CiCM 30th December 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

China and Iran Strengthen Strategic Ties Amid Global Challenges: China and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation and multilateral coordination to navigate global challenges and enhance regional stability. During Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s two-day visit to Beijing, both countries agreed to deepen their strategic partnership, reiterating their focus on implementing the 2021 comprehensive cooperation plan. Both sides emphasized Middle East sovereignty, opposing external influence, sanctions, and conflict instigation. They called for respect for the rights of Palestinians, immediate humanitarian aid, and resolving issues in Syria through reconciliation and anti-terrorism efforts. Chinese experts and media highlighted the importance of these talks, underscoring Beijing’s role in upholding justice in international affairs. China reiterated its support for preserving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and opposing coercion, concerning Iran’s nuclear deal. Araghchi also underscored the vitality of China's contributions and emphasized Tehran’s prioritization of ties with Beijing. Iran and China also appear to be in the process of strengthening cooperation within global platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS, reflecting their shared concerns on international issues.
China Shifts to Proactive Policies for 2025 Economic Growth: China appears to be adopting a more proactive fiscal and monetary approach in 2025 to tackle economic challenges and transition toward a consumption-driven model. The Central Economic Work Conference emphasized boosting domestic demand, stabilizing real estate and stock markets, and improving household income growth. Economists also predict a record-high deficit-to-GDP ratio of 3.5-4% for 2025. Monetary policies are also shifting, with the “prudent” 14-year stance being replaced by "moderately accommodative" strategies. Analysts expect policy rate and reserve requirement ratio (RRR) cuts to maintain liquidity. Consumption-boosting measures, such as increased pensions, medical subsidies, and trade-in programs are anticipated. Fiscal support is also expected for childbirth in the next year. These policies come in light of China’s economy showing signs of recovery, with industrial production rising and retail sales expected to rebound. Experts view these as vital to sustain growth and balance investment with consumption.
Bangladesh Opens Padma Bridge Railway after China Undertook Construction: The Padma Bridge railway connection line, Bangladesh's largest railway project built by Chinese enterprises, is now fully operational. Running a total of 170 kilometres, the "Dream Road" reduces travel time between Dhaka and Jesol from 10 hours to just 3, significantly boosting regional connectivity and economic growth. This project is also a key component of the Belt and Road Initiative, marking a transformative development in Bangladesh’s railway infrastructure. Officials from Bangladesh's Ministry of Railways view the railway’s commercial launch as a historic moment for the nation’s development, and Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen described the project as an example of Sino-Bangladeshi cooperation, portraying China's commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s industrial upgradation and diversification. Undertaken by China Railway Co., Ltd., the project’s first section began operations in October 2023. The railway reflects 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations and shows current mutual collaboration in infrastructure development, economic trade, and modernization.
Shanghai's Loushanguan Road Station Transfer Upgrade Opens: The underground transfer channel at Shanghai Rail Transit’s Loushanguan Road Station (Lines 2 and 15) will open on December 31, reducing transfer distance from 400 to 320 meters as well as reducing transfer time from 15 to 9 minutes. Previously, passengers had to exit and re-enter stations, which faced weather-related inconveniences. Completed in just 169 days, the project addressed the challenges of limited space and operational complexity, including barrier-free elevators, air conditioning, and modern facilities, adhering to the latest standards. It also features a public art space inspired by Shanghai's urban environment. Additional measures include optimized guidance systems and on-site support for smooth transitions. The upgrade reflects Shanghai's commitment to enhancing public transportation convenience and urban experience.
China Commissions Advanced Deep-Sea Exploration Ship Tansuo-3: China's domestically developed Tansuo-3, which is a multi-functional deep-sea scientific exploration and archaeological ship, has been commissioned in Sanya, Hainan, and is expected to begin missions in 2025. 104 meters long with a capacity of 10,000 tonnes, the vessel is equipped to conduct global deep-sea exploration, including polar regions, and also enables manned deep diving in icy conditions. It features advanced technology, including a 6x4.8-meter moon pool for operations under challenging maritime conditions. Tansuo-3 will deploy the full-ocean-depth submersible Shenhai Yongshi (Deep Sea Warrior) for scientific research, deep-sea equipment trials, and archaeology in the South China Sea by mid-2025. With a sailing range of 15,000 nautical miles, the vessel proves to enhance China's autonomy in developing key maritime technologies and capabilities.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Chinese School Under Fire for Serving Students Food From Dog Bucket: A school in Liaoning province, China, has sparked outrage after revelations that staff had served students food from a bucket previously used for dog leftovers. Parents at Wulidianzi School discovered that leftovers meant for dogs were repurposed and served to young students, with some reportedly falling ill after consuming the food. The incident came to light when concerned parents observed canteen operations and confronted the school, which later allowed them to view surveillance footage but prohibited recording. The backlash on Chinese social media was swift and intense. Netizens condemned the negligence, with many calling for severe penalties for those involved. The incident fueled broader concerns about food safety in schools, with demands for increased transparency, such as live-streaming canteen activities to ensure accountability. This scandal, coming on the heels of similar incidents like the discovery of a mouse head in a Jiangxi college meal last year, has amplified distrust among parents nationwide. Many online voices criticized the lack of oversight and expressed fears about the potential long-term impacts on students’ health and well-being. The public pressure has prompted local authorities to launch an investigation, but trust in the system remains deeply shaken.

INDIA WATCH

Alleged Indian Plot to Oust Maldives President Sparks Debate in China: The Guancha commented on an alleged “plot” involving Indian intelligence to impeach Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, which has sparked debate across regional and international platforms, including in China. Muizzu often noted for his focus on Maldivian sovereignty, has sought to navigate the Maldives’ foreign relations with both India and China. The author remarks that according to The Washington Post, the alleged operation involved attempts to influence lawmakers, but it reportedly failed. The Maldivian government and India’s Ministry of External Affairs have refrained from commenting on these alleged claims. Later, the author comments on how developments have drawn attention in China, with media outlets and experts interpreting them within the broader context of regional geopolitics. Chinese coverage has highlighted Muizzu’s January visit to China, which strengthened the Maldives-China strategic partnership, alongside his October visit to India, reflecting his effort to balance ties with both nations. The article notes that the discussions have centered on the Maldives’ strategic importance in the Indian Ocean, where India and China are both key players. This incident has reignited conversations about nations’ challenges in maintaining their autonomy while managing relations with major powers like India and China.

Prepared By

Taasha Mistry

Taasha Mistry is a third year undergraduate student at FLAME University, pursuing a major in International Studies with a minor in Advertising & Branding. After having completed an internship at International SOS, she has found her interests to lie in security and strategic studies. Intrigued by the ever changing dynamics in the modern day world, she keeps herself updated with daily news and events.