CiCM 3rd April 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

Xi Jinping Promotes Afforestation for a Greener China: Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the need to enhance afforestation efforts to advance the vision of a Beautiful China. While participating in a voluntary tree-planting activity in Beijing on Thursday, Xi underscored the importance of collective action in environmental conservation. Accompanied by senior Party and state leaders, including all Politburo Standing Committee members and Vice President Han Zheng, Xi planted saplings alongside officials and local residents in Fengtai District. Engaging with children at the site, he encouraged them to cultivate a love for hard work and nature. Highlighting China's achievements, Xi noted that the country's forest coverage has exceeded 25 percent, contributing significantly to global afforestation. He stressed the need for continued efforts to enhance forest and grassland ecosystems, foster connected industries, and ensure afforestation initiatives yield long-term benefits for the people. Meanwhile, CMC Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia and Beijing Party Secretary Yin Li, along with other military and local leaders, also participated in a similar voluntary tree-planting activities in Beijing’s Tongzhou District, planting over 800 saplings. This marks the 43rd consecutive year that Central Military Commission leaders have collectively taken part in the capital’s voluntary tree-planting efforts.

Commerce Ministry Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Foreign Investments: During the press conference held by the Ministry of Commerce, it pledged to advance high-level economic openness and support foreign-funded enterprises in expanding their presence. Spokesperson He Yadong highlighted President Xi Jinping’s recent address to the international business community, which, according to the ministry, significantly enhanced investor confidence and provided clear direction for China’s engagement with foreign capital. Key measures include accelerating the rollout of pilot projects for foreign investment in sectors like cloud computing and biotechnology, ensuring fair market competition and expanding access in fields such as healthcare. The ministry plans to enhance free trade zones and pilot projects for service industry expansion, while steadily liberalizing education and cultural sectors. Additionally, efforts will be made to revise the negative list for market access and remove hidden investment barriers. Additionally, efforts will be made to enhance communication with foreign investors and improve service mechanisms. For this, the Ministry will enhance communication with foreign investors, organize visits, and hold monthly roundtables to address concerns.

USA and China Conduct Military Maritime Consultative Agreement Discussions: The Chinese and U.S. militaries held the 2025 China-U.S. Military Maritime Consultative Agreement working group meeting in Shanghai on Wednesday and Thursday. According to the PLA Navy, both sides engaged in constructive discussions on recent developments in the maritime and aerial security environment since the last meeting. They reviewed the implementation of the Rules of Behavior for Safety of Air and Maritime Encounters and explored ways to enhance operational safety and mutual understanding. The Chinese delegation stressed that naval and aerial safety is directly linked to national security. They highlighted concerns over U.S. military activities, including reconnaissance and high-intensity drills near China, which could lead to misunderstandings and security risks. China also warned that such actions jeopardize its sovereignty and military stability.

China Expands Mobile Phone Safe Recycling and Disposal Initiative: China Environmental Protection Group has successfully completed the trial operation of its Mobile Phone Safe Recycling and Disposal pilot project. This initiative has now been extended to all provincial capitals, enabling consumers to access safe recycling services through the "core breaking and worry-free" applet, offering both door-to-door service and confidential recycling via post. China Resources Recycling Group Co., Ltd., established in Tianjin in October 2024, is dedicated to resource recycling and plays a pivotal role in building a national platform for sustainable resource management. The mobile phone safe recycling and disposal pilot, launched in Tianjin Binhai New Area and Shantou on January 18, integrated online and offline recycling, dismantling, and smelting. Liu Yu, Party Secretary and Chairman of China Environmental Protection Group, emphasized that this initiative will also extend to other electronic devices, including computers and hard disks, fostering a comprehensive national platform for electronic waste recycling and reutilization.

Wang Huning Emphasizes Strict Supervision in Yangtze River Environmental Conservation: China's top political advisor and CPPCC Chairman, Wang Huning, emphasized the need for strengthened democratic regulation of the eco-environmental conservation of the Yangtze River. Speaking at a symposium with non-CPC leaders and people with no party affiliation, Wang highlighted the importance of completing all tasks with regards to Yangtze River under the 14th Five-Year Plan with high quality. He called for leveraging consultative supervision to provide practical recommendations, focusing on critical and urgent environmental challenges. He highlighted the necessity of grasping the political direction and nature of democratic supervision, and further deepen political consensus on strengthening democratic supervision. Wang also stressed the need to assess the effectiveness of current efforts and plan for the next phase of special regulations. The symposium, chaired by newly appointed head of the United Front Work department Li Ganjie, also featured remarks by leaders of eight non-CPC parties and independent representatives.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Espionage Case in China Receives Netizens’ Attention: Following a thorough investigation, Chinese national security agencies recently uncovered a foreign intelligence network operating within the country. Recently, the state security organs unearthed an intelligence network set up by three Filipino nationals in China. In recent years, there has been a rise in foreign intelligence activities aimed at gathering sensitive information within China, prompting increased attention from relevant authorities. This news received traction in Chinese social media where some netizens appreciated China's firm determination towards stopping such illegal activities and hoped for a severe punishment. Other netizens highlighted the growing instances of such espionage activities particularly supported by neighbouring countries which are hostile towards China. Some people also noted that many of these people enter China without proper checks and claim to be of Chinese origin when caught. Meanwhile, one netizen also blamed large scale visa-exemptions offered by China to foreigners as a cause of easy entry for foreign spies.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Discusses Impact of US Tariffs on India-US Relations: An article in Chinese media discusses new tariffs on imports from India imposed by the United States. The article notes that tariffs on India, currently levied at 26 percent, are amongst the highest which shows that Modi-Trump friendship has limited influence in this decision. It also states Trump’s discontent against high tariffs imposed by India. This article argues that these tariffs are a setback for Modi government as its efforts to make huge concessions on issues highlighted by President Trump did not yield results. It also mentions that both countries have agreed to fast-track the trade deal during PM Modi’s Washington visit in February. It further claims that increased tariffs will increase pressure on India to reach the deal quickly. The article also cites an expert who states that India may make more concessions to the US in coming months including reduction in tariffs on US goods, purchase more energy products from the US and even expand market access to US businesses.

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.