CiCM 28-29th December 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

China's Low-Altitude Economy Takes Flight in 2024 with Strategic Boosts: 2024 marks the industry-recognized "first year" of the low-altitude economy's development in China. While it has not yet fully "taken off," the sector is in a phase of "gliding" and building momentum. At the macro level, the low-altitude economy has been elevated as a strategic emerging industry, with policies and development goals clarified by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Over 20 provinces have issued plans, aiming to establish themselves as leaders in this new economic frontier. The low-altitude economy spans diverse applications, from logistics and emergency services to agriculture and tourism. Financing activities have surged, particularly for eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) companies, with 56 financing events in the first three quarters of 2024, reflecting increasing investor confidence. However, significant challenges remain, including regulatory gaps, airspace management, and infrastructure development. Experts predict that by 2025, clearer policies, improved infrastructure, and advancements in airworthiness certification will enable the industry to progress from exploration to large-scale implementation, setting the stage for transformative growth in the next decade.
China Unveils World-Leading CR450 High-Speed Train Prototype: China State Railway Group introduced the CR450 EMU prototype in Beijing, marking a breakthrough in the nation’s high-speed rail technology. This next-generation train, developed under the "CR450 Science and Technology Innovation Project," reinforces China’s position as a global leader in railway innovation. With a test speed of 450 km/h and an operating speed of 400 km/h, the CR450 significantly reduces travel times. Its advanced safety features ensure braking stability and shorter distances at high speeds. The train is 22% more energy-efficient and 10% lighter, reflecting China’s commitment to sustainable development. Enhanced passenger experiences include reduced cabin noise, increased service space, and upgraded intelligent systems for safety and convenience, setting a new benchmark for global high-speed rail.
Resolution of the Sixth Session of the 12th Shanghai Municipal Committee: The Sixth Plenary Session of the 12th Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China convened on December 29, 2024. Attendees included 77 Municipal Party Committee members and other representatives. The session reviewed and endorsed the work report delivered by Comrade Chen Jining, highlighting achievements in 2024, including high-quality economic growth, urban governance modernization, and ecological progress. The meeting stressed priorities for 2025, the final year of the 14th Five-Year Plan, focusing on high-quality development, reform, opening up, and people's livelihood improvement. The session emphasized Party leadership in advancing key goals, strengthening grassroots innovation, and maintaining a clean political environment. A call was made for unity and determination to accelerate Shanghai's transformation into a global socialist modern metropolis.
China’s Investment in Transportation to Reach 3.8 Trillion Yuan This Year: China's Ministry of Transport estimates that fixed asset investment in transportation will reach approximately 3.8 trillion yuan in 2024. Investment in railways, waterways, and civil aviation is projected to rise by 10%, 7%, and 9% year-on-year, respectively, while highway investment is expected to reach 2.57 trillion yuan, maintaining historically high levels. Key projects completed this year include the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, the Huangmaohai Cross-sea Link, and high-speed railways such as the Chizhou-Huangshan and Shanghai-Suzhou-Lake lines. Additionally, major national expressways like the Lanzhou-Haikou and Yinchuan-Kunming routes have been connected, highlighting significant progress in infrastructure development. These achievements reflect a strong commitment to enhancing the country's transportation network, providing vital support for sustained investment growth. Looking ahead, authorities aim to bolster funding and resource allocation to advance the construction of major engineering projects, further driving economic development and connectivity across regions.
Shanghai to Continue Property Tax Measures: The Shanghai municipal government announced on Friday that it will maintain its trial measures for collecting property tax from eligible residents. According to a notice on the municipal government's website, this decision follows a review of policies introduced in January 2011. Shanghai and Chongqing remain the only cities in mainland China to impose, According to a notice on the municipal government’s property tax, introduced as part of efforts to regulate the real estate market. In Shanghai, the tax applies to families whose housing area exceeds 60 square meters per person. The annual rate is set at either 0.4 per cent or 0.6 per cent of the total property price, depending on the apartment’s price per square meter. The property tax was implemented to curb speculative housing investments and stabilise property prices. By continuing with these measures, Shanghai signals its intent to uphold housing market regulations while monitoring their long-term impact. This approach is part of broader national efforts to address challenges in the real estate sector, including affordability and market stability. As China’s economic hub, Shanghai’s property tax policies often serve as a model for potential expansions of similar measures nationwide. The continuation reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining a balanced and sustainable housing market.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Netizens React to Rumors of Chinese Police Deaths in Myanmar: Rumors claiming four Chinese police officers were killed undercover in northern Myanmar have been debunked, sparking widespread online reactions. The false claims tied the deaths to the "10.20 case," alleging the officers were buried alive during a violent incident with hundreds of casualties. Wang Zao, Executive Deputy Director of the Wenzhou Public Security Bureau, clarified that the incident involved the Mingjia criminal group, operators of a telecom fraud ring in Kokang, Myanmar. On October 20, 2023, an escape attempt during the relocation of detainees led to gunfire, resulting in casualties. Four Chinese nationals died, and four were injured, but none were police officers. Online, netizens expressed outrage over the Mingjia group’s actions, with one calling them "cruel individuals bringing disaster and harm." Others criticized their abuse and killings within their fraud operations. Many demanded accountability for spreading the false claims, with one user saying, "Rumor-mongers should face consequences." The incident has prompted calls for vigilance against misinformation, with authorities urging the public to rely on verified sources.

INDIA WATCH

China Reports on What Its New Mega Dam Could Mean for India: A recent report by the South China Morning Post covering China’s ambitious mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River has heightened concerns in India over water security and strategic risks. The project, set to become the world’s largest hydroelectric dam, promises to generate three times the power of the Three Gorges Dam but comes with significant regional implications. The dam’s location near the river’s Grand Canyon places it upstream of India’s Brahmaputra River, a critical water source for millions. The author states that the experts warn of potential disruptions to water flow, posing threats to agriculture, livelihoods, and ecosystems downstream. The author comments that according to them India could worry the project could grant China strategic leverage in the already contested Himalayan border region. In response, India is accelerating its hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh to secure its share of the river’s resources. Analysts view this as part of a broader regional competition, with the dam reflecting China’s growing assertiveness. Beijing defends the project as a step toward carbon neutrality, but critics point to the ecological and geopolitical costs. For India, the dam is not just an environmental issue but a reminder of fragile Sino-Indian ties, where mistrust continues to overshadow diplomatic efforts. The development highlights how critical resources like water are increasingly central to regional rivalries.

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.