CiCM 29th-30th July 2023

NEWS IN CHINA

On July 28th, 2023, Global E-sports Conference took place in Shanghai, marking the city's progress towards becoming the "global e-sports capital." China's e-sports industry has shown significant recovery, with overall revenue reaching 75.993 billion yuan from January to June 2023, indicating an 11.74% month-on-month increase. Riot Games announced that the 2024 "Fearless Contract" Masters Tournament will be held in Shanghai to foster the growth of the e-sports industry and establish the city as a major e-sports hub. The conference saw international collaborations, with the China E-sports Industry Research Institute signing a memorandum of cooperation with the Brazilian National E-sports Association and the Pan-American E-sports Federation. Industry leaders emphasized the importance of Chinese originality and global expansion for the industry's high-quality development. They discussed trends such as standardization of competitions, industrialization of sports, and market popularization. Digital technology, global cultural integration, and talent cultivation were highlighted as key directions for China's e-sports growth. Various companies and organizations expressed their commitment to advancing the e-sports sector, including China Mobile Migu, Tencent Games, and Qualcomm. Additionally, Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC) expressed interest in collaborating with Chinese e-sports and game companies to provide global operation services.
Typhoon Doksuri, has triggered high-level emergency responses in northern China, including Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei province. A red alert, which is the highest level of warning for rainstorms, was issued by the National Meteorological Center over the weekend. More than 27,000 people were evacuated from flood-prone areas in Beijing, while. the rainfall is expected to continue until Tuesday night, with the potential to break records in Beijing. Hebei province, including cities like Shijiazhuang and Langfang, could also see "extraordinary rainstorms" with accumulated precipitation possibly exceeding 600 millimeters as per authorities. The vicious storm, which first swept through southern China's Fujian province last week is expected to swiftly move towards northern China, leading to multiple landslides and flooding in various regions.
French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire stated on Sunday that he opposes the idea of "decoupling" from China and believes that the world's second-largest economy does not pose a risk. This statement came after the conclusion of the 9th China-France High-Level Economic and Financial Dialogue in Beijing, which saw both countries reaching agreements on various issues, including finance, climate change, and aerospace. Despite positive economic cooperation between China and France, the ongoing EU debate on "de-risking" could potentially limit the scope and scale of their cooperation. Le Maire emphasized that "de-risking" does not imply that China is a risk. Despite some obstacles and restrictions, France aims to strike a balance between the EU and the US while enhancing its strategic autonomy in trade relations with China. Excessive labelling of Chinese imports, technology, and investment as risks may hinder deepening cooperation between the two trading giants. Dialogues like the China-France High-Level Economic and Financial Dialogue are avenues that can potentially address mutual concerns and build trust for greater cooperation.
China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has announced the launch of its self-developed seabed seismic exploration equipment, "Haimai," in the Bohai Sea. The advanced technology can capture seismic wave signals equivalent to the sound of a mosquito 1/150th of its size from depths of up to 10,000 meters, providing high-definition data of oil and gas reservoirs. "Haimai" is understood to have significant advantages, such as small size, flexible deployment, adaptability to various water depths, and high-performance ultra-low frequencies. It can collect data four times more efficiently than conventional towed-cable models, enabling clear observation of oil and gas reservoirs buried several kilometers deep. The equipment is deployed in a vast network on the seabed, resembling a "stethoscope" listening to seabed reservoirs, providing precise subsea strata analysis.
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto criticized Italy's decision to join China's Belt and Road Initiative four years ago, calling it an "improvised and atrocious act" that resulted in a significant increase in China's exports to Italy but did little to boost Italian exports to China. Italy signed up for the plan under a previous government, making it the only major Western country to have done so. The current administration, including Crosetto, is now considering how to disengage from the agreement without damaging relations with Beijing. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that a decision on the matter would be made before December, and discussions with the Chinese government and within the Italian parliament are ongoing. Meloni also emphasized that it would still be possible to maintain good relations with Beijing without being part of the Belt and Road Initiative.
The 31st Summer World University Games, held in Chengdu, China, commenced with a grand opening ceremony attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and other distinguished guests from around the world. The event showcased vibrant performances and cultural displays, including the symbolic entrance of China's national flag accompanied by the national anthem. Athletes from 113 countries and regions paraded through the stadium, generating enthusiasm and cheers from the audience. The Chinese delegation, with over 700 members, entered last, evoking joyous applause. The opening ceremony featured speeches by Huai Jinpeng, President of the organizing committee, and FISU Acting President Leonz Eder, expressing gratitude and best wishes for the athletes. President Xi officially declared the games open, marked by fireworks and the lighting of the cauldron, followed by a gala performance called "Young Dream Chasers." Several overseas leaders were present at the event, which marked the beginning of a memorable sports gala uniting youth from across the globe.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Netizens praise an act of kindness: Wu Yuqi, a university graduate from a deprived background in Zhejiang province, China, discovered after graduation that her mysterious monthly deposit of 1,000 yuan (US$140) came from the father of her best friend at secondary school. The generous benefactor, Zhang Shaomin, had secretly supported Wu throughout her four-year studies, allowing her to focus on her education without financial worries. Wu's father passed away when she was three months old, and her mother is hard on hearing. The heartwarming story of Wu Yuqi, the university graduate who received secret financial support from her best friend's father, has captured the attention of mainland social media. One person remarked, "This is a beautiful example of the law of attraction between good people," while another touching comment read, "Even though I don't have a father, this story makes me feel the warmth of a father's love.". Wu has been accepted into Fudan University for her master's studies, and Zhang has offered to support her financially if needed.

