CiCM 11th April 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

Blue Paper Reveals Emerging Trends in Chinese Students Returning From Overseas Studies: The “Blue Paper on Chinese Overseas Students Returning to China for Employment” highlights key developments in overseas education and the increasing number of Chinese returnees. Prepared by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange under the Ministry of Education and released during the 2025 China Study Abroad Forum in Beijing, the report reveals that 366,380 Chinese students completed academic degrees abroad in 2023, up by about 30,000 from 2022. Women continued to lead among returnees, comprising about 57 percent. The UK, US, and Australia remained the top three destinations for Chinese students abroad. Master's degree holders dominated returnees at 63.09 percent, while returning PhDs reached 21,574 — a 51 percent increase from 2020. However, the proportion of STEM PhDs declined to 36.8 percent in 2023, down from 58 percent in 2020. A notable shift in the source of doctoral degrees was observed, with 53 percent earned from Asian universities and only 16.3 percent from North America. Management studies became the popular stream among returnees, surpassing science for the first time, followed by economics and engineering. At the forum, officials also announced the World Study Tour Alliance, aimed at fostering global educational exchange through short-term, credit programs under the “Study Tours in China” and “Study Tours Around the World” initiatives.

China Files a Complaint in WTO Against Escalated Tariffs by the US: China has filed a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) in response to the United States’ recent executive order increasing tariffs on Chinese exports. The decision, announced on Thursday, prompted China’s Ministry of Commerce to reiterate its commitment to upholding the rules-based multilateral trading system. According to a spokesperson from the Ministry, the newly announced US tariff measures raise concerns over their alignment with WTO obligations and the principles of fair international trade. In addition, the Customs Tariff Commission of China’s State Council announced an increase in tariffs on US imports to 125 percent, effective Saturday. China maintains that its actions are consistent with safeguarding legitimate economic interests and promoting a balanced global trade environment. The spokesperson urged the US to review its trade policy decisions and work constructively towards resolving disputes within multilateral frameworks. The Spokesperson further reiterated that China remains committed to open and rules-based trade and expressed its readiness to continue dialogue under WTO procedures. Authorities also emphasized that any further trade actions would be carefully considered as it is already becoming implausible to conduct any trade between US and China due to heightened tariffs.

China Issues Widespread Weather Alerts Amid Severe Wind and Sandstorm Threats: China’s National Meteorological Center (NMC) renewed an orange alert for gale-force winds expected to affect northern and coastal regions over the weekend. Winds reaching force 13 (37.0–41.4 m/s) are forecasted for areas in Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Hebei and Beijing. Coastal waters like the Bohai and Yellow Seas will also see high winds, while snowstorms are predicted in Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang, with snowfall up to 28mm. Simultaneously, blue alerts were issued for rainstorms across southern and eastern provinces, and sandstorms in northern regions including Xinjiang, Ningxia and Gansu. The Ministry of Emergency Management raised its emergency response to level III for severe convection weather in 13 provinces. Flight and railway services have been disrupted, with 159 train routes either suspended or scheduled for cancellation. Beijing and Hebei have implemented safety measures including class suspensions, event cancellations, and park closures. In Hebei’s Xiong’an New Area, all schools were shut from Friday to Sunday due to sharp temperature drops and extreme wind. Some Beijing residents rushed to supermarkets to stock up on essentials, while the Beijing Capital International Airport issued warnings of possible delays. Authorities warn of continued sandstorm activity throughout April, with enhanced monitoring by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration to counter climate-related risks.

China Unveils Revised Guidelines to Strengthen Drug Administration in Armed Forces: President Xi Jinping, Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), signed an order to release newly revised guidelines on the enforcement of drug administration law within China’s armed forces. Jointly issued by the State Council and the CMC, the document was also approved by Premier Li Qiang through a State Council decree and will take effect from June 1. The revised guidelines aim to further enhance the scientific and efficient management of medicine systems in the military. Key measures include improving the regulation of drug reserves, ensuring a stable and reliable supply of essential medications and promoting the rational use of medicines. Special attention is given to the management of medicines required for specific military needs. Additionally, the guidelines focus on enhancing supervision, refining drug safety standards and advancing mechanisms to manage safety risks. These guidelines also call for enhancing the system to address and prevent illegal use and transfer of medicines within the military.

China and Spain Reaffirm Commitment to Free Trade and Global Economic Stability: During Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s visit to Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of upholding economic globalization and free trade. President Xi underscored China’s steady commitment to self-reliant development and expressed confidence in navigating global challenges. Both leaders acknowledged the deep economic ties between China and the EU, and expressed the need for joint efforts to support multilateralism and a fair international trade environment. The two sides released the Action Plan for Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2025–2028), highlighting shared goals for future cooperation. President Xi called on China and the EU to fulfill their global responsibilities and strengthen international trade rules. PM Sanchez reiterated the EU’s dedication to open trade and multilateral cooperation. China also reaffirmed its commitment to preserving international trade order and working collaboratively with partners to support sustainable growth, address global challenges and protect shared economic interests.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Chinese Netizens Express Discontent Against US Tariffs: Beginning April 12 (Beijing time), China implemented an additional 125 percent tariff on US imports, reflecting its approach to address ongoing trade challenges. Complementary actions include the initiation of a WTO dispute resolution process and updates to the Unreliable Entities List. Additionally, China released a comprehensive white paper to outline its guiding principles and long-term policy perspectives on Sino-US economic and trade relations. Chinese netizens expressed their support for these government actions against the US tariff war. They also showed resolve to stand firm behind the government in this fight and endure any hardship if needed. One netizen reacted that “the world is big enough, and the United States is not all there is to the world market". Another Netizen expressed that “it is our responsibility to resist the United States and save the country and the people!” Some people also reiterated the Chinese government’s position of “fighting to the end” against the US actions.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Assesses Apple’s Evolving Global Strategy in Favour of India: Chinese media outlet Guancha reported that the US tech giant Apple is actively exploring alternative strategies to navigate the evolving global trade environment caused by the recent US tariff hike on Chinese goods. According to the report, the company has accelerated shipments from India to the US, with at least 10 cargo flights departing from Chennai since Trump’s announcement of increased tariffs. The article cites Indian officials who noted that Apple is considering deeper investments in India owing to its diversification strategy away from China. Tamil Nadu, home to four of Apple’s five iPhone factories in India, continues to be Apple’s key production base. However, the article argues that despite progress, India’s current manufacturing scale cannot yet fully offset its production in China, which accounts for 80 percent of its global capacity. It notes that even if Apple exports all phones produced in India to the US, it could still fall short of meeting the annual demand in the US. Thus, the article claims that Apple’s India operations cannot fully resolve high tariff risks posed by the US-China trade war in the long run.

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.