation clarifies that in particularly serious circumstances, obstructing the execution of a court ruling will become a criminal act as of 1st December. According to experts, this judicial interpretation aims to fix loopholes within the legislation, as some people have been known to exploit relatively ambiguous provisions in the law to their advantage. This will also guarantee that judgements handed down by the court will be carried out more effectively in the future.
China Calls for Immediate De-escalation in Ukraine Crisis: China on Monday reaffirmed its stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, after the United States permitted Ukraine to use Western long-range weapons to attack Russia, while Moscow has warned that this would make the West directly involved in the conflict. In a press conference, Lin Jian, a spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry called for the de-escalation of the crisis as soon as possible, and a political settlement. He stated his concerns over reports that Ukraine plans to conduct its first long-range attacks in the coming days. Lin further reiterated that China’s standing on the Ukraine crisis has been consistent and clear and that realizing an early ceasefire serves the interests of all parties involved.

SOCIAL MEDIA NEWS

Netizens React to Chinese Company’s Policy to Improve Morale: In a bid to boost employee morale and foster happiness, Shenzhen-based tech company Insta360 introduced an unconventional policy: monetary incentives for single employees who pursue romantic relationships. Employees are eligible for up to 1,000 yuan (approximately $140) if they establish a “valid and successful” relationship lasting at least three months. This policy, revealed on social media, has sparked varied reactions, reflecting broader societal anxieties about intimacy, marriage, and work-life balance in contemporary China. While some netizens on platforms like Douyin expressed enthusiasm, wishing to work at such a progressive company, others viewed the policy through a critical lens. Supporters even suggested that the government adopt similar measures amidst declining marriage rates, highlighting the link between state concerns over demographic shifts and private sector innovations in addressing social issues. However, the policy also invited skepticism. Critics questioned the commodification of relationships, arguing that love cannot be incentivized or quantified. Women, in particular, voiced frustration at systemic pressures, pointing out that government family planning policies often reduce personal decisions about marriage and childbirth to state imperatives. Some recounted being contacted by local officials about their marital and reproductive plans, underscoring the intrusive nature of such initiatives. A particularly poignant comment encapsulated the broader critique: the reluctance to marry or have children is not rooted in financial incentives—or their absence—but rather in deeper concerns about job security, social stability, and future prospects. This sentiment reflects how structural challenges, including precarious employment and high living costs, shape individual choices about relationships and family formation.

INDIA WATCH

Guancha Article Responds With Skepticism to India’s Hypersonic Missile: Chinese news agency Guancha recently published an article analyzing India’s announcement of the successful testing of a domestically produced long-range hypersonic missile. The Indian government, represented by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, hailed this as a historic achievement, highlighting the missile's ability to perform terminal maneuvers and achieve highly accurate hits based on flight data. The Guancha article raised questions about the technical details of the missile, noting that hypersonic weapons—defined by their ability to travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 while maintaining high maneuverability—pose significant challenges for defense systems. The piece argued that certain features, such as the missile’s warhead design, diverged from typical hypersonic missile standards. It also referenced past announcements, like India’s Agni-5 intercontinental ballistic missile, suggesting that previous claims had occasionally been questioned by some analysts. The article speculated that the hypersonic missile tested might be a technology demonstrator, representing an important step in India’s ongoing efforts to develop advanced hypersonic weaponry. By acknowledging India’s progress in this high-tech domain, Guancha underscored the complexities of hypersonic missile development and highlighted India’s ambitions in achieving this significant technological milestone.

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.