CiCM 6th January 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

Copper Resource Hub Discovered in China’s Qinghai-Xizang Plateau: China has discovered copper reserves on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, totalling over 20 million metric tons according to the Geological Survey (the Ministry of Natural Resources). This discovery has led to the establishment of four major bases - Yulong, Duolong, Julong-Jiama, and Xiongcun-Zhunuo, with each base holding over 10 million metric tons. The survey suggests the potential of the Qinghai-Xizang plateau to become a world-class copper hub with reserves estimated to reach 150 million metric tons. Furthermore, the survey shows China plans to expand its copper mining exploration in the Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, and Altay regions. A Chinese scholar, Tang Juxing, believes these discoveries of copper reserves will enhance the security of China’s copper industry and supply chains. This discovery further contributes to China’s commitment to renewable and sustainable energy, positioning it as a global leader in the green industry. However, another Chinese scholar pointed out the fragile ecological conditions in the plateau and further highlighted the importance of mitigating the environmental impact and implementing green-mining practices after the exploitation.
China's Chip Industry Thrives Despite US Sanctions: Despite stringent US sanctions on the export of chips to China, Beijing’s chip industry has continued to expand in 2024. In the first 11 months of 2024, the export of integrated circuits reached 1.03 trillion yuan ($141 billion), which marked a 20.3% increase compared to the approximate 559 billion yuan recorded in 2018 when the US launched its sanctions. Experts posit that this growth is attributed to Chinese government initiatives, like the "Big Fund" (launched in three phases since 2014) and other policies promoting high-quality software development and integration. Companies like Huawei have recorded dramatic growth, with their Mate 70 series featuring 100% domestically produced chips. Liu Liang said that the US export controls have motivated Chinese tech firms to work independently leading to advancements in mature process chip production, but still facing challenges in advanced node manufacturing. According to a report by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the US market suppliers have lost around $130 billion due to the export restrictions.
Guo Jiakun Debuts as China's New Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: Guo Jiakun, born in 1980, made his debut appearance as the Chinese Foreign Ministry's 35th spokesperson at a press conference in Beijing on 6 January 2025. The ministry is recognized for its systematic, standardized, and efficient approach. It holds daily press conferences, being the only Chinese government department to do so, with a focus on safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and dignity. Additionally, the Chinese Foreign Ministry aims to promote domestic and international understanding of China’s diplomatic strategies and create global cooperation - a system that has evolved alongside China's broader reforms. Guo's role aims to continue this tradition of diplomacy and communication, reflecting global trends and China’s development in international relations.
Xi Jinping Calls for Intensified Anti-Corruption Drive at Party Meeting: On 6 January 2025, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, emphasized the need for sustained anti-corruption efforts during the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. Acknowledging significant progress in combating corruption within the Party, Xi stressed the necessity to maintain high-pressure measures and an unwavering determination to eradicate it. He highlighted corruption as a significant threat to the Party and highlighted anti-corruption measures as a form of self-revolution essential to ensure the Party’s unity and leadership. In 2024, Xi emphasised that the Party will focus on enhancing discipline education, addressing corruption in grassroots governance, and improving institutional mechanisms for oversight. He further urged for a strategic approach to eliminate corruption, aiming to strengthen governance and ensure the Party maintains its leadership in China's socialist society. The meeting also emphasized the need to reinforce political discipline within the party’s central leadership and continue discipline inspection reforms. Leaders, including Li Xi, underscored the importance of adhering to Xi’s directives to safeguard the Party's integrity and legitimacy. The session highlighted anti-corruption as vital for national stability and long-term development.
Shanghai Trials Achieve Thought-Controlled Language and Movement: In recent clinical trials at Shanghai's Huashan Hospital, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have allowed two epilepsy patients to control language and motor functions using only their thoughts. Results revealed that a 43-year-old patient successfully synthesized Mandarin syllables with 71% accuracy, translating brain signals into language and robotic commands. Another 21-year-old used similar technology to play games, operate smart devices, and control a motorized wheelchair. Reportedly, both patients underwent brief surgeries to implant electrodes, targeting brain regions affected by epilepsy. The trials, led by NeuroXess, highlighted the unique challenges of decoding Mandarin which is a language known to engage multiple regions of the brain. Within days of the implantation, patients were able to perform complex tasks, demonstrating BCIs' potential to restore communication and mobility. NeuroXess plans to introduce wireless BCIs this year. This initiative is of particular interest since it avoids deep brain tissue damage, contrasting with other companies like Neuralink, marking extensive technological progress.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Netizens Debate Over Elite University Bias in Chinese School Hiring: Suzhou Middle School in Jiangsu province has sparked controversy after announcing that 10 of its 13 newly hired teachers graduated from China’s elite universities- Tsinghua and Peking. According to a media report, the school Critics and social media users conversely argued that this trend reflects Chinese employers' growing preference for prestigious academic backgrounds over teaching experience and skills. This reflects a broader trend, especially in prosperous regions, where schools attract elite graduates by offering competitive pay. Netizens considered this issue as a devaluation of the academic qualifications and intensification of involution. However, critics warn that this threatens long-term success, neglecting an educator’s practical teaching expertise. Xiong Bingqi, director of the 21st Century Education Research Institute, emphasized that academic qualifications do not guarantee excellent teaching, urging schools to prioritize candidates' abilities and experience over the university's brand.

INDIA WATCH

China Addressing India's Concerns over Building the World's Largest Dam in Brahmaputra River in Tibet: On 6th January 2025, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun responded to India's concerns about China's large-scale hydropower project on the Yalu-Zangbu (Brahmaputra) River in Tibet. As per reports by Chinese media sources, including Guancha, India, supported by U.S. National Security Advisor Sullivan, had raised concerns regarding potential risks posed by the dam in the downstream states of Brahmaputra in India, such as Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. In response to these concerns, Guo highlighted that the project underwent rigorous scientific evaluation and would not harm downstream countries' ecological or water rights, emphasising the dam’s advantages in disaster prevention and addressing issues of climate change. Chinese media portrays this as an example of the country’s scientific approach to hydropower development, underscoring the project's environmental considerations, and alleging that India's concerns are politically motivated. This narrative emphasizes Beijing’s scientific advancement and its stance as a responsible global actor while dismissing claims of ecological harm as baseless. China also criticized external involvement, such as Sullivan’s, portraying it as hampering Beijing’s role in promoting regional stability and climate resilience.

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.