CiCM 5th December 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Xi Stresses on Building a Strong and Modernised Information Support Force: Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized building a strong, modernized information support force to advance the Chinese military's network information system. During an inspection of the PLA Information Support Force, a strategic branch established in April, Xi highlighted the system's critical role in modern warfare and called for accelerated development to enhance combat readiness and capabilities. He stressed the importance of innovation in command methods and the transformation of combat strategies, alongside efforts to strengthen network information security and information service guarantees. Xi reiterated the Party’s absolute leadership over the military, urging the force to remain loyal, disciplined, and corruption-free. Xi tasked the Party committee of the information support force with developing a team of skilled professionals and improving governance and conduct. He also called on the Central Military Commission and other relevant authorities to coordinate efforts to advance the force's development. Amidst the suspension of Li Shangfu and Miao Hua, the inspection was attended by other CMC members Zhang Youxia, He Weidong, Liu Zhenli and Zhang Shengmin.

13 Construction Workers Missing in Site Ground Collapse: According to a statement released on December 5 by the local emergency management authorities, 13 construction workers from a site in Shenzhen's Bao'an district have been reported missing following a ground collapse incident that happened at approximately 11 p.m. on December 4. According to the statement, the incident happened at the Shenzhen-Jiangmen Railway's section 5 construction site near Zhoushi Road. Provincial and local leaders gathered at the location to supervise the response efforts, accompanied by government department staff, the project developer, and constructors involved in search and rescue operations, according to the Bao'an District Emergency Management Bureau. To help with rescue efforts, emergency services, traffic police, and transportation departments have also been called in. The statement noted that an investigation into the reason for the collapse was still in progress and that more details would be made public soon.

China Issues Guidelines to Curb the Spread of Norovirus: Amidst the recent outbreak of group norovirus infections across China which coincided with the peak season for the virus, the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration has recently released a technical guideline for the prevention and disinfection of norovirus infections in schools and other key areas, including kindergartens and elderly care centers. The guideline stressed that those infected should immediately be isolated, and efforts to disinfect affected areas should be made promptly. The guideline emphasized that norovirus can affect individuals of all age groups, and immune protection following infection tends to be short. In early November, students from three classes at a primary school in Shiyan, Hubei province, were infected, leading to a weeklong suspension of classes, according to an official from the local education bureau. In Pu'er, Yunnan province, at least 18 students at an elementary school were diagnosed with the illness in mid-October, with symptoms including vomiting and abdominal pain. Also that month, a kindergarten in Xi'an, reported 48 infected children, who had symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, local authorities said. The guidelines stressed enhanced hygiene practices, such as thorough handwashing and proper food preparation, as critical preventive measures.

Hainan Province to Unveil a Super Satellite Manufacturing Hub in 2025: According to a notification issued by the aerospace city on December 5, Wenchang International Aerospace City in South China's Hainan Province is planned to open a super satellite manufacturing facility in June 2025. The facility will be able to launch satellites as soon as they are delivered. Spread over 60,000 square meters, the super satellite factory will be the largest satellite factory in Asia. The aerospace city claims that the space has already drawn close to 1,000 aerospace companies and is poised to emerge as a significant hub for satellite manufacturing in the country. The factory's proximity to the Wenchang space launch site reduces transportation expenses and other hazards. The Hainan industry has played a major role in accelerating the development of the local aerospace launch industry. According to the report, the launch site will also hasten the growth of Hainan's commercial space sector and talent, with industrial chains encompassing satellite applications, launch services, and spacecraft research and development.

China to Promote the Construction of Several High-Level Resilient Cities by 2030: The General Office of the State Council and the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee released a statement encouraging the development of resilient cities and innovative urban infrastructure. According to the statement, the plan aims to build many high-level resilient cities by 2030, improve urban safety and resilience, and build safer, more orderly, smarter, and more efficient urban operations. By 2027, new urban infrastructure construction will be advanced significantly, its supporting role in the construction of resilient cities will be continuously enhanced, and several replicable and popularized experiences and practices will be formed. The statement contained several clearly defined tasks which included - implementing the construction and transformation of intelligent municipal infrastructure, promoting the coordinated development of smart city infrastructure and intelligent connected vehicles, developing smart residential areas, ensuring network and data security.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Netizens React to Trump’s Nominee for NASA Chief: On December 4, Trump announced that he would nominate 41-year-old billionaire Jared Isaacman as NASA’s chief during his administration. In September 2024, Isaacman completed the first commercial spacewalk by humans. He is known for his investments and passion for space and travel. He also invested $200 million to use SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft for space travel. Netizens expressed their views on the nomination on Weibo. Many users were shocked at Trump’s continuous nomination of businessmen to government posts despite having no experience in statecraft and public service. Others defended the nominee by saying that at least he had been to space and is passionate about it. Other users expressed their opinion that Trump’s re-election to the Presidential office seems to be benefitting many other billionaires like himself. Most users opined that Isaacman’s nomination could be attributed to him being a billionaire.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Reports on S. Jaishankar’s Speech on India-China Relations in the Lok Sabha: Guancha, citing articles from The Times of India and The Hindu, reported that Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar explained the recent thaw at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China on December 3 at the Winter Session of Lok Sabha. The report by Guancha covered Jaishankar’s speech and focused on the India-China border dispute and the recent effort to advance bilateral ties. The report highlighted Jaishankar’s emphasis on the “completion” of the disengagement process from all “friction points”. The article also reported that the Speaker of the Lok Sabha rejected the Opposition’s request to ask questions on Jaishankar’s statement on India-China relations. The report noted three key principles from Jaishankar’s speech which India had followed during boundary negotiations. It also mentioned that since 2020, the two sides have held more than 30 rounds of military-level and diplomatic meetings and talks which resulted in the border disengagement. Lastly, the report noted that Jaishankar did not reveal more details as India has adopted an extremely cautious approach and will take gradual steps to promote economic relations.

Prepared By

Ananya Tandon

Ananya Tandon is a third-year undergraduate student at FLAME University, majoring in International Studies and minoring in Journalism. With a keen interest in political journalism, she gained valuable hands-on experience through her internship at NDTV, where she had the opportunity to explore the field. She is passionate about staying up-to-date on issues that shape the global community.