CICM 12th-13th April, 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

Chinese, Indonesian presidents exchange congratulations on the 75th anniversary of ties: On April 13, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto exchanged congratulatory messages to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia. Xi stated that the two countries, as close maritime neighbors and partners, have achieved significant progress in bilateral relations over the past 75 years. Xi emphasized the strategic importance of cooperation between China and Indonesia as major developing countries and key members of the Global South and expressed readiness to deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation and strengthen multilateral coordination. President Prabowo, in his message, conveyed congratulations on behalf of the Indonesian government and people and acknowledged the longstanding friendship and strong partnership between the two countries while noting the rapid growth in cooperation across five key areas: politics, economy, people-to-people and cultural exchange, maritime affairs, and security. Both leaders expressed commitment to expanding cooperation and contributing to global peace and stability.
China launches new communication technology test satellite: On April 11, 2025, China successfully launched a new communication technology test satellite from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province. It was launched aboard a Long March 3B rocket also known as the CZ-3B and LM-3B, which is a Chinese orbital launch vehicle. The satellite has entered its planned orbit and will be placed in geosynchronous orbit. It will be primarily used for multi-band and high-speed communication technology validation tests. This marks the 569th mission of the Long March carrier rocket series in space-based communication technologies.
China, Vietnam to conduct joint patrol in Beibu Gulf: The Chinese and Vietnamese navies will conduct their 38th joint patrol in the Beibu Gulf on April 16 and 17, according to a statement from China’s Ministry of National Defense released on Sunday. The patrol is being carried out under existing agreements and arrangements between the two countries' militaries. The joint operation aims to strengthen practical cooperation between the two sides and improve their coordination in safeguarding maritime security in the Beibu Gulf, a semi-enclosed body of water in the northern part of the South China Sea that both countries share. Chinese defense officials described the patrol as a confidence-building measure that reflects the steady development of China-Vietnam military ties. This exercise is significant given China and Vietnam are celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. In a recent article in a Vietnamese newspaper, Xi Jingping stated that “The successful delimitation of our boundaries on land and in the Beibu Gulf demonstrates that with vision, we are fully capable of properly settling maritime issues through consultation and negotiation.
Chinese Embassy slams Dutch parliament's China-related motions as 'gross interference in internal affairs: In response to a series of motions passed by the Dutch House of Representatives concerning Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Xizang (Tibet), the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands condemned the motion calling it gross interference in China's internal affairs. The embassy expressed firm opposition, accusing the motions of disregarding facts, smearing China’s image, and supporting separatist forces. They called on the Netherlands to adhere to the one-China principle and recognize that the real threat to peace in the Taiwan Strait stems from separatist activities and foreign interference. Rejecting the allegations of genocide and forced labor as baseless, the spokesperson reiterated that Xinjiang has always been an inseparable part of China, and is currently experiencing social stability and economic growth. The embassy demanded that the Dutch parliament stop spreading false narratives and interfering in internal matters. The embassy concluded by urging the Dutch government to correct its “erroneous” positions and avoid damaging bilateral relations.
Two Chinese sites join the list of UNESCO geoparks: China Adds Two New Sites to UNESCO Global Geoparks List, maintaining its lead of having the largest number of Global Geoparks in the world. China has increased its total number of UNESCO Global Geoparks to 49, the highest in the world, following the addition of Kanbula in Qinghai Province and Yunyang in Chongqing. The announcement was made during the 221st session of UNESCO's Executive Board held in Paris. Kanbula Geopark is located in Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai and spans approximately 315,000 hectares, featuring ocean-continent transition geological structures, Danxia landforms, and views of the Yellow River. Yunyang Geopark, situated in the Three Gorges reservoir area, covers 112,400 hectares. It includes dinosaur fossil sites, karst formations, and habitats for rare species. With these additions, the number of UNESCO Global Geoparks worldwide has increased to 229 sites in 50 countries, up from 213 in 48 countries as of July 2023.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Chinese scientist Li Haibo dies aged 41 amid concern over ‘insane’ workload among academics: Li Haibo, a prominent Chinese materials scientist and professor at Ningxia University, died suddenly on Tuesday at the age of 41. Li specialized in nanomaterials, electrochemistry, and optoelectronic materials and was listed among the top 2% of global scientists by Stanford University in 2023. Reports say he died of a sudden illness, and no public obituary or memorial service is expected. Li’s death follows several recent deaths of Chinese academics in their 40s and 50s, raising concerns over workload and health in the scientific community, sparking widespread discussion on Chinese social media, with many users expressing sorrow and admiration for his dedication. Posts highlighted the intense pressures faced by young researchers in China’s academic system, while some netizens questioned the sustainability of long working hours and called for reforms to protect scholars’ health. The incident reignited public debate over work-life balance in China's scientific and higher education sectors.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Views India’s New Nuclear Submarine Base as Regional Power Play: A post by South China Morning Post, a Chinese media outlet, has highlighted India’s upcoming naval base at Rambilli as a sign of its growing ambition to assert strategic influence in the Indian Ocean. The new state-of-the-art naval base is located in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, around 50 km (31 miles) from the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam. Reports note the facility’s role in supporting nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, with an emphasis on its underground design to ensure stealth operations near the Bay of Bengal. Commentary in Chinese online forums and social media discussions has focused on the timing of the base's commissioning alongside the deployment of INS Aridhaman, interpreting it as a response to China’s expanding naval presence. Some Chinese analysts comment that while India’s infrastructure is advancing, it still lacks the scale and technological depth to match China’s naval capabilities, especially in submarine numbers and missile range.

Prepared By

Ipsha Bhalsagar

Ipsha Bhalsagar, an Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering graduate from the Government College of Engineering, Nagpur, blends her technical expertise with a passion for international relations, diplomacy, and design. Currently a Content Intern at The Indian Netizens and a Design Intern at IFPD, she explores geopolitics while contributing creatively. She has authored research on India’s maritime security and participated in global roundtables and workshops. With experience in content writing, public speaking, and data visualization, Ipsha is keen on bridging technology and social sciences, aspiring to enhance research through data-driven insights in diplomacy and international affairs.