CiCM 21st May 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

China, ASEAN Conclude Negotiations on CAFTA 3.0: China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have officially concluded negotiations on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) Version 3.0, according to a statement released by China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM). The announcement followed a virtual consultation between economic and trade ministers from participating countries. Initiated in November 2022, the CAFTA 3.0 negotiations spanned nine rounds and were substantively finalized in October 2024. The upgraded agreement marks a major step toward formal signing and ratification. CAFTA 3.0 aims to bolster regional economic integration by modernizing and expanding cooperation between China and ASEAN, their largest trading and investment partners. The deal includes nine new chapters addressing key areas such as the digital economy, green development, and supply chain connectivity. The Ministry emphasized that the agreement sends a strong signal in favor of free trade and multilateral cooperation at a time of global economic uncertainty. The comprehensive upgrade is expected to deepen industrial and supply chain integration while advancing the development of a China-ASEAN community with a shared future. Both sides will now move to complete domestic procedures required for signing the upgraded protocol.
China Hosts Trilateral Meeting with Afghanistan and Pakistan: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday chaired an informal trilateral meeting in Beijing with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. The meeting, highly featured in Chinese state media, focused on strengthening political trust, enhancing regional connectivity, and promoting joint security cooperation under the China-Afghanistan-Pakistan trilateral framework. All three sides praised the progress of the trilateral dialogue and agreed to convene the sixth official round in Kabul at the earliest opportunity. A major highlight was the discussion on extending the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan, a move Beijing hopes will bolster trade, infrastructure development, and economic recovery in the country. Both Afghanistan and Pakistan expressed readiness to improve bilateral diplomatic ties, with a consensus on expediting the exchange of ambassadors, a step welcomed and facilitated by China. Wang Yi reiterated China’s support for both nations in safeguarding sovereignty, security, and national dignity, while emphasizing a development path tailored to their domestic needs. China also pledged to assist Afghanistan with trade facilitation and self-reliance, alongside continued support for Pakistan’s role in regional peace building. Security cooperation was a core component of the talks, with a joint agreement to oppose terrorism in all forms and prevent external interference in regional affairs. The three countries also committed to enhanced law enforcement collaboration to address shared security concerns.
Chinese Cities Introduce Fertility Incentives as Part of Nationwide Push to Boost Birth Rates: Several Chinese cities are rolling out new fertility and childcare support measures in an effort to combat declining birth rates and promote a more family-friendly environment. Cities including Chengdu, Changchun, and Shenmu have unveiled a series of financial incentives and service expansions to support families and encourage childbirth. In Shenmu, Shaanxi, authorities announced a landmark subsidy package this week. Families welcoming a third child are now eligible for a one-time subsidy of 10,000 yuan, while those with a second child will receive 5,000 yuan. Additionally, third-child families will receive 10,000 yuan annually until the child turns three, with second-child families receiving 3,000 yuan annually until age two. Meanwhile, Chengdu has released an implementation plan focused on enhancing its childcare ecosystem. Key measures include increasing the availability of inclusive child care slots in registered institutions to over 60 percent and ensuring that all secondary and tertiary public hospitals offer pediatric services. Changchun also issued a draft plan proposing tiered childcare subsidies: urban public childcare institutions will receive 2,400 yuan per child annually, while certain self-financed institutions may receive up to 3,600 yuan. Experts say these initiatives mark a shift from abstract policy goals to practical, localized implementation. They also note that these whole-chain approaches increasingly address not just childbirth but broader issues including housing, marriage, and early education.
China Outlines Policy Push to Support Small Businesses' Financing Needs: In a coordinated move to ease financing difficulties for China’s small and micro enterprises (SMEs), eight Chinese government departments jointly issued a policy document outlining 23 targeted initiatives to stabilize the small-business economy and promote inclusive growth. The document, titled “Several Measures to Support Financing for Small and Micro Enterprises”, was jointly released by the People’s Bank of China, China Securities Regulatory Commission, State Administration of Financial Supervision, and other key ministries including Finance, Industry and Information Technology, and Taxation. The measures emphasize multi-pronged support through regulatory, monetary, fiscal, and industrial policies, with a focus on increasing credit supply, lowering financing costs, and enhancing loan access and efficiency for small firms and self-employed individuals. Chinese media also underlined that priority will be given to SMEs in foreign trade, private innovation, technology, and consumption-linked sectors, with tools like medium and long term loans, equity financing support, and structured monetary policy tools such as targeted small business lending. Analysts quoted in local media suggest the measures are not only pro-cyclical adjustments in response to economic headwinds but also part of a long term strategy to deepen financial inclusion, especially amid subdued private sector confidence. Furthermore, the policy is an effort to tighten regulation on predatory intermediaries, improve risk management, and expand credit data sharing and repair mechanisms, aiming to build a more sustainable and transparent SME lending ecosystem.
