CiCM 21st-22nd December 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

NPC Standing Committee Reviews Key Reports at Second Plenary Session: The 13th meeting of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee held its second plenary session on December 22 in Beijing, chaired by Vice Chairman Zheng Jianbang. The session reviewed reports on significant issues, including state-owned asset management, Yellow River protection, and cultivated land preservation. Vice Chairman Peng Qinghua highlighted progress and challenges in modernizing state-owned enterprises and safeguarding assets, while Vice Chairman Li Hongzhong emphasized water conservation and ecological restoration in the Yellow River Basin. Auditor General Hou Kai detailed rectifications of over 538 billion yuan in fiscal issues, and Finance Minister Lan Fuan called for improved disaster prevention fund management. Vice Minister Liu Guohong reaffirmed the need to stabilize 1.8 billion mu of farmland and enhance food security. National Supervisory Commission Director Liu Jinguo reported intensified anti-corruption efforts, with 768,000 cases handled since the 20th CPC National Congress. Additionally, the session reviewed legislative filings, highlighted systemic improvements, and discussed Chairman Zhao Leji’s diplomatic visits. The meeting reinforced commitments to ecological protection, governance, and economic stability, reflecting the government’s focus on addressing pressing national challenges.
"Trade Union Warmth Action" Launched for New Year and Spring Festival 2025: The All-China Federation of Trade Unions launched the "Trade Union Warmth Action" on December 22, running until February 12, 2025, to support workers during the New Year's Day and Spring Festival. Condolence groups will visit 31 provinces and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, focusing on workers in need and key groups. Priority groups include those facing financial hardship due to layoffs, low income, educational burdens, illness, or disasters. Support extends to workers from struggling enterprises, individuals disabled by work-related injuries, and families of workers who died on duty. Key groups include workers in new employment forms, flexible employment, and those on duty in critical sectors during the holidays. Model workers and advanced workers will also be acknowledged. Trade unions aim to expand support, addressing wage arrears, facilitating migrant workers’ returns, and leveraging platforms like the "Workers' Home" App and the "12351" hotline for efficient assistance. Efforts focus on strengthening institutional processes to resolve workers' challenges systematically. Since its inception in 1992, the initiative has grown, integrating medical care, training, legal aid, and employment services. In 2024, unions raised 4.1 billion yuan, visited 118,000 enterprises, and supported over 11 million employees.
Nearly 40% of China's Cultivated Land Concentrated in Five Northern Provinces: Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia, Henan, Jilin, and Xinjiang collectively account for nearly 40% of China's cultivated land, with each exceeding 100 million mu, according to a farmland protection report reviewed by the State Council at the 13th meeting of the 14th National People's Congress Standing Committee. As of 2023, China's total cultivated land area stands at 1.929 billion mu, reflecting an increase of 11.204 million mu since the last national land survey. The report highlights a shift in cultivated land trends, with gains in both northern and southern regions. Southern provinces are restoring high-quality farmland to reduce ecological pressures in the north, curbing the "grain transport from north to south." Additionally, sloping farmland with inclines over 25 degrees has decreased by 1.32 million mu, while land with slopes under 2 degrees has grown by 7.15 million mu. Efforts to enhance farmland protection laws include revisions to the Land Administration Law, the introduction of the Black Soil Protection Law, and accelerated legislation for the Farmland Protection and Quality Improvement Law. Despite progress, challenges persist, including water shortages in the north and over-cultivation in ecologically sensitive areas, necessitating future land-use adjustments.
China Considers Draft Law to Promote Rule of Law Education: Chinese lawmakers are reviewing a draft law to enhance public education on the rule of law and foster law-based governance. Presented to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for its first reading, the draft requires public venue operators to focus on legal education in areas like consumer rights, internet fraud prevention, food safety, and personal data protection. Online service providers must also promote legal awareness among employees and users. Emphasizing youth education, the draft outlines objectives and evaluation standards for legal studies in schools. It mandates state employees to lead by example in legal learning and includes legal knowledge in civil service exams.
China Condemns US Military Aid and Arms Sales to Taiwan: China has strongly condemned recent US military aid and arms sales to Taiwan, vowing firm measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The US announced $571.3 million in military assistance and approved $295 million in arms sales, sparking protests from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defense, and Taiwan Affairs Office. Chinese officials criticized the US for violating the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, calling the moves a breach of commitments to avoid supporting "Taiwan independence." They warned that such actions escalate tensions in the Taiwan Straits and risk conflict. Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office, emphasized that arming Taiwan is akin to "playing with fire" and will fail to contain China. She urged the US to stop military ties with Taiwan and cease supporting separatist forces. Experts noted the Biden administration’s frequent military deals reflect attempts to pressure future US governments into adhering to its Taiwan policies. However, they argue these sales offer limited strategic benefit to Taiwan and primarily serve US arms manufacturers. China has reiterated its resolve to counter these actions with "all necessary measures," warning that Taiwan remains a red line in China-US relations.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Children Earning Money as Game Substitutes Spark Debate: A growing number of children are earning money by playing video games as substitutes, a trend fueled by their ability to bypass "anti-addiction" systems and play without restrictions. These minors are often recruited by game substitute companies, which advertise them as “low-cost substitutes” to maximize profits. Xiao Qin, a minor substitute player, shared how he accepts orders in online groups. For instance, he recently earned 110 yuan for playing a specific game character, with no questions asked about his age as long as his skills met the client’s expectations. Netizens have expressed mixed reactions. Some argue that the root of the issue lies with parents, as many of these children come from underprivileged backgrounds and seek additional income due to family circumstances. In contrast, wealthier families are often on the hiring side, paying for substitutes to improve their in-game progress. Others see the situation as a reflection of larger societal changes, including the growing prominence of e-sports. Some even suggest that e-sports hold more promise than certain traditional industries, with everyone forging their own path in life. While the phenomenon highlights the financial pressures faced by some children, it also raises questions about the ethics of recruiting minors and the broader implications for family dynamics and the gaming industry.

INDIA WATCH

China Reports On Rajasthan Traffic Accident, Highlighting India's Road Safety Concerns: The Chinese news outlet Sina reported on the tragic traffic accident in Rajasthan, India, that occurred on December 20, shedding light on the country's ongoing road safety crisis. The incident involved a truck carrying hazardous chemicals that collided with multiple vehicles, causing a fire that left 11 dead and over 40 injured. The author comments that the tragic incident underscores India’s ongoing road safety challenges, with over 150,000 road fatalities reported annually due to factors like overloaded vehicles, poor infrastructure, and weak enforcement of traffic laws. The involvement of hazardous materials in the accident raises critical questions about safety protocols for transporting dangerous goods. The author notes that as India modernizes its infrastructure, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stricter regulations, better emergency response systems, and heightened public awareness to prevent such devastating incidents.

Prepared By

Manushka Sharma

Manushka Sharma is a dedicated second year student currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese (Hons.) at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). With a keen interest in international relations, particularly in the dynamics of India-China relations, Manushka brings a unique perspective to understanding cross-cultural connections and geopolitical issues. Alongside academic pursuits, Manushka aspires to make significant contributions to global affairs, leveraging linguistic skills and cultural insights to bridge gaps and foster dialogue. She can be reached at manushka82006@gmail.com.