CiCM 30th January 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Hong Kong launches public consultation on Article 23 legislation for enhanced national security: Hong Kong has initiated the public consultation for the Article 23 legislation, aiming to enhance national security enforcement and prevent activities compromising it. The proposed changes involve refining existing laws and introducing new offenses, including prohibitions on national security threats through electronic systems and collaboration with foreign forces for improper interference. Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, emphasized the urgency to address deficiencies after the 2019 upheaval. The legislation adheres to the One Country, Two Systems principle, respecting human rights. The consultation, ending on February 28, includes explanatory sessions for foreign consulates. Legislators aim to finalize the legislation before the summer recess. Officials underscored the inherent right of sovereign nations to enact laws safeguarding national security and the alignment with international human rights standards. The proposed changes address offenses related to rebellion, espionage, and state secrets, with a focus on countering national security risks from Western countries.
China's senior legislator urges strengthened cooperation with Turkmen Parliament: During his visit to Turkmenistan, Hao Mingjin, Vice Chairperson of China's National People's Congress (NPC), expressed China's readiness to strengthen cooperation with the Turkmen parliament. The Chinese delegation, invited by the Turkmen parliament, engaged in discussions with key Turkmen officials, including the Chairperson of the National Assembly (Mejlis), the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, and the Mayor of Arkadag. Hao highlighted the strong friendship and partnership between China and Turkmenistan, emphasizing the continuous development of relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties. In 2023, Presidents Xi Jinping and Serdar Berdimuhamedov declared the elevation of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The NPC expressed its commitment to enhancing collaboration with the Turkmen National Assembly, aligning with the shared vision of the two heads of state. Hao provided insights into the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Chinese-style modernization, people's democracy, and the Belt and Road Initiative. Turkmenistan affirmed its adherence to the one-China principle, expressing eagerness to actively cooperate at governmental and legislative levels, and further deepen bilateral relations across various fields.
Supreme People's Procuratorate unveils 11 key cases demonstrating Civil Code Implementation: The Supreme People's Procuratorate has unveiled the second batch of exemplary cases demonstrating the implementation of the Civil Code in China. Comprising eleven cases, notable instances include the oversight of discretionary power in civil and commercial cases, protests regarding a gift contract dispute, and disputes over private loans. The cases also encompass a motor vehicle traffic accident liability dispute, financial loan contract disputes, divorce disputes, housing sales contract disputes, and obstruction disputes. The cases touch upon key aspects of the Civil Code, such as property rights, contracts, and issues related to the principles of public order and good morals. Addressing hotly debated topics, including the evaluation of discretionary power and illegal credit card lending, these cases represent a comprehensive range of civil matters. The supervisory methods employed involve various approaches, including precise supervision of individual cases, overseeing similar cases, procuratorial reconciliation, and extended participation in social governance. The release underscores the commitment to applying the Civil Code across diverse legal issues and processes, incorporating digital procuratorial models and other aspects of duty performance.
Heilongjiang Provincial Government convenes executive meeting to discuss financial development and agriculture initiatives: On the afternoon of the 29th, Liang Huiling, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Governor, chaired a provincial government executive meeting to discuss and implement the directives of General Secretary Xi Jinping on promoting high-quality financial development. The meeting reviewed and approved "Several Measures on Jointly Promoting the High-Quality Development of Forestry and Grassland" and "Several Opinions on Vigorously Developing Animal Husbandry Insurance." The meeting stressed the importance of deeply understanding the essence of financial development in the new era, building a modern financial system with Chinese characteristics, and promoting structural reforms in financial supply. Key areas include science and technology finance, green finance, inclusive finance, pension finance, and digital finance. The meeting also emphasized the need to strengthen financial supervision, particularly in areas such as market precision, prudential supervision, and regulatory technology application to prevent financial risks. Regarding forestry and grassland development, the meeting highlighted the need to prioritize protection, particularly against the "Three North" project, and improve coordination mechanisms to enhance green and high-quality development in the province. In terms of animal husbandry insurance, the meeting emphasized its role in risk mitigation, urging the implementation of supportive policies, expansion of coverage, and promotion of characteristic industrial clusters to contribute to building a strong agricultural province. The meeting concluded by calling on leaders to enhance financial knowledge, coordinate economic and financial development, and contribute to the region's financial power and Chinese-style modernization.
China and Antigua and Barbuda forge climate change partnership with signed MOU: China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) has disclosed details of the South-South cooperation memorandum of understanding (MOU) on a material assistance project for climate change with Antigua and Barbuda. Signed on January 24, the MOU outlines China's commitment to providing Antigua and Barbuda with 200 sets of 3-kilowatt household-used photovoltaic power generation systems and 1,500 sets of 60-watt solar street lights. This initiative aims to bolster the small island nation's capacity to combat climate change. The project is deemed a significant outcome of the official visit by Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda to China from January 22 to 28. China, as a responsible developing country, actively advocates and implements South-South cooperation to address climate change, supporting developing nations, especially small island countries, least developed countries, and African nations. China has already signed 50 MOUs on cooperation with 41 developing countries and conducted 58 training sessions, training over 2,400 professionals in climate change mitigation. This effort aligns with global calls for urgent cooperative measures to tackle climate change, with China playing a leading role, as emphasized by ministers and officials from various countries during the COP28 climate conference in December 2023.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Family of Groom in China rejects tradition, displays zero bride price on big day, stresses love beyond monetary measures: In Hebei province, China, a groom's family displayed a "zero bride price" sign during a wedding procession, challenging the traditional practice of men paying a bride's family a set amount. The couple, supported by both sets of parents, emphasized that love is not measured by money. The wedding ceremony took place in the residential compound where their new home is located. The couple's decision to forgo the conventional bride price and present instant noodles as the main course at the wedding feast sparked online debate. While some believe bride price reflects respect and gratitude, others view it as an outdated tradition. A cultural shock for the marriage witness, it highlighted changing attitudes toward marriage norms. In contrast, a man from Shanxi province broke off an engagement due to an unaffordable ¥220,000 bride price, emphasizing the financial strain imposed by such traditions. The Hebei couple's unconventional wedding reflects a growing acceptance of non-traditional practices in modern Chinese marriages.

