CiCM 20th March 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

China Introduces a New Policy to Ensure Food Quality and Safety: China has introduced a comprehensive guideline to enhance oversight across the entire food supply chain, ensuring food quality and safety from production to consumption. Jointly issued by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, the policy implemented stricter controls to improve public health protection. Key measures include enhanced coordination among regulatory bodies, the introduction of a traceability system to monitor agricultural products from farms to markets, and stricter licensing requirements for food producers and distributors. In response to the growing online food sales sector, the policy also emphasizes the responsibilities of e-commerce platforms and livestreaming hosts in maintaining food safety standards. Additionally, imported food products will be subject to tighter risk management measures to align with domestic regulations. By strengthening oversight and modernizing regulatory frameworks, China aims to boost consumer confidence and uphold food safety standards in an evolving market.
China Launches "Double Thousand" Plan to Enhance Graduate Employability: The Ministry of Education (MOE) has introduced the "Double Thousand" plan to equip students with practical skills needed for today’s job market. The initiative will establish 1,000 skills-bridging microprograms and 1,000 vocational training courses across the country, targeting students in undergraduate, junior college, and vocational high schools. Focusing on strategic industries such as the digital economy, green technology, and low-altitude economies, the plan aims to strengthen interdisciplinary knowledge and hands-on skills. The microprograms are designed to enhance interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills, Covering diverse fields from quantum science to big data technology. Universities like Shanghai University of Electric Power are already partnering with industry leaders, such as Tesla, to provide specialized training and hands-on experience. A senior MOE official emphasized that the initiative seeks to close knowledge and skills gaps, boosting students’ employability. Additionally, the MOE has instructed universities and local authorities to gather AI-focused project proposals from enterprises and industry associations to better align talent development with evolving industry demands.
Beijing Hosts 2025 Global South Financiers Forum to Promote Financial Cooperation: The 2025 Global South Financiers Forum was held in Beijing on Thursday under the theme "Illuminating Global South." Organized by Xinhua News Agency, the forum gathered representatives from over 30 countries and regions, including government officials, financial experts, and institutional leaders. Alongside the main forum, discussions on inclusive finance, digital finance, green finance, and capital market development began on Wednesday and will conclude on Friday. During the event, Fu Hua, President of Xinhua News Agency, emphasized the Global South’s growing role in shaping the international order. He highlighted the forum’s contribution to openness, connectivity, and financial cooperation as a means to support sustainable development and advance reforms in global governance. Beijing Mayor Yin Yong stressed the importance of financial collaboration in driving economic growth and reaffirmed Beijing’s position as a key financial hub. Participants from both domestic and international sectors called for greater communication and cooperation among Global South countries to enhance global economic stability and prosperity.
China-Kazakhstan International Road Transport Agreement to Take Effect in 2025: The Agreement on International Road Transport between China and Kazakhstan, signed on May 17, 2023, will officially take effect on March 10, 2025, following the completion of domestic legal procedures by both countries. Replacing the 1992 Agreement on Automobile Transport, the new framework significantly expands the scope of bilateral international road transport cooperation, allowing for full-area transport, transit transport, and third-country transport. Additionally, it introduces systematic and institutional arrangements to streamline entry and exit management for transport vehicles and personnel, ensure mutual recognition of certificates, provide tax exemptions, and facilitate visa issuance, customs clearance, and information sharing. These measures create favorable conditions for enhancing the efficiency and facilitation of China-Kazakhstan international road transport, further strengthening connectivity and trade cooperation between the two nations. As a key player in the China-Europe logistics corridor, Kazakhstan holds strategic importance in trade and transportation. The Agreement’s implementation is expected to enhance connectivity, deepen economic and trade cooperation, and strengthen the stability and efficiency of the China-Europe logistics supply chain.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang Calls for Stable Farm Produce Supply to Ensure Food Security: Chinese Premier Li Qiang has emphasized the need for sustained efforts to stabilize the supply of grains and key agricultural products to safeguard food security and achieve the country’s annual output targets. He urged all local governments and departments to prioritize agriculture and rural development, strengthen food security measures, and enhance the steady production and supply of essential farm produce. To advance rural revitalization, Premier Li highlighted the importance of bolstering agricultural support systems, improving farmers' livelihoods, and promoting rural prosperity. He also stressed the need to build on and expand achievements in poverty alleviation. Speaking at a national conference on spring agricultural production in Suqian, Jiangsu Province, Vice Premier Liu Guozhong reinforced the importance of improving arable land quality, increasing crop yields, and strengthening disaster response capabilities. He called for enhanced monitoring of natural disasters, better coordination in grain market regulation, support for beef and dairy cattle farming, and measures to boost farmers' incomes.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Unconventional Exercises Gain Popularity Among China's Elderly in Pursuit of Health and Longevity: In China, unconventional exercise routines are gaining traction among the elderly as they seek improved health and longevity. One such practice, "crocodile crawling," has become popular in provinces like Jiangsu and Hunan, where elderly participants march in unison, believing it helps alleviate back discomfort. However, healthcare experts advise caution, especially for those with pre-existing conditions. Another trending activity, "tree bumping," involves gently striking the body against tree trunks to boost blood circulation and reduce stress. While some find it therapeutic, doctors warn it may harm bones and joints. Similarly, "neck hanging," which involves suspending oneself from horizontal sticks for cervical relief, poses significant risks if done improperly, with reported incidents of serious injury. Meanwhile, "pebble walking," rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, is believed to improve circulation, though experts recommend limiting sessions to prevent joint strain. Public reactions to these unconventional exercises remain mixed. While some admire the seniors' dedication to staying active, others raise concerns about safety and advocate for more conventional fitness practices.

INDIA WATCH

Article on Global Times Highlights Strengthening China-India Economic Cooperation: An article on Global Times discusses a piece by Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, published in The Times of India titled “India-China Can Achieve A Dragon-Elephant Tango.” In his article, Ambassador Xu emphasized China’s willingness to welcome more high-quality Indian products and share the benefits of its economic growth with India. He also encouraged Indian enterprises to explore investment opportunities in China, aligning with India’s Make in India initiative. The article highlighted China’s mature industrial ecosystem and strong intermediate goods production capabilities, which, when combined with India’s expanding manufacturing sector, present significant opportunities for collaboration. By leveraging China’s expertise in intermediate goods, Indian companies can access high-quality, cost-effective components to strengthen domestic manufacturing. Additionally, increased cooperation could bolster India’s upstream industries by expanding raw material exports to China. The article further underscored that fostering economic complementarity rather than competition would drive mutual growth. Echoing this sentiment, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reaffirmed that cooperation between the "dragon and the elephant" is the best path toward strengthening bilateral ties and promoting regional economic stability.

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.