CiCM 31st December 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

China’s Courts Embrace AI for Efficiency: China's judicial system, one of the busiest in the world, is increasingly integrating artificial intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency and streamline processes. In Shenzhen, courts introduced an AI-assisted trial system this year to support case filing, document drafting, hearings, and reviews. The system has reduced document preparation time from one hour to under five minutes and helped handle over 87,000 cases between July and September, a 31% year-on-year increase. Judges resolved an average of 49 cases monthly, up 48.5% from last year. The AI system also assists in trials by analyzing facts, identifying issues, and retrieving precedents. Judge Fu Luqi praised it for expediting complex cases and improving courtroom precision. For instance, it flagged inconsistencies in a loan case, leading to quicker resolution. In Zhejiang’s Keqiao District, an AI tool in copyright disputes uses image tracing to verify originality, fostering trust in rulings. While AI boosts transparency and efficiency, concerns remain about its lack of humanity. Lawyer Ren warned of overly mechanical decision-making. However, Shenzhen court president Zhao Juhua assured that judges remain accountable, with AI serving as a supportive tool. As AI expands nationwide, experts call for stronger computational infrastructure to ensure scalability and effectiveness.
Key Leadership Changes Announced in Four Provinces: The Communist Party of China (CPC) has announced leadership adjustments in Henan, Hubei, Guangxi, and Qinghai. Liu Ning has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Henan Provincial Party Committee. He previously held the same position in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Lou Yangsheng, the outgoing Henan Party Secretary, will no longer serve in his role. In Hubei, Wang Zhonglin takes over as the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, replacing Wang Menghui, who has stepped down from his position. Chen Gang has been appointed Secretary of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Party Committee. Before this, he served as the Party Secretary in Qinghai Province. Wu Xiaojun assumes the role of Secretary of the Qinghai Provincial Party Committee, succeeding Chen Gang. These changes reflect the CPC's ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership and governance across key regions in China.
New Measures to Boost Clean Hydrogen Use in Industry Released: China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, alongside three other departments, has issued a plan to expand clean, low-carbon hydrogen in industrial applications. The initiative focuses on reducing carbon emissions, upgrading technologies, and promoting hydrogen energy development. By 2027, the plan aims for large-scale hydrogen use in industries like metallurgy, synthetic ammonia, and refining, along with demonstrations in green microgrids, aviation, and rail transit. It outlines 30 tasks, including enhancing renewable hydrogen production, advancing fuel cell vehicle clusters, and fostering industrial ecosystems with strong technological capabilities. China, the global leader in renewable energy capacity, has achieved breakthroughs in hydrogen technology and is set to exceed 100,000 tons/year in renewable hydrogen production by mid-2024. Plans include supporting hydrogen supply-demand integration in industrial parks and improving electrolyzer performance to build a robust hydrogen energy industrial chain.
Xi Jinping’s Article on Chinese-Style Modernization Published: Qiushi magazine’s January 1, 2025 issue featured a significant article by Xi Jinping, focusing on Chinese-style modernization and its role in building a strong nation and national rejuvenation. The article highlighted that Chinese-style modernization, developed through long-term practice and theory, is a unique path to national growth. Xi underscored the essential role of the Communist Party’s leadership in guiding this process, ensuring steady progress, and fostering a strong driving force. He also highlighted that Chinese-style modernization blends traditional culture with scientific socialism, offering a new model for the world. The article stresses the importance of strategic planning and handling major relationships, such as balancing top-level design with practical exploration, and navigating both internal and external challenges.
Zhengzhou Becomes First City in China to Ban Cellphones in Schools: Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan province, has become the first city in China to ban mobile phone use in primary and secondary schools. The city’s legislature passed the decision on Friday, effective immediately, which restricts students from bringing phones to campus unless for teaching purposes. If students need to bring their phones, parents must submit a written application, and phones will be kept by the school. The policy applies to all primary, secondary, and vocational schools in Zhengzhou. Schools are required to install public phones for student use, while parents are urged to regulate phone use at home to prevent addiction. This move follows similar legislation in Guangzhou, which offers schools more flexibility in managing phone use. The decision aligns with a 2021 directive from the Ministry of Education aimed at reducing phone addiction, protecting students' eyesight, and improving focus on studies. Schools are also prohibited from assigning homework via phones.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Chinese Influencer’s Cleaning Tips Raise Crime Concerns: A Chinese influencer, Hua, sparked controversy with cleaning tutorials, including removing bloodstains and dissolving bones, raising fears of misuse. Hua, claiming to be a biotech researcher in Guangdong, shared methods like using hydrogen peroxide for bloodstains and drain cleaner for dissolving bones, attracting over 350,000 followers. While Hua insists his tips tackle household issues, critics worry they could guide criminal activities. One netizen commented, “Removing bloodstains and dissolving bones feels like a guide to the perfect crime.” Another said, “Using such tutorials to sell products incites crime. Hua should worry about breaking the law.” Defenders argued the content is practical, with one saying, “Hua taught me to remove mould stains with toothpaste and vinegar. He’s a helpful and kind influencer.” Hua’s research institute defended the content as science education, not crime instruction. However, a forensic expert warned the methods could aid crime cover-ups, and a lawyer noted that advising on criminal acts could lead to charges. Hua has not commented on the reactions, and some videos have been removed.

INDIA WATCH

SCMP Reports On Strategic Concerns in India Over New Chinese Sixth-Generation Warplane: An article in the South China Morning Post on China’s latest warplane, speculated to be a sixth-generation model, discusses the debate in India over a widening “strategic gap” between the nations. The aircraft, featuring advanced stealth and endurance capabilities, was spotted last week, drawing global military attention. The SCMP article states that the Economic Times described it as a “huge leap” in military strength, with implications for Indo-Pacific dominance. It also mentions coverage by platforms like India Today, which warn it could heighten tensions along the Line of Actual Control, urging India to accelerate its defense modernization, including the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). It also details coverage by the US-based defence website The War Zone, which noted that the jet’s tailless triangular design, with three engines, hints at extended range and proximity to threats without tanker support. The article argues that analysts say it could challenge US aerial superiority and regional security. Detailing social media reactions, the article states that while some call the reveal propaganda, others view it as a serious threat. Unveiled alongside other advanced military hardware, including the Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the aircraft reflects China’s growing focus on expanding its military capabilities.

Prepared By

Manushka Sharma

Manushka Sharma is a dedicated second year student currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese (Hons.) at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). With a keen interest in international relations, particularly in the dynamics of India-China relations, Manushka brings a unique perspective to understanding cross-cultural connections and geopolitical issues. Alongside academic pursuits, Manushka aspires to make significant contributions to global affairs, leveraging linguistic skills and cultural insights to bridge gaps and foster dialogue. She can be reached at manushka82006@gmail.com.