CiCM 29th April 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

President Xi Underscores Workers’ Central Role in China’s National Rejuvenation: President Xi Jinping reaffirmed the pivotal role of China’s working class in advancing national development during a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions. Addressing the gathering, Xi emphasized the values of unity, diligence, and innovation as essential drivers of China’s progress. He stressed that regardless of changes in historical conditions or social structures, the status and role of the working class remain fundamental to China’s development. The core mission of trade unions, he noted, is unshaken and central to this effort. Xi called for promoting high-quality development by inspiring the broader workforce to pursue excellence, embrace innovation, and take initiative. Xi encouraged continuous progress through hard work, responsibility, and practical action in achieving the nation’s long-term development goals by highlighting grassroots innovations such as agricultural sci-tech support and environmental restoration efforts.
China and Russia Reaffirm Strategic Partnership: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Rio de Janeiro and discussed bilateral ties and pressing global issues, including the Ukraine crisis. Wang emphasized the enduring strength of China-Russia relations in a changing world, emphasizing strategic mutual trust and cooperation across multiple domains. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing collaboration within the BRICS framework, with a shared goal of strengthening unity among developing nations and promoting a fairer system of global governance. Wang stressed the importance of BRICS solidarity in tackling common challenges and advancing collective development goals. Lavrov welcomed continued high-level exchanges and emphasized the value of close coordination between China and Russia. He reiterated Russia’s support for multilateralism and the principles of the UN Charter. Wang further reiterated China’s consistent stance on resolving international disputes through peaceful dialogue and diplomatic means.
Xi Jinping Highlights Shanghai's Role in Advancing AI Development: President Xi Jinping visited the Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center on Tuesday. He called on the city to spearhead progress in both AI innovation and governance, underscoring China’s vast potential in the sector. During his visit, he engaged with young innovators and remarked that AI is still an emerging field—and one particularly suited to the dynamism and creativity of youth. He explored the center's AI-driven technologies firsthand and sought detailed insights into product functions and evolving market trends. The visit followed a recent Political Bureau study session focused on AI, where President Xi described the technology as a strategic force driving a new wave of scientific and industrial transformation. He stressed that AI is entering a phase of rapid, explosive growth. He further highlighted how AI is reshaping work and everyday life, and noted China’s strong foundation in the field, citing its abundant data resources, industrial strength, and expansive market.
Beijing to Strengthen Legal Framework for Private Sector Growth: China’s top legislature has begun deliberations on the draft Private Sector Promotion Law during the 15th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress, which convened Sunday in Beijing. Previously reviewed in December 2024 and February 2025, the draft law aims to establish long-term legal safeguards to support the sustainable, high-quality development of the private economy. This legislation formally affirms the legal status of the private sector and incorporates key strategic directives of the Communist Party of China into law. The draft law was shaped by extensive public consultation, including input from 54 legislative outreach offices, ensuring the voices of private enterprises were well represented. Lawmakers expressed strong support for the bill, calling for complementary measures to ensure its effective implementation and to create a more enabling environment for private sector development.
President Xi Visits New Development Bank, Urges Stronger Support for Global South: President Xi Jinping visited the New Development Bank (NDB) headquarters in Shanghai, where he met with the bank’s president, Dilma Rousseff. Xi praised the NDB as the first multilateral development institution founded and led by emerging markets and developing countries. During the visit, President Xi emphasized the need for the bank to align more closely with the development priorities of the Global South. He called for increased efforts to deliver high-quality, affordable, and sustainable infrastructure financing. He also encouraged the bank to strengthen its internal management, expand its focus on technology and green finance, and play a greater role in bridging the digital divide while supporting low-carbon transitions in developing nations. Reaffirming China’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the NDB, President Xi stated that China would continue to support green, innovative, and sustainable development initiatives. He also expressed China's willingness to share its development experience through the bank and contribute more international public goods to the global community.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Elon Musk Faces Backlash Amid Wealth Drop and Tesla Turbulence: Elon Musk’s business empire is navigating a period of significant instability, with recent figures showing a 25% drop in his personal wealth. Tesla, a cornerstone of Musk’s portfolio, has seen its stock value decline by 33%, alongside underwhelming sales figures. Industry analysts point to a mix of global trade tensions, shifting tariffs, and disrupted supply chains as contributing factors that have raised operational costs and dampened performance. Musk’s recent political involvement has drawn sharp criticism online, with many suggesting that his strengths lie in innovation and business, not politics. This sentiment has been echoed widely on Chinese social media platform Weibo, where the hashtag #MuskWorkedForTrumpFor130DaysAndLost820Billion# has gone viral. Netizens remarked that during this time, Musk was "trying to manage both his company and political engagements, yet neither produced meaningful outcomes." The situation has fueled a broader debate on the risks entrepreneurs face when stepping into political arenas. Some view Tesla’s current trajectory as a cautionary tale and a case study in how leadership, policy shifts, and consumer sentiment intersect in today’s complex global landscape.

INDIA WATCH

Article in SCMP discusses India Strengthens Maritime Capabilities with Rafale-M Acquisition: An article in the South China Morning Post highlighted that India has signed a US$7.4 billion agreement with France to procure 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets, enhancing its naval aviation capabilities. The article discussed that the deal includes 22 single-seat and four trainer aircraft, with deliveries expected from 2028 and full operational readiness by 2032.The Rafale-Ms are set to replace the aging MiG-29K fleet, thereby enhancing the combat readiness of India’s aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. The article noted that the acquisition aligns with India’s broader push to modernize its defense infrastructure and strengthen maritime security across the Indian Ocean region. Analysts cited in the article underscore the geopolitical importance of the deal, noting that it comes amid evolving regional security challenges and reflects India's commitment to maintaining a credible and advanced naval posture.

Prepared By

Cherukuri Venkata Subramanya Sai Narayana

Cherukuri Venkata Subramanya Sai Narayana holds a Master’s degree in Police and Security Studies from the School of Police Science and Security Studies, National Forensic Science University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. He has a strong academic interest in conflict and security studies, with a particular focus on maritime security. During his postgraduate studies, he authored a thesis on India’s Maritime Security: Dealing with Alliances and Conflicts in the Indian Ocean Region. He remains actively engaged in analyzing global events, applying his knowledge and expertise to assess geopolitical developments with a critical perspective.