CiCM 9th January 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

China Expands Global Free Trade Agreement Network: At the regular press conference of the Ministry of Commerce held on 9 January 2025, spokesperson He Yadong, highlighted that China has signed 23 free trade agreements (FTAs) with 30 countries and regions, extending its free trade zone network across five continents. These agreements aim to deepen economic ties, enhance market access, and promote two-way investment between China and its partner countries. The China-Maldives FTA, effective January 1 onwards, has enabled zero tariffs on over 95% of goods and opens service and investment sectors. Similarly, the upgraded FTA with Singapore, effective December 31 2024, expands manufacturing market access and fosters collaboration in areas like the digital and technology economy. The Ministry of Commerce stated that it plans to expand high-standard FTA networks, ensuring high-quality implementation of existing agreements, through measures including negative lists for trade and investment, and standards for digital economy cooperation, reflecting Beijing’s commitment to trade integration and collaboration.
China Approves First HPV Vaccine for Males: Merck & Co's four-valent human papillomavirus vaccine has been approved by China's top drug regulator for males aged 9 to 26, making it the first HPV vaccine available to men on the Chinese mainland. Initially authorized for females aged 9 to 45 in 2017, results show that the vaccine protects against four HPV strains associated with various cancers, including cervical cancer in women and penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers in men. Qiao Youlin, a researcher at Peking Union Medical College, highlighted that men have a higher global prevalence of HPV infection than women, though male infections are often overlooked. International health experts call for vaccinating both genders to expand immunization coverage and increase herd immunity. The decision reflects growing recognition of the importance of wide scale HPV vaccination strategies, showcasing a progressive step towards increasing disease protection amidst Chinese nationals.
Xi Jinping leads Meeting on Implementing Coordinated Earthquake Relief Efforts: China is mobilizing extensive disaster relief efforts following a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tibet, which caused 126 fatalities, injured 337 people, and affected 61,500 residents. Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of ongoing rescue work during a CPC leadership meeting held on 9 January 2025, following which foreign leaders praised Xi Jinping’s swift mitigation efforts. These include 224 relocation sites and providing essential supplies such as blankets, food, and heaters. They are also addressing immediate needs like shelter and medical care alongside long-term solutions, including the construction of insulated prefabricated housing. Volunteers and rescue teams are supporting affected communities, especially children, through counseling and aid by means of milk powder and diapers. Authorities are also inspecting building damage to mitigate future risks, reflecting a systematic approach to recovery in the province.
China's Civil Aviation Predicts Record Growth in 2025: At the 2025 National Civil Aviation Work Conference, opened on 9 January 2025, Song Zhiyong, Director of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, highlighted significant progress in international flights. He highlighted an increase to 6,400 flights per week, recovering to 84% of pre-pandemic levels while also emphasizing a growth in international cargo and mail volumes by 29.3 percent. Reports suggest that in 2024, China’s civil aviation industry achieved remarkable growth, showcasing a total transportation turnover of 148.52 billion ton-kilometers, 730 million passengers, and 8.982 million tons of cargo and mail, marking increases of 25 percent, 17.9 percent, and 22.1 percent, respectively (compared to 2019, these figures rose by 14.8 percent, 10.6 percent and 19.3 percent). In 2025, the industry aims to reach a transportation turnover of 161 billion ton-kilometers, 780 million passengers, and 9.5 million tons of cargo. Efforts for this include enhancing domestic aviation quality, promoting transit systems, and diversifying travel products, such as study and senior tours.
China Cracks Down on Misleading 'Russian Goods Stores' in Shanghai: Shanghai authorities have intensified inspections of "Russian Goods Stores" after identifying 47 such outlets in the city. Many stores have been operating without the appropriate licenses, while also engaging in misleading advertising such as labelling themselves ‘National Pavilions’ to portray official state approval. While these stores often sell a mix of domestic and imported goods, deceptive practices like falsely branding domestic products as Russian imports are prevalent. To address these issues, the Chinese Market Supervision Bureau requires businesses to verify product authenticity, clearly label items' origins, and ensure transparency in advertising. Further, stores are mandated to separate domestic and imported goods and correct misleading signs. However, some miscompliance still persists, prompting officials to reinforce regulations to ensure fair markets. Analysts have also warnrf that the popularity of Russian goods has led to questionable tactics like "bait-and-switch" and rebranding domestic items. In response, officials have urged consumers to remain vigilant, emphasizing that the success of such stores depends on product quality.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Families Appeal for Help After The Successful Rescue of Chinese Actor Wang Xing: A joint letter from families of 174 Chinese nationals reportedly trapped in northern and eastern Myanmar has gained attention on Sina Weibo. This comes in light of the successful rescue of Chinese actor Wang Xing, a victim of human trafficking tied to telecom fraud. Most victims, aged 17 to 35, are believed to have been persuaded to partake in illegal activities after entering Myanmar through Thailand or China's Yunnan border. Families have documented the victims' details online, revealing that they were lured under false pretenses, such as job offers, and later forced into scams. China’s Ministry of Public Security, in collaboration with Myanmar and Thai authorities, has cracked down on major scam hubs and arrested over 53,000 suspects since 2023. Yet, evolving fraud strategies pose significant challenges to eradicating these crimes.

INDIA WATCH

Tirupati Temple Stampede Sparks Public and Media Response in China: Chinese media outlets reported on the tragic stampede at India’s Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirupati, leaving six casualties and 35 injured as thousands of devotees sought free visit passes during a religiously auspicious period. News agencies including CCTV and China Daily highlighted that overcrowding and inadequate crowd management were the key factors resulting in the incident. Reports also produced visuals showing chaotic scenes where police forces struggled to control the increasing volume of the crowd. Various media sources expressed condolences while also emphasizing concerns about safety protocols during mass gatherings in neighboring countries. Experts highlighted the need for stricter safety measures and better planning for events involving large crowds, underscoring risks associated with crowd management.

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.