CiCM 1st November 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

China’s Clean-Energy Boom Generates 7.4 Million Jobs: A recent report from the South China Morning Post highlights China’s leading role in global clean energy employment, with the nation reaching 7.4 million jobs in the renewable energy sector last year. This figure, reported jointly by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), accounts for 46% of all renewable energy jobs worldwide and marks a 32% increase over 2022. The surge in employment is largely driven by China’s strong production, installation, and export of solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and electric vehicles (EVs). This growth contrasts starkly with challenges in other sectors, including a slowing property market and high youth unemployment, which reached 17.6% for those aged 16-24 in September. Amid these challenges, the clean energy sector has become a bright spot, with total energy sector jobs in China growing by 18% to 16.2 million last year. Despite its rapid growth, China’s clean energy sector remains relatively small within the broader economy. The shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy has been challenging, and experts caution that renewable energy alone may not fully offset broader employment issues. However, Beijing remains optimistic, viewing clean energy expansion as a path to economic resilience through increased installations of solar and wind power.
Fujian and Taiwan Strengthen Financial Ties: Eastern China’s Fujian province is enhancing its financial cooperation with Taiwan, according to an article published in China Daily by Hu Meidong and Yang Jie. Fujian is implementing several initiatives aimed at improving financial access for Taiwan-funded companies and Taiwan residents, including streamlined financing options and expanded mobile payment services. Chen Zhiyong, Deputy Director of Fujian’s Taiwan Affairs Office, noted that the province is preparing to establish a range of banking and insurance services specifically tailored for Taiwanese businesses and residents. Taiwanese companies based in Fujian will soon be able to apply for loans through local banks, and streamlined processes are being developed to facilitate account openings for investors interested in the Chinese stock market. In support of this, Industrial Securities and Huafu Securities have set up 30 dedicated counters to assist Taiwan residents with both online and offline transactions. The Xiamen Cross-Strait Equity Exchange will also host 37 specialized events this year, including financing roadshows and one-on-one services to assist Taiwanese companies in securing capital. To further support cross-strait financial integration, banks such as Industrial Bank Co. Ltd. have launched bank cards specifically designed to enable mobile payments through China UnionPay and QR code-based payment options. Looking ahead, Fujian plans to expand these services to key entry points, such as airports, train stations, industrial parks, and residential areas, with the goal of promoting payment solutions that cater to Taiwanese residents and businesses.
Collaborative Efforts in Rare Bird Conservation Prove Successful: In a significant step for rare bird conservation, Japan has transferred 16 locally bred Asian crested ibises to China, marking the first return of this protected species in eight years. This exchange, part of a conservation agreement between Japan and China, aims to support the recovery of the species and reduce extinction risks. Japan's Ministry of Environment announced that the transferred ibises—nine females and seven males—were bred between 2016 and 2022 at a conservation center on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture. China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration noted that the crested ibis was nearly extinct in Japan by 1999, leading China to gift two ibises to Japan to support artificial breeding efforts. Over the years, China sent an additional five ibises in 2000, 2007, and 2018 to bolster Japan’s breeding program. Due to these efforts, Japan’s crested ibis population has grown to an estimated 532, prompting a change in their status from “extinct in the wild” to “critically endangered 1A.” Under a memorandum of understanding, Japan committed to return half of its bred ibises to China. In 2016, Japan fulfilled part of this obligation, sending 47 birds across seven exchanges. Meanwhile, China’s Hanzhong Crested Ibis National Reserve in Shaanxi reported a remarkable recovery of the species within its own borders. From just seven birds observed in Shaanxi’s Qinling Mountains in 1981, the population has soared to 10,000 in 2023. This increase is credited to significant improvements in ecological conditions and advancements in artificial breeding and reintroduction techniques in the Qinling region.
