CiCM 27-28th July 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Chinese Foreign Minister And U.S. Secretary Of State Meet To Discuss Bilateral Relations: Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister, and Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, met on Saturday, 27th July 2024, in Vientiane, Laos. During the meeting, Wang spoke about how communication has been maintained between the U.S. and China at the diplomatic, financial, law, military, cultural and climate levels. Nevertheless, he criticized the U.S. for persisting in its efforts to restrain and contain China. Wang said that the countries’ relationship remains at the crucial crux of de-escalation and stabilization. He said that changing thedirection of the relations, monitoring the risks,addressing the differences, removal of disturbances and bolstering cooperation will be key in in bettering bilateral relations. He said that China’s approach to the U.S. has been characterized by mutual respect, peace, and mutual benefit. He called on the United States to fulfill President Joe Biden’s previous commitments of implementing a practical and rational China policy and called for the two sides to work on stability and sustainable peace. Wang emphasized that the U.S. should stop perceiving China as a hegemonic power and should acknowledge its commitment to world peace. He re-emphasised Taiwan as a part of China, and stated that any provocation made by “Taiwan independence” forces will be addressed with countermeasures to ensure unification. He reinstated China’s agreement with the Philippines and said that it is important for the Philippines to adhere to its commitment of not sending materials and that the U.S. should not intervene in the South China Sea issue. Wang spoke about China’s stance on the Ukraine issue and said that China will continue to encourage peace talks and asked the U.S. to not misuse unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction. He stated that China will not compromise on its self-interests and rights. Blinken stated that the U.S. will continue its efforts to stabilize relations with China and maintain the One-China policy. He said that the U.S.-China cooperation will continue in drug control and artificial intelligence.
Chinese Procuratorates Crackdown On Protection Of Businesses: On Sunday, 28th July, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) released typical cases related to illegally seeking gains through fabrication and spreading of rumors against enterprises on the internet and ruining the business reputation of companies through blackmail. Procuratorial agencies have strengthened their efforts to control such violations and protect businesses in cyberspace. In the past, procuratorates have struck down such criminal activities through laws and have assisted the victims with recovering the losses they suffered. They also work with enterprises to improve their legal operation and cyberspace administration. The SPP is committed to tightening and protecting enterprises’ rights and interests and enabling a market-based, lawful, globalized business environment. In February 2024, the SPP undertook several mechanisms that underscore the protection of businesses that are applicable till the end of 2024. These measures include strict actions against damaging fair competition, corruption related to private businesses, and tightening the protection of property rights and related enterprises.
China Calls For Regional Security, Peace And Stability At ASEAN Regional Forum: At the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) hosted in Vientiane, Laos, the current chair of the regional organisation, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on fellow ASEAN countries to uphold ASEAN’s iteration of peace and maintain regional stability. In his speech, he described the international community as filled with chaos, prolonged regional conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and the rise of security issues such as terrorism, climate change and cybersecurity. He said that traces of unilateralism, Cold War behaviors, and military and security groupings are emerging. He emphasized the need for ASEAN countries to demonstrate their will to build cooperative, accommodating and sustainable peace when the U.S.-led NATO’s plans undermine their vision of peace and stability in the region. Wang reiterated the importance of the “ASEAN Way”, mutual trust and security through cooperation. He said that ASEAN’s wish to be a zone of peace and neutrality should be upheld. Wang spoke about the need for preventive diplomacy, enhancing trust measures, and security cooperation and dialogue through collaboration in nuclear sectors, counter-terrorism, transnational crimes and cybersecurity. He criticised external interjection and conflict and stressed political solutions through conversations. He advocated for a ceasefire in Gaza to end the war and a two-state solution. For the Ukraine war, he stated the need for peace talks.
Targeted Macroeconomic Policies Boost China’s Industrial Growth In H1 Of 2024: The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released data on Saturday, 27th July 2024, that indicates a year on year growth of 3.5% in the first half of the year, an increase from 3.4% growth in the first five months. Industrial profits for June increased by 3.6% year-on-year, a strong growth from the 2.9 % points recorded in May. Due to the bolstered development of high-end, intelligent, and green manufacturing in H1, there was a 6.6% annual growth in the equipment manufacturing sector. Recuperation in the domestic demand, a boost in industrial product exports, and a low base from 2023 have all contributed to an annual profit increase of 10% in the consumer goods manufacturing sector in the first half of 2024. Out of the 41 industrial categories, 32 saw an annual increase in profits in the first half of the year.. At the same time, Yu Weining, an NBS statistician, has stated that declining domestic demand and international instability have presented challenges in operational constraints and a lack of industrial profit. He stated that to replenish the industrial economy,there needs to be a focus on increasing domestic demand, creating new quality productive forces, and implementing new growth drivers.
Landslide Hits Hunan Province; Rescue Efforts Underway: On Sunday, 28th July, morning a landslide occurred in Hunan, Central China. The landslide was caused by flash floods in the Nanyue district of Hengyang. Rescue efforts, as of now, have recovered 18 people out of the 21 trapped in a flooded one-story inn. The landslide occurred in Yuelin Village where 15 were dead and six were injured. The Nanyue emergency response department has been working on relief efforts and assisting all those affected. The Central Meteorological Observatory (CMO) issued an orange alert for heavy rains on Sunday through Monday. Local authorities have been making efforts to prepare for heavy rain, distribute relief supplies, and perform necessary evacuations. Over 240 disaster relief officers have been deployed to undertake ongoing rescue efforts. The Ministry of Emergency Management issued a Level-III response for floods in Jilin Province and a Level-IV response for Chongqing Municipality. The ministry also emphasised the need to prepare accommodation facilities in mountainous regions, construction sites, farmhouses and tourist attractions. They also instructed authorities to remain alert for necessary evacuations.
Chinese Premier And Italian Prime Minister Discuss Deepening Economic Partnership: In a meeting on Sunday, 28th July, between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, they discussed enhancing economic cooperation. Li Qiang called for increased cooperation between Italy and China to counter slow economic development and bolster both countries. He said that the countries should increase relations through the Silk Road spirit of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness. He said that the strategic partnership should create more economic and trade opportunities between the countries. He called for more investment and business between China and Italy. Giorgia Meloni supported a comprehensive strategic partnership that benefits both sides. She said that Italy is prepared to engage with China through economy, trade, investment and AI. She said that the partnership should underscore fairness, transparency, trust, innovation, and competitiveness. China and Italy hope to further their economic strategic partnership to mutually benefit both economies.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

