CiCM 11th-12th November 2023

NEWS IN CHINA

Chinese scientists bring thermoacoustic Stirling generator prototype to life: Chinese scientists have achieved a significant milestone in the realm of alternative energy by successfully developing the most powerful thermoacoustic Stirling generator to date. The breakthrough was announced by the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry (TIPC) at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). During a recent demonstration, the prototype achieved a groundbreaking 102 kilowatts of power from a heat source operating at 530 degrees Celsius. This marked the first instance of a generator of this type surpassing the 100kW threshold, a crucial advancement for practical applications. The generator, about 2 meters in length with a dumbbell-like shape, was highlighted for its reliability, simple design, few moving parts, and compatibility with various heat sources. The system comprises a thermoacoustic Stirling engine and a linear motor encased in a rigid shell, converting heat into sound waves that drive a piston, ultimately generating electricity. It is noteworthy that NASA holds a patent (LEW-TOPS-80) for a similar power system, aligning with the goal of developing a thermoacoustic engine paired with an alternator for space applications. It demonstrates a highly efficient generator that operates quietly, making it ideal for critical applications in the aerospace industry and submarines, which can become a crucial element of China’s new stealth technology for its submarines which can dodge navy sonars by mimicking water. The generator's low noise, high reliability, and compatibility with various heat sources position it as a game-changer in the pursuit of more efficient and sustainable power solutions.

China-aided reference laboratory unveiled in Ethiopia: The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has inaugurated a China-aided reference laboratory at its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, marking a significant milestone in enhancing continental public health capabilities. Senior officials, diplomats from the Chinese mission to the AU, and dignitaries attended the unveiling ceremony, emphasizing the importance of this collaboration. The laboratory, fully equipped with advanced facilities, aligns with Africa CDC's vision to become a world-class organization, capable of promptly responding to diverse public health threats. The laboratory, equipped with biosafety level facilities, aims to address critical gaps in African laboratory systems. It will bolster collaboration, capacity building, and technology transfer to strengthen clinical care, surveillance, and outbreak response. This initiative is part of Africa CDC's strategic priorities for 2023-2027, focusing on expanding laboratory systems and networks. The state-of-the-art laboratory is expected to play a pivotal role in antimicrobial resistance surveillance, biochemical analysis, pathogen research, and outbreak confirmation. It will also serve as a training center, supporting research and development while reinforcing China-Africa friendship through sustained cooperation. This comes after the new headquarters of the African Center for Disease Control and Prevention was opened in Ethiopia.

Four construction workers buried under Wenzhou’s house collapse: In a tragic incident, a four-story private house near the central elementary school in Qiaotou Town, Yongjia County, Wenzhou, collapsed at 11 p.m., resulting in the unfortunate burial of four construction workers. Local authorities, including public security, fire department, emergency services, and medical personnel, swiftly responded to the scene. The collapsed house, originally constructed in the early 1990s, consisted of three four-story residential units and had been in a rental state. Recent plans for renovation led to the catastrophic accident. The emergency response involved over 300 rescue workers and 20 vehicles which was further complicated by continuous rainfall. By approximately 11:50 p.m., one trapped person was successfully rescued and transported to a hospital for medical attention. However, as of 2 a.m. on the 12th, three individuals remain buried, and the rescue operation continues amidst challenging conditions.

Singles Day sales wraps up amid consumer apathy and economic slowdown: China's annual "Singles Day" sales event concluded at midnight on Saturday, but consumer enthusiasm seemed muted this year, reflecting the slowdown in the world's second-largest economy. Conceived by tech giant Alibaba in 2009, Singles Day has evolved into a blockbuster retail period, spanning well over a week this year. Despite last year's remarkable sales reaching $153 billion, a recent survey by consultancy firm Bain revealed that 77 percent of consumers this year did not plan to spend more than usual during the event. Factors contributing to this subdued response include changing consumer behavior, reduced desire to accumulate possessions, and the economic challenges faced by individuals. The slowing sales coincide with China slipping back into deflation in October, prompting officials to introduce measures aimed at jumpstarting demand, particularly in the property sector, along with a significant infrastructure spending plan. Amidst low-consumerism, ‘made in China’ businesses such as Xiaomi, Huawei, OPPO, OnePlus, and Vivo saw strong preference. A report by JD.com indicates a substantial increase in the purchase of ‘China-chic’ products, with a 74 percent rise in consumers opting for such items from 2019 to 2022. Chinese companies are responding to these trends by incorporating more Chinese elements into their goods and services. The number of brands producing China-chic products increased by 223 percent from 2019 to 2022.

