CiCM 23rd December 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

China Boosts Fiscal Efforts for Disaster Management and Mitigation: China has significantly increased fiscal investments in disaster prevention and emergency management, with spending an amount exceeding 3 trillion yuan ($411.16 billion) between 2019 and 2023. This marks an annual growth rate of 8.85 percent reflecting the government's prioritization of disaster preparedness. In 2024 itself, 334.32 billion yuan had been allocated for key disaster prevention projects, with central and local governments continuing to optimise funding systems and enhancing resource allocations to improve disaster response mechanisms. The measures aim to better emergency supply reserves, advance detection systems, and adopt sophisticated prevention technologies. Bian Yongzu of the China Association for Science and Technology highlighted that these efforts not only reduce disaster impacts but also enhance living standards and promote sustainable economic growth. This proactive fiscal policy adopted by China, underscores its commitment to disaster resilience to enable better protection of lives and property while supporting stable development of the Chinese economy.
China Surpasses 1 Billion 5G Mobile Subscribers: China's 5G mobile subscriber user base exceeded 1 billion in November, accounting for 56% of the country's 1.79 billion mobile users, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The growth represents the rapid adoption of 5G, alongside the increase in fixed broadband subscribers which reached 670 million users. Gigabit broadband accounted for 31.2 percent of subscribers highlighting a 5.5 percent rise from the previous year. The telecommunications sector recorded cumulative revenues of 1.59 trillion yuan ($217.85 billion) from January to November, reflecting a 2.6 percent growth. Emerging technologies appeared to have driven this growth, with revenue from big data services surging 60.7 percent, and cloud computing rising 6.8 percent. The three major telecom operators—China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom—generated 395.2 billion yuan in revenues from diversified services like IPTV, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things.
China Imposes Sanctions on Canadian Organizations Over Misinformation: China announced countermeasures against two Canadian organizations, the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project and the Canada Tibet Committee, along with 20 associated personnel. The sanctions include freezing assets within China, prohibiting transactions, and denying visas and entry to China, including Hong Kong and Macao. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs justified the action under the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, after accusing Canada of spreading misinformation about human rights in Xinjiang and Tibet. This comes in response to Canada imposing sanctions on Chinese individuals for alleged human rights abuses, which Beijing views as a matter of internal affairs. Observers highlight Canada’s confrontational stance white other Western countries recognise the limited benefits of accusing China of such atrocities. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated on Monday the demands for Canada to cease political manipulation of human rights issues and stop interfering in China’s domestic matters. These developments reflect ongoing tensions in Sino-Canadian relations, with human rights being a key point of contention. China’s response underscores Beijing’s commitment to countering external threats to Chinese sovereignty.
China's Winter Tourism and Sports Surge in Popularity: Winter tourism and sports are booming in China as low temperatures appear to be boosting interest in activities like skiing and ice skating amongst the general public. Traditional destinations such as Harbin in Heilongjiang province and Xinjiang remain top choices for their picturesque snow views and trusted, developed facilities. Indoor ski domes in warmer regions like Guangdong and Hubei are also gaining popularity, providing convenient options for winter sports enthusiasts without long travel hours. The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics significantly increased public interest in winter sports, with younger travelers contributing greatly to the overall demand. Overseas destinations such as Hokkaido, Japan, and Nordic countries are also gaining popularity for their unique experiences amongst the Chinese population. China is now integrating winter sports, tourism, and multiple development projects to grow its winter economy. Aiming for a market worth 1.5 trillion yuan ($205 billion) by 2030, the government is positioning winter tourism as a key economic driver.
Celebrating 25 Years of Macao’s Return to China, Xi highlights Progress in the Advancing of the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ Policy: A ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to China and the inauguration of the sixth-term Macao SAR government took place at the East Asian Games Dome. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech highlighting Macao's achievements under the "one country, two systems" framework, showcasing the city's transformation and improved international standing under the policy. Xi outlined four principles for sustaining Macao's prosperity: adhering to "one country, two systems," ensuring security alongside development, leveraging Macao's unique strengths to enhance global connectivity, and fostering inclusiveness. He encouraged the new government, led by Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai, to pursue economic diversification, improved governance, and social harmony while adhering to mainland China’s national development strategies. In response, Sam pledged to continue to abide by the principles of "one country, two systems" and contribute to China's modernization. Xi further showed his confidence that Macao, supported by the central government, will continue development and growth, contributing to China's national rejuvenation dream.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Elderly Chinese Aunt Gains Online Fame for Korean Drama Parodies: Zhen Yingzi, a 66-year-old from Qingdao, China, has gone viral on social media for her humorous parodies of classic Korean drama scenes. Known as "Silly Aunt Yingzi" online, she has garnered 811,000 followers and has recreated scenes from over 400 dramas, including hits like Descendants of the Sun and My Love from the Star. Her videos, performed in the Qingdao dialect, feature her family and friends as actors, with her daughter and son-in-law helping her with costumes and props. One particular parody of Descendants of the Sun shows Zhen wearing a wig and interacting with elderly "soldiers" holding sausages and popsicles, adding absurdity and humour to her performance, which amassed 5 million views. Her passion has inspired fans globally, sparking admiration and excitement among fans. Many have expressed how the reimagined version resonates deeply with them, even inspiring some to consider contributing to the project and involving their own loved ones.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media and Public See India's Rise as a Double-Edged Sword: In an article published by Guancha, Chinese media and commentators are reportedly closely watching the growing U.S. support for India’s rise, viewing it as both a challenge to China and a potential disruptor for global power dynamics. The author highlights Washington's focus on India as a strategic partner to counterbalance Beijing, which is visible in projects of defense cooperation, supply chain integration, and political support for Indian Prime Minister Modi. While U.S. officials view India as an important ally, Chinese analysts reflect upon India’s independent foreign policy focusing on non-alignment, and desire to reclaim global influence after British colonial rule. China is also apprehensive of India’s unpredictability in international relations. New Delhi’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, where it refused to condemn Moscow, reflects its non-aligned approach and historical ties with Russia. Similarly, China notes that India’s trade policies often prioritize domestic interests over global cooperation, as seen when it disrupted many discussions at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference held in February 2024. Chinese observers comment that while U.S. support for India aims to challenge Beijing, it may eventually lead to the emergence of a third hegemony in global politics which would have the potential to create greater instability. The author states that this view resonates with Chinese public sentiment, which views India’s rise as a potential shift in the balance of power that complicates China’s regional ambitions.

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.