CiCM 13th May 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

Xi Jinping Meets Brazilian President Lula da Silva: President Xi Jinping held talks with Brazilian President Lula at the Great Hall of the People during Lula’s state visit to China. The aim was to expand cooperation areas, deepen Belt and Road cooperation with Brazil’s national development goals. Collaboration among the two countries was in selected areas, for instance infrastructure, energy, agriculture, aerospace, AI and digital economy. As the two major developing nations in the Eastern and Western hemispheres, the two nations uphold multilateralism, improve global governance, uphold international economic and trade order, and vehemently oppose bullying, protectionism, and unilateralism.The two leaders committed to improving coordination and cooperation in multilateral mechanisms like the UN, the BRICS, and the China-Latin Forum. The two nations also agreed to strengthen the role of the “friend of Peace” group, support direct Russia-Ukraine dialogue, and push for a peaceful resolution alongside other Global South nations.
President Xi Jinping proposes 5 major projects at China-Latin America Forum: On 13 May 2025, Beijing- President Xi Jinping gave a keynote speech outlining a renewed vision for China-Latin America cooperation, at the fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China community of Latin American and Caribbean States (China-CELAC) Forum. It was held at the National Convention Centre in Beijing. In his speech, President Xi announced that China and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean are set to jointly initiate five key projects focused on promoting development, economic revitalization, and strengthening bilateral cooperation. These programs are a part of a broader strategy to create a community with a shared future between Latin America and China. The projects which are under consideration cover a wide range of areas, including trade facilitation, sustainable energy, digital economy, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange. The China–CELAC Forum was founded in 2015 and has since grown into a significant forum for communication and collaboration.
China’s Defence Minister visits France: China's Minister of National Defence Dong Jun met with French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Monday in France. According to the statement issued by the Ministry of National Defence, the two sides reached an agreement on strengthening practical exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries after engaging in extensive discussions on bilateral military ties, regional and global circumstances, and matters of mutual concern. Lecornu organized a welcome ceremony for Dong prior to the meeting and accompanied him through the honour guard. Citing the French Defence Ministry, Lecornu would host Dong in Paris while the two discuss topics such as European security, the Middle East and the “Indo-Pacific”. This marks the first visit by a Chinese Defence Minister to a major Western country in many years, this visit carries a huge significance, signaling strengthened bilateral and military ties.
Sichuan Province of Southwest China to Invest in Low-Altitude Economy: Southwest China's Sichuan Province has announced a special fund of 3 billion yuan (approx. $420 million) to promote its low-altitude economy, aiming to build a thriving industrial ecosystem. At a recent industry conference, Sichuan unveiled seven locally developed low-altitude products, including China’s first passenger eVTOL flying car by Aerofugia Technology. The province will invest 300 million yuan annually, offering up to 50% funding for eligible projects and rewards up to 20 million yuan for industry leaders. With over 400,000 sq km of reserved low-altitude airspace and rapid flight approval processes, Sichuan is positioning itself as a national leader in low-altitude aviation innovation.
China to make Adjustments Regarding its Tariffs on U.S. Goods: China announced on 13 May 2025 that certain adjustments are to be made to its tariffs on the United States goods, following recent trade discussions between the two nations. This move is a part of a broader strategy to de-escalate ongoing trade tensions and create a more balanced economic relationship. China has agreed to lower duties on various goods, aimed to ease the financial burden on businesses and consumers in both countries. The Customs Tariff Commission of the state Council announced on Tuesday that starting from Wednesday which is 14 May 2025, it shall reduce the additional tariffs on articles of the U.S. from 34% to 10%, suspending 24% points of that rate for an initial period of 90 days. The White House issued an executive order on Monday to adjust tariffs on low-value imports from China beginning 14 may 2025, hence reversing previously spiked rates.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

The Lee family’s rejection of Hollywood’s racism gains traction on Chinese Social Media: A powerful piece of history has resurfaced on Chinese and Asian American social media platforms about the groundbreaking work of the Lee family, who launched the first Chinese American film studio-The Great Wall Film Company in 1920s Brooklyn. During an era when Hollywood was characterized by stereotypical depictions, the Lees made a bold statement. Told to "make their own movies" by the National Board of Review after protesting racial bias, they did exactly that—crafting authentic Chinese American narratives and challenging the dominant cinematic norms of the time. Online debate has been sparked by this revelation of the Lee family's heritage, Sandy Lee who is a descendant of a remarkable family whose lineage can be traced back to the last 1860s when her ancestors settled in New York’s Chinatown after moving from San Francisco and by the late 1880’s the Lees had opened a business on Pell Street, a building which is still owned by the family and currently operating as an insurance firm. Her grandfather Harold Lee embodied the immigrant spirit and made the most radical contribution in 1921, when he co-founded the Great Wall Film Company in Brooklyn. On social media platforms netizens praised the family’s resilience and cultural pride, trending comments are being posted about how the Lee family did not wait to be represented, they made themselves visible. The story resonates deeply in today's context of continued calls for racial equity and authentic representation in global entertainment industries.

INDIA WATCH

Global Times Reports on Chinese Officials meeting with Ambasadors of India and Pakistan: Amid renewed conflict between India and Pakistan, Chinese media reported that top Chinese diplomats held back-to-back meetings with the ambassadors of both countries in Beijing, signaling Beijing’s strategic interest in regional stabilization. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong met with Pakistani Ambassador Khalil Hashmi on Tuesday, where both the sides discussed regional peace and bilateral ties. Sun expressed China’s support for a lasting ceasefire between Pakistan and India, and reaffirmed China’s willingness to play a constructive mediating role. A day earlier, Director General of the Department of Asian Affairs Liu Jinsong met with Indian Ambassador Pradeep Kumar Rawat, with the discussions focusing on India-China bilateral relations and regional issues of shared concern. Chinese media highlighted these meetings in the context of the 7th May cross-border escalation between both the countries, which reportedly ended in a ceasefire by Saturday. By offering diplomatic space to both sides and publicly advocating dialogue, China is aiming to position itself as a potential peace-broker in South Asia—an area traditionally sensitive for India. The coverage reflected upon China’s intent to maintain regional equilibrium while also reaffirming its close proximity to Pakistan. For India, the emphasis on de-escalation in military engagements is noteworthy. It signals that China is keeping its diplomatic channels open but is equally projecting its influence over regional affairs. This is something India must factor in while navigating its relationship with both countries diplomatically.

Prepared By

Aastha Pandey

Aastha is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Political Science at Amity University, Noida. She holds a Bachelor's degree in the same discipline from the University of Delhi, Dyal Singh College. Additionally, she has completed a diploma in International Relations and Affairs, further strengthening her academic foundation. Aastha is the Co-founder of Mudra by Aashi, a socially conscious fashion brand that actively supports animal welfare. Her commitment to social causes is also reflected in her experience interning with Saarthi NGO and volunteering as a COVID-19 relief coordinator. Deeply passionate about Asian geopolitics, She aspires to contribute to ORCA by writing insightful, research-driven newsletters that reflect her academic rigour and dedication to international affairs.