CiCM 24th April 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

China Denies Ongoing Tariff Talks with US: China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly denied media reports suggesting that China and the United States are currently engaged in negotiations or nearing an agreement on tariff-related issues. The statement came during a regular press conference and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun dismissed the claims as ‘fake news’. He confirmed that there are no ongoing negotiations or agreements regarding tariffs between the two countries. Guo reiterated China’s longstanding position on the trade conflict, asserting that the tariff dispute was initiated by the U.S., emphasizing that China’s stance remains unchanged. "If you want to fight, we will fight to the end, if you want to talk, the door is open", he said. Echoing Guo’s remarks, the Ministry of Commerce also confirmed that no economic or trade negotiations are currently taking place between the two nations. China has stated that talks should involve the cancellation of all tariffs it currently faces.
Ministry Launches Three-Year Action Plan to Strengthen Flood Detention Zones: China’s Ministry of Water Resources has launched a comprehensive three-year action plan (2025–2027) to enhance the construction and management of flood detention and retention zones, aiming to significantly boost flood prevention capacity and public safety. The newly released action plan for the construction and management of flood detention areas focuses on reinforcing critical flood control infrastructure and operational systems in these zones, which are crucial to China’s broader river basin flood defense strategy. The plan prioritizes areas with high flood defense value and frequent activation, particularly nationally designated zones and integrates both hard engineering solutions and soft management improvements, with specific tasks outlined in areas such as regulatory system enhancement, infrastructure development, safety facility construction, and administrative capacity building. By the end of 2027, 72 national flood detention zones are expected to complete their current planned construction tasks. The goal is to significantly improve active control, flexible dispatch, and safe operation capabilities. The Ministry is also advancing the development of digital twin flood detention areas, incorporating smart technologies to enhance forecasting, early warning systems, and emergency response planning.
Coast Guard Launches Nationwide Crackdown on Marine Pollution and Ecological Damage: In an effort to combat marine pollution and ecological degradation along its coastlines and offshore areas, China Coast Guard (CCG) has announced a comprehensive national campaign along its coastlines and offshore areas from April 25 to November 25. The campaign is a joint initiative involving the CCG and multiple government departments to intensify regulatory oversight of marine resources and target key sources of environmental harm, with a particular emphasis on emerging marine industries and critical ecological protection efforts. The initiative will include targeted inspections across a wide range of maritime activities and will cover shoreline development, new sea-use projects, offshore oil exploration, sea dumping, and the laying of undersea cables and pipelines. Additionally, authorities will assess the status of marine conservation efforts, particularly within representative ecosystems and protected maritime zones. Following the announcement, the CCG enforced maritime management and exercised sovereign jurisdiction at Tiexian Jiao in the South China Sea by conducting on-reef inspection and evidence collection of illegal activity.
NDRC Shortens Market Access Negative List to Boost Business Environment: China has taken another step toward improving its business environment by shortening its market access negative list, a key tool used to outline sectors restricted or prohibited to domestic and foreign investors. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) announced that the number of items on the list has been cut from 117 to 106, eliminating 11 items. Jointly issued by the NDRC, the Ministry of Commerce, and the State Administration for Market Regulation, the updated list was approved by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council. The changes aim to reduce entry barriers and promote fair competition. Key revisions include the removal of national measures that previously required licensing. In sectors like TV drama production and new telecom services, regulations will remain the same but the entry process has been streamlined. The updated list also removed some regional measures imposed by local governments which will now be governed under unified national standards. The list has been expanded to cover emerging industries and new business formats under the updated framework, ensuring standardized management for high-growth sectors. Since the list's first release in 2018, the number of restricted items has dropped from 151 to 106 which is a nearly 30% reduction.
China, Kenya Vow Strategic Cooperation in New-Age Africa Ties: China and Kenya pledged to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership and create a All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future in the New Era, following President William Ruto’s state visit to Beijing at the behest of President Xi Jingping. In a joint statement issued after high-level talks, the two leaders affirmed their shared vision for a new era of cooperation marked by mutual respect, sovereign equality, and joint development. China and Kenya vowed to strengthen collaboration across politics, trade, infrastructure, health, digital innovation, education, and global governance. The leaders reaffirmed support for each other's core interests with Kenya reiterating its commitment to the ‘One-China’ policy, while China backed Kenya’s development model and regional peace efforts. Key agreements include advancing Belt and Road cooperation, expanding bilateral trade and investment, supporting Kenya’s industrialization agenda, and exploring direct air links between their capitals. Both sides committed to enhancing railway, energy, and health sector collaboration and will work toward signing a bilateral free trade framework. The two countries pledged to uphold multilateralism, reform global institutions including the UN Security Council, and promote South-South solidarity. They endorsed African-led solutions to regional challenges. President Ruto hailed the visit as a milestone and invited President Xi to Kenya.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Chinese Woman's 11-Year Sentence for Killing Abusive Husband Sparks Outcry on Social Media: The controversial case of Cao, a 26-year-old Chinese woman sentenced to 11 years in prison for killing her abusive husband, has ignited a nationwide storm of discussion across Chinese social media platforms, particularly Weibo. Cao was convicted of intentional homicide after a tragic car accident in May 2024, in which her husband Liu died after she drove away with him clinging to the hood. Cao’s defense claims she was fleeing severe abuse after her husband had allegedly beaten her and held her at knifepoint just before the incident. Her lawyers argue it was a desperate act of self-defense, not premeditated murder. Online, the public response has been overwhelming, with many netizens expressing sympathy and calling for judicial reform echoing the need for urgent upgradation of laws pertaining to domestic violence. Legal experts and women’s rights advocates have weighed in, pointing out that Cao’s case reflects systemic shortcomings in recognizing and handling domestic violence. The case has become a flashpoint for broader conversations about women’s rights, self-defense laws, and the justice system’s role in protecting abuse survivors. Cao’s appeal is ongoing, with her legal team set to argue that she acted under immediate threat to her life. One user on social media said, “If a knife is held at my neck, what else can I do?”