Chinese Universities Launch Weight Management Programs to Combat Rising Obesity: As China faces a growing obesity crisis, universities across the country are initiating weight management programs designed to help students adopt healthier lifestyles and prevent chronic diseases. Dalian University of Technology has introduced a structured weight management course offering both 21 day intensive sessions and full semester options. The curriculum combines scientific exercise regimens, nutritional guidance, and mental health support. In its inaugural session, 33 students collectively lost 133 kg, alongside noticeable improvements in blood pressure and psychological well-being. Similar initiatives are being rolled out nationwide. South China Agricultural University recently hosted its first weight management competition, featuring physical challenges like carrying grain on unicycles and traversing obstacle courses. Participants tracked progress through personal health records, and next year’s competition will include incentives for achieving weight goals. Meanwhile, Sichuan University in Chengdu has launched a lifestyle clinic at its campus hospital, following a student health survey that flagged poor dietary and sleep habits. The clinic emphasizes preventative care through lifestyle changes rather than traditional medical treatments. The university also offers innovative fitness programs such as aqua cycling and water aerobics as part of its long-running course, Weight Control Theory and Practice. These campus-level programs reflect China’s broader national strategy. In June 2024, the government launched a three-year weight management campaign to curb rising overweight and obesity rates. The National Health Commission warned that without intervention, over 70 percent of Chinese adults could be overweight or obese by 2030.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Viral Pen Gun DIY Videos Spark Safety Concerns in Chinese Schools: A surge of viral videos teaching students how to convert ordinary ballpoint pens into makeshift pen guns has triggered widespread concern among parents, teachers, and safety experts across China. The online clips demonstrate how easily three standard pens can be dismantled into components and reassembled into spring-loaded firing devices capable of launching pen refills several meters. Though such modifications have existed for years, their recent popularity among elementary and middle school students has reignited safety fears. In Nanchang, a mother discovered her fifth-grade son experimenting with disassembled pens after watching online tutorials. Similar incidents were reported in Shaoxing and Zhoushan, where students were caught using these devices during breaks to play improvised shooting games. One widely circulated video shows a pen gun easily shattering a 10-centimeter acrylic block. Users highlighted that these makeshift weapons may violate laws. Some netizens questioned the practicality and dangers of such devices, asking whether they could bypass airport security or whether they had enough force to cause serious harm. Sarcastic responses mocked the absurdity of the trend, with one user calling the pen guns “Just American kids’ school supplies” and another quipping, “This is very criminal.” These videos glamorize danger, said a concerned father. As concerns mount, parents are urging social media platforms to remove such dangerous content, warning that it glamorizes violence and lacks proper guidance for young viewers. Educators and safety experts are calling for more comprehensive safety education and regulatory action to curb the spread of DIY weapon tutorials among minors. As incidents rise, authorities have yet to issue unified national guidelines, prompting urgent calls for regulatory action to curb the spread of dangerous DIY trends among youth.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Discusses India’s Regional Role Amid Wang-Dar Talks: In the wake of high-level talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chinese media coverage has emphasized India’s role in regional stability, framing recent developments as an opportunity for diplomatic progress between New Delhi and Islamabad. An article published by Xinhua, and republished by Global Times, states that China welcomes and supports India and Pakistan resolving their differences through dialogue and pursuing a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire. The article underscores China's self-image as a regional stabilizer and highlights Beijing’s geopolitical interest in managing South Asian tensions, especially in the context of its strategic partnership with Pakistan. The coverage notes that China views a stable India-Pakistan relationship as essential not only to regional peace but also to China’s economic interests, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project located in disputed territory. Commentary on Chinese platforms suggests India is being cautiously viewed as both a potential stabilizing force and a geopolitical rival, with Beijing encouraging dialogue largely to safeguard its own economic and security interests in the region. While Wang Yi’s remarks were formally addressed to Pakistan, Indian media's cautious optimism about backchannel dialogue and confidence-building measures has been referenced in the article. The Chinese narrative acknowledges India’s critical role, noting that mutual restraint and constructive engagement would serve both nations’ long-term interests. The article also emphasises that China’s stance has been non-interventionist but supportive, positioning China as a neutral partner advocating peaceful resolution while reaffirming strong bilateral ties with Pakistan. Analysts quoted in the article suggest that while India-China tensions persist, Beijing remains invested in preventing escalation between India and Pakistan, particularly to shield its own strategic investments and regional influence.

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.