CiCM 16th January 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

China and Japan Revive Bilateral Ties with High-Level Party Exchanges: Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Japan’s ruling coalition delegation, led by Hiroshi Moriyama of the Liberal Democratic Party and Makoto Nishida of the Komeito Party, in Beijing. The meeting marked the renewal of exchanges between China-Japan ruling parties after seven years, indicating efforts to stabilize bilateral relations. Premier Li highlighted the need for both nations to strengthen mutual trust, effectively address differences and focus on shared priorities such as advancing technological innovation, digital economy, and green development. He urged the ruling parties to take a favourable stance toward their countries' shared history and long-term interests. Japan further reiterated its commitment to the principles outlined in the four key political agreements, including the Japan-China Joint Statement, and expressed the country’s motive to foster intergenerational exchanges. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation and partake in advance dialogues in preparation for further engagements in 2025.
China and Philippines Hold Key Talks on South China Sea: On January 16, 2025, China and the Philippines convened the 10th meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea in Xiamen, Fujian. Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Chen Xiaodong and Philippine Deputy Minister Lazarro discussed the existing maritime tensions in the South China Sea and the potential fostering of bilateral cooperation. China expressed its concerns over recent Philippine maritime actions, urging the island country to adhere to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea while also encouraging to resolve the disputes through dialogue. Both countries agreed upon the necessity of maintaining peace and stability in the region, recognizing it as vital for all regional stakeholders. The meeting concluded with agreements to enhance maritime dialogue, address conflicts constructively, and enhance collaboration in areas such as maritime security, environmental protection, and marine science. Officials from foreign affairs, defense and coast guard departments also participated in these talks, signifying its comprehensive approach to addressing regional issues.
China’s Peace Ark Concludes Record-Breaking "Mission Harmony-2024": The Chinese naval hospital ship “Peace Ark” returned to Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, after completing its record-setting "Mission Harmony-2024” on 16 January 2025. Launched on 16 June, 2024, the mission lasted 215 days, covered over 30,000 nautical miles, and visited 13 countries, including Seychelles, Tanzania, Madagascar, and South Africa. This project also importantly marked the ship’s debut visit to Benin and Mauritania. The Peace Ark provided extensive medical aid, treating 82,980 people, performing 1,392 surgeries, and conducting 38,460 auxiliary examinations. Chinese medical professionals also received extensive praise for procedures including 204 cataract surgeries and the birth of four babies during the project. In addition to medical services, the mission promoted cultural and professional exchanges, hosting 4,800 visitors across 150 onboard events. The mission also reflected groundbreaking records in duration, geographic reach, and impact, portraying China’s commitment to global humanitarian efforts and its military's expanding role in soft-power diplomacy.
China Criticizes U.S. Extension of DED for Hong Kong Residents: During a press conference on January 16, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun responded to reports about U.S. President Biden extending "deferred forced departure" (DED) protections for certain Hong Kong residents in the U.S. by two years. In response, Guo highlighted Hong Kong’s achievements under the "one country, two systems" framework since its return to China, highlighting the region’s enhanced security and democratic development. He dismissed allegations of China’s governance to undermine Hong Kong's stability and international confidence. He further urged the U.S. to respect China’s sovereignty, not interfere in Beijing’s policies in Hong Kong, cease slandering China’s policies and adhere to international law. This stance reflects China’s firm opposition to external influence and its defense of its administrative control over Hong Kong.
Celebrating 30 Years of China-Monaco Diplomatic Relations: On January 16, President Xi Jinping and Prince Albert II of Monaco exchanged messages to mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Xi emphasised the stable progress in China-Monaco bilateral relations over the past three decades, highlighting sincerity, friendship, and equality. He further praised past successful cooperation in fields like environmental protection, sports, and art, portraying this relationship as a means of mutual development despite differences in size, culture, and governance. Xi also expressed his commitment to advancing bilateral ties and improving the well-being of both nations - a sentiment echoed by Prince Albert II. He recalled Xi's 2019 visit to Monaco, citing it as a significant event for its citizens, and reaffirmed his dedication to deepening trust and expanding cooperation with China. Both leaders pledged to continue to promote stronger ties and shared progress.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Chinese Supermarket Pang Dong Lai Faces Backlash Over Intrusive Employee Rules: The Chinese supermarket chain Pang Dong Lai has stirred controversy online with new employee regulations extending to personal and family matters. Announced by its founder, Yu Donglai, the rules prohibit domestic violence, child beating, obstructing a spouse's divorce in unhappy marriages, and borrowing beyond one’s monthly salary. The policy also highlighted the need for employees to keep their homes tidy, prepare firefighting equipment, and not dislike their work. Yu defended the policies as fostering love, freedom, and happiness among the employees, inspired by both Chinese and global management practices. However, social media users provided contrasting responses with some praising the company's focus on positive values and others accusing it of overstepping boundaries. Many netizens called Yu “controlling” and argued the policies infringe on employees’ privacy, while many claimed that they would refrain from buying commodities from the supermarket. However, legal experts noted the rules are lawful as long as they don’t affect pay but questioned their relevance to job responsibilities. The current debate highlights the fine line between corporate culture and intrusion into personal freedoms, raising broader questions about workplace ethics in China.

INDIA WATCH

Global Times Reports on India’s Space Docking Breakthrough: India successfully achieved its first unmanned space docking with the SpaDex mission, joining the U.S., Russia, and China in this milestone. While Chinese media outlets and experts acknowledge this achievement, celebrating India's growing capabilities in space technology, they also note areas for improvement to match China's advancements. Wang Yanan, editor of Aerospace Knowledge, highlighted the technical complexity of docking but noted limitations, as India used small spacecraft rather than ton-class systems essential for manned missions. Kang Guohua, an aerospace professor, emphasised India's steady progress in space technology, referring to its lunar landing in 2023 and Mars mission in 2014 as remarkable achievements. Experts see potential for China-India collaboration in space, especially if India considers docking modules with China's space station. However, India's focus on developing its independent space station introduces challenges, including achieving breakthroughs in manned spaceflight and life support. Chinese observers view India’s space ambitions as ambitious but still reliant on gradual advancements. While some reports advocate for collaboration, others note that India’s strategic independence has the potential to restrict cooperative opportunities.

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.