China hosts joint drills amid South China Sea tensions, the Philippines absent from Aman Youyi military exercises: China is set to host the Aman Youyi 2023 military drills, a joint anti-terrorism exercise involving five Southeast Asian nations. This multinational event, which aims to enhance regional peace and security, is being organized for the first time by China, and is taking place against the backdrop of escalating territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The participating countries include Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. The drills will focus on both land and marine counterterrorism and security operations and will be conducted in Zhanjiang, a port city in Guangdong province. The Philippines in the past joined the drills as an observer but is not participating this time. Despite these ongoing disputes, the Aman Youyi military drills represent an effort to foster mutual trust and response capabilities among the participating nations. The drills mark the fifth edition of the Aman Youyi exercises, which were initiated in 2014 to promote trust in the South China Sea region.

ICBC injects funds into US unit and enhances cybersecurity following ransomware attack: In response to a ransomware attack by cybercrime gang LockBit, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) has injected capital into its US unit to settle a $9 billion debt owed to BNY Mellon for unsettled trades. Additionally, ICBC has engaged a cybersecurity firm to restore normal business operations following the cyberattack, sources familiar with the matter reported. The ransomware attack, which impacted ICBC's ability to access its systems, occurred earlier this week and disrupted the US Treasuries market wherein ICBC serves as a broker for hedge funds and other market participants. Ransomware attacks have proliferated since the COVID-19 pandemic, as remote working has left businesses more vulnerable. While ICBC aims to complete the cybersecurity assessment promptly, challenges in assessing the complexity of the task may extend the timeline. The bank has isolated its computer systems from the broader Wall Street infrastructure, implementing alternative systems for trading that involve manual information transfer, including the use of USB sticks.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Chinese court mandates apology and compensation for GenZ worker insulted by boss: In a recent legal victory for a Generation Z worker in China, a court has ordered the employer to publicly apologize and compensate the employee with 100 yuan (US$14) for verbal abuse and damages. The incident began when the worker, referred to as Xiaogang, admitted to slacking off at work. In response, his boss, Liu, presented him with the option to resign voluntarily or face dismissal, which Xiaogang perceived as retaliation for not showing respect to Liu in the past, prompting Xiaogang to record the conversation and report it to the police. Despite initial agreement for an apology through police mediation, Liu failed to apologize within the specified timeframe, resulting in Xiaogang's resignation and subsequent legal action. Xiaogang claimed that Liu's verbal assault violated his personality rights and sought an apology along with compensation for wage losses and other expenses. As a result, Liu was ordered to issue a public apology using no fewer than 50 Chinese characters and pay 100 yuan for mental distress. Online observers celebrated the outcome as a "Gen Z workplace reform," highlighting the importance of addressing workplace issues within the framework of company regulations and laws rather than resorting to verbal abuse.

INDIA WATCH

India has been steadily expanding its influence in Southeast Asia, presenting a significant force in the region to counter China's growing dominance. This shift is driven by a series of strategic moves and initiatives that are reshaping the regional balance of power in the South China Sea. Strategic interests, freedom of navigation, and access to oil and gas resources are the driving factors behind India's expanded involvement in the South China Sea. Geographically, southeast Asia serves as India's backyard and a gateway to the Indian Ocean and tensions in South China Sea can potentially have a spill over affect in Indian Ocean. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has prioritized outreach to regional nations, aiming to counterbalance China's aggressive posturing. One notable achievement is the inaugural ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME), co-hosted by India and Singapore. AIME saw participation from all ten ASEAN members, with eight deploying naval vessels, including India's own locally built vessels INS Delhi and INS Satpura. Enhanced naval cooperation with ASEAN nations has also opened the door for India's defence exports. As tensions rise in the South China Sea, India is concerned that they could escalate into conflicts that threaten its dominance in the Indian Ocean. To mitigate this risk, India has been increasing its presence in the South China Sea. Most importantly, even though the optimistic view of India’s ascending role in the South China sea is seen favourably, India will have to tread the new equations carefully, as India’s increasing role in the region can trigger China which can result in increased military presence near Gwadar Port and the Indian Ocean.

Prepared By

Riddhima Singh

Riddhima Singh is a final year student at Jawaharlal Nehru University Delhi, pursuing Chinese Honours course. Through her degree she has had the opportunity to dive into culture, history and contemporary issues in Chinese society through language and research. Her research area surrounds the economic and fiscal policies of Communist Party of China and China's development model.