CiCM 25th March 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

Officials from China and India Hold their latest Border Affairs Meeting in Beijing: China and India convened their latest round of Meeting of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on China-India Border Affairs meeting in Beijing on March 25. The meeting was focused on implementing the six-point consensus established during the 23rd meeting last year. Both sides agreed to implement practical and effective measures to uphold peace and stability in the border areas while actively preparing for the 24th meeting between their special representatives on the boundary issue. The discussions, co-chaired by Chinese official Hong Liang and Indian diplomat Gourangalal Das, were described as "positive and constructive" by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The two nations pledged to adopt effective measures to maintain tranquility in the border areas and advance future diplomatic talks.
China Intensifies Anti-Corruption Drive to Strengthen Governance: The Chinese government is intensifying its anti-corruption efforts by reinforcing the Central Eight Regulations to enhance governance transparency and accountability. President Xi Jinping has repeatedly stressed that unchecked corruption threatens the Communist Party’s legitimacy, prompting a crackdown on misconduct at various levels of government. A key focus has been on school meal programs, ensuring affordability and quality for students, with recent inspections standardizing meal prices at 7 yuan. The broader anti-corruption campaign has also curbed extravagance in government offices, streamlined administrative processes, and fostered stronger grassroots engagement. Notably, the country has implemented stricter oversight in sectors like finance, real estate, and public services to prevent economic crimes.

Payment Protections for SMEs to strengthen with New Regulations: China has unveiled revised regulations to ensure timely payments to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The updated rules, effective from June 1, mandate that government organs, public institutions and large-scale enterprises pay SMEs within 60 days of delivery and strengthen supervision, complaint resolution, and penalties for violations. The regulations clarify responsibilities at central and local levels, enhancing enforcement. These measures aim to improve cash flow for SMEs, fostering a healthier business environment and reducing financial risks associated with delayed payments.
Beijing is set to Strengthen Ties with Portugal and EU: Speaking at the second China-Portugal strategic dialogue in Beijing on 25th March, Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized China’s stable economic outlook and commitment to openness, offering new opportunities for Portugal. China reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening China-EU relations based on mutual trust and shared success. As one of the top EU recipients of Chinese investment, Portugal is looking to deepen collaboration in the green transition, digital economy, and innovation. Wang also highlighted Macao’s role in fostering bilateral ties and reiterated China’s support for Europe’s strategic autonomy. Portugal’s Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel described China as a “trustworthy partner,” reaffirmed Portugal’s commitment to the one-China policy, and welcomed further Chinese investment.
China Announces New Initiatives to Expand Domestic Consumption: The Ministry of Commerce announced initiatives to expand domestic consumption through subsidies, service improvements, and digital innovations. To upgrade commodity consumption, increased subsidies for old-for-new trade-ins will cover automobiles, home appliances, and digital products. In the service sector, campaigns such as "Service Consumption Season" and "Chinese Food Festival" will promote industries like hospitality, elderly care, and tourism. The government also plans to open key service industries, including healthcare, education, and telecommunications, while fostering new consumption trends in digital services, AI-integrated products, and green consumption. Additionally, efforts will be made to expand inbound tourism, refine the departure tax refund system, and modernize urban and rural commerce with improved pedestrian hubs and county-level networks.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

China’s Engagement Sexual Assualt Case Dominates Social Media, Ignites Debate on Consent and Gender Rights: China’s social media is ablaze with discussions surrounding the highly controversial "engagement sexual assault case" in Shanxi's Datong city, as netizens dissect every development following the second trial’s inconclusive outcome. The case, involving allegations by Wu, a 27-year-old accountant, that her fiancé, Shi, a 30-year-old entrepreneur from a wealthy family, coerced her into non-consensual sex after their engagement, has sparked intense debate on Weibo and other platforms. The netizens highlighted China's evolving discourse on consent and legal justice. Many online commentators argue that the legal system’s reliance on physical evidence, such as the absence of DNA traces, reflects outdated notions of sexual violence. Feminist activists pointed out that coercion does not always leave physical scars and stress the need for reforms in how sexual assault cases are investigated. Conversely, others expressed skepticism about the allegations, echoing Shi’s family’s claims that the case was motivated by financial disputes. The case has also reignited discussions about societal pressures surrounding marriage, the financial burden of betrothal gifts, and the legal system’s handling of sexual violence.

INDIA WATCH

An article published in Global Times discusses India's Foreign Direct Investment Policies and the Need to Relax Restrictions on Chinese Investments: An article published in the Global Times discussed growing conversations within India regarding the relaxation of restrictions on Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), highlighting the potential economic benefits of enhanced trade cooperation between the two nations. The article referred to a recent report in the Indian Express, which suggested that discussions are underway within Indian government departments to ease some of the trade and investment restrictions imposed on China five years ago. It emphasized that Chinese investments could play a significant role in strengthening India's manufacturing sector by providing capital, advanced technology, and industrial expertise. The article also cited India’s protectionist policies have hindered its "Make in India" initiative and may have reduced its ability to attract foreign investments. Furthermore, the article emphasized that many Indian business sectors, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, have expressed the need for relaxed trade barriers to boost economic growth. While Indian experts have recently stated that restrictions on Chinese investment are unlikely to be lifted soon, the article argues that maintaining such barriers could negatively impact India's economic expansion.

Prepared By

Saniya Kakoti

Saniya Kakoti is an undergraduate Political Science student at Lady Shri Ram College for Women, with a strong interest in public policy, international relations, feminism, decolonial theory, and comparative studies. She interned with the Office of Shri Pradyut Bordoloi (INC Lok Sabha MP, Nagaon, Assam) during the Winter Session 2024, focusing on policy research. She has also worked with the India Gender and Social Inclusion Platform at the World Bank , where she contributed to report writing on high-profile events and discussions on women’s leadership.