CiCM 13th September 2023

NEWS IN CHINA

China Expands Online Services for Foreign Nationals' Visa and Immigration Needs: Foreign nationals in China will be able to make appointments and inquire about their visas and other immigration paperwork using the National Immigration Administration's government service platform beginning October 9th. As part of their aim to improve the standardization, regulation, digitalization, and intelligence of immigration management services, the NIA revealed eight new activities and services. Foreigners can use this platform to make appointments for visa-related services such as extensions, renewals, and reissues, as well as apply for stay and residence permits, selecting their chosen time and place for in-person processing. They may also enquire about the progress and specifics of their applications, allowing them to handle their personal affairs more effectively. Permanent residents in China will be able to access their Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards and passport information online, which will simplify a variety of administrative chores connected to finance, taxation, social security, and telecommunications. The portal also provides detailed information regarding exit-entry administration service centers around the country, including addresses and contact information. There are detailed rules for visa and permit applications that outline requirements, processes, and fee norms. Friends and family members can make applications and queries on behalf of persons who may struggle with the site.
Chinese Clean Energy Companies Shine at RE+ 2023 Expo in Las Vegas: Chinese firms were heavily featured at the "RE+ 2023" clean energy exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada, demonstrating their expanding importance in the worldwide clean energy sector. According to Roberto Bocca, the World Economic Forum's head of energy and materials, China is playing a crucial role in the global energy transformation. China has made significant contributions to renewable energy development by increasing output and improving equipment manufacture, resulting in cheaper solar and wind energy costs. Data from China's National Energy Administration (NEA) reveal significant growth in non-fossil energy use, positioning China as an energy efficiency leader. China currently possesses the world's largest clean power generating system, with hydro, wind, solar, biomass, and nuclear power leading the way, with renewable energy capacity exceeding coal power. With over 300 Chinese companies attending the event, including major players such as CATL, BYD, CALB, Gotion, and DESAY, as well as startups, they demonstrated a wide spectrum of clean energy solutions such as solar, energy storage, hydrogen, EV infrastructure, microgrids, and wind technologies. Gotion, a leading power battery technology firm, used the expo to establish ties with worldwide clients and expand its brand visibility in North America. Xiamen Ampace Technology Limited presented a variety of energy storage options, including residential, commercial, and industrial systems. Bluetti Power Inc., a sustainable energy startup, demonstrated its all-in-one home backup solution as well as scalable portable power stations.
China and Singapore Conduct Bilateral Anti-Terrorism Exercise The sixth bilateral training exercise between China and Singapore was recently concluded at Jurong Camp. During this extensive urban anti-terrorism practice, elite ground troops from both nations participated in a variety of actions such as reconnaissance, encirclement, control, penetration, fire strikes, hostage rescue, and quick evacuation within mixed task force formations. Senior leaders from both armies complimented the exercise's success and voiced excitement for future encounters. The training also emphasized urban counter-terrorism operations, including snipers, hand-to-hand fighting, and rappelling. Former Singapore foreign minister George Yeo spoke about current events in Taiwan, Beijing, and Washington. He emphasized the cautious attitude of all sides, as well as the relevance of the impending Taiwanese presidential election, but not its exclusive effect on regional peace. Yeo emphasized the importance of the US-China relationship, with Taiwan's decisions influencing but not defining the result. To defuse tensions, he urged Taiwan pursue a one-China consensus. Yeo also described his book series, "Musings," which covers a variety of themes, and mentioned current global problems that contribute to the cautious attitude.
Xi Jinping's Guidance for China's Party Committee and Government Offices: Xi Jinping recently delivered critical recommendations to the Party Committee and the administration General Office. He acknowledged their critical responsibilities in China's governance structure as well as their considerable accomplishments since the 19th National Congress. Xi emphasized the need of these offices adapting to new tasks and difficulties as they begin a new adventure. He exhorted them to retain political honesty, accord with the ideas of Chinese Socialism for a New Era, and stand firm in support of the Party Central Committee's centralized leadership. Xi called for more political responsibility, the execution of the spirit of the 20th National Congress, and the development of political capacities. The National Party Committee and Government Secretary-General Meeting in Beijing emphasized the significance of Xi's orders even more. They emphasized the need of rigorous execution, citing his advice as critical to the "three services" approach. Overall, Xi's directives chart the route for the future work of these critical positions, emphasizing political accountability and quality in service to the Party and the nation.
Higher Education Institutions Embrace Xi Jinping's Vision: Heilongjiang’s colleges and institutions recently met to transmit, research, and apply the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's major speech and orders on advancing Northeast regeneration in the new age. The school committees have published announcements to encourage instructors and students to read, discuss, and comprehend Xi's directives thoroughly. They emphasize the importance of political duty, following Xi's directions, and nurturing educators' spirits. They emphasized the necessity of following Xi Jinping's leadership in school administration and governance, contributing to the country's strength, and achieving scientific brilliance. The institutes are dedicated to enhancing their distinct qualities, cultivating top-tier talent, and supporting critical national technological research. Different universities have different priorities, such as boosting the quality of talent training, discipline construction, medical services, and clean campus politics, as well as strengthening party leadership and talent plans.
China and Venezuela Upgrade Relations to All-Weather Strategic Partnership: During a meeting in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro elevated China-Venezuela relations to an all-weather strategic relationship. Xi emphasized their deep relationship and mutual support for the sovereignty and stability of each other. He provided help in areas such as special economic zones and commemorated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Maduro commended China's global leadership and thanked it for assistance to Venezuela during times of crisis. Their collaboration was hailed as historic, with Venezuela keen to learn from China's development experiences and expand relations. Both presidents reiterated their support for the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as other global development and security initiatives. They promised to work together within international institutions to safeguard the interests of developing nations. Several cooperation agreements were signed during the visit, including a joint declaration formalizing their strategic alliance. The leaders also attended greeting ceremonies and a luncheon, demonstrating how close they are. The group included China's Foreign Minister, Wang Yi.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

