CiCM 10th-11th May, 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

China Accelerates Upgrades to Free Trade Zones Amid Global Trade Tensions: China announced fresh measures to upgrade its network of free trade zones (FTZs) as part of broader efforts to bolster economic resilience and deepen international trade integration. The decision, made at a State Council executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Qiang, comes as the country navigates ongoing trade tensions with the United States. The meeting emphasized enhancing the effectiveness of FTZ operations by aligning them more closely with global trade and economic rules. It called for intensified institutional innovation and urged FTZs to explore differentiated approaches, particularly in expanding trade in services and improving cross-border data flows. Launched in 2013 with the pilot zone in Shanghai, China’s FTZ framework has since expanded to 22 zones. These now account for about 20% of the country’s total foreign trade and foreign investment, according to the Ministry of Commerce. A commerce ministry official has stated that the government has been taking steps to deepen the alignment of these zones with international trade agreements, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement and assured that the negative lists of foreign investment market access and cross-border trade in services will be implemented to good effect in the FTZs, and the opening-up of sectors like telecommunications, healthcare, education, and culture will be advanced. Targeted support and reform tasks will be prioritized in FTZs in Guangdong, Fujian, and Tianjin. Successful practices from these zones will be promoted nationwide to expand the benefits of opening-up to a broader array of enterprises and consumers.
Premier Li Qiang Chairs State Council Meeting on Key Economic, Safety Reforms: Chinese Premier Li Qiang chaired a State Council executive meeting on Friday to chart policy directions aligned with the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), focusing on high-quality development, institutional reform, and public safety. The meeting began with a study of key policy guidelines from President Xi Jinping. Emphasizing the importance of well-defined goals, the council called for balanced and ambitious planning across all sectors during the next five-year period. The council reviewed strategies to further deepen reform and innovation in national-level economic and technological development zones. In addition, draft regulations for a unified government big data system were adopted. This system aims to boost the integration and application of data across government departments, improve social governance, and stimulate industrial development by creating new drivers of economic growth. Another focus was public safety. The council approved a national plan for a modern waterborne traffic safety and rescue system, calling for innovation in critical technologies and equipment, cross-sector cooperation, and private sector investment. Workplace safety was also prioritized, with the meeting urging thorough identification of risks and proactive prevention of major accidents.
China Links Academic Ambition to Espionage in Latest MSS Case: China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) has publicized an espionage case involving a university scholar allegedly trading sensitive research data for promises of international publication raising questions about the growing securitization of academic collaboration. The scholar, identified only as "Li," reportedly contacted a foreign NGO via an academic exchange and shared internal research data in exchange for potential publication in elite journals. The foreign contact, "K," allegedly promised editorial influence and later sought classified material from a university-affiliated enterprise. Li then directed a student to secure the data during an internship. The case reflects Beijing’s increasing focus on internal control over research, amid fears of “foreign infiltration” through academic channels. While framed as a national security success by Chinese authorities, observers note it may also serve to justify tighter restrictions on international academic collaboration and reinforce narratives of foreign subversion, a consistent theme in China’s evolving approach to state security and intellectual exchange.
China Battles Worsening Drought in Key Wheat-Producing Regions: China is ramping up emergency irrigation efforts as a prolonged drought continues to grip major wheat-producing areas, including Shaanxi and Henan provinces. On Sunday, the National Meteorological Center (NMC) issued a yellow alert for drought, citing persistent severe to extreme conditions across key agricultural regions. Meteorological data show significant drought stress in southwestern Shaanxi and Henan, threatening crops at the grain-filling stage. Although light to heavy rain is expected in parts of Sichuan and Chongqing in the coming days, most drought-affected areas will remain dry, exacerbating conditions. The Ministry of Water Resources has identified drought-stricken farmland in eight provinces, including Hebei, Shanxi, and Hubei. Non-irrigated zones are particularly vulnerable. In Henan, authorities have irrigated over 1.1 million hectares to support wheat development and counter the impact of dry-hot winds. Measures also include pest control and guidance for applying fungicides to prevent premature crop aging. Jiangsu Province that faces over 60% below-average rainfall, has mobilized more than 700 emergency task forces and 32,000 irrigation machines to support 6.5 million mu of farmland. Meanwhile, Yunnan and Guangxi are focusing on drinking water security and agricultural restructuring, implementing well-digging and water delivery measures. Cloud-seeding operations are also being encouraged where feasible. The NMC warned of ongoing fire risks in regions like Gansu due to the dry conditions. Despite the drought, China has completed much of this year’s autumn grain procurement. Over 300 million tons, about 60% of the season’s expected total, have been purchased, according to the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration. Autumn grain, which includes rice, corn, and soybeans, forms over 70% of China's annual grain output.
President Xi to Address China-CELAC Forum: Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend and deliver a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum on May 13 in Beijing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Sunday. The high-level meeting marks the 10th anniversary of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum and will be chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Foreign ministers or representatives from CELAC member countries, along with regional organization leaders, are set to participate. At a Sunday briefing, Assistant Foreign Minister Miao Deyu said Xi’s address will highlight the progress and future direction of China-Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) ties. The speech will reflect on past achievements, outline the shared vision for development, and propose new initiatives to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Expected outcomes of the meeting include a series of cooperation documents focused on critical sectors such as technological innovation, AI, trade and investment, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and Belt and Road cooperation. These agreements aim to deepen mutual development and underscore both sides' commitment to peace and global collaboration. The forum comes amid growing geopolitical and economic challenges, and Miao emphasized that both China and CELAC nations share support for multilateralism and oppose unilateralism and economic coercion. The ministerial meeting, he said, will send a strong message of solidarity and collective action in the face of global issues.
China Launches National Key Laboratory for Agriculture, Forestry and Biosafety to Strengthen Biosecurity: The National Key Laboratory for Agriculture, Forestry and Biosafety officially began construction at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, marking a major step in China’s efforts to boost its biosecurity capabilities in the face of growing threats from harmful organisms and invasive species. The laboratory will focus on several critical areas such as the prevention and control of major pests and diseases in agriculture and forestry, intelligent monitoring of invasive species, and the development of efficient and environmentally friendly control technologies. Research will also target genetic resource protection and the enhancement of crop resistance through advanced genetic exploration and utilization. Officials stated that the lab will construct a full-chain prevention and control system from early detection and warning to emergency response building a robust biosafety defense line. Specific challenges include tackling pine wilt disease, citrus Huanglongbing, rice viruses, and pathogens affecting soybeans and potatoes. The lab, approved for construction in January 2025, is led by Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University. Going forward, the lab aims to align with China’s four major national strategies related to biosafety and food security. Its mission is to provide early warning, disaster risk assessment, and sustainable prevention models, effectively curbing the spread of high-risk agricultural and forestry biological threats through high-level technological innovation.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Chinese Social Media Erupts Over J-10C's Alleged Combat Win: Chinese social media has seen a surge of nationalist sentiment following unverified claims that Pakistan’s Chinese-made J-10C jets downed Indian Rafale fighters during recent skirmishes. Hashtags like “J-10 shot down Indian warplanes” trended widely on Weibo, with users hailing it as a "DeepSeek moment", a turning point for Chinese military credibility according to netizens. Praise for the PL-15 missile and optimistic comments about export prospects reflect a blend of national pride and commercial ambition. Shares of Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, which produces the J-10, rose over 30% amid the buzz. However, official Chinese responses remained muted. The Foreign Ministry declined to comment, and state media avoided direct references to the India-Pakistan context. Analysts suggest Beijing’s caution stems from its need to balance ties with both Pakistan and India, even as online narratives aggressively promote China’s defense industry. The incident highlights how digital nationalism and military posturing intersect in China’s information space.

INDIA WATCH

Wang Yi, India’s Doval Discuss Ceasefire, Terrorism in Wake of Pahalgam Attack: Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi held a phone conversation with India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on May 10, focusing on regional tensions following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which caused significant casualties among Indian personnel. During the call, Doval emphasized that while India would take necessary anti-terrorism measures, war was not its chosen path. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to a ceasefire with Pakistan and expressed hopes for restoring peace and stability in the region. Wang Yi, expressed China’s strong condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and reiterated opposition to all forms of terrorism. He highlighted the importance of safeguarding regional peace, especially at a time when the international security environment is becoming increasingly complex. Wang highlighted that both India and Pakistan are long-time neighbors of China, and as such, maintaining peace in South Asia is in everyone’s interest. He praised India’s stance against war and called for both nations to demonstrate restraint and resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation to avoid further escalation. China, he noted, supports a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire between India and Pakistan through peaceful negotiations, aligning with the interests of both countries and the broader global community. China has reiterated its willingness to play a constructive role in supporting peace talks between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Prepared By

Ipsha Bhalsagar

Ipsha Bhalsagar, an Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering graduate from the Government College of Engineering, Nagpur, blends her technical expertise with a passion for international relations, diplomacy, and design. Currently a Content Intern at The Indian Netizens and a Design Intern at IFPD, she explores geopolitics while contributing creatively. She has authored research on India’s maritime security and participated in global roundtables and workshops. With experience in content writing, public speaking, and data visualization, Ipsha is keen on bridging technology and social sciences, aspiring to enhance research through data-driven insights in diplomacy and international affairs.