CiCM 15th April 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

Xi Jinping Pays State Visit to Malaysia: During his state visit to Malaysia, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed confidence that the trip would yield meaningful outcomes through the joint efforts of both countries. He emphasized the potential to deepen the traditional friendship, strengthen political mutual trust, and open a new historic chapter of good-neighborly cooperation and mutual benefit. Xi described the visit as a symbolic starting point for a new era—what he called the “Golden 50 Years” of China-Malaysia relations. He emphasized the importance of enhancing civilizational dialogue and working together to build a China-Malaysia community with a shared future. As part of his visit, President Xi also published a signed article titled “May the Ship of China-Malaysia Friendship Sail Toward an Even Brighter Future” in major Malaysian newspapers. The piece traced the deep historical roots of bilateral ties, from ancient maritime exchanges to joint sacrifices during wartime, and outlined four key pillars for future cooperation: strategic alignment, economic partnership, cultural exchange, and multilateral collaboration. Xi further reaffirmed China’s support for Malaysia’s upcoming 2025 ASEAN chairmanship and called for expanded cooperation in emerging sectors, including the digital economy, green development, and tourism.
China Issues Wanted Notice for three US Operatives Over Cyberattacks Allegations: Chinese authorities in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, have placed three individuals allegedly linked to the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) on wanted list in connection with cyberattacks targeting the Asian Winter Games held in February 2025. The suspects—identified as Katheryn A. Wilson, Robert J. Snelling, and Stephen W. Johnson—are accused of disrupting critical digital infrastructure associated with the event. According to findings by Chinese technical investigation teams, the attacks originated from the NSA’s Office of Tailored Access Operations. The primary targets were key operational systems of the games, such as athlete registration, arrival and departure management, and competition entry, all of which contained sensitive personal data. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian strongly condemned the alleged cyber intrusions, stating that they had inflicted serious damage on China's critical information infrastructure, including sectors such as national defense, finance, public services, and citizen data security. He urged the United States to take responsibility for its actions in cyberspace and to immediately halt cyberattacks against China.
State Security Employee Arrested for Espionage: A staff member of China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS), Zhang, has been arrested for allegedly stealing nearly 300,000 internal documents and attempting to sell classified information to foreign intelligence agencies. According to authorities, Zhang infiltrated high-level meetings by planting covert recording devices, and had been systematically collecting sensitive data over an extended period. Methods included smuggling mobile phones into secure areas, photographing confidential documents, copying files from colleagues’ computers, and secretly recording discussions using concealed audio devices. According to the statement, the case has also exposed serious lapses in internal security protocols. As a result, 12 officials have been penalized for failing to uphold adequate counter-espionage and oversight measures within the ministry.
China's E-Commerce App DHgate Rises in U.S. App Rankings: Chinese e-commerce platform, DHgate, has seen a dramatic surge in popularity among American consumers. This was fueled largely by viral TikTok videos showcasing ultra-affordable designer knock-offs allegedly sourced directly from Chinese manufacturers. Known in China as "Dunhuang" and nicknamed the "Little Yellow App," DHgate has skyrocketed in the U.S. Apple App Store rankings, jumping from below 200th to second place in the free app category. The app’s meteoric rise followed a wave of TikTok content in which Chinese manufacturers claimed to be the original producers of luxury items sold under global brands. Moreover, DHgate announced a "Tariff Protection Plan" last friday. Under this program, the company pledged that any increase in freight charges for items without postage would not exceed 20%, or 20 yuan per kilogram in total freight costs.
Hong Kong hosts 2025 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit: Hong Kong hosted the 2025 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit on Monday. The summit, held under the theme "Integration of AI and Digital Technologies Shaping the Future," emphasized the importance of collaboration and technological advancements in creating a shared future in cyberspace. Wang Yong, Vice-Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, reaffirmed China’s commitment to embracing the digital era with openness and inclusivity. He emphasized China’s willingness to partner with other nations, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, to promote technological innovation, deepen international cooperation, ensure cybersecurity, and build a robust and inclusive digital governance framework. Hong Kong Chief Executive, John Lee, underscored the city’s growing prominence as a hub for innovation and technology. Lee emphasized Hong Kong's strategic role within China’s broader development framework and reiterated its dedication to free trade, multilateralism, and global cooperation.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Wildfires in north China's Shanxi Draws Widespread Online Support: The ongoing wildfire in Shanxi province has captured widespread attention across Chinese social media, where users are voicing both concern and deep appreciation for the tireless efforts of emergency responders and local residents. With over 3,000 individuals mobilized to contain the blaze, online conversations have centered around the sheer scale of the emergency and the impressive coordination of resources deployed to tackle it. Social media platforms like Weibo have been flooded with updates on the situation, with users sharing real-time reports from local officials and news outlets. Netizens have commended the swift, unified response by firefighters and community members, with many expressing hope that the quick deployment of personnel will help minimize damage. Hashtags such as #ShanxiWildfire and #FirefightingHeroes have surged to the top of trending lists, underscoring the widespread support for the firefighters and the emergency teams.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Discusses Indian Shrimp Industry Setback Amid US Tariffs: An article in China Daily has shed light on the mounting challenges faced by India’s shrimp industry following the United States’ decision to impose an additional 26 percent tariff on imports. The article highlighted that the Indian shrimp sector—valued at around $7 billion—is heavily reliant on U.S. supermarkets, and is now grappling with serious disruptions, with approximately 2,000 containers of frozen shrimp potentially affected. This new tariff, introduced on top of an existing 10 percent duty, has triggered uncertainty in the market, as U.S. buyers are now seeking to renegotiate existing contracts. The piece emphasized that shrimp farmers in India's coastal Andhra Pradesh state are bearing the brunt of the situation, with many witnessing a sharp decline in demand. The article underscored that the US delay of the 26 percent tariff until July has provided some temporary relief, however, exporters remain cautious.

Prepared By

Ipsha Bhalsagar

Ipsha Bhalsagar, an Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering graduate from the Government College of Engineering, Nagpur, blends her technical expertise with a passion for international relations, diplomacy, and design. Currently a Content Intern at The Indian Netizens and a Design Intern at IFPD, she explores geopolitics while contributing creatively. She has authored research on India’s maritime security and participated in global roundtables and workshops. With experience in content writing, public speaking, and data visualization, Ipsha is keen on bridging technology and social sciences, aspiring to enhance research through data-driven insights in diplomacy and international affairs.