CiCM 5th February 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Tian Huiyu, the former president of China Merchants Bank, sentenced to suspended death for accepting bribes exceeding 210 million yuan: On February 5, the Changde Intermediate People's Court in Hunan Province publicly issued a verdict against Tian Huiyu, the former Party Secretary and President of China Merchants Bank. The charges levelled against him encompassed accepting bribes, abusing power, engaging in insider trading, and leaking confidential information. The court's decision was comprehensive, outlining penalties that included a suspended death sentence for bribery; a five-year imprisonment term for abusing power; a seven-year prison sentence accompanied by a fine of RMB 300 million for undisclosed information trading; and a three-year prison term coupled with an RMB 8.5 million fine for insider trading and leaking confidential information. The court's investigation uncovered a pattern of misconduct spanning from 1997 to 2022, where Tian Huiyu, holding various high-ranking positions, exploited his authority, resulting in illicit gains surpassing RMB 210 million. The severity of the offences and their substantial impact on national interests warranted a suspended death sentence for bribery, subject to a two-year reprieve. Notably, mitigating circumstances — including Tian Huiyu's cooperation, admission of guilt, and restitution of ill-gotten gains — influenced the court's decision to moderate penalties for specific charges. This sentencing reflects a meticulous evaluation of the defendant's actions, considering the intricate and extensive nature of the financial crimes committed over several years.

All-China Federation of Trade Unions outlines 2024 National May Day Labour Awards process: The All-China Federation of Trade Unions has issued a notice outlining the recommendation and selection process for the National May Day Labor Award and the National Workers' Pioneer Award in 2024. The awards ceremony, scheduled for the eve of the May Day holiday, aims to commend advanced collectives and workers, providing encouragement for the working class. The accolades, including the National May Day Labor Certificate and Medal, intend to honour entities registered in China and overseas organisations, alongside Chinese employees. The National Workers' Pioneer Award is specifically designated for affiliated departments or units of these recognized entities. The commendation process includes regular and separate categories, with special acknowledgment for those contributing significantly to major international events, emergency rescue, disaster relief, or completing major special tasks. Grassroots, frontline, and ordinary workers are emphasised, with specific percentage allocations outlined for various worker categories. Industrial workers should constitute no less than 35 percent, while other front-line workers and professional and technical personnel should each account for no less than 20 percent. Scientific and educational personnel should make up another 20 percent, and migrant workers should represent no less than 10 percent. The notice underscores strict adherence to procedures, discipline, and quality control. Inclusivity is prioritised, focusing on diverse employment forms such as drivers, online ride-hailing drivers, couriers, and takeout delivery workers. Ethnic minority workers and female workers are encouraged to account for a certain proportion within these new employment forms, promoting diversity and representation. The process aims to be completed with high standards within the designated time frame.

Supreme Court directs owners and breeders of violent and banned dogs to bear complete responsibility for their actions: In a conference convened by the Supreme People’s Court, Deputy President Du Jun of the First Civil Tribunal provided an in-depth exploration of the legal intricacies surrounding liability for damages arising from animal ownership, with a particular focus on the complexities of dog ownership. Du Jun clarified that if breeders engage in the breeding of prohibited dogs, such as Tibetan Mastiffs in certain cities, and these dogs subsequently cause harm, the breeder is unequivocally held fully liable for compensation. This liability persists irrespective of any precautionary measures taken by the breeder or potential provocation by the aggrieved party. Delving deeper, the discourse extended to cases where breeding dogs is not prohibited, yet violations of specific management regulations occur. In such instances, the breeder or manager assumes tort liability. However, the degree of liability can be subject to reduction if the breeder can furnish compelling evidence demonstrating intentional harm inflicted by the offended party. Furthermore, when breeds are not prohibited, and there are no breaches of management regulations, the breeder remains accountable for damages caused by the animals. It is noteworthy that even in such cases, the breeder can present evidence of gross negligence on the part of the harmed party, which might lead to a reduction in compensation responsibility. The overarching theme emphasised throughout the detailed explanation is the paramount importance of adherence to local regulations for dog owners. This adherence serves as a proactive and preventive measure, helping dog owners navigate potential civil liability in the event of unforeseen incidents.

China broadens visa exemption policy to attract more foreigners: China has expanded its visa-free entry policy, targeting tourists and business travellers from numerous European and Asian countries, such as Ireland, Switzerland, Singapore, Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. Additionally, China and Thailand are set to implement permanent visa exemption for each other's citizens from March 1. This initiative aims to stimulate economic growth and tourism, with foreign arrivals increasing to 35.5 million last year, though still below pre-pandemic levels. Despite the positive shift, potential challenges for foreign visitors include high airfare costs, the requirement of a Chinese mobile phone for transactions, and concerns about surveillance and control upon arrival. China's efforts to ease entry restrictions align with broader strategies to attract foreign interests and mitigate economic downturns. The expansion of visa exemptions is a notable step in opening up China's borders and fostering international engagement.

