CiCM 19th June 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Remarks Chinese-Korean Affairs: In a regular press conference by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Lin Jian, made remarks about the republic of Korea (ROK) and China’s diplomatic and security dialogue. The dialogue, held in Seoul, included several top officials from both sides. At the dialogue, both sides emphasised the importance of neighbourly values and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. Spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated China’s solemn position on the issues relating to China’s core interests specifically the question of Taiwan. Relating to its views on the Korean Peninsula issue China stressed the importance of ensuring peace and stability within the region. China urged the parties involved to avoid escalation and confrontation. When the matter of cooperation between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Russia was brought up the Chinese side simply noted that the matter was between two friendly and close neighbours with a legitimate need of cooperation. This dialogue was the first of its kind on the vice-ministerial level between China and the ROK.
China’s Nuclear Steam Power Project Begins Operations: The China Atomic Energy Authority announced China’s first industrial use nuclear energy steam supply project commenced operations. This project, titled, Heqi No 1, is situated at the Tianan Nuclear Power Station. The project will deliver 4.8 metric tonnes of zero carbon industrial-use steam annually to a petrochemical complex in Lianyungang city. The project is estimated to reduce the burning of standard coal by 400,000 tonnes a year and equivalent greenhouse emissions of carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide. In addition, it is expected to save over 700,000 tonnes of carbon emission allowances for this petrochemical complex annually. The project is reportedly one of the first of its kind in China. The China Atomic Energy Authority has been promoting this comprehensive utilisation of nuclear energy and its application in various sectors.
Chinese Central Bank to Continue Accommodative Monetary Policy: China’s central bank (People’s Bank of China) Governor, Pan Gongsheng, made a statement that the country will remain. It will continue to maintain its accommodative monetary policy. The reason for this, as stated by the Governor, is to facilitate economic recovery and create a favourable economic and financial conditions in the Chinese market. These accommodative policy monetary policy measures include cutting the required reserve ratio and policy rates. Furthermore, the central bank has implemented other monetary policy instruments to ensure support for important areas in the Chinese economy like micro and small enterprises. There is special focus on supporting science and technology innovation. This move comes in the light of China’s hiccupping economic recovery in the face of insufficient effective demand and blockages in domestic economic circulation. This statement came at the 15^th Lujizhau Forum held in Shanghai.
UN Justice Ministry Launches New Measures for Enterprises: The All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce issued a new Special Action Plan in a press release. This Special Action Plan was formulated in collaboration with the United Nations Development and Reform Commission of the Ministry of Justice. This action aims at the High-Quality Development of Administrative Reconsideration Escort Enterprises from June through December 2024. The Special Action Plan consider five major aspects of the matter and has accordingly launched 18 measures. The first aspect is to clear and unblock the administrative channels for these reconsideration escort enterprises. The second is to arrive at a resolution for administrative disputes surrounding the enterprises. The third is to scale up the supervision of enterprise related enforcement of administrative law. The fourth aspect of the plan is to prevent any administrative disputes from occurring. Finally, the fifth aspect is that of strengthening follow-up effects of enterprise-related administrative reconsideration cases.
Xi Jinping Addresses Military Conference: Chinese general secretary Xi Jinping addressed a military political conference in China’s north western province of Shaanxi. He emphasised the importance of political loyalty within the military. According to him, it was important for the military to provide a firm guarantee for the Party’s leadership, the country security and the peoples well-being. He further underscored the importance of the military to uphold the parties, absolute leadership and to build a high-quality team. He urged the military to improve its combat readiness, modernise its capabilities in and enhance up its abilities to win situations of combat. Finally, he called for sustained efforts by senior military officials to keep strengthening the army and uphold the Party’s leadership. These statements come in the background of an active promotion of political work in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Stanford Graduate Takes Low Level Job, Goes Viral: Chinese social media sites have been taken by storm with discussions about the intense competition for civil service jobs, spotlighting a Stanford graduate named Su Zhen. Su Zhen, who holds a doctorate from Stanford University, has gone viral on several platforms after it was revealed that he accepted a relatively “obscure” PO government position in Anhui Province. This has been a major topic of discussion amongst netizens for the job he has taken up can be considered below his qualifications. The site of his workplace, a city by the name Suzhou, has one of the lowest income levels in the province and is not a popular destination for local government job seekers. This news has sparked significant attention on Weibo, amassing nearly 160 million views, thousands of comments, and its own hashtag. A large number of netizens have reacted with criticism, claiming that Su Zhou is over a qualified for the post he has taken up. Some users believe that this could be a reflection of the lack of high-quality jobs available for Chinese youth in the private sector. One user commented that Su Zhou’s case is an example of, “excessive education and inappropriate distribution of resources.” While most users were critical in a similar manner some considered it a good sign because well-educated people can contribute significantly to society.

INDIA WATCH

The Paper Reports NEET Scandal: Chinese news agency, The Paper, reported the latest occurrences surrounding the NEET examination in India. Referring to a BBC news piece, the article reported an unnaturally high number of students receiving a perfect score on the medical entrance test. Reporting this as a cause for controversy, the article contrasted this year’s results with that of previous years. There have been years when no one scored a full mark, while an unprecedented 67 students scored perfectly in 2024. Reportedly, students and parents have requested an investigation into the matter with allegations of exam conduct violations, improper checking, and leaks in test paper material. The article also cites a statement from the Indian National Examinations Authority, asserting that the fairness and integrity of the examination remained intact. Additionally, 50 out of the 67 students who achieved perfect scores received full marks through compensation points, many of which have reportedly been nullified by the Supreme Court of India. The article covers a general timeline of the events following the declaration of results, including multiple petitions being signed and protests occurring. The Paper also reported the remarks of the political opposition blaming the incumbent BJP government. The matter will reportedly be heard by the Supreme Court of India on July 8.

Prepared By

Akshata Nair

Akshata is an undergraduate student majoring in International Studies at FLAME University. Her primary interests lie in research and cultural perspectives in politics.