CiCM 5th - 6th August 2023

NEWS IN CHINA

China's Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee has announced a robust crackdown on overseas telecom fraud, aiming to protect Chinese citizens' interests. The commission's plenary meeting outlined plans to target these fraud schemes systematically and legally, both domestically and internationally. These fraud syndicates often exploit people under the pretext of "high salary recruitment," engaging in fraudulent activities, violent detentions, and human trafficking. The authorities emphasized the importance of international cooperation to disrupt such activities. The rise of new fraud methods using technologies like blockchain, Metaverse, virtual currency, and AI was acknowledged, prompting collaboration among security, finance, telecom, and cyberspace authorities. This move follows reports of Chinese nationals falling victim to virtual kidnapping scams.
Heavy rainfall in Shulan City has resulted in 6 fatalities and 4 missing public officials due to emergency rescue and disaster relief efforts. As of August 5, the ongoing heavy rainfall had ceased, and the nine reservoirs in the city have maintained reasonable discharge after previously exceeding flood limits. In response to the flood situation, the local government in Shulan swiftly formed working groups for search and rescue, resettlement, rush repair, and supply guarantee. Additionally, Jilin City dispatched over 980 personnel for rescue and disaster relief support. Shulan City conducted two preventive and emergency transfers, relocating 18,916 individuals to 21 temporary resettlement sites. Repair efforts have been undertaken for power and communication facilities, roads, bridges, and more. The city aims to restore production, living conditions, and economic stability while minimizing losses.
The first light rail line in Tel Aviv, Israel, constructed in collaboration with Chinese companies, is set to open on August 18. The rail line, named the Red Line, will utilize electric trains developed by CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., carrying up to 500 passengers each. The 24-km rail line, with 11 km underground, will connect five cities in the Tel Aviv Metropolitan Area with 34 stations. It is expected to serve around 234,000 passengers daily with a frequency of six minutes. The construction of stations, tunnels, and tracks on the Red Line, as well as the electrical and communication systems involved China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and its Chinese partnership CRTG-EEB, along with Israeli firms namely Solel Boneh and Danya Cebus. The Tel Aviv light rail project aims to eventually cover 14 cities with 139 stations and 90 km of tracks.
China Southern Airlines (CSA) has become the first Chinese airline to offer in-flight Wi-Fi service below 3,000 meters. Previously, internet service was available only above 3,000 meters. With the introduction of air-to-ground services, passengers can now use their devices for internet access throughout the entire flight, including take-off and landing. CSA has upgraded 21 wide-body aircraft to provide this service and has conducted successful tests. The quality of the in-flight internet experience was reported to be good, though details about costs, coverage, and download speeds were not provided in the report.
The Chinese Coast Guard expelled four Philippine vessels that had illegally entered waters near Ren'ai Reef, Spratly Islands. Gan Yu, the spokesperson for China Coast Guard, stated that two Philippine supply vessels and two coast guard vessels had entered the waters without Chinese government approval. The Chinese coast guard took necessary measures in accordance with the law to prevent the vessels from carrying "illegal construction materials." China emphasized its sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and the adjacent waters and urged the Philippines to cease such activities. The China Coast Guard stated that it would continue enforcing its rights and laws in the region as per jurisdiction. The Philippines on the other hand has accused China of firing canons at their vessels. The Philippines expressed its condemnation of China's "excessive and offensive actions" towards its vessels, while China argued that its actions were necessary to deter Philippine ships that were trespassing and transporting unauthorized construction materials, as per Reuters' report on Sunday.
A 5.5-magnitude earthquake shook Pingyuan County in Shandong Province, China, at 2:33 a.m. Sunday, causing 21 injuries and the collapse of 126 buildings. The quake's epicenter was 10 kilometers deep, with tremors felt across Shandong, Hebei provinces, and Beijing. An advanced warning system, part of a nationwide effort, aided in mitigating damage and calming residents. Many received alerts on their phones moments before the quake hit. The Beijing Earthquake Agency mentioned the system's aim to grant emergency response time. China has focused on building a robust earthquake warning network to reduce casualties and enhance emergency response. The Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level-IV response, sending teams for rescue efforts. The earthquake's shallow depth heightened the risk, but its limited magnitude curtailed widespread destruction.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Netizens admire courageous train attendant: A video of a train attendant's emotional address to passengers trapped for over 10 hours on a train in China after mudslides blocked the tracks has gone viral on social media. The incident occurred when a train traveling from Inner Mongolia to Beijing got stranded due to mudslides caused by heavy rain. Attendant Zhao Yang was filmed advising passengers about the distribution of food and water while pleading with them not to swarm and cause a stampede. She emphasized the train's service principle of prioritizing people and life, and her efforts to calm and reassure passengers have garnered about 3 million likes on Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok). The wise attendant said she ‘must not let you down’ to the other passengers. Online observers praised her dedication and calmness in a challenging situation. Viewers were touched by her efforts to console passengers during a natural disaster. Many appreciated her attempts to calm people, and understanding the challenges of her role.

INDIA WATCH

China has accused the Philippines for illegally entering its waters in the South China Sea, stating that two repair ships and two coast guard ships from the Philippines entered the waters in violation of international law. Beijing asserted that it took appropriate measures within the legal framework to manage the situation, including halting Philippine vessels transporting unauthorized construction materials. On the other hand, Philippines has accused China of firing water cannons at its ships claiming the act to be “excessive and unlawful".

India has extended a Line of Credit (LoC) to the Philippines during a meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Phillipine counterpart, Enrique A Manalo, in New Delhi. The concessional LoC aims to assist the Philippines in meeting its defense needs, especially given China's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. This offer follows the Philippines' previous contract of $374.96 million for procuring BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles co-manufactured by India and Russia. Both ministers emphasized their nations' shared interest in a free and open environment.

India and the Philippines are also set to strengthen their defense cooperation by signing an Enhanced Maritime Cooperation pact between their respective Coast Guard agencies. It will focus on enhancing maritime security, marine domain awareness, and law enforcement operations. Both nations expressed keen interest in deepening their partnership in the maritime sector, with regular official-level interactions and the opening of a resident defense attaché office in Manila. India also offered the Philippines a concessional Line of Credit for naval assets and joint exercises on maritime security and disaster response. The highly anticipated signing of the MoU on Enhanced Maritime Cooperation between the Indian and Phillipine Coast Guard showcases India and the Phillipines mutual interest in establishing maritime security ties in an increasingly turbulent Indo-Pacific region.

Prepared By

Akshita Pant

Akshita Pant is a post-graduate research scholar with a degree in Masters in International Relations from Amity University. Her expertise lies in the field of geopolitics, particularly focusing on China and East Asia. With a keen interest in India's foreign policy, national security, and culture, with a deep passion for understanding the complexities of international relations.