CiCM 13th March 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

Beijing to host Tripartite talks between China, Iran and Russia on Iran’s Nuclear Programme: The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China would host both Iran and Russia in its efforts to discuss the former’s Nuclear Program. She further explained that as a member of the UN Security Council and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Beijing found its responsibility in the resolution of the Iran nuclear issue and has always advocated for the same. She also stated that the resolution of the issue through diplomatic means shall ensure the stability of the region, and the maintenance of the international non-proliferation region. China’s hosting of the talk is set to exhibit its role in the advocation and settlement of issues in international matters. The meeting will be held between China’s Vice-Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Alexeevich, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi. Last week, the United States expressed its desire to conduct talks between both countries on the nuclear issues and added that refusal to the proposal would result in military action, for which Iran responded that it will not surrender to the US bullying. The tripartite talk is also expected to discuss several other international developments including cooperation in BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation.
Chinese Securities Regulatory Commission Launches New Round of Capital Reform: A meeting organised by the Chinese Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) has decided on the establishment of a new round of capital reform with regards to President Xi’s address in the National Two Sessions to study and employ measures in the implementation of the capital market. This new round of capital reform is set to be fully launched with the effort of moving deeper into the comprehensive reform of investment whose driving force is envisioned to be financing. The 2025 Government Report highlighted the implementation of the Central Economic Work Conference that emphasises on high-quality development, policy orientation and the implementation of ‘task book’ and ‘construction plan’ in noting the work done in the economic and social development, stated the CSRC. The CSRC system was established to prevent risks, strengthen supervision, promote high-quality development, and better equip itself for the capital market. One of the other targets is to provide awareness to the listed companies in ensuring the returns to investors and focus on the mid and long term fundings. The expansion of a high-level institutional opening of the market as well as strict enforcement mechanisms are also key points of the systems established.
Commerce Ministry of China Calls out the US for its Unilateral, Protectionist Policy over Tariffs: China’s Commerce Ministry has shown discontent over the additional tariffs imposed by the US on China and other countries. As the claims over the additional tariffs on China are around the issue of serving the national interest of the US, the ministry commented that the tariffs on Chinese goods does not protect their national interest by any means. It was also added that these measures would not contribute to the domestic industries positively by any means. The ministry spokesperson stated that the US is merely showcasing unilateralism, protectionism and bullying. The United States has also imposed a tariff of 25 per cent on steel and aluminium imports for which the ministry reiterated its stance of US bullying and protectionism under the facade of the protection of national security. Beijing urged the United States to cancel Section 232 measures on products such as steel and aluminum and added that many other countries feel the same regarding the US policy.
China Reacts to New Zealand’s Accusation Over its Role in Pacific Islands: The Head of New Zealand’s Intelligence Service’s recent claims over China’s involvement in the Pacific Islands, especially in the Cook Islands were rejected by the Chinese Embassy in the island country. The embassy responded stating that there is no foundation for such claims and is completely false. The Chinese embassy criticised that “To a man with a nail, everything looks like a hammer”. The embassy further added that it is time for other parties to view China differently from the usual Cold war mentality and zero-sum mindset.The response also urged New Zealand to not use the concept of security and refrain from over politicising issues that are of no relevance. China stated that it has respected the ‘four full respect’ policy in its engagement with the Pacific Island countries.
Foreign Ministers of China and Laos Meet in Beijing to Strengthen Ties : As part of the visit of the Foreign Minister of Laos, Thongsavanh Phomvihane to China from March 12 to 15, a meeting was held between the Chinese Foreign minister Wang Yi and the Foreign minister of Laos. The discussion resulted in both countries ensuring progress regarding the building of a community of China and Laos with a shared future. The meeting was viewed as highly productive with deliberations over more collaborations between both countries. As the bilateral ties between both countries crossed 64 years, Wang Yi expressed that both nations have stood together and faced challenges firmly. Wang Yi further added that the comprehensive strategic partnership between both countries remains strong and resilient. China also showed its support in strengthening the party in Laos and to enhance solidarity and cooperation. The meeting further emphasised on the development projects between both countries including the construction of China-Laos Economic Corridor, increasing the operational capacity of China-Laos railway and the expansion of collaboration in sectors such as artificial intelligence, digital economy and more. Along with these, the Laos counterpart has also mentioned strengthening the multilateral law enforcement cooperation in combating frauds and cross-border criminal activities. China also hopes that the bilateral cooperation between both countries becomes a pathway for other ASEAN countries to join China in the developmental projects. Both countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on promoting the Global Security Initiative.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Chinese Celebrity Couple Mclein and Li Xingliang Receive Social Media Backlash: The controversy surrounding the Chinese celebrity Mclein and her partner Li Xingliang has created viral debates on Chinese social media platforms about Mclein’s poor household management efforts. Both the celebrity and her partner have received backlash from the audience. There are several hashtags trending on social media over the issue leading to nitizens calling for a boycott of the celebrity since the surge of debates over the controversial incident. The controversy arose with the public appearance of Mclein in a variety show after marriage for which netizens reacted harshly on Mclein over the unequal distribution of work and family responsibilities. While some have expressed their opinion that she should have thought through the outcome of her public appearance especially with the perception of her marriage in the public eyes, some opined that she has not been shouldering the family responsibilities. Li Xingliang’s agency has responded to the public criticism stating that the backlash received an unbalanced criticism over family responsibilities and further added that Mclein will attentively listen and reflect on the public criticism. As the boycott continues, the supporters of the couple have expressed that since Mclein has expressed to reflect on the matters, the boycott is unfair. The backlash has further started debates on public scrutiny of celebrity life and the importance of maintaining public image in the entertainment industry to survive.

INDIA WATCH

Article in the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reflects upon India, China Cooperation against US Tariff: A recent article on SCMP discussed China’s called for cooperation between Beijing and New Delhi as the US tariff issue is set to affect both countries. The article also went on to reflect that while the trade cooperation between Beijing and New Delhi will be useful for both countries, the mistrust between the neighbours that has existed for a long time stands a major hindrance in the process. It further discussed the remarks made by the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, on the need for stronger economic ties between both India and China. He further added that the enhanced ties between “the dragon and the elephant” is substantial for the “democratisation of international relations”. The piece further highlighted the words of Wang Yi during the press conference at Beijing that the path of cooperation serves the best for both countries and as important members of Global South, it is their responsibility to defy hegemonism denoting US’s actions. The coming together of two Asian giants to tackle the vulnerabilities of both sides, India’s supply problem and China’s demand issue can serve as a major opportunity in cooperation. However, the article also mentioned India-China border dispute and issues on self-sufficiency as limitations to the cooperation. India has not responded to Wang Yi’s remarks pertaining to cooperation. The piece concluded with the remark of an expert who stated that the cooperation between both countries, if deepened, could globally have a significant impact.

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.