CiCM 29th November 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Director of the Department of Transport of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region sentenced in a bribery case: The Intermediate People's Court of Guilin City in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on 29 November sentenced Chen Hongqi to life imprisonment in a case of bribery. The former party secretary was found to have abused his authority as Party Secretary and Director of the Department of Transport, to provide assistance to relevant persons and departments, such as those undertaking road engineering and engaging in insurance brokerage. Further, he was found to have illegally accepted property and bribes worth RMB 90.31 million. He has further been deprived of all political rights for life, and his personal property has been confiscated.
China and Russia carried out Aerial Patrol over the Sea of Japan: Chinese and Russian militaries engaged in their ninth joint strategic aerial patrol in the airspace over the Sea of Japan. The exercise was carried out as part of the two county’s militaries’ annual cooperation plan, which has been in effect from 2019, as mentioned by the Chinese Defence Ministry. The Air Patrol was carried out with the aim to effectively test and enhance the joint training programmes and operational capabilities of the Air Force of both countries. In response, South Korea reportedly launched fighter jets, after 11 Chinese and Russian military aircrafts were entered the country’s air defence identification zone. The jets remained for approximately four hours, after which they exited without any incident. The previous such exercise was conducted in July 2024, near Alaska in the Pacific - Arctic region. Reportedly, China and Russia carried out the Air Patrol using nuclear-capable strategic bombgings which prompted the USA and Canada to dispatch fighter jets.
Volkswagen Sells its Xinjiang Plant in China: addressing concerns of over-capacity and controversies of alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang, China, Volkswagen has now sold its plant and two test tracks in the region. In response, China’s foreign ministry refuted these allegations and reinforced its commitment to welcoming foreign brands to the Chinese market. Volkswagens’s sales in China fell 8.5% from January to October 2024, while brands such as BYD, which now dominate the local Chinese market, experienced a 35% surge in sales. Other car brands have been warned of experiencing overcapacity of approximately 10 million units in China, alongside potential annual losses of $20 billion, owing to increased competition from local brands and the growing preference for Electric Vehicles amongst the Chinese populace. Although Volkswagen sold its plant to Shanghai Motor Vehicle Inspection Certification, it still aims to regain dominance in the Chinese market, by extending its joint venture with SAIC till 2040. Under this JV, Volkswagen aims to focus on Electric Vehicles that are designed in a way that appeals to the Chinese consumers. The broader global trend showcases that other car manufacturers such as General Motors are also scaling back their operations in China, owing to the shift in consumer preferences towards intelligent, environmentally sustainable vehicles.
Updated Visa Policies for travel between Guangdong Province and Hong Kong or Macao: China's Entry-Exit Administration announced updated visa policies to allow for more efficiency in procedures for travel between Guangdong Province and Hong Kong or Macao. Effective December 1, 2024, Shenzhen residents and residence permit holders can apply for a one-year multiple-entry visa for Hong Kong. Further, travellers will be allowed multiple visits, with a maximum of 7 days per visit. Zhuhai residents will also be allowed to obtain a weekly visa to Macau, for one visit per week. Hengqin residents will be allowed to apply for a multiple-entry visa, valid for one year, to Macau. Starting in December, Shenzhen authorities will stop accepting weekly Hong Kong visa applications and instead, applications in line with the above-mentioned policies can be submitted through local public security offices or intelligent application systems. These policies have been introduced to strengthen economic and cultural ties in the Greater Bay Area, while also allowing eligible residents the ease of travel.
China extends tariff exemptions on US goods: The Chinese Customs Tariff Commission announced that it would extend tariff exemptions on certain US goods until 28 February 2025. Originally, China had imposed added tariffs on US goods, in response to the US imposition of Section 301 (Tariffs). This has also been contested by China and has also been declared to violate WTO trade rules by The World Trade Organization. However, China has exempted specific products from this policy, examples of which include rare earth metal oars, medical disinfectants and nickel-cadmium batteries. Previously, in an announcement made in April 2024, these tariff exemptions were supposed to be maintained till 30 November 2024, which has now been extended.
China Tightens Rules for Live-Streaming to Curb Harmful Content and Promote Quality Programs: China’s National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) has introduced new guidelines for online live-streaming programs to curb negative trends like celebrity worship and excessive entertainment while promoting responsible content creation. These measures, announced in Xiamen, aim at banning harmful political content, protecting minors, and upholding moral and legal standards. Authorities believe these new policies will help better monitoring processes as well as allow for the refinement of inappropriate content while imposing penalties on those found to be in violation. The NRTA demands platforms to enhance the education of streamers, regulate their behaviour, and implement onboarding and evaluation systems. Creators are also encouraged to produce high-quality programs that focus on meaningful themes and innovative content that encourage a positive discourse amongst the population. These guidelines come after harmful material that was suspected to be harming minors, was removed from various platforms, aligning with the Cyberspace Administration Campaign. These policies reflect ongoing efforts by Chinese authorities to regulate the entertainment sector, safeguard public well-being, and promote culturally enriching online content.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Chinese insurance firms offer packages to cover ‘996’ deaths and accidents: A new insurance policy by China Pingan Insurance has sparked backlash online for appearing to promote the controversial “996” work culture—a gruelling schedule of working 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week. The policy, named “996 Hard-working Worry-free Insurance,” offers benefits of up to 600,000 yuan (US$83,000) for sudden death or accidents, with premiums starting at 18 yuan (US$2.5) per year. Critics of the policy argue that it seems to promote and normalise the illegal and exploitative 996 system China's Supreme Court deemed illegal in 2021. A promotional ad showing a cartoon man working late into the night has drawn outrage, with many accusing the company of prioritizing profits over employee welfare. Netizens have also called for an improvement in wages and working conditions for all employees, instead of transferring the risks associated with 996 to insurance companies. The ad has fueled concerns about the prevalence of toxic work environments in China, and public frustration related to overwork is increasing. This comes particularly after a man reportedly died after working 41 hours in a week. Users online are calling the system ‘blood-sucking’ and are criticising the use of the phrase “No fear of overtime. Get stay-up-late insurance to cheer for your dream,” which is the slogan used by Pingan Insurance.

INDIA WATCH:

SCMP reports that China and India find grounds for ‘strategic recalibration’: The South China Morning Post has reported that China and India have taken significant measures to mend relations since the infamous Galwan Valley conflict in June 2020. The recent disengagement pact restored troop positions to pre-crisis locations, indicating a desire for improved ties. This move aligns with both nations’ strategic goals amid shifting global alliances and rising pressures from Western countries. While China seeks to strengthen the Global South, India has maintained a multidimensional foreign policy, attempting to balance relations with the West as well as the longstanding ties with Russia. These relatively thawed policies come after India’s business sector raised concerns about the challenges of sourcing critical components without China, hence calling for relaxed trade restrictions. These reconciliatory efforts are also a result of China seeking India’s participation in international forums such as the BRICS and SCO to push for economic development in the Global South. The author observes that lingering mistrust, amplified by media narratives and historical tensions, cannot be overlooked. Despite this, both countries have attempted to simplify visa processes, enable direct flights and improve people-to-people exchanges since both countries recognise the importance of cooperation to assert leadership in multilateral forums. The author notes that the future development of these bilateral relations remains to be seen.

Prepared By

Taasha Mistry

Taasha Mistry is a third year undergraduate student at FLAME University, pursuing a major in International Studies with a minor in Advertising & Branding. After having completed an internship at International SOS, she has found her interests to lie in security and strategic studies. Intrigued by the ever changing dynamics in the modern day world, she keeps herself updated with daily news and events.