CiCM 26th March 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

Chinese Entrepreneurs, Think Tank Experts and Delegates Discuss Growth at Boao Forum: The Chinese Business Leaders and Think Tank Roundtable at the Boao Forum was held on March 26 in Boao, Hainan. Hosted by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council, the event gathered 23 representatives that included Chinese entrepreneurs, private sector representatives, and think tank experts from 15 countries to discuss global economic trends and opportunities. Chen Xu, Vice Minister of the United Front Work Department and Director of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, highlighted China’s steady economic progress, resilience, and commitment to high-quality development. He emphasized the vital role of overseas Chinese entrepreneurs in fostering economic globalization, cultural exchange, and international cooperation. Discussions centered on inclusive economic globalization, the development of new productive forces, and strengthening people-to-people ties to build an Asian community with a shared future. Business leaders, including Xie Jiren of Thailand’s CP Group, Liu Yonghao of New Hope Group, and Cai Guanshen of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong, expressed confidence in China’s modernization path and its role in regional cooperation. Experts stressed the need for innovation, sustainable development, and deeper cross-border collaboration in sectors such as technology, trade, and infrastructure.
Budgets of Government Departments Released to Enhance Fiscal Transparency: China has released the 2025 Central Departments Budget, disclosing central and local government finances, including public funds, state-owned capital, and social insurance budgets, with detailed explanations to enhance public understanding. This disclosure is part of the government’s commitment to open governance, accountability and efficient resource allocation. Budget documents are published on the Ministry of Finance’s "Central Budget and Final Accounts Disclosure Platform," in addition to departmental websites. The government has also refined budget performance management, focusing on measurable outcomes to optimize fiscal efficiency. One notable improvement is the steady expansion of disclosed performance targets, increasing from 10 in 2017 to 796 in 2024, with 2025 projections aiming for further improvements. China’s approach to central and local fiscal transparency, by expanding disclosure depth, refining content, and standardizing methods, is an effort to strengthen governance and oversight. In 2025, the number of budgetary tables disclosed has increased to 48, which include central transfer payments to local governments, up from 42 in previous years. With comprehensive reporting on expenditures since 2022, the budget disclosure rate of local governments at all levels has been 100%, and disclosure rate for provincial, municipal and county departments has reached 99%.
China Introduces Vision for International Consumption Centers: China has introduced "Several Measures to Support the Cultivation and Construction of International Consumption Center Cities," aiming to develop Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Tianjin, and Chongqing as global consumption destinations. The policy encourages local uniqueness, ensuring each city develops a distinct identity while fostering economic growth. Key initiatives include expanding visa-free entry, streamlining customs procedures, and increasing international flight connectivity. Enhancements in payment services and duty-free shopping aim to create a seamless consumer experience. The policy also promotes service consumption by integrating tourism, accommodation, and entertainment, while fostering sports and cultural events to attract global visitors. Additionally, the initiative encourages the launch of high-quality domestic and international brands, facilitating cross-border collaborations and innovation. By reinforcing infrastructure and promoting a dynamic consumption ecosystem, China seeks to strengthen its position as a leading global shopping and tourism hub, supporting long-term economic development and international engagement.
Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Yunus Visits China to Strengthen Ties: Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus embarked on a four-day visit to China to attend the Boao Forum. Welcoming the visit, China’s Foreign Ministry highlighted the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Bangladesh, emphasizing the nations’ longstanding friendship and strategic partnership. The visit aligns with Bangladesh’s interim government’s focus on balanced diplomacy and economic priorities, with experts noting its intent to deepen cooperation with China. Several Memorandums of Understanding are expected, covering economic aid, disaster management, education, and cultural exchanges. Yunus previously urged China to enhance trade, technology transfers, and collaboration in green energy and infrastructure projects like the Mongla seaport and the Teesta River water-management project. Chinese analysts of South Asia like Qian Feng and Liu Zongyi underscored mutual respect and win-win cooperation as the foundation of bilateral ties, dismissing the geopolitical interpretations of the visit by some Indian media platforms.
China-Thailand Conduct Joint Naval Training "Blue Strike-2025": The joint naval training exercise "Blue Strike-2025" between China and Thailand commenced at a military port in Zhanjiang, Guangdong. This marks the sixth such exercise, with its scope expanding from the marine corps level to the naval fleet level. Naval vessels from both countries assembled on Tuesday in preparation for the training, which reflects the shared commitment of both navies to strengthening practical cooperation and enhancing joint operational capabilities. The exercise aims to foster deeper mutual understanding and contribute positively to regional maritime security. As an important initiative in implementing the consensus between the two navies, the training underscores the growing collaboration between China and Thailand in maritime defense. The exercise is scheduled to continue until April 2, providing an opportunity for both sides to enhance coordination and interoperability in the spirit of partnership and mutual benefit.
China and US Discuss Cooperation in High-Level Dialogue: Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, met with Evan Greenberg, executive vice chair of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations. Wang commended Greenberg’s dedication to fostering China-U.S. communication and encouraged continued efforts to promote stable and constructive bilateral ties. Emphasizing shared interests and cooperation potential, Wang highlighted the importance of following the consensus of both heads of state, strengthening dialogue, and managing differences to ensure a stable and sustainable relationship. He states that China remains open to discussions based on equality and mutual respect to address mutual concerns. Greenberg reaffirmed the significance of China-U.S. relations, stressing the need for greater understanding and collaboration. He emphasized the importance of enhanced engagement to contribute to global stability and prosperity. Both sides expressed their commitment to fostering a constructive and forward-looking partnership.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Surrogacy Case Sparks Outrage on Social Media: A recent incident involving a 17-year-old girl from Sichuan province giving birth to twins as a surrogate mother for a 50-year-old man from Jiangxi province has sparked public outrage and debate on social media. Authorities have launched an investigation into the surrogacy agency involved, which has been ordered to suspend its operations. The hospital where the birth took place is also under review. The case has highlighted the need for stronger regulations to protect minors and prevent exploitation. Legal experts have called for stricter oversight in the surrogacy industry. Netizens reacted by stating, “Surrogacy is illegal and cannot be compromised, and the men and women involved in surrogacy and the personnel of the agency should be sentenced”. Another Neitzen reacted by staing, “Surrogacy is illegal and supports criminalization”. Opinions expressed on social media widely condemned the agency offering surrogacy services, as well as the individual from Jiangxi, demanding greater scrutiny and oversight.

INDIA WATCH

Article in Chinese Media Reports on China-India High-Level Consultation Dialogue: An article in The Paper detailed a meeting on March 26, 2025 between senior diplomats from China and India which was convened in Beijing for a high-level consultation. The meeting was co-chaired by Liu Jinsong, Director General of the Department of Asian Affairs of China’s Foreign Ministry, and Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary of the East Asia Division of India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The article states that the meeting underscored the shared vision of both nations in fostering constructive engagement. Both sides expressed their dedication to implementing key agreements reached at the Kazan meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and by senior officials in subsequent meetings. The article states that discussions highlighted efforts to enhance diplomatic exchanges, resume direct flights, facilitate personnel movement, and encourage journalistic and think tank collaboration. The article also claims that the meeting emphasized the importance of cooperation in multilateral platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, although no mention of this was made in the press release by India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The article emphasises that both nations seek to strengthen mutual understanding and promote long-term regional stability through enhanced collaboration.

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.