CiCM 21st March 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

China Unveils New Regulations on Facial Recognition Technology: Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and the Ministry of Public Security have jointly launched a new set of facial recognition technology management measures, to go into effect on June 1, 2025. The new rules establish processing regulations, security measures and management responsibilities for facial recognition applications. A key provision addresses the widespread concern over mandatory facial recognition, particularly in hotels and residential areas. The new rules prohibit making facial recognition the sole verification method if alternative non-biometric options can fulfil the same purpose. These regulations provide that facial recognition technology cannot be used for identity verification through fraudulent and forceful means, or facial recognition equipment is prohibited from being installed in private spaces. It mandates security measures like data encryption, auditing and access control to protect collected information. However, processing facial recognition data for research, development, and algorithm training is exempt from these restrictions. New measures aim to address concerns over privacy and data security caused by the rapid expansion of facial recognition technology across finance, transportation and consumer services. These measures are expected to align with China’s existing Personal Information Protection Law, Cybersecurity Law and Data Security Law.

Hainan Launches Action Plan to Develop Health Tourism: China’s Hainan province launched a three-year action plan to boost services in the healthcare sector by repurposing existing buildings and reducing land leasing costs. The plan allows vacant commercial spaces, factories, schools, offices and training facilities to be converted into healthcare service centers. Hotels and resorts meeting regulatory standards are also allowed to offer such services and enterprises can transform residential properties after necessary checks. The plan also promotes rural collective construction land development, enhancing rural tourism and healthcare services. Sun Xiangtao, the executive director of the Hainan Rural Holiday Tourism Association, noted that it will further boost village homestays and rural accommodation occupancy, strengthening healthcare tourism in the province. This plan is a part of Hainan’s goals to build a unique healthcare system that can leverage its natural environment as well as its medical resources. This plan, coupled with easy access to land, aims to attract more small and medium-sized companies to develop Hainan’s healthcare sector.

State Council Issues Guidelines to Strengthen Trade Policy Compliance: China’s State Council has issued new guidelines to strengthen trade policy compliance and protect the rights of its enterprises. The policy mandates that compliance assessments must rigorously evaluate trade policies against WTO agreements, China’s Accession Protocol and other related documents. Before submission for approval, trade policies are required to include written compliance assessments. These measures apply to policies formulated by State Council departments and local governments at the county level or above, covering goods and services trade, intellectual property rights and foreign investment. The guidelines call for State Council departments and local governments to address compliance concerns raised by WTO members and ensure proper follow-ups. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) will lead consultations and negotiations to counter illegal trade measures imposed on China and safeguard enterprise interests. To support these efforts, the government will enhance compliance training, utilizing WTO resources and digital tools. Compliance supervision will be reinforced, with reward and punishment mechanism.

China-South Korea Foreign Ministers Discuss Bilateral Ties in Tokyo: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, held a meeting with Cho Tae-yul, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK), before the 11^th China-Japan-ROK Trilateral Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Tokyo. Wang emphasized China and South Korea’s close ties, reaffirming China's stable policy towards the ROK and its commitment to good-neighbourly relations despite political changes in Seoul. He urged South Korea to maintain a friendly approach and strengthen the strategic cooperative partnership. He also stressed cooperation on the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, with both countries set to host the summit in consecutive years. Marking the 10th anniversary of the China-ROK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Wang called for accelerating negotiations on the second phase to reach a timely agreement. Meanwhile, Cho Tae-yul highlighted opportunities for high-level exchanges amongst youth, local governments and parliamentarians. Amidst global uncertainties, Cho affirmed South Korea’s willingness to enhance communication with China to uphold regional peace. The two ministers also discussed trilateral cooperation, the Korean Peninsula and other key issues.

China’s Emergency Management Ministry Warns of Forest and Grassland Fires: A spokesperson of China’s ministry of Emergency Management informed during a press conference about the growing threat of "severe and complex" forest and grassland fire this spring due to rising temperatures and reduced precipitation. The national headquarters of forest and grassland fire prevention and control highlighted that persistent drought conditions could expand high fire-risk areas. With the Qingming Festival in early April, increased use of fire for rituals and outdoor cooking further elevates fire risks. Yang Xudong, director of fire prevention and control, noted that annual forest fires in China averaged around 16,000 from 1950 to 1989 but dropped to about 6,000 per year between 1990 and 2020. Since 2021, the number has remained in the thousands, demonstrating improved fire prevention efforts. According to Yang, human activities remain the leading cause of over 90 percent of fires, including agricultural activities, ritualistic fires and discarded cigarettes. However, the proportion of fires caused by lightning strikes has risen in 2024 as 113 lightning-induced fires accounted for 38.7 percent of the total, requiring increased vigilance. Authorities continue to stress preventive measures and public awareness campaigns to mitigate fire risks and protect China's forests and grasslands.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Chinese Influencer Faces Backlash for Tax Evasion: Famous Chinese influencer and commentator Sima Nan has been fined over 9 million Yuan for tax evasion by making false income declarations. Ironically, he gained popularity for posting several videos on China’s tax system which attracted more than 50 million followers. Now, his actions have sparked criticism regarding his motivations and ethics. His previous criticism of private entrepreneurs and adoption of patriotic themes through his videos have now resulted in mixed reactions from fans, questioning the credibility of his words. With fans labelling this as a threat to society and ‘moral kidnapping’, he faces extreme public anger for shaping public opinion in the wrong manner. After this incident, some people have also called for greater transparency and tighter laws for public figures to ensure high moral standards and accountability of these influencers. It has also prompted discussion on the need of ‘self-reflection’ for high-income individuals and awareness about the impact of their actions on society.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Speculates Motivations Behind PM Modi’s Recent Friendly Gestures Towards China: Chinese media platform Guancha analyses intentions behind PM Modi’s recent statement on India-China relations in a podcast program where he stressed on bilateral dialogue as a solution for stable relationship. The article, authored by Mao Keji, assistant researcher at the National Development and Reform Commission, argues that India-US relations have a huge impact on India-China relations. He claims that recent agreements between India and the US on military and industrial technology benefit India only in terms of optics instead of tangible outcomes, whereas the US aims to gain more economic benefits. He further notes that growing military cooperation with the US may hamper India’s relations with other partners like Russia and France. He highlights that the Trump administration, unlike its predecessor, has embarked on more transactional relations with India and wishes to dilute India’s strategic significance as an ‘anti-China’ partner in Asia. In the geopolitical domain, the author claims that the US’ reduced footprint in Asia will expose India to facing challenges alone. He further argues that by doing this, the US aims to avoid easy access to investments and technology transfers for India. According to the author, these emerging India-US dynamics have created contradictions for India between its growing strategic ambitions and national strength to sustain pressures from China. Thus, the author speculates that India may adopt a more friendly approach towards China to avoid risks of “facing China alone” without substantial support from the US. He also claims that in this scenario, India will increase its engagements with Europe, Russia and other Asian powers to gain more strategic space and economic benefits instead of relying on the US.