CiCM 20th May 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

President Xi Urges High-Quality Development and Stronger Governance During Henan Visit: During an inspection tour of Henan Province from May 19 to 20, President Xi Jinping highlighted the region's crucial role in advancing Chinese-style modernization. Visiting the cities of Luoyang and Zhengzhou, Xi called for deepened reform, rural revitalization, technological innovation, and ecological conservation, positioning Henan as a key driver in national economic strategy. Xi emphasized the importance of maintaining a robust manufacturing base powered by independent innovation and modern industrial upgrades. He also stressed the strategic priority of food security, urging the protection of arable land and the strengthening of agricultural supply chains. In addressing broader challenges, Xi pointed to the need for bolstering the real economy through tech-driven development and enhancing social governance mechanisms to respond effectively to demographic shifts. Cultural preservation featured prominently in his remarks, with Xi reiterating the importance of safeguarding heritage sites such as the White Horse Temple and Longmen Grottoes. He linked cultural confidence to national rejuvenation, underscoring its role in shaping a shared national identity. Concluding his visit, Xi addressed the pressing issue of extreme weather, noting recent drought conditions and the risk of flooding during the upcoming rainy season. He instructed local governments to strengthen water resource coordination, ensure stable urban and rural water supply, and enhance emergency preparedness.
China Backs Dialogue Between Russia and Ukraine: Following the telephonic conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the Ukraine crisis, China has reiterated its support for diplomatic efforts. Addressing the issue on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China supports all initiatives aimed at promoting peace. She emphasized the importance of direct dialogue between Russia and Ukraine and expressed hope for a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable resolution through negotiations. When asked about China’s potential role in future peace talks, Mao affirmed that China is open to working with the international community to play a constructive role, in line with the desires of the parties involved.
Xi Jinping Stresses Strategic Vision and Consensus in Drafting China’s 15th Five-Year Plan: President Xi Jinping has underscored the need for scientific, democratic, and law-based decision-making in formulating China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030). He noted that the consistent and strategic implementation of five-year plans has been a cornerstone of the Communist Party's governance and a driving force behind China's modernization. As a pivotal roadmap, the upcoming plan will guide the nation's economic and social development while serving as a bridge toward the goal of basic modernization by 2035. The 15th Five-Year Plan will prioritize the development of new quality productive forces, the expansion of domestic demand, enhanced consumption, the creation of high-quality employment, and deeper integration of digital technologies into key public services such as education and healthcare. Xi also emphasized the importance of addressing a complex global environment, marked by geopolitical tensions and trade challenges, by ensuring a balanced approach that integrates development with national security and strengthens resilience to both internal and external pressures.
Chinese Foreign Minister Reaffirms Support for Pakistan During Pakistani Officials Visit: During a high-level meeting in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, counterterrorism efforts, and regional role. The talks were held with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, who is on an official visit to China from May 19 to 21 to enhance strategic cooperation and expedite progress on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Wang Yi described Pakistan as an “ironclad friend” and emphasized China’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens and projects in Pakistan. In turn, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s firm adherence to the one-China policy and pledged to safeguard Chinese interests. Dar also updated Chinese officials on the latest developments following the ceasefire along the Line of Control, expressing Pakistan’s openness to dialogue with India. China welcomed Pakistan’s constructive approach and stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region. In addition to bilateral talks, Dar met with Liu Jianchao, head of the CPC’s International Department, where both sides agreed to further strengthen inter-party ties and promote deeper political coordination.
China Unveils New Measures to Attract Foreign Investment: On Tuesday, Li Chao, spokesperson for the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), announced a comprehensive set of measures aimed at attracting and retaining foreign capital. Key initiatives include incentivizing reinvestment by foreign enterprises through enhanced financial and service support, revising the foreign investment catalog to guide capital toward high-end manufacturing and the digital economy, and accelerating the implementation of major foreign-funded projects. To date, the NDRC has backed 66 major foreign investment projects valued at $97 billion, with 33 already completed or partially operational. Li emphasized that foreign-invested enterprises will continue to enjoy equal access to policy incentives and national treatment, reinforcing China’s commitment to an open and non-discriminatory business environment. He also criticized unilateral protectionist measures for disrupting global investment flows and called for a return to multilateralism and free trade principles. China, he concluded, will maintain a stable, transparent, and business-friendly environment to foster long-term foreign investor confidence.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Investigation Into Singer Ouyang Nana Over Pro-Unification Views Sparks Free Speech Debate: Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has launched an investigation into Taiwanese singer and actress Ouyang Nana following her public support for cross-strait unification. MAC Chairman Andrew Hsia stated that individuals and organizations must obtain prior approval before engaging in cooperation with political, governmental, or military institutions in mainland China. Ouyang, known for her frequent pro-Beijing statements, could face fines ranging from NT$100,000 to NT$500,000 (approximately USD $3,300–$16,500) under existing regulations. The investigation has drawn strong criticism from both domestic and international observers, who argue the move infringes on freedom of expression and targets public figures for their political beliefs. On Chinese social media, backlash against Taiwan's actions was swift. A widely shared Weibo post stated, “The attitude of the Taiwanese authorities is truly laughable and pathetic! Under the guise of so-called ‘regulations,’ they are attempting to intimidate entertainers who develop their careers on the mainland and recognize the One-China principle.” Supporters of Ouyang argued she is being penalized for expressing “national righteousness.” The case has reignited debate over political expression, cross-strait relations, and the growing challenges faced by Taiwanese entertainers working in mainland China.

INDIA’S WATCH

Chinese Military Analyst Misinterprets Indian Professor’s Article: On May 20, a Chinese military analyst published an article in Headlines Today, a Chinese media platform, asserting that an Indian Sinologist, Prof. Bali Deepak of Jawaharlal Nehru University, had urged neighboring countries to reflect on their "indulgence" in Pakistan's "irresponsible behaviour" over Kashmir and undertake “systematic changes” to appease India. However, the Indian professor never used the term “irresponsible behaviour,” in his article, published in the Sunday Guardian, and this characterization represents a clear misinterpretation. Further misrepresentations include replacing the Prpf Deepak's reference to “terrorism” with “external military action,” thereby obscuring the original warning that China's support for proxy actors involved in terrorism could undermine regional stability and its own international credibility. The article also falsely claims the Prof. Deepak overlooked India’s unilateral “Operation Sindoor” against Pakistan, accusing him of pushing a narrow, India-centric narrative. In reality, the professor’s article critically examined China’s strategic use of Pakistan as a pivot in its containment strategy against India, arguing that the India-Pakistan conflict serves China’s broader regional objectives by effectively containing both nations. Notably absent from the Chinese analyst’s piece is the professor’s engagement with five key points raised by Chinese scholars in response to India's Operation Sindoor, which Prof. Deepak addressed in a balanced and analytical manner. Rather than acknowledging his balanced discourse, the analyst cherry-picked phrases and misrepresented the overall argument to fit a specific narrative.

Prepared By

Aastha Pandey

Aastha is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Political Science at Amity University, Noida. She holds a Bachelor's degree in the same discipline from the University of Delhi, Dyal Singh College. Additionally, she has completed a diploma in International Relations and Affairs, further strengthening her academic foundation. Aastha is the Co-founder of Mudra by Aashi, a socially conscious fashion brand that actively supports animal welfare. Her commitment to social causes is also reflected in her experience interning with Saarthi NGO and volunteering as a COVID-19 relief coordinator. Deeply passionate about Asian geopolitics, She aspires to contribute to ORCA by writing insightful, research-driven newsletters that reflect her academic rigour and dedication to international affairs.