CiCM 17th March 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

China Unveils Action Plan to Boost Domestic Consumption: At a press conference on Monday, China unveiled a comprehensive 30-point action plan aimed at stimulating domestic consumption. The plan strengthens demand-side policies by prioritizing income growth and reducing financial burdens through targeted measures, including promoting fair wage increases, enhancing employment support, and refining minimum wage adjustment mechanisms. Li Chunlin, director of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), emphasized that the initiative seeks to stabilize the stock and real estate markets to boost consumer confidence and spending capacity. He highlighted key policy measures, such as allocating 300 billion yuan in ultra-long-term special treasury funds this year to support consumer goods trade-in programs. Additionally, the People's Bank of China will introduce financial guidelines to stimulate consumption, incorporating a moderately loose monetary policy to create a favorable financial environment. The Ministry of Finance will enhance social services, including healthcare, education, pensions, and employment protection, while the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security will roll out employment support plans for critical sectors, industries, grassroots areas, and small and medium-sized enterprises. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce will focus on driving service consumption and fostering growth in auto sales.
Xi Jinping Emphasises Ethnic Heritage and Rural Revitalization During Visit to Guizhou: During the President Xi Jinping’s visits to Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County, Guizhou Province, he emphasizes the importance of preserving ethnic minority culture while advancing rural revitalization. During his visit, Xi praised the Dong ethnic group’s rich cultural heritage, describing it as "deeply traditional and remarkably stylish." At a drum tower, a communal gathering space unique to the Dong community, Xi engaged with local residents and called for comprehensive rural revitalization. He encouraged the province to build confidence and take gradual steps toward Chinese modernization. Additionally, he emphasized the need to deepen reforms and expand opening-up efforts to drive high-quality development.
Shanghai Introduces New Measures to Boost Debut Economy: The Shanghai government has introduced new measures to promote its "debut economy" in tandem with East China’s ambition to become a global consumption hub. This initiative encourages the launch of first stores, debut products, and exhibitions to optimize the business environment and attract global brands to the city. Commerce Minister Wang Wentao highlighted Shanghai’s global leadership in the debut economy policy and its pivotal role in fostering high-quality economic growth through these efforts. According to Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, a series of "first "events is set to take place in Shanghai and other cities aiming to unleash market potential and promote the integration of domestic and international trade. Vice Mayor, Hua Yuan, stated that the measures aim to attract major events, establish the initiative as a global consumption benchmark, and position Shanghai as the premier destination for international brands entering the Chinese market.
China-U.K Strengthen Cooperation on Climate Change: Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang met with U.K Secretary of State for Energy Security, Ed Miliband, in Beijing to enhance collaboration on climate change. Ding emphasized the importance of stable bilateral ties, highlighting both countries’ role in promoting economic growth and addressing global challenges. He reaffirmed China's commitment to building consensus on shared priorities and deepening cooperation in finance, trade, investment, and low-carbon development. Miliband expressed the UK's desire for a constructive relationship with China and closer collaboration on energy security and climate action. Both sides agreed to advance cooperation for mutual benefit and the global community.
China Introduces Railway Discounts to Promote Elderly Tourism: China has launched a new policy offering significant railway travel discounts for senior passengers, aiming to enhance their travel experience and boost the silver economy. Starting April 1, passengers aged 60 and above will earn 15 times the ticket price in reward points under an expanded loyalty program, providing substantial savings. The initiative encourages elderly residents from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and foreign permanent residents to travel domestically by train. It excludes international and special tourist trains. To further support senior tourism, China’s railway sector has outlined a three-year plan to introduce over 100 premium routes and 160 tailored trains by 2028. These trains will feature onboard services, including dedicated medical staff, balanced meal options, and activities like chess and reading.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Elderly Women in China Captures Online Attention with Her Youthful Appearance: A woman from Suzhou, Anhui province, has gained significant online attention after becoming a grandmother at the age of 39 while maintaining a youthful appearance. In a viral video shared on social media, she was seen feeding her one-month-old grandson. The March 8 video gained praise for her youthful appearance and caring nature, earning the "Grandmother Born in 1985" 19,000 followers where she shares moments of family life, including childcare and home cooking. Many viewers have commented that she appears closer in age to her daughter-in-law, with some humorously expressing surprise at her early transition to grandmotherhood.One netizen wrote, "I'm the same age as this woman, but I'm not married yet. Another netizen wrote,I was born in the 1970s and my child is still in kindergarten.

INDIA WATCH

Article on Global Times Highlights PM Modi’s Positive Remarks on India-China Relations: The article highlighted PM Modi’s recent remarks on India-China relations, emphasizing the need to strengthen ties through dialogue and cooperation rather than discord and conflict. In an interview with podcaster Lex Fridman, PM Modi spoke about the shared history and cultural connections between India and China, acknowledged their differences, and advocated for responsible competition over confrontation. The article also cited Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, who welcomed Modi's statements and reaffirmed China’s commitment to fully implementing the consensus reached by both leaders. Mao stressed that enhancing mutual understanding and collaboration serves the interests of both nations and contributes to regional peace and prosperity. Qian Feng, director at Tsinghua University, stated that Modi’s comments highlight the Indian government's pragmatic approach to strengthening China-India relations, building on the positive momentum established since the Kazan summit. “The China-India border issue has returned to a stable and manageable state. Moving forward both sides may enter the next phase of negotiations, although the process could be lengthy,” Qian stated.

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.