CICM 14th April 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

Xi Jinping’s State Visit to Vietnam Aims to Advance a Shared Future and Regional Stability: During his state visit to Vietnam, Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the strategic importance of deepening China-Vietnam relations. Reaffirming China’s support for Vietnam’s pursuit of socialism tailored to its national context, President Xi called for the construction of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future—one that contributes to peace, stability, and development both regionally and globally. President Xi expressed his commitment to working closely with Vietnamese leaders to enhance strategic mutual trust, broaden win-win cooperation, and foster stronger people-to-people ties. He also emphasized the shared responsibility of both nations in upholding a multilateral trading system, ensuring the resilience of global industrial and supply chains, and maintaining an open, cooperative international environment. He praised the success of bilateral boundary delimitation on land and in the Beibu Gulf as examples of how dialogue examples of resolving maritime disputes through dialogue, consultation, and negotiation.
Hainan Unveils Policy to Propel Commercial Space Development: South China’s Hainan Province has introduced a comprehensive policy framework to accelerate the growth of its commercial space sector and cultivate new quality productive forces. The framework places strong emphasis on the development of the rocket, satellite, and space data industries, while establishing regulatory mechanisms tailored to the unique needs of the Hainan Free Trade Port’s commercial space agenda. Key initiatives include the creation of an international satellite advanced manufacturing center and a joint R&D hub for rockets and satellites. The policy also seeks to attract leading satellite manufacturers and support the growth of integrated satellite design enterprises. To broaden the economic impact of space activities, the framework proposes an “aerospace-plus” development model, integrating aerospace with sectors such as culture and tourism. Flagship projects under this initiative include the development of aerospace museums and science centers to drive innovation and public engagement. In addition, the framework supports foundational innovation in space pharmaceuticals and advocates a strategic, cautious approach to building a low-altitude economy. Together, these initiatives aim to position Hainan as a key hub in China’s emerging space commercialization landscape.
China Unveils Guidelines to Strengthen Civil Affairs Workforce: China has released a new set of guidelines to bolster talent development in the civil affairs services sector, jointly issued by the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The initiative lays out a strategic roadmap to enhance vocational training, reform evaluation systems, and raise public recognition for professionals working in key social service areas such as eldercare, child welfare, disability support, and philanthropy. By 2030, the policy aims to establish a well-structured and highly skilled workforce, characterized by broader access to professional certifications, stable income levels, and elevated societal status. The guidelines emphasize aligning vocational training with real-world demand, encouraging school-enterprise collaboration, and diversifying certification pathways—especially in the field of eldercare. A key target is ensuring that more than 80 percent of caregivers obtain professional credentials, reinforcing quality standards and professionalization across the sector.
Han Zheng Welcomes Global Enterprises at the 5th China Global Consumer Products Expo: Chinese Vice President Han Zheng extended a warm welcome to international businesses at the opening ceremony of the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo, held in Hainan Province. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, this year’s expo is themed “Share Open Opportunities, Co-Create a Better Life.” In his remarks, Vice President Han encouraged global companies to invest and expand in China, emphasizing the country’s vast consumer market of over 1.4 billion people and its dynamic momentum in consumption-driven growth. He called on enterprises to leverage the expo as a platform to boost brand visibility, explore new partnerships, and deepen international cooperation. Running from April 13 to 18, the expo features over 1,700 enterprises and 4,100 brands from more than 70 countries and regions.
CPC Official Highlights Stability and Development Priorities in Xinjiang: Chen Wenqing, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs, conducted a four-day research tour in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Following the tour, he emphasized the need for comprehensive implementation of the Party’s governance policies for the region in the new era. During his visit, Chen reviewed local efforts in counter-terrorism, social stability, and legal governance. He underscored the need for sustained and law-based measures to prevent violent terrorist activities and eliminate the roots of religious extremism. Chen also highlighted the importance of ensuring stable employment opportunities for key groups, enhancing border security, and fostering a strong sense of national unity among all ethnic communities in Xinjiang.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Promoting Hygiene Awareness in Public Entertainment Spaces: A recent case in Zhejiang province has drawn attention to the importance of public hygiene, particularly in karaoke venues. A woman reportedly contracted simplex virus after close contact with a shared microphone, underscoring the need for greater awareness of infection prevention. The simplex virus, commonly spread through direct or indirect contact, can cause recurring symptoms such as cold sores. While there is no cure, antiviral medications can manage the condition effectively. The incident highlights the value of regular cleaning of shared equipment, good personal hygiene, and immune health. Karaoke establishments are encouraged to uphold hygiene standards, while patrons should practice caution and seek timely medical attention if symptoms arise, fostering a safer and healthier public environment. Doctors commented on Weibo like “Go to public places and use public supplies or pay attention to hygiene, avoid infection with some viruses, herpes simplex is a kind of it, it will recur, if it is serious, you can use drug ointment with oral antiviral drug treatment”. Neitzens reacted like “Herpes simplex virus Once infected for life, the weakened immunity will grow. Everyone must pay more attention to hygiene when going out.”

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Responds to China-India Manufacturing Narrative: An article in Guancha responded to a blog post by economist Noah Smith, which argued that China views India as a geopolitical rival and a potential industrial and economic threat. According to Smith, this perception has led China to limit investment and technology transfer to India. His blog sparked widespread discussion, with many Indian and Western scholars endorsing his viewpoint. However, an article in Guancha refuted Smith’s arguments, labeling them as a reflection of the “China threat” narrative common in Western discourse. The article also criticized the enthusiastic reception of Smith’s blog among Indian political elites and academic circles, arguing that such trends could foster academic bias with far-reaching negative implications. The piece went on to emphasize that Chinese companies have long been significant contributors to India’s industrial development—offering capital, talent, intermediate goods, management expertise, and other key resources. It argued that India has largely closed off avenues for cooperation with Chinese firms. The article concluded by asserting that China remains uniquely positioned to support India’s industrialization and help realize its manufacturing ambitions.

Prepared By

Cherukuri Venkata Subramanya Sai Narayana

Cherukuri Venkata Subramanya Sai Narayana holds a Master’s degree in Police and Security Studies from the School of Police Science and Security Studies, National Forensic Science University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. He has a strong academic interest in conflict and security studies, with a particular focus on maritime security. During his postgraduate studies, he authored a thesis on India’s Maritime Security: Dealing with Alliances and Conflicts in the Indian Ocean Region. He remains actively engaged in analyzing global events, applying his knowledge and expertise to assess geopolitical developments with a critical perspective.