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Calls for Stability and Protection of Civilians After Kashmir Attack: Chinese media outlets have widely reported and strongly condemned Tuesday’s deadly attack in India’s Kashmir region, in which at least 26 tourists were killed and many others injured after gunmen opened fire in the popular hill town of Pahalgam. Coverage by Chinese media has focused on the humanitarian tragedy and the broader regional implications of ongoing violence in Kashmir. The incident has sparked renewed calls in Chinese media for restraint, regional stability, and enhanced international cooperation in combating terrorism. At a regular press briefing on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said, “China strongly condemns the attack. We firmly oppose terrorism in any form and express deep condolences to the victims and sincere sympathies to the injured and their families.” Reports also noted the tense security situation along the border with Pakistan following the attack. Analysts have pointed out that the attack not only threatens local civilian life but could destabilize the already fragile peace process in the region. Experts have emphasized the need for international cooperation on counterterrorism and the importance of preventing civilian casualties. Several editorials stressed that tourist destinations should never become targets of violence, and that regional players, including India and Pakistan, must work toward lasting peace. However, the media has consistently used the term ‘India-controlled Kashmir’ instead of simply ‘Kashmir,’ reflecting China’s persistent reluctance to accept the region as a part of India.

Prepared By

Ipsha Bhalsagar

Ipsha Bhalsagar, an Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering graduate from the Government College of Engineering, Nagpur, blends her technical expertise with a passion for international relations, diplomacy, and design. Currently a Content Intern at The Indian Netizens and a Design Intern at IFPD, she explores geopolitics while contributing creatively. She has authored research on India’s maritime security and participated in global roundtables and workshops. With experience in content writing, public speaking, and data visualization, Ipsha is keen on bridging technology and social sciences, aspiring to enhance research through data-driven insights in diplomacy and international affairs.