CICM 30th September 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

China Emphasises Peaceful Development and Global Cooperation: Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. The speech highlighted China's long-term progress and fostered the nation's commitment to peaceful development, both at home and globally. He emphasised the importance of multilateralism and joint collaborative efforts in addressing global challenges, particularly in the post-COVID era. China's role in bringing about cooperation among developing nations while also safeguarding international peace was also spoken about by the Chinese President. The event covered what one can understand as China’s vision of modernisation while still claiming its position in global leadership through partnerships that prioritise mutual growth.
Chinese Navy Enhances Tactical Readiness through Live-Fire Drills: On September 30, 2024, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy conducted large-scale live-fire drills to embolden its operational capabilities. These maritime drills were brought about to test the tactical coordination and combat readiness of various naval units, including warships, submarines, and aircraft. These exercises are seemingly part of China's long-term goals to modernise its military and improve the preparedness of its forces in response to evolving security challenges in and around China. The drills focused on simulating real combat conditions, improving joint operations, and enhancing the Chinese Navy's ability to safeguard China's maritime interests and territorial sovereignty.
China to Implement Cyber Data Security Management Regulations from 2025: Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed a State Council decree, announcing the ‘Cyber Data Security Management Regulations’ which will come into effect on January 1, 2025. These regulations aim at standardising nationwide cyber data processing, ensuring network data security, and promoting lawful and effective data utilisation. Key provisions of this law include data classification, personal information protection, important data safety, cross-border data management, and platform service obligations. These rules also claim cooperation in global standards for data security and encourage innovation across a plethora of IT sectors. This law will also give the authorities tighter control over online activities that may be a threat to the nation or could be spreading ‘false information’. Social Media platforms will have to verify identities and failing to do so will cause penalties.
Xi Issues Second Warning to Taiwan's Independence Advocates in Two Months: Chinese President Xi Jinping has delivered a second stern warning to Taiwan's independence advocates since William Lai Ching-te assumed leadership of the island, post-Tsai Ing-wen's tenure. Xi's message is proof of China's unwavering stance on Taiwan, confirming the opposition to avoid any form of separatist actions and putting forth the ongoing tensions across the Taiwan Strait. With William Lai, a pro-independence figure, now leading Taiwan, Beijing's warnings have become more frequent, signalling heightened concerns over potential moves towards formal independence. In terms of analysis, Xi’s repeated warnings reflect China's strategic priority of preventing Taiwan's independence at all costs. This pattern may lead to increased diplomatic and military pressure on Taiwan as China reaffirms its sovereignty claims. The evolving situation sets the stage for further geopolitical friction in the region.
Maldives President Confident of Strengthened Friendship and Cooperation with China: Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu expressed confidence in the growing friendship and cooperation between China and the Maldives during a reception celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The event, held by the Chinese Embassy in the Maldives, highlighted the longstanding ties between the two nations, rooted in shared goals of peace and development. Muizzu praised the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge as a symbol of their enduring partnership and outlined future cooperation in trade, tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy. Chinese Ambassador Wang Lixin reiterated China’s commitment to further deepening strategic ties with the Maldives.
Documentary ‘Three Battles’ Explores Key Turning Points in Chinese Revolutionary War: To celebrate and commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, the popular documentary ‘Three Battles’ that circles Liao-Shen, Huaihai, and the Pingjin campaigns that happened between 1948 and 1949, was aired. This piece of cinema uses original documents, interviews, expert narrations and reenactments from history to showcase a comprehensive picture of the Chinese People’s Revolutionary War. It sparks the feeling of nationalism and patriotic outbursts through its highlighting of the sacrifices made by the soldiers, and how through unity and strength they could defeat the Kuomintang. The documentary encourages the Chinese Citizens to be inspired and preserve the sacrifices and efforts of the revolutionary soldiers that participated in the revolution, and keep up the same spirit for future generations.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Four-Year-Old Breakdancer Wows Netizens with Viral Moves: A 4-year-old boy from China has gone viral for his impressive breakdancing skills, capturing the hearts of netizens with moves that go far beyond his age. The young dancer has showcased moves far beyond his years, leaving audiences both amazed and amused. His father, a professional breakdancing instructor, regularly practises at home, and it appears his son has picked up the art by watching him. The video has sparked widespread reactions, with many praising the boy's natural talent and expressing admiration for his early start in dance. While most comments celebrated the fun and heartwarming performance, some viewers voiced concerns about the child's safety, questioning whether such intense physical activity is appropriate for someone so young. Despite the mixed reactions, the boy has quickly become a social media sensation, with his impressive moves continuing to captivate audiences.

INDIA WATCH

Tragic Death of Indian Executive Sparks Debate on Asia’s Overwork Crisis: The South China Morning Post recently covered the tragic death of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Perayil, an Audit Executive at EY, who reportedly succumbed to 'work-related stress.' Her mother wrote to the Chairman of EY to point out how long working hours and extreme deadlines became the cause for the untimely demise of her daughter. This letter sparked extreme media outrage, especially among young working professionals who resonate and relate to the exploitative situations of workplaces in the modern-day work-culture in India. The author of the article highlighted the need to address how many Asian countries have similar normalisation of toxic labour practices, exceeding work hours and non-existent work-life balance. Particularly in the fields of technology and finance, according to the SCMP, there is a need for urgent cultural and legal shifts to protect the physical and mental health of employees. To combat this outbreak of life-threatening workspaces, the author suggests the need for a collective effort to challenge the Indian taboo around shorter and easier working hours along with how ‘more hours’ mean ‘more success’. There is the requirement of redefining what success is and if it is worth someone’s life and sanity, fostering healthy work environments, and valuing efficiency over long unnecessary hours. By fostering healthier work environments and prioritising efficiency over unnecessary overtime, Asian economies could better leverage their human capital. In the long run, such changes would not only enhance employee well-being but also lead to more sustainable, robust growth for India.

Prepared By

Anvita Plawat

Anvita is a post graduation student of International Relations at Jamia Millia Islamia with a keen interest in geopolitical and security studies. Her academic pursuits are complemented by her extensive research on the South China Sea. Beyond her academic and leadership roles, she actively engages in initiatives promoting sustainability, menstrual equity, and gender rights.