CiCM 8th January 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

Fourth Plenary Session of the CCDI Held in Beijing: The Communist Party of China (CPC) conducted the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection in Beijing from 6th to 8th January. The session chaired by the Standing Committee of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection also included the presence of several party and state leaders like Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, and Cai Qi Xi Jinping also attended the session and delivered an important speech in which he emphasized strict and comprehensive governance of the party by instilling ideological and practical power. The plenary session emphasized the overall development of a strong country and national rejuvenation which should be supported by Chinese-style modernization. Additionally, a Communique was also launched in the session. The Communique highlighted the need for better communication between different supervisory bodies and the creation of a comprehensive system to fight the battle against corruption. It also focussed on strengthening the legal and institutional structures and advancing political supervision by taking into consideration the arrangements of the Third Plenary session.
China Expresses Disapproval as US Lists Chinese Firms as Military Companies: China has expressed its strong dissatisfaction with the US Department of Defense and the Pentagon for listing certain Chinese firms as “Military Companies”. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has accused the United States of deliberately suppressing Chinese companies under the pretense of National Security concerns. It also targeted the United States for violating the market principles of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and unsettling the international economic order, which China claims has led to a cascading effect that impacted the global supply chains. The list of the companies targeted by the US includes dozens of reputed Chinese firms like the Internet Giant Tencent Holdings, artificial intelligence software company SenseTime and memory manufacturer Changxin Memory. Additionally, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce has urged the United States to respect the rules of free trade and stated that it will use all available means to protect the rights and interests of its companies.
Guangdong Sets New Standards for Beef Meatball Production: Local authorities in Shantou, Guangdong have introduced new guidelines for the production of beef-based meatballs to encourage better quality and promote sales. As per the new guidelines, products are required to have a beef content of over 90% or the combined content of the beef and beef tendons should exceed 90%. Additionally, the producers should use the traditional Shantou-based pounding method for production which involves grinding the meat into ball-shaped solidified products and using appropriate amounts of ingredients like water, salt, and starch. The labeling used for the packaging of products should mandatorily highlight necessary information like the name of the product, the raw material and ingredients used in production, the shelf life and batch number of the product as well as the name and contact information of the producer. In contrast to the previous guidelines which were established in 2016, the new ones present a revised approach and increased applicability with the inclusion of both, beef and beef tendon meatballs. According to the authorities, the new standards will help in improving authenticity and originality as well as the safety of the products.
State Council Announces New Policies for Development of Humanoid Robots: With a rapidly ageing population and a limited number of workers to provide for their requirements, China is actively focusing on the development of Humanoid robots to facilitate elderly welfare. A directive issued by the State Council announced that the government intends to create a comprehensive strategy that would boost support for the elderly by accelerating technology and development of Humanoid robots using Artificial Intelligence and brain-computer interfaces. The humanoid robots would be equipped to provide essential companionship, monitor health, and assist in household services. Furthermore, this also makes China one of the first countries to formalize such usage of robotics nationwide. Provinces across China are also promoting the adoption of humanoid robots as part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen support for elderly citizens.
Rise in Consumer Price Index in December: China’s Consumer Price Index witnessed a rise of 0.1% year on year in December 2024 as the urban areas showed a rise of 0.1% while the rural areas were largely unchanged. Food prices saw a decline of 0.5% while non-food prices saw a rise of 0.2%. Consumer goods prices dropped by 0.2% and service prices rose by 0.5%. In December, the prices of food, tobacco, and alcohol remained largely stable, as the prices of Pork, Livestock Meat, and fresh vegetables rose significantly. On the other hand, prices of fresh fruits and grains dropped by 1.3% and 3.0% respectively. Additionally, the prices of transportation, communication, and housing prices also saw a drastic rise while education, culture, and entertainment prices remained unchanged, and medical care prices fell by 0.1%. Overall, December experienced a balanced mix of price increases and decreases across different sectors.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Saving on Hotpot Trends This Winter: As the winter arrives, many citizens typically prioritize visiting premium and upscale restaurants to try the famous winter delicacy known as Hotpot. However, this season many youngsters are giving up on their extravagant lifestyles to embrace smaller and lesser-known restaurants to enjoy the hotpot meals. This trend started when a vlogger shared her experience of visiting various affordable and budget-friendly hotpot joints across different cities on the famous food vlog page known as “QQ Food Diary”. Gradually, the trend became viral with several netizens sharing their personal experiences with the hashtag, “Eat Big Pot with Little Money”. The trend also reflects the changing preferences of young diners in China who are prioritizing acceptable taste and affordable prices over luxury restaurants.

INDIA WATCH

Global Times Article by Chinese Scholar Argues End to Containment Strategy of US and India: An article in Global Times written by Chinese academic Lin Minwang, highlights the recent visit of US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan to India in the backdrop of the incoming Trump administration. The article claims that under the Biden Administration, the US developed strong bilateral ties with India across different fields while neglecting China but with the incoming Trump administration, the dynamics are going to shift and India-US relations could be at risk of being affected. The article emphasizes that India and the US created a strong framework for cooperation across various domains like space and defense technology while addressing security concerns in the Indo-Pacific during the Biden presidency. Both countries also signed the crucial Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET). However, both sides share a common concern about the continuation of relations post the transition of power in the US. The article further states that under the Trump Administration, initiatives like QUAD and the Indo-Pacific Strategy are unlikely to be affected. Regardless, policies related to immigration and the potential reconciliation with China can lead to the thawing of relations. According to the article, India has already started to adjust and modify its policies towards Russia and China to subdue the impact of the Trump administration.

Prepared By

Ruchir Ketkar

Ruchir Ketkar is a First year student pursuing Masters in Diplomacy, Law and Business at OP Jindal Global University. After completing graduation in Political science, he found his interest in International Relations and Global Affairs. With a keen inclination towards security and conflict studies, he has also authored several articles and research papers. He also tries to keep himself updated with the happenings around the world and tries to analyse them using his perspective and understanding.