CiCM 21st February 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

Xi Jinping Approves New Regulations for the Military: Chinese President and Chairman of the Central Military Commission Xi Jinping has signed orders to implement three revised military regulations on internal order, code of conduct and military formation, set to take effect from April 1. These changes aim to prioritize PLA’s combat readiness and operational efficiency. The updated regulations on interior order enhance the management of military personnel, revising rules on soldiers' appearance, conduct and training. The revised code of conduct introduces clearer procedures for awarding excellence, punishing violations and streamlining administrative processes. Meanwhile, the updated military formation regulations provide detailed guidelines for parades on land, sea, docks and in the air. A key focus of these revisions is combat readiness, reinforcing warfare preparation as the military’s primary duty. By standardizing procedures across training, operations and daily life, the reforms seek to strengthen discipline and efficiency within the armed forces.

China Unveils Measures to Regulate Financial Support to Businesses: China has introduced new regulations to enhance and regulate government financing guarantee, aiming to strengthen financial support for businesses. The measures, issued by the Ministry of Finance and five other government bodies, emphasize policy-oriented financing guarantee services, particularly for key sectors and vulnerable areas. Government financing guarantee plays a crucial role in facilitating access to credit by enhancing borrowers’ credibility, sharing risks and acting as an intermediary between businesses and financial institutions. It is considered a key tool for policymakers to direct financial resources in the economy. The regulations prioritize support for small and micro businesses, as well as enterprises related to agriculture and rural development, given their potential for employment opportunities and labour-intensive nature. Under these measures, local financial authorities are permitted to assist government-backed financing guarantee institutions through capital replenishment, risk compensation and performance rewards, as long as no new hidden debts are created. Additionally, the rules encourage these institutions to expand their services, helping businesses navigate economic challenges while promoting employment stability and growth. The regulations are set to take effect on March 1, 2025.

A Massive Recruitment Fraud Scheme Uncovered in Lanzhou: Police in Lanzhou, Gansu Province, uncovered a massive recruitment fraud that scammed over 400 university graduates of 80 million yuan ($11 million). The fraud, led by a suspect surnamed Yu, operated from late 2021 to June 2024, promising victims high-paying jobs at state-owned enterprises (SOEs). This is one of the largest fraud cases since China's 2023 crackdown on fake SOE scams. The fraudsters created an elaborate system, using professional training agencies, mock interviews, offices in commercial buildings and fake onboarding processes. Victims paid significant sums, believing they were securing stable jobs with full benefits. Police discovered the fraud when a resident reported a suspect who offered his unemployed son a job for 210,000 yuan. The scammers used photo-editing software to alter official SOE recruitment materials, further legitimizing their operation. Lanzhou authorities have now launched a full investigation, uncovering forged contracts, exams and applications.

Premier Li Emphasizes Efforts to Boost Consumption: The 12th special study session of China’s State Council focused on boosting consumption and expanding domestic demand. Premier Li Qiang emphasized the need to implement the Central Committee’s strategies, shifting economic policies toward benefiting livelihoods and strengthening consumption as a key driver of growth. Liu Yuanchun, President of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, provided insights, while Vice Premiers Ding Xuexiang and He Lifeng, along with State Councilor Chen Yiqin, delivered speeches. Li Qiang highlighted the need for expanding consumption which is essential for stabilizing growth, transforming the development model and enhancing economic circulation. He also noted that the government plans to improve service consumption in areas like education, healthcare, culture, tourism, elderly care and urbanization. It also aims to stimulate demand in high-tech consumption, particularly artificial intelligence, and foster high-quality products in segmented markets. To enhance consumption, Li Qiang stressed on targeted policy measures, better market-driven initiatives and reforms to remove barriers. Key actions include increasing policy support, easing market access, expanding high-quality supply and improving regulatory frameworks.

China Tightens Control Over Social Organisations: China will intensify its crackdown on illegal social organizations to protect individuals and public interests, according to a new guideline from the Ministry of Civil Affairs. The guideline, effective May 1, replaces an interim version from 2000 and clarifies that unregistered groups or those with revoked licenses cannot operate as social organizations, foundations or private institutions. As per new guidelines, authorities will classify groups as illegal if they conduct activities without registration, including those in preparatory periods. County-level officials will oversee enforcement, while multi-province cases will be handled by the ministry or designated bodies. Enforcement measures include regulatory talks, on-site inspections and reviews of financial and operational documents. Individuals obstructing investigations or falsifying records will face legal action. The guideline encourages the public to report illegal groups, with authorities required to provide reporting channels. The ministry handled 1,066 cases last year involving illegal social organisations. In one case, an unauthorized group in Beijing fraudulently used the Belt and Road Initiative’s name for a fake arts competition, collecting personal data and issuing false awards before being shut down. By the end of 2023, China had 881,600 registered social organizations, a decrease of 9,700 from the previous year.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Job Ad for Sanitation Workers Sparks Online Outrage: A job advertisement for sanitation workers by Xinshi sub district of Guangzhou has sparked online outrage over age discrimination as it had set an age limit of 35 for applicants. This ad has led to discontent among workers who are already suffering due to the growing age bias in the job market. The employer has justified the age limit restriction due to the physically demanding nature of the job which includes manual handling of household waste and long working shifts. However, following the online backlash, the ad was updated and it widened the age range from 18 to legal retirement age. Screenshots of the ad spread widely over social media platforms with hashtags like “No one loses their working capabilities at 35” going viral and attracting millions of views on Weibo. Many users called it the “Curse of 35”, associated with people above 35 being less energetic and less employable compared to young graduates. Most of the online comments criticized the age limit restrictions and many users expressed their concerns over reducing job opportunities for people above 35. One user commented that “thirty-five is the prime of one’s life, physically, mentally and in terms of experience. So how can age become a curse?” A 39-year-old woman surnamed Wen shared her experience of being 34 when she was rejected for a cashier position at a bookstore despite holding a bachelor’s degree. While China raised the civil service exam age limit to 40 last year, there are still no specific legal protections against age discrimination.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Speculates Over the China Factor in Growing India-US Ties: An article in the Chinese media speculated whether the recent developments in bilateral relations between India and the United States are aimed at targeting China. The article states that India and the USA have been actively promoting trade agreements and aims to take bilateral trade to 500 billion USD. While comparing India and China, it claims that China has achieved impressive results in several key areas like semiconductors and artificial intelligence since 2015. In the case of India, the article argues that it is still developing and the gap with China is getting bigger day by day. The article also notes that the US is wary of China’s economic growth and aims to strengthen economic ties with India to counter China. As per this article, the US aims to build a new model of economic cooperation in Asia and disrupt China’s stronghold over global supply chains. In the military domain, the article claims that the US’ offer of F35 aircrafts to India is to bring India into the US-led military system and exert more military pressure on China in South Asia and Indian Ocean. However, the article cautions that India needs to avoid over-reliance on the US arms as it would affect their independent decision-making ability in foreign relations. Lastly, it speculates that developments in India-US relations can have a major impact on the political and economic landscape of Asia and the world.

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.