CiCM 17th November 2023

NEWS IN CHINA

China-Japan pledge to co-exist peacefully at APEC summit: As part of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The two leaders met on 17th November, 2023 in San Francisco on the sidelines of the summit where Xi also met with Joe Biden, President of the United States of America. China and Japan, in light of their complex relationship in the past, have pledged to come together to work to "co-exist peacefully". While the Chinese President laid emphasis on coming together to work on differences, his Japanese counterpart drew attention to the need to exist peacefully despite such differences. The Chinese leader took cognisance of the historically uncertain ties between both countries as well as drew attention to challenges presented by contemporary global issues. Xi further added that the two countries must focus on re-affirming Sino-Japanese ties by acknowledging shared benefit, mitigating differences as well as abiding by the principles set out in the four political documents. Kishida, in his remarks, focused on a renewed relationship that benefits future generations.
Building fire kills 26 and injures 38: A fire that broke out in a coal mining company in Shaanxi province on 16th November, 2023 has killed 26 people. Additionally, 38 people have been injured so far. Located in the Lishi District, Lyuliang City, the second floor of the four-story building was set ablaze. The building that caught on fire is owned by the private Yongju coal mine co-operation. Xi Jinping has assigned the Chinese Vice Premiere Zhang Guoqing to oversee the aftermath of the accident. The Chinese Communist Party Central Committee member visited the site of the accident hours later to supervise rescue and response. He stressed the need to undertake all-out efforts to aid rescue operations. The police have taken 13 people into custody in relation to the accident.
China-Pakistan conduct inaugural joint naval patrol exercises: As part of a series of joint exercises, naval warships from China and Pakistan are conducting joint maritime patrol in the northern region of the Arabian Sea. The first of its kind, the exercises are part of action to safeguard the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). As part of the China-Pakistan Guardian- 3's sea phase between 14th-17th November, 2023, naval warships Type 054A frigate Linyi from China and Pakistan's F-22P frigate Saif are touring major maritime routes and naval ports. The exercise includes conducting joint rescue and research operation, formation manoeuvring as well as visit, board, search and seizure operations and aerial photography. The People's Liberation Army and the Pakistani Navy have undertaken these exercises to enhance their capabilities. In another part of the exercises, PLA Navy's Type 052D destroyer Zibo, Type 054A frigate Jingzhou and Type 903 replenishment ship Qiandaohu as well as the Pakistan Navy's Type 054A/P frigate Shah Jahan worked together to form a task force in a different part of the Arabian Sea.
Statistics about foreign investment in China released: The Ministry of Commerce released statistics about the investment of 41,947 new foreign companies in China. The data was put together for the first ten months of the year, between January and October and it revealed a 32.1 percent rise from the previous year. Foreign Direct Investment, on the other hand, saw a 9.4 percent fall and came to 987.01 billion yuan or 137.6 billion dollars. FDI in manufacturing and high-tech saw an increase by 1.9 percent and 9.5 percent respectively. Country specific statistics show that foreign investment from Canada, France and the United Kingdom has seen a rise. In line with this, on 16th November, the Chinese government encouraged America's chip giant Microform to foster its presence in the country. Such statistics have come in the wake of President Xi's commitment to open up China to foreign trade.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Viral “Great Wall” built from snow melts netizens’ hearts :As Northern China deals with the impact of blizzards, the hearts of social media users have been warmed by a video of an old man, described as “grandpa”. A tile mason for over thirty years, a sixty-four-year-old man named Zou from Jiamusi, Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province used his spare time to build a 20-metre wall from snow. Zou found a large mound of snow in front of his house. Instead of clearing it, he decided to build a structure with it. Working for four to five days, he was able to clear the ground in his yard as well as get some exercise. Social media users have expressed appreciation for the beauty of the wall. Many others were envious of his strength and ability to find happiness even the midst of peril. Appreciation was also expressed for the neighbours who came together to help and take care of Zou.

INDIA WATCH

China's meeting with America as well as Japan during the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit as well as the conduct of joint military exercises with Pakistan reflects not only changing geo-political relations but also draws attention to new challenges India may have to overcome to counter growing China’s superpower ambitions. Such a shift in power have appeared most recently in the realm of maritime security, which India has been dedicatedly giving more importance to. During the Quadrilateral Security Summit held on 27th June, 2023, India in collaboration with Australia, India and Japan held talks to improve maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. The joint naval patrol exercises held by China and Pakistan raise new concerns about maritime security in the Arabian Sea. Similarly, the exercise also testifies as newer avenue for cooperation between China and Pakistan. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, in addition to the Belt and Road Initiative have only strengthened China's relations with India's neighbours, further isolating New Delhi. Recently, India has attempted to strengthen maritime relations with the Sri Lankan Navy as well as the European Union. However, in light of growing dialogue between China and America as well the former's growing influence over South Asia, India will have to reposition and strengthen it's land as well as maritime security in order to maintain its commitment to retaining the status quo.

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.