CiCM 16th December 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

State Council Meeting Deliberates Plans for Economy in 2025: Chinese Premier Li Qiang chaired a State Council meeting focused on implementing directives from the recent Central Economic Work Conference. The meeting emphasized formulating detailed measures, timelines, and roadmaps to ensure smooth progress of the economy. Key discussions included optimizing special-purpose bonds for local governments and the need to fund land reserves, acquisition of commercial housing for affordable housing through special bonds. The meeting highlighted improving project review mechanisms, granting local governments greater autonomy and enhancing bond issuance efficiency to support economic recovery in 2024. The council also explored advancing high-quality development of government investment funds, stressing professional, market-oriented and law-based operations. A report on a three-year work safety campaign was reviewed, prioritizing the investigation of risks and hidden dangers. Revitalizing the football industry was identified as key to transforming China into a sports powerhouse. Lastly, the meeting approved a draft regulation for managing China's public security video image information system, aiming to enhance public safety and regulatory effectiveness.

World's Highest Photovoltaic Power Station Begins Operations: The Caipeng Photovoltaic Power Station in Tibet (Xizang) Autonomous Region has launched its second phase, making it the world's highest-altitude photovoltaic station. Located in Shannan Prefecture, this station is located at peak altitude of 5228 metres, after surpassing the first phase’s 5100 metre altitude. The station, with a 150 MW capacity, is expected to produce 246 million kWh annually for Tibet’s electricity grid. The project will also generate 155 million kWh of green energy annually, which is markedly equivalent to saving 46,800 tons of coal and reducing 129,400 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Since the inception of the first phase, this station has produced approximately 40 million kWh, enabling the alleviation of seasonal power outages in the region. Solar power has recently grown significantly in China, comprising 24.8 percent of its total electricity capacity, overtaking wind and hydropower as the country’s second-largest energy source.

China’s Property Market Shows Some Recovery Signs in Big Cities: According to the National Bureau of Statistics. In November, new home prices in the four top-tier cities remained unchanged, ending a 13-month continuous decline, while secondary home prices fell by 0.1 percent, indicating a slower drop compared to October. Beijing has introduced policies to stimulate the real estate market, including lowering transaction taxes and offering subsidies. In November, 61 local policy measures were implemented, leading to a surge in transactions in cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen. Shenzhen recorded its highest second-hand home sales in over three years, with 2,390 transactions in early December. Similarly, Shanghai saw 27,050 second-hand home sales in November, the highest in 44 months. Despite these developments, the national market remains subdued. November new home prices in 70 cities dropped 6.1 percent year-on-year, while secondary home prices declined by 8.5 percent with smaller cities experiencing sharper declines than larger ones. For the first 11 months of 2024, home sales value fell 20 percent, while real estate investment dropped by 10.4 percent. At the recent Central Economic Work Conference, Beijing reiterated its commitment to stabilizing the housing market as part of broader economic recovery efforts.

Yunnan Hosted Third China-Indian Ocean Region Forum: The third China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation emphasized collective action for sustainable blue economy growth. Held in Kunming, the forum launched an information management system for the global development project pool and also inaugurated a China-Indian Ocean region center for maritime cooperation and training. The theme for this year’s forum was “The Future of the Blue Indian Ocean Development, Practices of the Global South”. Jointly hosted by China, the Maldives and Barbados, the forum attracted participation from over 20 governments, enterprises, and international organizations. China announced partnerships with 17 regional countries in areas of maritime monitoring, remote sensing, biodiversity and disaster reduction. China signed agreements for early warning and climate disasters response projects in Pakistan and the Maldives. Luo Zhaohui, head of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, focused on three core themes: "Blue," "Action," and "Unity".

Several Eastern Provinces Issue Heavy Air Pollution Alert: The Shanghai Ecology and Environment Bureau issued a yellow alert for heavy air pollution, activating Level III emergency response measures. Since Monday evening, restrictions have been implemented to protect public health and mitigate pollution. Residents, particularly children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions, are advised to reduce outdoor activities. Outdoor workers have been advised to take preventive measures and outdoor events have been temporarily suspended. Industrial and environmental controls include limiting factory production, halting dust-prone construction and banning open-air burning and barbecues. Zhengzhou City also issued an orange alert in response to heavy pollution, stating that the air quality will range between moderate and severe. The city has launched Level II responses on the advice of the General Office of Zhengzhou Municipal People's Government. Similarly, Anhui Province also issued an orange warning for heavy pollution and activated Level II emergency response, approved by the Provincial Ecological and Environmental Protection Commission. Moderate to heavy pollution is expected in areas north of the Huai River and western Jianghuai, specifically the cities of Huaibei, Bozhou, Suzhou, Bengbu, Fuyang, Huainan, and Liu'an.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Delivery Rider in Shanghai Gains Attention With Flute Performances: Zhao Yue, a Meituan delivery rider in Shanghai, has gone viral on social media for playing the flute during work breaks, with the public perceiving this as a unique blend of artistry and practicality. Spotted at traffic lights or in-between orders, Zhao’s performances have drawn comparisons to ancient Chinese poets like Li Bai for his carefree and creative spirit. Attempting to strike a balance between his work and passion, Zhao practices flute for 90 minutes daily, often using “fragmented time” such as long red-light stops. In fact, he is known to carry his flutes in one of his insulated delivery boxes alongside food orders. Zhao’s dedication to music has brought him fame from netizens, with many users calling him ‘a true artist.’ Other comments read to the likes of “What an adorable person, having love and enthusiasm for life even though his job can be difficult”. Zhao is quoted as saying “I’m happy to bring joy to people with my music,” inspiring others to find time for their passion in an otherwise fast-paced world.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Highlights India’s Concerns Over Bangladesh's Potential J-10C Purchase: Amidst proposed plans of Bangladesh procuring China’s J-10C fighter jets, Chinese media outlet Guancha has highlighted India’s growing anxiety about the deal. Reports suggest that the Bangladesh Air Force is exploring the potential purchase of the J-10C owing to its advanced avionics and long-range missile capabilities. From China’s perspective, the acquisition would signify a deepening Bangladesh-China partnership, bolstering regional air power dynamics. However, Chinese media reports that this development signifies a strategic challenge for India. It argues that the potential presence of J-10Cs in Bangladesh would force India to stretch its limited fleet even further since Pakistan already deploys J-10Cs. Chinese media emphasizes that India’s military, already strained by its two-front strategy against China and Pakistan, may struggle to counter this evolving scenario. Further, the report claims that the strengthening Chinese-Bangladeshi ties signal a declining Indian influence among its neighbors, undermining India’s regional dominance. By framing India’s concerns as part of a broader shift in regional power dynamics, Chinese media portrays Beijing as a rising strategic partner in the region.

Prepared By

Taasha Mistry

Taasha Mistry is a third year undergraduate student at FLAME University, pursuing a major in International Studies with a minor in Advertising & Branding. After having completed an internship at International SOS, she has found her interests to lie in security and strategic studies. Intrigued by the ever changing dynamics in the modern day world, she keeps herself updated with daily news and events.