INDIA WATCH

India, mirroring China's diplomatic efforts, has long nurtured amicable ties with Turkmenistan. During President Ram Nath Kovind's groundbreaking visit, the nations solidified their bond through the signing of four pivotal agreements, spanning financial intelligence, disaster management, and more. The focus on economic ties and potential trade expansion underscores India's strategic vision. In the geopolitical theatre of Central Asia, India emphasizes the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Ashgabat Agreement, contemplating the use of Iran's Chabahar port for enhanced India-Central Asia trade. While India charts its course in the region, China's robust engagements present a contrasting narrative. Beijing's growing footprint, especially through the Belt and Road Initiative, prompts a comparative analysis. The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline discussions reveal security and business concerns addressed in India's agenda. New cooperative fronts in disaster management and digitalization underscore India's multifaceted approach. Central Asia holds pivotal importance in India's foreign policy, exemplified by Turkmenistan's role in the India-Central Asia Summit framework. The intricate balance between reinforcing historical ties, symbolized by the 'Turkman Gate' in Delhi, and embracing futuristic initiatives like the TAPI gas pipeline project accentuates India's diplomatic finesse. In contrast, China's approach in Central Asia is part of a broader regional strategy, projecting influence through economic initiatives and geopolitical manoeuvres. The divergent paths highlight the nuanced dynamics of their engagement with the region. President Kovind's diplomatic journey also stands as a strategic counterpoint to Beijing's heightened presence. Turkmenistan, a key player in this intricate geopolitical dance, welcomes India's role in regional peace and security. The first Indo-Central Asian summit not only recognizes India's commendable efforts amid the global pandemic but also amplifies the 30-year milestone in India-Central Asian relations. In essence, India's calibrated moves in Turkmenistan underscore a nuanced foreign policy approach, balancing historical ties, economic interests, and strategic initiatives.

Prepared By

Elias Sebin

Elias Sebin is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Relations from South Asian University, New Delhi. His areas of research interest include the geopolitics and social dynamics of the Latin American, West Asian, and African regions as well as gender dynamics and intersectional feminism in South Asia. An avid traveller on a shoestring budget, his short fiction and travelogues have previously been published in several online publications including LiveWire, The Reading Room Co., and Gulmohur Quarterly.