CiCM 18th April 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

Li Qiang Discusses Important Economic Issues at State Council Meeting: Chinese Premier Li Qiang chaired a State Council executive meeting on Friday, focusing on stabilizing employment, fostering economic growth, and promoting high-quality development. The meeting emphasized support for enterprises in maintaining stable employment and expanding vocational training. It also encouraged reinvestment by foreign-funded enterprises, while promoting service consumption in sectors such as elderly care, maternity support, culture and tourism. Measures were outlined to invigorate private investment, stabilize the stock market and real estate sector, and ensure a safe, reliable consumption environment by curbing illegal activities. The meeting underscored the importance of grassroots regulatory capacity and digital technologies. Additionally, a draft social assistance law and revised regulations on protecting new plant varieties were reviewed; the latter was approved to revitalize and innovate the seed industry.

China Enhances Openness in Telecom Sector to Foster Global Cooperation: China is set to promote more openness in its telecommunication sector, with over 2,400 foreign-invested telecom enterprises registered as of March 2025, marking a 26.5 percent year-on-year increase, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). During the press conference, head of MIIT's information and communication development department Xie Cun, highlighted China’s encouragement of global enterprises to invest and grow within China. The initiative aligns with efforts to cultivate a more open and competitive environment in telecom market. He added that the emphasis will be placed on advancing pilot programs in value-added telecom services—such as cloud computing and data processing — while continuing to simplify regulatory procedures. In addition, the MIIT will accelerate new plans for stabilizing and growing the electronic information manufacturing sector and promote digital transformation across industries including automotive, machinery and electronic equipment.

Shanghai Hosts 5^th China-Arab Reform and Development Forum: The 5th China-Arab States Reform and Development Forum is being held from April 18–19 in Songjiang, Shanghai, bringing together over 100 representatives from different sectors in China, 19 Arab countries and the League of Arab States. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on enhancing cooperation under the Global Development Initiative. They also agreed on the importance of joint efforts between China and Arab nations to promote innovation-driven industrial development, uphold multilateralism and pursue high-quality growth. Songjiang District, a key player in foreign investment, highlighted its achievements with 7,486 foreign-funded enterprises from 144 countries—71 of which are Arab. To further deepen ties, institutions such as the China-Arab Reform and Development Research Center and the China-Arab G60 Cooperation and Development Promotion Center have been established. Moreover, 11 G60 cooperation visiting bases have also been set up, aiming to facilitate bilateral exchanges and create a cross-border cooperation platform. These initiatives aim to foster long-term partnerships across trade, education, culture, tourism and innovation.

China's Anti-Corruption Chief Advocates for Robust Party Conduct Education: During a research visit to Hunan Province this week, Li Xi, Secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, emphasized the importance of diligently implementing a Party-wide education campaign to uphold the Party’s rules of conduct. Touring various sites, including villages, enterprises, an aquaculture farm, a local police station and a university lab, Li reviewed progress in discipline inspection and encouraged intensified efforts to address misconduct impacting citizens’ lives. He also called for a precise crackdown on major corrupt activities to achieve tangible results that can improve governance. He advocated for enhanced integrity measures in state enterprises to support new quality productive forces and called for deeper reforms in disciplinary supervision to ensure the implementation of ‘eight-point decision” on high standard work and effective governance.

China Advances AI Integration to Transform Education: China has unveiled a comprehensive guideline to accelerate digital transformation in education, emphasizing the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into teaching, research and assessment. Jointly issued by the Ministry of Education and eight other departments, the initiative aims to foster students’ critical thinking, creativity and practical skills while aligning academic programs with evolving industry needs. Educational institutions such as Wuhan University of Technology and Shenzhen Mingde Experimental School are already implementing AI-driven tools and model classrooms. The initiative also supports teacher training, ethical AI application and multidisciplinary collaboration with research institutions and technology firms. Zhou Dawang from the education ministry emphasized the need to update curriculum and talent development in line with the demands of the digital economy. Additionally, the Ministry has drafted two guidelines to support ethical and student-centered AI use in primary and secondary education.

China Introduces Guidelines to Regulate Cross-Border Financial Data Flow: China has released a new guidelines to streamline and regulate the cross-border flow of financial data, supporting the high-standard opening of its financial sector. Issued by the People’s Bank of China and five other departments including National Financial Regulatory Administration, the guideline outlines specific conditions for data export and defines permitted data categories to enhance compliance and efficiency. It identifies scenarios—such as cross-border payments, remittances, account openings and shopping—where data export is exempt from security assessments. For over 60 common financial business cases, guidance is provided to ensure operational clarity. It also emphasizes the need for financial institutions to implement strong data security measures and technical safeguards. Experts opine that by offering clearer regulatory direction, it is expected to foster a more inclusive and business-friendly financial environment. Additionally, this move may bolster China's global competitiveness and influence in setting international data governance standards.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Chinese Netizens Respond to Trump’s Latest Shift in Approach on Tariff War: On April 17, the US President Donald Trump expressed a potential shift in his stance regarding the US-China tariff policies, suggesting a preference against further increases. In his latest remarks, Trump noted that excessive tariffs could impact consumers’ purchasing power. He also hinted at reduction in current tariff levels to support market activity. Chinese netizens reacted to this change in approach with caution and suspicion. One person posted that “I don't believe it, I don't believe what he says” while another netizen said not to believe in Trump as he can change his position tomorrow and call this recent announcement a fake news. Some netizens also criticized Trump as they believe that this announcement is motivated by his investments in the stock market and to ensure maximum profits. One person also commented that “the only person who can defeat Trump is tomorrow’s Trump”.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Calls Proposed Resumption of India-China Pilgrimage "a Phased Achievement”: Global Times reports that China and India are soon expected to resume the annual pilgrimage to sacred places in Tibet Autonomous Region. The article mentions that the pilgrimage, which allows Indian pilgrims to visit the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, may officially restart after being halted since 2020. The report cites an Indian MEA Spokesperson’s statement on this issue, indicating that an announcement in this regard could be made soon. It notes that this development follows the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives on the boundary dispute in December 2024, during which a six-point consensus was reached to strengthen border management and cross-border cooperation. It further highlights that the dialogue between Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in January reinforced mutual efforts to advance the pilgrimage in 2025. Qian Feng, director of the research department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, argues that this renewed engagement reflects a shared commitment to implement the consensus, while the resumption of pilgrimage is seen as “a phased achievement which is still significant for India. He further explains that it shows that bilateral relations are moving forward in a positive direction.

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.