CiCM 13th October 2023

NEWS IN CHINA

Israeli national stabbed in China: In the Chaoyang district of China, a family member of an Israeli diplomat was stabbed by an unidentified man. The police later revealed the man as a 53-year-old foreign national who works in the small commodities business. A statement by the foreign ministry of Israel confirmed that the stabbing did not happen within the embassy premises. The statement issued also suggested that the victim was taken into medical care immediately and is now in stable condition. This development follows the Foreign Ministry’s comments on the Israel-Palestine conflict publicly for the first time, emphasising the need to right the wrongs done to the Palestinian people. The Foreign Ministry also laid focus on the centrality of the conflict in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. Furthermore, the Chinese representative called for peaceful talks that prioritise a two-State solution. The attack also invited condemnation on social media and expressed hope for strong punishment for the attacker.
Holistic development of Yangtze River Economic Belt important- Xi Jinping: in an important meeting in Jiangxi, President Xi Jinping pushed for the growth of the Yangtze River Economic Belt Project that prioritises eco-friendly development as well as security of the region. A push towards a long-term perspective that finds an equilibrium between growth and security as well as allows for the strengthening of national security, especially in matters of nutrition, energy and important industrial projects was recommended. Jinping sought to draw focus to China's scientific and technological capabilities that aid environmentally responsible and "green" development. The meeting, attended by members of the Standing Committee of the Political Committee of the Party’s Central Committee, also discussed the transformation the region has undergone in terms of the preservation and conservation of the environment. The need to cut carbon emissions through prioritising the growth of green industries as well as reducing pollution and populating the region with more vegetation were stressed to ensure coordinated development of the area. The President further recommended that environmental protection must progress in tandem with economic development through the creation and development of Free Trade Zones. The President hence, stressed on the development of local communities that balanced economic growth, environmental conservation while prioritising national security.
South Korea expresses anger over China’s forced repatriation of North Koreans: in response to a Parliamentary Question, South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-Soo revealed that South Korea's stance on the forceful repatriation of North Koreans by China was communicated to Xi Jinping in a meeting held earlier in the month. The Prime Minister reported that the Chinese leader's response re-iterated the official stance of his government. The Chinese leadership had suggested earlier that the North Korean citizens who attempt to escape will be judged under the country's domestic laws, international conventions as well as humanitarian considerations. This confrontation was caused by the repatriation of over 500 North Koreans by China after the end of the Hangzhou Asian Games. The escapees, mostly civilians and religious leaders, were enroute to South Korea when they were caught in the Chinese cities of Hunchun, Changbai and Dandong among others, generating much consternation in the South Korean cabinet. Several human rights groups working to rescue North Koreans have expressed horror over the reparations and pointed to their furtive nature and tight security.
China continues to dominate MNCs and shipbuilding industries: Even as news of China's economic struggles surface, its economy continues to make its mark in the shipbuilding industry. The country holds the top spot in three crucial categories of shipbuilding output (49%), new orders (68.8%) and holding orders (53.9%) . China has added to its fleet of technologically advanced ships including the largest Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) carrier in the world. The transformation of the shipbuilding history owes its success to the development of successful technology, especially the capability for intelligent shipbuilding. With an estimated global output of over 42 million DWT, Chinese companies have continued to hold the majority shares of production in oil carriers, bunk tankers and containerships in the first six months of the year. The fourth Qingdao Multinational Summit similarly revealed corporations' preference for China as an important centre for investments. Conducted to improve Chinese relations with international investors, the market potential of the country as well as its culture of industrial production played an important role in determining the country as the right spot for investments.
Repatriated Yuanmingyuan artefacts showcased: Attesting to the glories of ancient China, seven pillars from the Old Summer Palace were displayed at the opening of the Exhibition of Repatriated Stone Pillars of Yuanmingyuan and 2023 Beijing Public Archaeology Season. These artefacts, earlier preserved in Norway, returned to their homeland in spectacular pomp. Originally recovered from the western part of Yuanmingyuan, these pillars draw attention to ancient Chinese traditions of gardening art which involved the construction of temples, palaces and gardens over a large area. The pillars were lost during the Second Opium War after the Palace was looted and burned down by invading European forces. The return of these artefacts is considered an important achievement by the National Cultural Heritage Administration, whose director conveyed that this return could pave the way for the recovery of greater historical losses.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Blogger draws flak on Chinese social media for comments on budget travel in China: Social media is abuzz with anger over the comments of a blogger in China. The blog, posted on the social networking site Xiaohongshu, focused on providing the audience with tips for a budget-friendly overnight stay. The blogger, whose name remains unknown, suggested that travellers can sleep in oxygen beds in hospitals for 30 yuan. The blogger added that this option was most comfortable because it was removed from the pollution of the city, affordable, and that luggage would be taken care of by the nurses on duty. The post continued to delve into the procedure for accessing emergency services to "book" oxygen rooms. The post went as far as to advise audiences to find rooms in top hospitals because they treated their patients like guests of a five-star hotel. These statements have enraged doctors as well as netizens who have critiqued the blogger for her flamboyance and ignorance. Several people called out the blogger and drew attention to the need for these supplies by real patients while others advised the blogger to go "sleep in a mortuary." Medical influencers too expressed their concerns on social media and pointed out that these rooms were inhabited by a large number of people who were suffering from a variety of diseases that could be communicable.

INDIA WATCH

India's ties with South Korea touted as strong, have largely been a showcase of bilateral engagement and cultural exchanges. On 10th October, the Ulsan Metro Dance Company enthralled audiences in a sea of soulful performances at the Sir Muthu Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall. The celebration commemorated the Silver Jubilee of bilateral relations between the two Asian countries and was attended by the Consul General of the Korean Consulate as well as the Minister for Information and Technology and Digital, Tamil Nadu.

Furthermore, it is worth highlighting that the global phenomenon of K-pop, a South Korean cultural export, has played a significant role in enhancing soft power between India and South Korea. The influence of K-pop has transcended borders, creating a shared cultural space and helped in fostering connections between the youth of both nations. This cultural bridge adds a contemporary dimension to the traditional ties that have long existed. The interplay of soft power, exemplified by the popularity of K-pop in India, contributes to a deeper understanding and appreciation between the two nations. This underscores the strength and adaptability of the ties between India and South Korea.

Prepared By

Tarini Agarwal

Tarini Agarwal is a twenty-year-old student at Lady Shri Ram College for Women with a passion for history and penchant for writing about issues of contemporary relevance.