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NEWS IN CHINA 

• President Xi advises Jiangsu deputies to lead the way in future industries: On the sidelines of Two Sessions, President Xi Jinping stressed on the need for integrating traditional sectors with emerging technology and innovation. As the discussions on innovation and technology in the sessions have been prominent President Xi expressed his views on bringing innovation and traditional industries together by upgrading the traditional industries with new innovations. Xi’s remarks came at the address for deputies from the eastern Jiangsu province which is considered as an economic powerhouse. During the address, Xi reassured his support for the private sector that is making waves in different fields. However, he added that the upgraded traditional industry will be given a nudge to maintain the real economy simultaneously opening up more opportunities in the emerging sectors that are strategic in nature. Xi emphasised that regardless of the type of ownership, all businesses should be treated fairly. Adding on to these discussions, a hub of electronics and manufacturing, Jiangsu’s importance was highlighted by the President stating that it should focus on the key factors stated and lead the way in promoting science and technology by collaborating with other regions including Jing-Jin-Ji cluster and further to contribute to national development. Jiangsu’s role in the integrated development of Yangtze river delta and economic belt as well as the construction of Guangdong- Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has also been highlighted by Xi. He also urged to limit local protectionism for the betterment of the country.
  
  

• China to increase its military spending by 7.2 per cent: In the opening of the legislative session, the annual budget was presented in which the defence spending was noted to increase from 1.67 trillion yuan to 1.78 trillion yuan, a relatively lesser increase compared to the defence spending of China’s neighbours such as Japan and India. The defence budget of China for ten consecutive years has stayed at single digit numbers. Beijing’s position is viewed to be adhering to its earlier plan of military modernisation and also becoming a ‘world-class military by 2050’. The decision on the defence budget is also in consideration with the fact that the PLA needs to increase its capabilities given the security environment in the region. Relative to Japan’s and India’s defence spending of 9.4 and 9.5 per cent respectively, China’s 7.2 per cent stands low. Meanwhile the government report also advised to ‘deepen political rectification’ in the defence sector, a terminology linked to denote anti-corruption stance within the military. 
  
  

• China shows confidence in its economic prospects: At a news conference in Beijing after the session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), the spokesperson assured that there is ‘full confidence’ in China's economic growth. According to lawmakers and policy advisors, China’s domestic market as well as the current efforts in bolstering the private sector, strong macroeconomic policies as well as technological innovation are set to drive the country's economic growth in the coming years. Lou stated that despite the challenging environment created from the exteriors and other challenges, China’s economy has been stable and foundationally strong to withstand anything coming its way. Lou positioned China’s economy is at a critical stage where there is a growth driver transition in which new drivers of the economy are getting added. Considering the preparation for China’s economic prospects, the country has expanded its domestic markets and industrial system with an upgrade that can accommodate new growth drivers and enhance flexibility. Responding to the question raised on China’s private economy promotion law, Lou said that a careful revision of the draft of the same needs to be conducted under the advisory of NPC Standing Committee in order to reach a conclusion on the private economy promotion law. A member of the 14th National Committee of CPPCC, Ma Jiantang added that the current policies are set to lift the spirits of private firms and contribute to the Chinese economy. 
  
  

• China on its way to implement free preschool education: According to the government work report submitted to the national legislature, China plans to implement preschool education for free. This initiative is set to be implemented in a phased manner in order to build a high quality system of education. The report intends to plan a three year action plan through which a strong plan can be outlined and implemented successfully. Besides the plans on preschools, initiatives have also been outlined on senior secondary education. China aims to promote high quality education where the development of compulsory education is also on the table. However, the decisions to increase the land provided to senior secondary schools have been increased. As part of the advanced integration of vocational education and general education, collaborations with schools and industries have been outlined. 
  
  

• Chinese Foreign Ministry responds to issues of Panama Canal and Greenland :During a media briefing by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, questions were raised regarding China’s comments over the US president Donald Trump’s address to the US congress on the end of war in Ukraine and the greater control of the US over Panama Canal and Greenland. In response to these, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, commented that the Chinese response to the crisis in Ukraine is consistent and clear as the only way to resolve the crisis is dialogue and negotiation. With respect to the Panama Canal issue, he stated that Panama Canal’s sovereignty is supported by China at all times. He added that the standing of Panama Canal as a neutral permanent waterway should be maintained. He further stated that China has never been engaged in the management of Panama Canal nor have they interfered ever before. Hence, the allegations of China’s control over the Panama Canal stand untrue, he added. With regards to Greenland, the spokesperson stated that China’s belief remains in the principles of the UN Charter in handling the relation between two countries.
  
  
  SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

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  Premier Zhou Enlai's past video trends on Chinese Social Media in light of the Two Sessions: With the Two Sessions in progress and widespread discussions about China's achievements in the science and technology sector over the years, a past video of former Premier Zhou Enlai has resurfaced on the social media platform Weibo.The video soon went viral with over 2.8 million views and several comments. The video showed Zhou Enlai silently moving away to provide centre stage and limelight to scientists and other technicians. Netizens reacted to the video by reminiscing the impact that the Chinese leader Zhou Enlai had in the advancement of science and technology. One user commented that true ideological progress can only be achieved when society as a whole respects scientists and knowledge and encourages young people to look up to experts in these fields, reflecting on the need for such gestures in today’s politics in China.
  
  

  INDIA WATCH

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  Article on South China Morning Post (SCMP) reports on the chaos that ensued in the Investor Summit: An article in SCMP discusses the fight over food that ensued at the Investor Summit held in Madhya Pradesh, an high-level summit organised to discuss and explore India’s business ambitions and goals. The article also highlighted that the summit was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and business leader Gautam Adani to enhance the state's image and attract investments and development. However, the event gained traction in Chinese media not for its intended purpose, but for the chaos that unfolded and diverted attention. The article stated that the premier business event turned into a school cafeteria and added to the suspicion of the stature of the attendee investors. While some expressed humour, others expressed different issues. The article concluded by highlighting similar incidents in recent months in India, portraying the management of large gatherings in the country as ‘chaotic’.

Prepared By

Lakshmi Priya Vijayan

Lakshmi Priya Vijayan holds a master’s degree in Geopolitics and International Relations from the Department of Geopolitics and International Relations, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India. Her areas of interest include geopolitics of Southeast Asia, biosecurity, political economy, transnational organised crimes and public diplomacy. She has previously interned at Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. Her writings have been published in reputed institutions such as MP-IDSA, CENJOWS, EJSS and more.