CiCM 16th May 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

China to Expand Tax Refund Stores to Boost Inbound Tourism: China is set to nearly triple the number of tax refund stores for overseas visitors to 10,000 by the end of 2025, as part of a broader effort to stimulate inbound tourism and consumption, according to the Ministry of Commerce. Currently, China has around 3,700 such stores. The expansion is seen as a key strategy to offset economic pressure from external tariffs and to drive domestic consumption. Vice-Minister of Commerce Sheng Qiuping said that increasing the accessibility of tax refund shops will help reduce shopping costs for foreign tourists and inject momentum into China's retail sector. Under the new guidelines issued jointly by the commerce ministry and five other departments, the minimum purchase for tax refunds has been lowered from 500 yuan to 200 yuan, and the cash refund cap has doubled to 20,000 yuan. Additionally, newly opened retailers less than a year old are now eligible to apply, and the application process has been shortened to five working days. The policy also encourages stores to diversify product offerings, including smart devices and traditional handicrafts. Locations prioritized for expansion include places where international tourists congregate such as commercial hubs, airports, hotels and cultural landmarks.

State Council Affirms Commitment to Strengthen Domestic Circulation: Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed China's commitment to bolstering domestic circulation as a core strategy for long-term economic stability during a State Council meeting on Thursday. Chaired by Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang, the meeting underscored domestic circulation as the foundation of China's dual circulation development paradigm which is vital to offset international market volatility and ensure sustainable, high-quality growth. The dual circulation model, introduced in 2020, prioritizes domestic markets while integrating international trade to reinforce resilience. Li called for strengthening key aspects of domestic circulation, including efficient resource allocation, integration of technological innovations, and building self-sufficient industrial and supply chains. Enhancing domestic demand and ensuring a balanced relationship between supply and demand were also cited as critical goals. He stressed the need for stable employment, increased consumption and targeted support for foreign trade enterprises encouraging local governments to stimulate regional development and innovation. Li called on all government departments and regional authorities to accelerate reforms and foster innovation, aiming to unleash market vitality and support long-term economic growth.

China-France Call for Protecting Global Economic Environment: At the 10th China-France High Level Economic and Financial Dialogue held in France, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng emphasized China's commitment to strengthening coordination with France on multilateral international affairs and preserving an open, cooperative international trade environment. Co-chaired with French Minister Eric Lombard, the meeting marked a continuation of bilateral efforts following the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations. He Lifeng highlighted the implementation of strategic consensus reached by both heads of state, calling for deeper bilateral economic cooperation, an improved trade and investment climate, and greater synergy in global governance. Lombard reaffirmed France's prioritization of its relationship with China, expressing willingness to jointly tackle global challenges such as climate change and to protect multilateralism and free trade. He pledged to enhance market access for Chinese enterprises and increase the availability of French products in China, aiming for tangible outcomes in bilateral cooperation. The dialogue featured in-depth exchanges on various economic topics, resulting in the signing of cooperation agreements concerning poultry products and genetic breeding materials. Both leaders addressed a symposium involving Chinese and French entrepreneurs, emphasizing private sector engagement. Additionally, He Lifeng visited French family farms and met representatives from key industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and aviation.

China Issues Guidelines to Optimize Primary Healthcare Amid Demographic Shifts: China has unveiled national guidelines to improve the layout and accessibility of primary healthcare services in response to rapid urbanization and changing demographics. Jointly issued by the National Health Commission and 12 other central departments, the plan sets phased targets through 2035 to expand and modernize grassroots healthcare systems. The guideline mentions three development stages that involve enhancing infrastructure and access by 2027, achieving a balanced and tech-enabled service network by 2030, and completing a comprehensive and efficient primary care system by 2035. As per the guidelines, Urban sub districts must host community health service centers, with provisions for new health service stations in underserved neighborhoods. It also emphasizes the importance of upgrading clinics in densely populated rural and urban areas, avoiding arbitrary closures, and tailoring healthcare layouts to regional conditions. To strengthen service integration, the plan supports the nationwide rollout of “tightly knit medical consortia” networks of county hospitals, township health centers, and village clinics working collaboratively. These aim to reduce redundant competition, streamline patient referrals and promote treatment at the local level by improving diagnostic capabilities in grassroots institutions.

Xi Jinping Advocates More Support for Persons with Disabilities: On the occasion of the 35^th National Day for Disabled Persons, President Xi Jinping delivered important instructions emphasizing the vital role of people with disabilities in advancing Chinese modernization and called for strengthened protections and support systems for these people. Xi extended congratulations to awardees at the 7th National Self-Improvement Model and Advanced Commendation Conference for Disabled Persons in Beijing. Xi highlighted the dual nature of the disabled population as both a key force in national development and a group requiring special care, and urged party committees and governments at all levels to improve the quality of public services for the disabled. He also called on disability organizations to enhance their capabilities and remain trusted advocates for this community. Xi encouraged people with disabilities to draw strength from role models, face challenges bravely, actively pursue their dreams and contribute to national rejuvenation. Chen Yiqin, State Councilor and head of the State Council’s Working Committee on Disabled Persons, pledged continued support for disability rights, care and integration into China’s modernization drive. The conference honored 200 national self-improvement models, 200 advanced collectives, and 60 individuals for their work in disability support.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Immersive ‘Red Tourism’ Activities Spark Youth Interest and Social Media Debates: A vivid wartime role-play experience has become a viral sensation on Chinese social media, fueling a surge in red tourism. Hosted in Linyi, Shandong Province, the immersive attraction invites tourists to don 1940s era military uniforms and relive a dramatized assault by the Eighth Route Army during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Since its launch during the 2024 National Day holidays, the event has captivated younger netizens. Videos showing crowds storming a mock county town amid simulated explosions and battle cries have drawn millions of views on platforms like Weibo and Douyin. Many netizens praised the experience for creatively bringing history to life, with some calling it the most Chinese form of cosplay. Participants described feeling emotionally connected to China’s revolutionary past and shared how the event motivated them to learn more about historical figures and events they previously overlooked. Despite its popularity, some users have raised concerns that gamifying war scenarios risks diluting its historical gravity. In response, organizers emphasized the educational value, stating that all performances are grounded in accurate narratives and overseen by historians and industry professionals. Social media discussions have also highlighted the broader trend of integrating red history into interactive formats, including script-based murder mystery games and museum activities.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Analyses Impact of Trump’s Recent Criticism of Apple: An article on Sina platform discussed the US President Donald Trump’s pointed remarks against Apple’s decision to expand iPhone production in India, framing the comments as a potential disruption to growing US-India economic ties. Speaking during a business event in Doha, Trump criticized Apple CEO Tim Cook for shifting manufacturing to India, labeling India as one of the countries with the highest tariffs in the world and urged Apple to prioritize U.S.-based production instead. The article notes that Trump's comments have caused uncertainty over Apple’s long-term investment strategy in India. The article notes that Indian news outlets emphasized on Apple’s expansion as central to India’s ambitions to become a global electronics manufacturing hub. Citing local industry sources, the article reports that Apple’s India production could grow to represent nearly 40 percent of its global output within the next 18 months if current trends continue. The article also highlights reactions from Indian analysts, who suggested Trump’s unpredictable stance could complicate broader US-India trade talks. The article argues that Trump’s public opposition may be more about gaining leverage in ongoing tariff negotiations with New Delhi than a firm policy directive.

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.