China’s 41st Antarctic Team Sets Out to Study Climate Change Impact on Ecosystem: China's Ministry of Natural Resources announced that the nation’s 41st Antarctic expedition team has embarked on a seven-month mission to study climate change and its effects on the Antarctic ecosystem. Marking the 40th anniversary of China's polar expeditions, this mission includes an overwintering research effort—the first of its kind for China in Antarctica. The team will focus on developing the Qinling Station’s infrastructure and conduct research in collaboration with international partners. Key areas of study include the impacts of climate change on biological ecosystems, aquatic environments, sedimentary conditions, atmospheric dynamics, pollutant distribution, coastal marine health, and soil conditions. Research will span multiple locations, such as Prydz Bay, the Cosmonauts Sea, the Ross Sea, the Amundsen Sea, and the waters around the Antarctic Peninsula. Data collection will be supported by China's two icebreakers, Xuelong and Xuelong 2. In addition to climate impact studies, the team will engage in joint research under initiatives like the Circumpolar Action Plan, advancing collaborative Antarctic science. Another prominent project involves an aerial survey of the Enderby Land region, conducted with Norwegian and Australian researchers. This survey aims to investigate interactions between ice, ocean, and bedrock to assess the stability and mass balance of the Antarctic ice sheet—an essential factor in understanding global sea-level rise.
Prime Minister Fico’s Visit Highlights Positive Advances in China-Europe Relations: Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico recently described his visit to China as his "most important trip" of the year, emphasizing China’s growing influence on the global stage. Accompanied by a delegation of 80 business representatives, Fico’s visit underscores Slovakia’s commitment to expanding cooperation with China across multiple sectors. Amidst recent EU tariffs on China, which Slovakia opposed, the visit highlights a more positive perspective on China-Europe relations. This year marks the 75th anniversary of China-Slovakia diplomatic relations, which Fico’s visit has further strengthened. China remains Slovakia’s largest trading partner outside the EU, and Slovakia has joined the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with three major transport corridors linking Europe to China. The automotive industry, making up half of Slovakia’s industrial sales, seeks to adopt new technologies for electric vehicle production—a goal that aligns with China’s expertise in green technology. Additionally, Slovakia’s ambitions to enhance its transportation infrastructure present mutual opportunities for collaboration. Slovakia has advocated for independent EU diplomacy and has resisted notions like the "new iron curtain" and trade protectionism, favoring instead a pragmatic approach to global partnerships. Fico’s administration has called for a shift away from value-based diplomacy, encouraging broad and mutually beneficial relations with non-Western countries. China’s principles of equality, mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation resonate with many in Europe, creating fertile ground for deeper trust between China and Slovakia. As Central and Eastern Europe serves as a connecting hub between East Asia and Western Europe, Slovakia’s role as a key transit and logistics hub underscores the importance of its ties with China.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Chinese Commentator Hu Xijin Returns to Social Media After Three-Month Hiatus: Hu Xijin, the former editor-in-chief of the state-owned Global Times, has returned to Chinese social media after a three-month absence. Posting on Weibo, Hu expressed excitement about a new bridge over the Chaobai River, which now connects Beijing’s outskirts with Hebei Province. He shared his personal joy, noting that the bridge would significantly ease the commute for residents like himself who had opted for affordable housing on the Hebei side. This was Hu’s first post since July, following the deletion of an article in which he offered his interpretation of a significant Communist Party economic strategy document. His unexpected absence has fueled speculation among followers, with many wondering if he faced repercussions for his outspoken views. Known to his nearly 25 million Weibo followers as "Old Hu," Hu’s bold and sometimes controversial perspectives have long enriched China’s public discourse. Social media users celebrated his return, praising his grounded, commonsense commentary.

INDIA WATCH

New Delhi Faces Smog Challenges as Diwali Firework Restrictions Prove Difficult to Enforce: Following Diwali celebrations, New Delhi's air quality took a hit as firework restrictions saw limited enforcement. The South China Morning Post comments that despite efforts by city authorities to curb fireworks use due to its impact on air quality, many residents still celebrated with firecrackers, a long-standing tradition for the festival. Police made significant efforts, seizing nearly two tonnes of firecrackers, though availability remained in some areas nearby, contributing to the festivities. Delhi, home to over 30 million people, frequently faces air quality challenges this time of year. A combination of seasonal factors—such as crop stubble burning in nearby regions, emissions from traffic, and industrial activity—often leads to elevated smog levels, which intensify as cooler weather settles in. The author states that authorities continue to address these issues, working on initiatives to improve air quality while supporting the city's vibrant celebrations.

Prepared By

Aditi Khamkar

Aditi Khamkar is a third-year undergraduate student at FLAME University majoring in International Studies and minoring in Public Policy. Having completed an internship at International SOS, her interest in security has deepened, driving her to pursue a career as a security analyst. Passionate about making meaningful contributions, she aspires to write impactful analyses that address global security challenges.