Xi Jinping conveyed condolences to Namibia’s new President, Mbemba, following the passing of President Geingob: President Xi Jinping conveyed condolences to Namibia's new President, Mbemba, following the death of President Geingob on February 5th. Xi expressed deep sympathy on behalf of the Chinese government and people, acknowledging Geingob as an exceptional leader. Geingob significantly advanced the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Namibia, contributing to Sino-African friendships. Xi emphasised the loss to both Namibians and the Chinese people. He underscored China's commitment to nurturing the profound friendship, expressing willingness to collaborate with Namibia to ensure ongoing development in their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Meeting analysing the large scale education campaign held in Beijing: A comprehensive meeting unfolded in Beijing, delving into the retrospective analysis of a Party-wide education campaign focused on the study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Xi Jinping, serving as the General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, expounded on the campaign's notable accomplishments. He highlighted its efficacy in tackling impediments to high-quality development, addressing public concerns, and resolving intricate challenges within the Party's infrastructure. Stressing the imperative of turning opinions into actionable initiatives, Xi called for the establishment of a sustained, long-term mechanism. Concretely, he urged measures to resolve issues, enhance Party members' conduct, alleviate grassroots bureaucratic burdens, and initiate an educational campaign on Party discipline. Cai Qi, a member of the CPC Politburo, underscored the campaign's innovative methodologies, emphasising the ongoing consolidation of achievements and the unwavering commitment to Party self-governance. Launched in April 2023, the top-down campaign has significantly contributed to advancing Xi Jinping Thought and fortifying China's path toward greater strength and national rejuvenation.

China introduces ethical guidelines for the research of brain-computer interface: China has introduced an ethical guideline for brain-computer interfaces (BCI) to ensure responsible development. This move follows Elon Musk's announcement about Neuralink's brain chip. The Ministry of Science and Technology released the guideline, emphasising principles like health protection, fairness, and risk management. It outlines specific requirements for legality, informed consent, privacy protection, and more. The guideline allows clinical trials for innovative BCIs in cases of rare, life-threatening diseases with full informed consent. It also addresses various types of BCI research, emphasising safety, transparency, and accountability. Importantly, the guideline advises against research impacting human autonomy until BCI technologies surpass human capabilities with societal agreement. This initiative aligns with China's commitment to protecting subjects in medical research and contributes to shaping ethical standards for BCI development.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

AI-powered game simulating snoopy relatives takes China by storm: As the Lunar New Year approaches, young individuals gear up for family reunions, anticipating inquiries about salaries and marriage plans. This year's sensation, the AI-powered game "Epic Showdown: New Year Reunion," has gained immense popularity, providing a virtual space to practise navigating awkward family interactions. Launched in late January, the game has garnered over 1 million users, but technical issues due to high traffic have temporarily rendered it inaccessible. Users engage with eight virtual relatives in a simulated family reunion, progressing based on their ability to handle personal questions without provoking anger. Developed by university students in Zhejiang province, the game aims to enhance communication between family members. Wei Chenyang, a 20-year-old user, commends the game for replicating authentic conversations and offering a safe outlet for venting frustrations towards family members. This AI-powered chatbot aligns with a broader trend in China, where similar technologies simulate various interpersonal scenarios, sparking both interest and controversy. The virtual family interactions in "Epic Showdown: New Year Reunion" serve as a unique and immersive way for users to navigate and prepare for the intricacies of real-life family dynamics, reflecting the evolving landscape of social interactions in China.

INDIA WATCH

Similar to its immediate neighbour China, India too faces the rampant corruption ecosystem. India ranked 93 out of 180 countries on the corruption perceptions index (CPI) for 2023, according to the Transparency International report. However, in recent years, the Indian government has intensified efforts to combat corruption through a multifaceted approach. One key initiative is the introduction of anti-corruption laws and institutions. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, aimed at establishing an ombudsman to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption, represents a crucial step in this direction. Additionally, the government has enhanced transparency through digital platforms, promoting e-governance and reducing bureaucratic red tape. Furthermore, demonetization in 2016, although controversial, was a bold move to curb black money and unaccounted wealth. The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) aimed to streamline taxation, reducing opportunities for corruption in the tax system. The government has also encouraged citizens to actively participate in the fight against corruption through initiatives like the "Digital India" campaign, which promotes online transactions, reducing the scope for under-the-table dealings. Moving forward, strengthening legal frameworks, fostering a culture of ethical governance, and promoting transparency will be critical components in India’s fight against corruption. Embracing technology for accountability, coupled with public awareness campaigns, can create a more vigilant society. Additionally, fostering a robust whistleblower protection mechanism can encourage individuals to come forward with information on corrupt practices without fear of reprisals. The way forward involves continued vigilance, legal reforms, and harnessing the collective strength of citizens to build a corruption-resistant nation.

Prepared By

Aachal Ashok Mishra

Aachal completed her graduation in Political Science from Banaras Hindu University. Currently she is pursuing her master's in Political Science from IGNOU. Her areas of interest revolve around international relations, foreign policy dynamics, defence and security. She has previously interned with the Council for Social Development and the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies.