CiCM 10th December 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Former Deputy Secretary of Propaganda Department Expelled for Disciplinary Violations: Zhang Jianchun, former deputy secretary of the Central Propaganda Department, was expelled from the Communist Party and removed from public office after an investigation into serious disciplinary and legal violations. He has held various positions within the Chinese Communist Party, including deputy head of the Publicity Department. Zhang is originally from Anhui Province, China. An investigation approved by the CPC Central Committee found that Zhang abandoned party ideology, resisted institutional scrutiny and violated numerous rules. He accepted improper benefits such as gifts, cash, housing and free services. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection stated that Zhang also abused his position for personal gain, engaged in money laundering, and profited through business contracts and advertising. The CCDI and the National Supervisory Commission concluded that his conduct was deplorable and damaging to the party’s image. As a result, Zhang was expelled from the party, removed from public office and stripped of his position as a delegate to the 20th National Congress of the CPC. Authorities confiscated his illegal profits and transferred his case to the prosecutor’s office for criminal prosecution, along with the related assets.
Education Ministry Announces Measures to Support Teachers: The Ministry of Education, along with seven other departments, released "Several Measures to Further Strengthen the Respectability and Usefulness of Teachers" with a focus on improving teachers' remuneration and their political, social and professional status. The measures include free annual health screenings, psychological counseling and better treatment. Teachers will receive discounts or free access to cultural centers and public transport, as well as cultural and sporting activities. They will also receive exclusive discounts on the purchase of daily consumer goods, household appliances, software membership rights, cars and other goods. Eligible teachers will be included in urban housing security programs to help resolve housing difficulties for teachers. To enhance teacher welfare, several measures have been introduced nationwide. Annual free health check-ups, psychological counseling, and health education services will be organized for teachers. Public cultural facilities, parks, and tourist attractions will offer reduced or free admission to educators, while local governments are encouraged to facilitate housing security for eligible teachers. Teachers may also receive exclusive discounts on consumer goods, public transportation, and financial services like loans and credit cards. These initiatives aim to improve teachers’ well-being and status, fostering a supportive environment for long-term dedication to the profession.
International Art Criticism Awards Held in Shanghai: The 10th International Awards for Art Criticism (IAAC) were presented at the Shanghai Jiushi Museum of Art, with Chinese contributor Xi Yuan winning the grand prize for an essay titled "History after the End: A Review of "Multiple Realities: Experimental Art in the Eastern Bloc, 1960-1980s". Xi is a sociology Ph.D candidate at the University of Virginia who explored cultural and historical sociology in her work. This year, IAAC received 344 submissions, including 148 in Chinese from 22 locations in China. More than 45% of the contributors were from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong, and more than half of the shows reviewed were held in Beijing and Shanghai. Submissions in English came primarily from the UK, US and Germany, with freelance writers making up the largest group. The award, now in its tenth year, highlights the organisers emphasis on independent art criticism that connects art to its cultural and social context. The organizers aim to expand art criticism through bilingual presentations, public lectures and educational activities. The 22 winning and shortlisted entries will be compiled into a bilingual anthology, scheduled for publication in spring 2025. The Competition has been organized by several institutions including the School of Philosophy of Fudan University, Shanghai Jiushi Art Museum, and the Royal Academy of Arts and the Edinburgh College of Art for global discussion and critical thinking in contemporary art.
Launch of Three-Year Action Plan for Young Cadre Education Held in Beijing: The launch of the three-year action plan for educating and guiding young cadres in central and state organs was organised in Beijing. This initiative is a key part of advancing high-quality development through strong party building in government institutions. It emphasizes the role of party organizations and mass groups such as youth leagues, trade unions, and women's organizations in ensuring the plan's successful implementation. At the meeting, outstanding young cadres from central and state organs shared insights through speeches, while party secretaries, youth league representatives, and experts participated in interviews. Approximately 300 attendees, including executive vice secretaries of departmental party committees, youth representatives, and league organization leaders, were present. The Action plan pointed out that young cadres are an important backbone force for the development of the cause of the central and state organs.
Five Departments Launch "One Month, One Chain" Campaign to Boost SME Financing: The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has announced the launch of "One Month, One Chain" national campaign to boost financial support for Small and Medium Enterprises. The project is a joint effort of MIIT with four other departments to create a strong economic ecosystem. The "One Month, One Chain" campaign focuses on large SMEs including high-end enterprises, as well as those with important positions in industrial chains. The campaign offers financing strategies comprehensive such as equity, debt, insurance and guarantees apply. A series of targeted matching activities that require the delivery of financial resources to SMEs will support this objective. The campaign will be conducted from November 2024 to December 2025. The campaign will involve activities related to Publicity and training, product promotion, equity financing, insurance and credit docking and several other measures to support Small and Medium Enterprises.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Weibo Discusses India vs China in World Chess Championship Showdown: Netizens on Weibo discussed a thrilling twelfth game of the World Chess Championship in SIngapore, between Ding Liren and D Gukesh, in which Ding delivered a comeback performance against India’s D Gukesh to win Game 12. Playing with a white block, Ding showed off his tactical skills, culminating in a spectacular rook sacrifice on the 39th move to win the game. Ding’s victory has tied the overall score in the series 6-6. The game, marked by tight transitions and intense play, highlighted the competitive spirit and skill of both players. With the scores tied, the tournament is wide open, exciting audiences on Chinese social media. One user commented on a post congratulating Ding, saying, “I hope this game will be the turning point of the whole match” and another said, “As expected, the twelfth game was the crucial one and the game is tied”. Users expressed excitement about the next games between Ding and Gukesh to be played over the next few days.

INDIA WATCH

Global Times Reports on Meeting Between Chinese and Indian Official: Global Times reported on the meeting between Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and Indian Ambassador to China, Pradeep Kumar Rawat, underscoring the shared commitment to restoring stable and productive ties between the two nations. The article states that Liu emphasized that renewed cooperation serves the interests of 2.8 billion people, aligns with the aspirations of the Global South, and reflects the correct trajectory of history. He also highlighted the positive momentum generated during the leaders' meeting at the 16th BRICS Summit in October, marking a fresh start for bilateral relations. The article states that Pradeep Kumar Rawat reaffirmed the historic friendship between India and China, stressing that common ground far outweighed differences. He expressed India’s readiness to work together to implement the agreements reached by the leaders, to keep the improved ties functioning. The article stated that both sides expressed hope for practical measures to improve bilateral relations.

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.