11-Year-Old Rocket Builder Becomes Online Sensation: Yan Hongsen, an 11-year-old boy has astonished netizens with his ability to build rockets and his knowledge of physics and chemistry. The boy and his father have been documenting his rocket-building process on the Chinese social media platform, Douyin, and has garnered 440,000 followers. His father elaborated that Yan Hongsen has been intrigued and interested in coding and astronomy since a young age after he visited a launch center and saw the launch of Long March-2. He self-studied the subjects and began building his rocket, which was unsuccessful. Undeterred, he set out to find the problems. He is keen on pursuing the subject in the future as well. His accomplishments, knowledge and passion for aerospace have moved the online community. They expressed their pride, amazement and support for him and his dreams. Additionally, this was not the first time he gained traction. He previously made headlines for finding an error in an astronomy-related documentary.

INDIA WATCH

Suspected Chandipura Virus Death Toll Reaches 48: Xinhua, a Chinese news agency, reported on the possible infection of Chandipura virus in Gujarat. The article stated that Gujarat state’s health officials reported on Saturday, 28th July, that there has been a rise in the number of Chandipura virus cases. The article quoted a health official who stated that the Acute Encephalitis Syndrome has caused the death of 48 people thus far, a large number of which were caused by the Chandipura virus. It is stated in the article that Gujarat’s health minister said that 133 Chandipura cases have been registered. The Xinhua article further elucidates that Acute Encephalitis Syndrome constitutes a group of clinically similar neurologic symptoms that can stem from various viruses, fungi, chemicals/ toxins, parasites, bacteria, and spirochetes.

Prepared By

Sanjana Shah

Sanjana Shah is a graduate in International Studies with a minor in Journalism from FLAME University, Pune. Her interests lie in exploring the nuances and intricacies of geopolitics and understanding the complexities that arise from the socio-political-economic nexus. She is deeply interested in history, defence and security studies, and humanitarian studies.