China's Moutai Coffee Craze Prank: An amusement park employee in China attempted to capitalize on the popularity of liquor-infused coffee, inspired by the combination of Luckin Coffee and Kweichow Moutai. They purported to mix alcohol into a swimming attraction in order to create a "Moutai pool." This concoction was a huge success, selling over 5.42 million cups on the first day and generating over 100 million yuan in sales. The worker's video of him pouring what seemed to be Moutai spirits into the pool, on the other hand, sparked discussion about deceptive advertising or trademark violation. It was eventually found that the bottle was empty, and the act was a prank intended to capitalize on the trend. This event prompted an inquiry by the park and municipal authorities, prompting an online debate regarding accountability for wasteful behaviour, even if they are done in pursuit of trends.

INDIA WATCH

China has made great advances in renewable energy production, emerging as a world leader in a variety of renewable energy industries such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass. Over the last decade, the government has spent extensively on growing renewable energy generation, achieving tremendous progress in this field. In comparison, India is still catching up in terms of renewable energy generation, despite having set lofty goals for the future. The country's substantial reliance on coal for energy generation and moving away from coal remains a difficult task. While India has made strides in increasing renewable energy generation, it still confronts challenges in funding, grid integration, and policy execution. India's participation in this transition is critical for global efforts to address climate change and maintain energy security since it is one of the world's most populated countries with a fast-developing economy. India has developed a number of policies and measures to address these concerns. The country has set lofty renewable energy ambitions, aiming for 175 gigatons (GW) of capacity by 2022 and 450 GW by 2030. This involves increasing the capacity of solar and wind power, as well as boosting other clean energy sources such as hydro and biomass. In addition, India has developed a number of financial incentives to encourage investment in the renewable energy sector. Tax breaks, subsidies, and competitive bidding processes for energy projects are examples of these. The government has also implemented programs to encourage the use of energy-saving technology and practices, such as LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances. To hasten its energy transformation, India is actively participating in international alliances and agreements. Improving the resilience and efficiency of India's energy infrastructure is another essential part of the country's energy transformation. This involves modernizing the power system, investing in energy storage technology, and supporting demand-side management as a means of properly balancing energy supply and demand.

Prepared By

Anakha S Thampy

Anakha S Thampy is currently pursuing her dual Masters degree - an MA in International Studies from Symbiosis International University, Pune, and an MA in Sustainability Science from IGNOU. Having completed her Bachelor's in Political Science, she aspires to make a significant impact in society by becoming a Civil Servant. Her research focus revolves around the captivating realms of Asian area studies and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).