CiCM 19th - 20th April 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

Tsinghua University Creates First-ever Transformers-like Microbot: A Chinese research group has designed the world's smallest and lightest known untethered ground-air microrobot, which can transform its shape into different desired shapes and is expected to replace humans in accomplishing a wide range of tasks in complex and risky environments. The robot measures 9 centimeters in length and weighs 25 grams, and can operate flexibly on both land and air, with a maximum speed of up to 1.6 meters per second on the ground, according to the research group from Tsinghua University. The robot consists of a series of components, such as actuators, rotors, motors, control modules, and a lithium battery, said Zhang Yihui, a professor at the School of Aerospace Engineering and the State Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology at Tsinghua University, who led the research group. The research group has recently developed a thin-film-shaped miniature-scale actuator that enables microrobots to change their shape repeatedly and "lock" into desired shapes, such as a Transformer, thereby enhancing their capability to adapt to different environments.
Scientists create new Dust Storm Forecasting Model for Solar Energy Expansion: Chinese researchers have created a new forecasting model called iDust, which greatly improves dust storm forecasts, hence conferring enormous advantages on solar energy production. The model effectively solves a significant problem in the renewable energy industry, especially in dry areas where dust greatly reduces the efficiency of solar panels. The study was carried out by researchers at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and published in the Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems. "Dust storms not only block sunlight but also accumulate on solar panels, reducing their power output," said Chen Xi, a scientist at IAP. The iDust model effectively solves these issues by incorporating dust processes in the dynamical core directly, thus making higher-resolution forecasts with only marginally more computing power than standard weather models. The model can issue ten-day dust forecasts within six hours of gathering observations, a significant improvement from current models, which take longer and produce less detailed forecasts.
Prominent Industrial Associations Denounce United States' Section 301 investigation: China's maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors expressed their dismay over American investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 is a U.S. trade law that allows the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to investigate and take action against foreign countries' trade practices that are deemed to be unfair, unreasonable, or discriminatory and that harm U.S. commerce. The China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing argued that the US actions will inflict severe damage upon the interests of stakeholders in both countries, leading to the destabilization of global industrial and supply chains and hindering worldwide economic growth. Similarly, the China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry labeled the US measures an "unjustified attack" rooted in "false accusations," forecasting increased international shipping costs and exacerbated inflationary pressures within the United States. The China Shipowners' Association underscored the indispensable role of Chinese shipping companies in maintaining the stability of global supply chains, urging the US to cease its politically driven investigations and discriminatory policies to avert further detriment to the global maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries.
Wuhan hosts the National Vaccines and Health Conference of 2025: The National Vaccines and Health Conference of 2025 was held in Wuhan and highlighted the past achievements and the future plans of the Chinese Administration. Yin Zundong, head of the Immunization Program Center at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, emphasised the impact of growing technological capabilities and quoted, "With the help of big data and AI, disease surveillance and early warning systems can become more accurate and efficient. In the future, data-driven tools will enable precise assessments of vaccine protection efficacy." Chinese allocation of over 3 billion yuan annually to support the expansion of the immunization program, along with the four-tier immunization program management system at the national, provincial, municipal, and county levels, as well as a service network extending to the county, township, and village levels, were accentuated by the Shen Hongbing, deputy head of the National Health Commission and head of the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration.
Joint PLA naval coordination exercises indicate evolving Taiwan Strategy: China Central Television released a video of the Central Theatre Command 81st Group Army unit rehearsing complex military drills such as cross-unit coordination and front-line coastal support exercises, which would be essential during a conflict with Taiwan. While the 81st Group falls under the Central Theatre and is tasked with defending Beijing and Central China, Hong Kong-based military commentator Leung Kwok-leung said that the primary focus at present is on supporting the eastern theatre, particularly in relation to Taiwan. The participation of an infantry-based unit in naval drills was deemed "surprising" by PLA Daily, underscoring a move towards complex, joint operations. CCTV's report on the 81st Group Army revealed a significant increase in training intensity and ammunition usage, signaling a diversification of strategies beyond conventional military actions, including simulated strikes on Taiwanese fuel storage.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

CG Artwork ‘I Won’t Kneel’ trends on Weibo: Chinese CG artist Wu He Qilin's digital painting 'I Won't Kneel' has attracted considerable social media exposure and controversy. The painting includes a weakened Statue of Liberty, a clownish figure with a tariff baton, and a standing red figure amidst the kneeling crowd, which was widely perceived as commentary on the current international relations and the tensions between the US and China. Public opinion towards the painting has been divided, where the admirers have welcomed its strong expression of sentiment through nationalistic comments like, “Not only will he not kneel, he will also draw his bow,” while the critics have attributed the work to potential incitement. Regardless of the divided opinions, the painting has become a point of contention, causing high social interaction and once again fueling debate on the relationship between society and art.

INDIA WATCH

Global Times covers J.D. Vance’s trade talk visit to India: The Global Times reported US Vice President JD Vance's four-day India visit, commencing Monday, focusing on economic opportunities and a bilateral trade deal. It included the views of analysts who expressed skepticism regarding the visit's ability to alleviate India's apprehensions over US reciprocal tariffs or induce significant trade policy changes. GT reported that Vance will be accompanied by his family and senior US officials and will visit Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to host Vance for talks and dinner, with discussions centered on finalizing the trade agreement and strengthening bilateral ties. The article also included the views of Qian Feng, director of the research department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, who believes that Vance may find it difficult to achieve any significant results in bilateral trade, considering the U.S.A’s domestic demand to reduce trade deficits and bring manufacturing back to the US, which runs counter to India's own ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Prepared By

Iklavya Dev

Iklavya is currently a Second Year student pursuing undergraduate degrees in Multimedia Communication and Political Science from K.C. College, Mumbai and Indira Gandhi National Open University respectively. He is deeply interested in the realms of Public Policy, Governance and International Relations, and aspires to broaden his horizons in the same through interactive working experiences and research. His research work includes various subjects ranging from Indian Foreign Policy and Defence Studies to Social Issues and Constitutional Law.