CiCM 10th March 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

China’s Critical Mining Prices Skyrocketed Amid Global Trade Tensions: Over the past year, protectionist policies and increased global competition for resources have caused prices of key critical minerals to soar in China. As the trade and technology rivalry between the United States and China intensifies, securing access to critical minerals has become a geopolitical priority, causing supply chain disruptions and price spikes. One of the most affected minerals is antimony, essential for microchip and weapon production. Since China imposed export restrictions on the metal in September, its price has surged by over 21.8% in China with Analysts predicting continued supply strain as countries classify antimony as a strategic metal. Bismuth, which is used extensively in electronics, medicines, and metal alloys, has also seen sharp price hikes. Following China's recent ban on the export of bismuth and four other metals (tungsten, tellurium, indium, and molybdenum), prices nearly doubled from December levels, reaching 136,100 yuan per tonne. Cobalt, which is essential for batteries for mobile phones and electric vehicles, has also seen significant price rises. Prices for cobalt sulfate and cobalt tetroxide have increased by 48.5% and 44.1%, respectively, as a result. With China and the U.S. implementing trade barriers, the global supply chain for strategic minerals remains volatile, suggesting further price hikes and economic repercussions in the near future.
China to Focus on Innovation, and Investment in 2025: According to the recent Government Work Report (GWR), China has set a 5% GDP growth target for 2025. Tian Xuan, a deputy to the NPC and assistant dean at Tsinghua University, emphasized that advancements in technology, strategic investments focused on people’s well-being, and an innovation-friendly ecosystem will be key to achieving this goal. While acknowledging the challenges of reaching 5% growth, he noted that a well-rounded approach—incorporating moderately flexible monetary policies, proactive fiscal measures, and innovation-driven strategies—makes it feasible. Unlike previous years, the 2024 GWR shifts focus from traditional sectors to emerging technologies. Notably, it highlights embodied AI, 6G, and the AI+ initiative. Embodied AI refers to artificial intelligence integrated with physical entities, such as robots equipped with sensors and mobility. Experts in Shanghai predict mass production of humanoid robots this year, potentially addressing labor shortages across various industries. Moreover, the AI+ initiative promotes AI’s deep integration into different sectors, particularly healthcare. This system, trained on extensive medical records, is capable of diagnosing complex cases. Experts advocate for the expansion of AI in grassroots clinics to bridge healthcare disparities. Furthermore, China has also prioritized 6G development, aiming for speeds up to 100 times faster than 5G. Industry experts expect 6G to go beyond enhanced wireless communication, incorporating AI, cloud computing, and edge computing to revolutionize connectivity and technological capabilities.
Huaihua City Emerges As Gateway to Global Trade: Huaihua, a city in central China, has transformed into Hunan province’s gateway to global trade through its international land port. This accomplishment is a result of strategic policies, geographic advantages, and teamwork, stated Mayor Li Chunqiu. Opening up to the outside world is a distinct characteristic modernization and is ingrained in the DNA of Huaihua people,”Li told China Daily. The expansion of cross-border train services to Vietnam and Laos has established Huaihua as the ASEAN connectivity hub for central China. Last year, Huaihua ran 1,009 fast trains between China and Vietnam and Laos increasing their number by 180 percent annually for three years in a row. Looking at the future, Li further stated that Huaihua aims to reach 100 billion yuan in port-related output and expand freight train operations to 1,200 per year. Along with increasing collaboration with central provinces and ports in Southeast Asia, the city also intends to integrate with the Digital Land-Sea Corridor and customs innovation programs to increase operational efficiency while expanding cooperation with central provinces and Southeast Asian Ports.
Chinese Spokesperson Reiterates United Nations’ Stance on Taiwan: China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Mao Ning, during her daily briefing session reaffirmed the United Nations' stance on Taiwan issue that the region is a province of China with no separate status. Spokesperson Mao referenced official U.N. legal opinions and Resolution 2758, which recognizes the People's Republic of China as the sole representative of China at the U.N. Addressing a query about Premier Wang Yi’s statement on March 7—where he emphasized that the U.N. only refers to Taiwan as "Taiwan, Province of China"—Mao dismissed suggestions that this signaled a tougher policy from the Chinese mainland. She stressed that Resolution 2758 is upheld by the U.N. and its specialized agencies, as reflected in their consistent reference to Taiwan under that designation. Furthermore, Mao reiterated China’s commitment to the one-China principle and its willingness to pursue peaceful reunification with sincerity and effort. However, she also affirmed that China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity while firmly opposing Taiwan independence and external interference.
China's railway passenger trips hit 726M: China's railway passenger trips reached a record high of 726 million in the first two months of 2025, marking a 4.7% year-on-year increase, according to the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. This surge was largely influenced by the annual Spring Festival travel rush, which saw a significant rise in cross-regional population movement. The increase was also driven by overlapping travel demands, including students, workers, and families heading home, alongside tourists. To meet this demand, an average of 11,605 passenger trains operated daily, reflecting an 8.7% increase from the previous year. China's railway services have also seen improvements, with 120 stations nationwide offering convenient transfers and 89 stations providing internet food-ordering services for passenger convenience. In terms of outbound travel, the China-Laos Railway carried 59,000 cross-border passengers during this period, marking a 57.9% year-on-year growth. The stable operation of international passenger trains between China-Mongolia and China-Russia further facilitated cross-border travel and boosted tourism consumption.
China Launches Communication Satellite: China successfully launched a new test satellite for communication technology from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan Province on March 10, 2025. The satellite was carried into space by a Long March-3B rocket, which lifted off at 1:17 a.m. Beijing Time. This mission was the 562nd launch in the Long March rocket series. According to the center, the satellite will primarily be utilized for multi-band and high-speed communication technology certification. The Long March-3B rocket, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), is a medium-lift launch vehicle known for its reliability and versatility. It stands 56.3 meters tall, weighs 456 metric tons when fully fueled, and is equipped with four side boosters. Since its initial launch in 1970, China's space research endeavors have relied heavily on the Long March rocket family.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER:

