CiCM 19th May 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

Xi Jinping Sends Congratulatory Letter to SCO Forum: Chinese President Xi Jinping extended a congratulatory letter to the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Forum on Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development, held in Xi’an, reaffirming China’s commitment to global poverty eradication efforts. In his message, Xi emphasized that poverty remains a pressing global challenge and a shared objective of the international community. He highlighted China’s success in eradicating extreme poverty, achieving the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goal a full decade ahead of schedule. Xi attributed the root cause of poverty to underdevelopment and praised the SCO’s growing role in promoting cooperation in this area. Themed “Sustained Poverty Reduction and Cooperative Development,” the forum was jointly hosted by the SCO Committee on Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation and the People’s Government of Shaanxi Province. It aimed to bolster regional cooperation in pursuit of common prosperity.
China Unveils Guidelines to Boost Sci-Tech Services Sector: In a collaborative effort, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the China Association for Science and Technology, and seven other government bodies have introduced a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at accelerating the high-quality growth of the science and technology services sector. The document lays out strategic goals focused on strengthening the innovation ecosystem, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving the commercialization of scientific breakthroughs. Key priorities include integrating next-generation information and green technologies, as well as advancing research and development, technology transfer, business incubation, and promotional services. Additionally, the guidelines call for transforming service institutions into specialized, market-driven platforms and propose the creation of a unified national platform for technology transactions.
China To Reduce Gasoline and Diesel Prices: The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has announced a reduction in retail gasoline and diesel prices in response to recent fluctuations in international oil markets. Gasoline prices will drop by 480 yuan per tonne, while diesel prices will see a decrease of 465 yuan per tonne. The NDRC has directed China’s three major oil companies—China National Petroleum Corporation, China Petrochemical Corporation, and China National Offshore Oil Corporation—along with other refineries, to ensure the stable production and distribution of refined oil products. These price adjustments are in line with China’s established mechanism, which ties domestic fuel prices to global crude oil trends. Additionally, the NDRC stressed the importance of stronger market oversight and strict enforcement of national price policies to ensure a well-regulated market environment.
Xi Jinping Appoints New Ambassadors Following Top Legislature’s Recommendation: Chinese President Xi Jinping has appointed a new cohort of ambassadors, following decisions made by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, the nation’s top legislative body, according to an official announcement released on Monday. The latest diplomatic reshuffle includes key postings across Africa, South Asia, the Caribbean, and various international organizations. Lu Xu has been appointed ambassador to Malawi, succeeding Long Zhou, while Kong Xianhua will take over as ambassador to the Maldives from Wang Lixin. Huang Shifang replaces Zhu Liying in Mauritius, and Li Zhigang succeeds Xiao Han in Senegal. In the Caucasus region, Lu Mei has been named ambassador to Azerbaijan, replacing Guo Min, and Li Xinwei will assume the role in Armenia, succeeding Fan Yong. Meanwhile, Yang Yang has been appointed ambassador to Guyana, replacing Guo Haiyan. At the multilateral level, Sun Lei has been designated as China’s Deputy Permanent Representative and Ambassador to the United Nations, taking over from Dai Bing.
China Cuts LPR and Deposit Rates to Stimulate Lending and Growth: The People’s Bank of China (PBC) has lowered key interest rates in a move to ease financial conditions and stimulate economic activity. The one-year Loan Prime Rate (LPR) was reduced by 10 basis points to 3.0%, while the rate for loans over five years was cut to 3.5%. This marks the first LPR adjustment of 2025. PBC Governor Pan Gongsheng stated the LPR adjustment aligns with policy rate reductions aimed at easing financial conditions. According to Xinhua, these cuts will help lower borrowing costs for businesses and individuals, encouraging consumption and investment. In compliance with the efforts of the PBC, the one-year fixed-term deposit interest rate was lowered by 15 basis points to 0.95 percent by commercial banks such as the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, and China Merchants Bank.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Netizens Call for Stronger Child Protection After Execution of Three in Abuse Case: The execution of three individuals, Zhao, Wang, and Chen, for the rape and abuse of multiple underage girls has sparked widespread public outcry and renewed calls for enhanced protection of minors in China. The disturbing details of the case have prompted netizens to demand stronger safeguards across multiple sectors. Online discussions emphasized the urgent need for stricter oversight of educational institutions and digital platforms, as well as broader access to comprehensive sex education and digital safety training. Many viewed the case as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities children face and underscored the importance of law-based education to equip minors with self-protection skills and accurate knowledge of sexual health. Commentators stressed that while justice was served in this case, long-term solutions require systemic change. They advocated for a comprehensive approach that includes judicial reform, institutional accountability, and educational initiatives to create a safer, more informed environment for children. The prevailing sentiment was clear: justice must be coupled with prevention to foster lasting societal protection for minors.

INDIA WATCH

Global Times Reports Chinese FM’s response to Indian Claims of Military Aid: Global Times has reported on a statement by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, who addressed recent Indian claims that China provided air defense support to Pakistan. Speaking at a regular press briefing on May 19, Mao declined to discuss specific operational details, advising inquiries be directed to the relevant Chinese authorities. Mao emphasized that both India and Pakistan are important neighbors, and China attaches great importance to maintaining stable and constructive relations with both. Reaffirming China’s diplomatic principles, she noted that Beijing remains committed to fostering amicable, secure, and prosperous ties with all neighboring countries, guided by the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, inclusiveness, and a shared future. In response to rising regional tensions, Mao underscored China’s objective and impartial stance in the India-Pakistan context. She urged both sides to remain calm and exercise restraint to prevent further escalation. Mao reiterated China’s support for a ceasefire and expressed its readiness to play a constructive role in promoting long-term peace and regional stability.

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.