CiCM 17th April 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

Senior Political Adviser Yang Xiaowei Under Investigation for Suspected Discipline Violations: Yang Xiaowei, a senior political adviser and deputy head of the Committee on Education, Science, Health and Sports under the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), is under investigation for suspected serious violations of Party discipline and national laws. The investigation was announced on Thursday by China’s top anti-corruption agencies with the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and the National Commission of Supervision. Yang, 61, spent more than 30 years working in the country’s telecommunications sector before holding key roles in both the Cyberspace Administration of China and the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA). In 2023, he began his current role at the CPPCC, China’s top political advisory body. The Party group of the NRTA, where Yang previously served in leadership, convened a meeting to convey the decision and express support for the Party's disciplinary investigation. No specific details regarding the allegations were disclosed. The investigation is part of broader anti-corruption efforts by the CPC, which continues to pursue cases involving high-ranking officials across multiple sectors.
Xi Jinping Arrives in Cambodia, Emphasizes Deepening China-Cambodia Ties: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday arrived in Phnom Penh for a state visit to Cambodia. Upon arrival, President Xi was greeted by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and other senior officials during a formal welcome ceremony. In a written statement issued upon his arrival, Xi expressed his pleasure in visiting Cambodia during the traditional Khmer New Year. He extended holiday greetings on behalf of the Chinese government and people, and praised Cambodia’s development efforts under the Pentagonal Strategy, noting its recent economic growth and improved living standards. He also praised the close and enduring relationship between the two nations, calling China and Cambodia "ironclad friends" and strategic partners at critical stages of development. Key outcomes of the meeting included calls to enhance strategic coordination through the new “2+2” dialogue mechanism, strengthen cooperation on Cambodia’s Industrial and Technological Corridor and the Fish and Rice Corridor, expanded collaboration in energy, transportation, and infrastructure sectors and a deep exchange on party building and governance between legislative bodies of both countries. Xi’s recent visit is the third leg of his three-nation Southeast Asia tour and marks a continued effort to enhance China-Cambodia cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and the Diamond Hexagon cooperation framework.
Beijing to Crack Down on Network Sales Violations, Targeting Big Data Manipulation: The Beijing Municipal Market Supervision Bureau has announced new measures to tackle illegal practices in online sales and live broadcasting. During a key work guidance meeting held on April 17, the bureau listed five primary violations that will be strictly investigated - false advertising, price manipulation, big data manipulation, forced bundling, and the sale of counterfeit or substandard products. The new measures aim to address the growing concerns around unfair business practices, particularly in the live-streaming and e-commerce sectors. These include practices such as price gouging, forced acceptance of platform rules, and the bundling of unrelated products. Additionally, the bureau will focus on countering the sale of counterfeit goods and misleading product labeling while stepping up efforts to tackle online food safety violations, strengthening both monitoring and enforcement. The authorities stated that they were conducting joint checks with key platforms like JD.com and urging them to improve algorithm transparency and optimize their rules to protect consumer rights and create a fairer online shopping environment. They also pledged to intensify their oversight of these violations, enhance complaint reporting mechanisms, and ensure that platform operators comply with consumer protection laws.
China Condemns U.S.-Taiwan Military Ties, Warns of Rising Conflict Risk: China has voiced strong opposition to any form of military cooperation between the United States and Taiwan, reiterating that the Taiwan question is a strictly internal affair that permits no foreign interference. In a recent statement, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, urged the United States to adhere to the one-China principle and uphold the three China-U.S. joint communiques, warning Washington to avoid provoking tensions by supporting separatist movements. The spokesperson also issued a stern warning to Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), stating that pursuing independence through military means, especially with U.S. backing, would lead Taiwan down a dead end. Zhu also addressed remarks by an U.S. Pentagon official who suggested Taiwan should increase its defense spending. Characterizing these suggestions as attempts to promote American arms sales, China slammed the U.S. military-industrial complex for benefitting at Taiwan’s expense. Defending the Chinese military drills near Taiwan, Zhu stated that the exercises as legitimate countermeasures intended to deter separatist behavior and foreign interference and concluded her statement by calling on countries concerned about peace in the Taiwan Strait to respect the One China principle and oppose Taiwan's independence in both word and action.
China Slams U.S. Interference in Chile Astronomical Project as New Monroe Doctrine Behavior: The Chinese Embassy in Chile has condemned recent remarks by U.S. officials concerning a China-Chile astronomical collaboration, labeling the interference as outright new Monroe Doctrine behavior. The embassy's statement follows comments made by ambassador nominee Brandon Judd stating that he would aim to restrict China’s access to Chile’s resources. Additionally, Senator Jeanne Shaheen criticized the China-Chile Transient Objects Monitoring (TOM) project, while former U.S. ambassador Bernadette Meehan reportedly urged the Chilean government to cancel the initiative before her departure. The embassy emphasized that similar projects are already active worldwide suggesting that U.S. objections are politically motivated. The embassy stressed that the TOM initiative complies with Chilean laws and is designed to foster joint observations, shared data access, and international cooperation. China accused the U.S. of spreading disinformation and interfering in legitimate scientific collaboration, framing it as part of a broader geopolitical strategy to limit China's international engagement.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Chinese Factory Workers Use TikTok to Market Low-Cost Goods Directly to the U.S. Consumers: According to recent reports, factory workers in China are turning to TikTok to promote low-cost products directly to American consumers, bypassing traditional retail channels. Several videos which went viral post the tariff war with the U.S., featured workers claiming their factories produce goods for major U.S. brands like Lululemon and Nike encouraging users to buy directly from the source. The videos, dominantly in English with prices in U.S. dollars, have been tailored for the American market and have garnered millions of views under hashtags like #ChineseManufacturer. As the trend gains momentum, Chinese suppliers are beginning to target other regions beyond the U.S., including Europe, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia, as part of a broader shift in global e-commerce strategies.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Highlights India’s Gold Medal Win at ISSF World Cup in Lima: An article in Xinhua has highlighted India’s gold medal performance in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the ISSF World Cup held in Lima, Peru. The report noted Indian shooters Suruchi Inder Singh and Saurabh Chaudhary, who clinched the title after defeating China’s Hu Kai and Yao Qianxun in a competitive final held on April 16, 2025. The article detailed the flow of the match, noting how a late surge by the Indian team secured a 17-9 victory despite the Chinese pair holding a 9-7 lead after eight series. This win marked India’s second gold medal at the Lima leg of the competition.

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.