NEWS IN CHINA


  • China Focuses on Education Reforms to Address Demographic Shifts: At the 2025 National Education Work Conference, Ministry of Education officials outlined plans to adapt its education system to demographic changes, enhance equality, and foster innovation. Key initiatives proposed include revitalizing county-level high schools, reforming entrance exams, and regulating off-campus tutoring to support vulnerable groups. The restructuring of small-scale schools in Jiangxi province, for instance, has improved resource allocation without additional financial strain, while Qingdao in Shandong plans teacher rotation programs in order to balance resources. Vocational education is also expected to be expanded to cultivate skilled workers, with initial programs linking enterprises to advanced research training. Higher education measures will align academic disciplines with technological and national priorities, hence integrating technology with industrial innovation. Training for teachers, recruitment, campus safety, and international cooperation, emphasizing the education sector's strategic role in driving innovation, are other policies that are expected. Further, the Smart Education of China platform, with 147 million current users, will be upgraded to become the largest global digital education database. 

  • Chinese Official Refutes U.S. Claims of Export Overcapacity: Chinese customs official Wang Lingjun dismissed claims of overcapacity in Chinese exports as baseless, pointing out that the claims are simply a form of protectionism. At a press conference held on 13 January 2025, Wang emphasized that China’s manufacturing strength lies in its advanced, comprehensive supply chain and continuous investment in research and innovation. He underscored that these factors ensure China’s global competitiveness and stabilize global production, hence driving technological progress. Wang further argued that accusations of overcapacity are attempts to suppress China’s development and undermine international industrial cooperation and supply chain stability. At the conference, he called for global economic policies based on open cooperation and mutual benefit, while also emphasising that China's manufacturing system is widely relied upon worldwide. 

  • China's First Integrated Photohydrogen Storage Project Begins Operation: China's largest "photohydrogen storage integration" project, located in Rudong, Jiangsu, has begun generating electricity. This important initiative combines offshore photovoltaic power generation, hydrogen production, and energy storage, and comprises a 400 MW photovoltaic power station spanning 4,300 mu, a 60 MW/120 MWh energy storage station, and a hydrogen production facility capable of producing 1,500 m³/hour and storing 500 kg/day. Following its completion, the project is expected to generate 468 million kWh annually, significantly reducing carbon emissions by 309,400 tons compared to coal-fired plants. It also supports coastal ecological restoration by limiting invasive species and fostering marine fishery farming. Rudong further plans to expand its green energy projects by creating a renewable hydrogen supply base and developing its technologies.

  • China Releases Revised National Electric Bicycle Safety Standards: The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has issued revised safety standards for electric bicycles, effective from September 1, 2025. The updated "Electric Bicycle Safety and Technical Specifications" addresses rising safety concerns, particularly fire risks, as electric bicycles become increasingly popular amongst daily commuters. Key revisions include stricter fireproofing and flame-retardant requirements for non-metallic materials, limits plastic usage to 5.5% of the vehicle's total mass, and anti-tampering measures for batteries and controllers. The new standards also mandate Beidou positioning, dynamic safety monitoring, and improved braking performance, while removing mandatory regulation for pedal riding devices, hence improving product practicality and consumer choice. Prompted by incidents like the 2024 Nanjing fire, the standards underwent extensive consultation with stakeholders, and aim to reduce fire and traffic accidents and enhance product safety. The regulations urge manufacturers to upgrade designs and launch compliant models promptly, emphasizing the importance of fire safety, cost-effective designs, and enhanced consumer experience, reflecting China’s commitment to improving transportation safety and sustainability. 

  • Xi Jinping and Grenada PM Mitchell Strengthen Bilateral Ties: On January 13, 2025, President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell of Grenada in Beijing, to discuss bilateral relations and mutual cooperation. Mitchell expressed his condolences for the recent earthquake in Tibet, while Xi reiterated China's commitment to efficient disaster relief and reconstruction efforts. The steady growth in China-Grenada relations was appreciated, while the need for mutual respect, political trust, and fruitful cooperation in various sectors was emphasised by Xi Jinping. He called for enhanced collaboration in areas like green energy, digital economy, and climate resilience while also pledging Chinese cooperation Grenada's socio-economic development under the South-South Cooperation framework. Mitchell thanked China for its aid during Grenada’s 2024 hurricane crisis and praised China's development achievements under the Communist Party's leadership. He further highlighted Grenada’s recognition of the One China Policy and expressed his willingness to strengthen cooperation on global initiatives like the Global Development and Security Initiatives. Both leaders also emphasized the importance of fostering cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges. 


SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER


Outrage Over Anti-Abortion Slogans at Chinese Hospital: Heyuan Youhao Hospital in Guangdong, China, faced social media backlash after displaying anti-abortion slogans during a “Family Education Public Welfare Exhibition.” The slogans claimed abortion harms "the vitality of the male’s family" and that children of mothers who’ve had abortions are rebellious, unhealthy, or less intelligent, hence gaining widespread criticism from netizens. The remarks also perpetuated gender stereotypes, contrasting “bad-tempered girls” with “good-tempered boys.” The displays sparked outrage owing to the lack of scientific evidence and having sexist undertones. Critics accused the slogans of distorting abortion’s consequences, shifting focus from women’s health to patriarchal narratives, and perpetuating gender biases in rural areas like Heyuan, where son preference drives gender-selective abortions. In response, the hospital claimed the exhibition was organized by an external group and later removed the boards. The controversy emerges amid alarming statistics with China recording nearly nine million abortions in 2023, equal to its births. Experts stressed the need for policies promoting women’s rights and body autonomy with multiple social media users writing that ‘the root of such actions likely does not lie within the hospital itself,’ but ‘more practical and necessary approaches and policies are needed to emphasise women’s equal rights and ensure body autonomy.’

 

INDIA WATCH


Op-Ed in Chinese Media Discusses Energy Challenges for India and China Under U.S. Sanctions on Russian Oil: With the U.S. imposing severe sanctions targeting Russia’s oil exports, alarming concerns among Chinese and Indian experts and media have been raised about its impact on their energy security. Analysts warned that the sanctions could disrupt crude oil supplies to China and India, forcing them to seek costlier alternatives from the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, pushing up oil prices and transportation costs as a result. Chinese traders criticized the U.S. sanctions for disrupting normal trade and raised concerns over reduced refinery production, while the Chinese government emphasized the importance of international trade fairness. Chinese media outlets such as Guancha, framed the sanctions as an attempt to undermine Russia’s economy while burdening Asian energy importers. Reports highlight how these measures force China to rely on pricier Middle Eastern and other international crude oil sources. Both Chinese and Indian commentators doubted the sanctions potential, owing to Russia’s resilient energy trade. Experts in China also highlighted the need for long-term strategies to secure energy supplies, while Indian analysts underscored the need for flexibility and diversifying sources to address potential geopolitical challenges brought up through such measures.

Prepared By

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.

CiCM 13th January 2025

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