CiCM 15th December 2023

NEWS IN CHINA

Snowfall in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei: Beijing was struck with heavy snowfall on the night of 10th December, and experienced a blizzard on 13th December. The continuous snowfall heavily affected the streets, causing a blockade of roads. To ensure public safety, concerned departments put several efforts into clearing all the snow from roads. The Public Security Traffic Management Bureau (PSTMB) was crucial in clearing out snow from roads. It was able to clear roads by utilizing human resources (around 3000 men) and technology (more than 260 large-scale snow-removing equipment). The PSTMB ensured public safety by clearing roads and highways and establishing patrol posts on hilly roads, which are prone to accidents after snowfall. The traffic management department specifically mentioned slowing down while driving if you cannot see the road and advised stopping until the fog dissipates. In Tianjin, departments provided services in extreme weatherto ensure the safety of the masses. The province of Hebei was also critically affected by the snowfall. Here, various departments, including the traffic and Sanitation departments, played a vital role in clearing snow and ensuring public safety.
Civil servants compelled to watch propaganda films regarding the 2019 protests: According to a report by RFA Cantonese, Hong Kong’s Civil servants, as part of their confidential internal training session, were shown a video claiming that the 2019 protests were an effort by foreign nations to topple the Hong Kong government. A narrative claiming to be the “truth” regarding the primary drivers of the 2019 protests was made public in a leaked audio recording available to RFA Cantonese. Using a 2020 National Security Law, Beijing initiated a campaign to sway public opinion on the need for “National Security education” for all public institutions including the more than 1,70,000-strong civil service. In addition, there are also proposals to rewrite the civil service code to forbid government employees from denouncing authorities or leaking secrets. However, a record number of civil servants resigned in 2021 from their positions when the government mandated that they take oaths of allegiance to Beijing.
Xi Jinping issued a congratulatory letter on the 50^th anniversary of the foundation of the US-China Business Council: On December 15^th, President Xi Jinping sent a letter congratulating the US-China Business Council and all the its members on the 50^th anniversary of its establishment, alongside people from all walks of life in the United States that cared and supported Sino-US economic and trade cooperation. Xi commented that the world is undergoing major changes and cooperation between the US and China depends upon their interests and it greatly affects the future of mankind. He also recalled his meeting with President Biden in San Francisco and added that they exchanged views on China-US relations. He stated that China would cooperate with the USA on the condition of mutual respect and peaceful co-existence that promote their ties. He added that the China-US collaboration will bring tangible benefits to both the countries.
The National Cyberspace Administration of China issued a collection of key opinions and suggestions on the reformation of the 2024 “Qinglang” series of special actions: The cyberspace administration of China has passed an announcement stating that it would take public opinions and suggestions into consideration on the rectification of the 2024 "Qing Lang" series of special actions. An essential goal of network management is to provide a netizen with a transparent, ethical, and healthy cyberspace atmosphere. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) took serious note of this to eradicate social media chaos, online trolls, and online abuse. To increase the effectiveness of a "series of special actions," the CAC announced they were open to suggestions and opinions to improve its functioning in securing the online ecosystem.
President Xi Jinping congratulates President of Kenya William Ruto: China and Kenya celebrate their 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. On this occasion, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to his counterpart, President Ruto. President Xi Jinping stated that China and Kenya relations best illustrate China-Africa cooperation with frequent dialogue. Both China and Kenya have shared good relations for past decades. Their relations are backed up by their trust in each other; they became good friends over the years and cooperated reasonably on political and economic platforms. Xi added that China-Kenya cooperation has hastened the pace of China-Africa cooperation. Beijing highly values its relations with Kenya, and Xi stated that the 60th anniversary is just the starting point of their collaboration. Xi shared his readiness to enhance their strategic partnership and join hands to build a fostering China-Kenya with a shared future in the new modern era. During his participation in the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, Ruto expressed his desire to work with China to implement the outcomes of the forum and that of the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue, which was held in Johannesburg.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Traditional Chinese medicine made from watermelon: A video of making of traditional Chinese medicine made from watermelon is currently trending on Chinese social media. Watermelon frost or Xigua Shuang, is used to treat ulcers, sore throats, toothaches, mild burns, and cuts. In traditional Chinese medicine, the main active element is derived from watermelon. First, a hollow is excavated that is densely packed with mirabilite, commonly known as Glauber’s salt. The watermelon is then wrapped in plastic wrap. “Frost” forms on the skin after few days, it is taken as medicine.

INDIA WATCH

President Xi Jinping introduced the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013; the latest BRI report claims that it has contributed immensely to promoting global welfare, human rights, and international cooperation. India, one of the key players in the Asia, shares a huge border with China and has major concerns with the BRI. Moreover, India has serious border disputes with China and fears China's expansion into the South Asian region which India considers as its backyard. India has expressed concerns about freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, and advocated for a Free and open, rule-based, peaceful, and stable Indo-Pacific with an emphasis on international law and norms. Thus, India is partnering with those countries whose threats parallel India's own and is attempting to balance China by enhancing its military capabilities. This is apparent in its relationships with the West, particularly with the US, Japan, and Australia and the formation of Quadrilateral security dialogue (QUAD), which is considered the pioneer of minilateralism in the Indo-Pacific.

Prepared By

Siva Kumar Nichenakolla

Siva Kumar is a committed and aspiring international relations scholar with a strong desire to know global dynamics. Siva has a strong academic foundation in international relations and has shown a deep interest in understanding the complexities of international relations.