INDIA WATCH

The ongoing World University Games in Chengdu have provided college students from around the world with unique opportunity for expose and cultural exchanges. India is among the 119 nations participating in the FISU World University Games 2023 in Chengdu, China which is slated to continue from July 28th to 8^th August 2023. Originally scheduled for 2021 but postponed due to the pandemic, A total of 268 events in 18 sports, including badminton, tennis, table tennis, archery, fencing, and judo, will be held during the Games. The eight-member wushu team was withdrawn due to visa issues, but volleyball teams are representing India. Close to 230 Indian athletes, including prominent names like Jyothi Yarraji, Manu Bhaker, and Tejaswin Shankar, are competing for medals at the FISU World University Games 2023 in Chengdu, China. In the ongoing games, India has won 11 medals so far, including five gold, two silver, and four bronze medals, placing the country fourth in the medals table. India's best previous performance at the Universiade was in 2015 when they won five medals. The contingent has a mix of experienced athletes and young talents, with badminton player Tanisha Singh, 18, being the youngest member. India's participation in the ongoing Games in Chengdu reflects its commitment to engaging in sports diplomacy as an important part of its foreign policy. By sending a large contingent of athletes and competing in various sports, India showcases its talent and sportsmanship on an international stage, thus strengthening its soft power and global presence all the while fostering cultural exchanges and creating opportunities for countries to improve deteriorating relations. These games bring together college students from around the world, allowing them to interact, understand different cultures, and build friendships beyond political boundaries. However, on the contrary, China's use of stapled visas for Indian athletes from Arunachal Pradesh has caused diplomatic tensions and challenged India's territorial integrity. By refusing to stamp the visas directly on the passports, China’s assertion on the disputed territories and undermining India's sovereignty has reinvoked the gap that still persists in the bilateral relation. The recent incident involving three Indian wushu players receiving stapled visas led to India's withdrawal of its wushu contingent from the Summer World University Games in Chengdu. This action was met with a strong protest from India, and the Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Chinese ambassador to express their dissatisfaction. The issue may resurface during the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, and China will need to carefully handle the situation given India's clear stance on the matter.

Prepared By

Akshita Pant

Akshita Pant is a post-graduate research scholar with a degree in Masters in International Relations from Amity University. Her expertise lies in the field of geopolitics, particularly focusing on China and East Asia. With a keen interest in India's foreign policy, national security, and culture, with a deep passion for understanding the complexities of international relations.