Sci-Fi Meets Reality- A Dad Built Incredible Robot Toys for His Son: A Chinese father named Yao Cong has become well-known for making advanced robot toys for his son, Xiaoyi, who is ten years old. Yao, a former architect from Changsha, Hunan province, has devoted his life to studying how to make these inventive toys using mechanical manufacturing. A flying robot, a walking robot capable of doing housework, a mechanical snake, and a robot that can change into an automobile in seven seconds are some of his inventions. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has praised Yao's efforts, calling one of his robot toys “straight out of a sci-fi blockbuster” With over 1.2 million followers, Yao's social media, his amazing robot toys and his happy moments with his son. Yao mentions that he uses affordable, second-hand materials combined with electronic components and programming to bring his imaginative designs to life. His work not only highlights his dedication as a father but also showcases the creativity and innovation in robotics that is gaining attention in China. Netizens have expressed admiration for Yao's efforts, with comments such as,"These robots are not just toys; they’re a glimpse of the future of robotics and innovation in China.Another commented that this is what true parenting looks like—using creativity and love to inspire the next generation.

INDIA WATCH

Article in Chinese media Reports on United State-India Trade Tensions: A Chinese media article reported that trade negotiations between the United States and India have reached a critical stage. The article noted that the U.S. views India's trade policies as imbalanced, highlighting that India imposes an average import tariff of 12% on U.S. goods, compared to the U.S.'s 2.2% on Indian imports. As a result, India is under pressure to lower its tariffs, with the U.S. Commerce Secretary advocating for reduced or near-zero tariffs on industrial products. Beyond industry, the U.S. is also pushing for greater access to India's agricultural market, which could negatively impact India's small-scale farmers. Additionally, Washington expects India to increase its purchases of U.S.-made defense equipment, such as the F-35, and reduce its reliance on Russian arms. However, shifting from Russian to American weapons could strain India's long-standing defense ties with Russia and disrupt its military supply chain. The article also noted that starting in April 2025, the U.S. plans to impose "reciprocal tariffs" on Indian exports, including electronics and automobiles, adding further complexity to trade relations between the two countries.

Prepared By

Cherukuri Venkata Subramanya Sai Narayana

Cherukuri Venkata Subramanya Sai Narayana holds a Master’s degree in Police and Security Studies from the School of Police Science and Security Studies, National Forensic Science University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. He has a strong academic interest in conflict and security studies, with a particular focus on maritime security. During his postgraduate studies, he authored a thesis on India’s Maritime Security: Dealing with Alliances and Conflicts in the Indian Ocean Region. He remains actively engaged in analyzing global events, applying his knowledge and expertise to assess geopolitical developments with a critical perspective.