CiCM 2nd-3rd December 2023

NEWS IN CHINA

Chinese government issues new permanent resident cards: The National Immigration Administration (NIA) of the People's Republic of China updated the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card on Friday, ushering in a new version designed to better serve the needs of qualified foreigners residing in the country. It introduces five-starred elements symbolizing the Chinese national flag. The first batch of 50 new cards was issued on the same day, marking a crucial step in providing improved services for foreign talents contributing to China's socio-economic development. The recipients of these new cards hail from more than 20 countries, including prominent nations such as the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Russia. These individuals have demonstrated outstanding contributions to China's progress, with a focus on high-level management, technical expertise and academia. Foreign professionals, both in managerial and scholarly roles, who have dedicated substantial time to working and teaching in China were among the first to receive the upgraded Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards. The layout has been optimized to improve overall aesthetics and functionality. Additionally, advanced anti-counterfeiting technology has been incorporated into the new card, ensuring enhanced security features. Information storage and application management service access have also undergone upgrades to align with modern standards.
China kickstarts the construction of first national offshore wind power research and test base: China has unveiled plans for the nation's inaugural offshore wind power research and testing base in Fujian. Jointly funded by State Grid, China Huadian, and China Electric Power Construction, the construction of the offshore wind power base commenced on December 1 and is anticipated to be operational by 2024. The comprehensive facility is poised to integrate cutting-edge capabilities, including simulation analysis, operational testing and research and development endeavors. The State Grid's strategic move aligns with a broader initiative to bolster research and test verification capacities for offshore wind power equipment, building on existing onshore wind power test and verification capabilities. The newly unveiled offshore wind power test base is set to become a vital component of the national key laboratories dedicated to renewable energy. This integrated laboratory includes an onshore testing center and a test wind farm, positioning China at the forefront of renewable energy research and innovation.
No new infectious threats identified, China's National Health Commission affirms: In a press conference held in Beijing, Mi Feng, spokesperson for the National Health Commission, provided reassurances about the current respiratory diseases reported in China. According to monitoring results, all reported cases are attributed to known pathogens, and no new infectious diseases caused by novel viruses or bacteria have been identified. Initiatives by the Chinese government are underway to optimize the allocation of medical resources, improve treatment processes, and enhance the role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in healthcare. The expansion of medical services, especially pediatric outpatient services, across various levels of medical institutions, including TCM hospitals and maternal and child health facilities, is a key focus. Measures include extending outpatient service hours during lunchtime, evenings, and weekends based on patient numbers, increasing hospital bed capacities, and streamlining registration, examination, and payment processes to enhance public access to medical care. Notably, antiviral drugs currently in use have proven effective against influenza viruses. The dominant influenza virus subtypes this winter in China remain consistent with those circulating globally, reinforcing the importance of vaccination, particularly for high-risk groups, to mitigate the risk of infection, illness, and severe complications.
Opening ceremony for 5th World Media Summit held at Guangzhou: The 5th World Media Summit kicked off in Nansha, Guangzhou, on December 3rd, featuring the theme "enhancing global confidence and promoting media development." Over 450 delegates from 197 mainstream media outlets, think tanks, government agencies, embassies, consulates in China, and United Nations agencies gathered for the opening ceremony and plenary session. The summit, co-sponsored by Xinhua News Agency, Guangdong Province, and Yunnan Provincial Governments, will take place from December 2^nd to 8^th and serves as the world's premier high-end media exchange and cooperation platform. In his address, Hu Heping, vice minister of propaganda of the CPC Central Committee, emphasized President Xi Jinping's insight that meeting global challenges and moving toward a better future requires economic, scientific, and cultural forces. The summit also featured a video statement from United Nations Under-Secretary-General Fleming and participation from key figures representing international media companies.
Visa-free entry policies ignite surge in international arrivals in China: China's State Immigration Administration made an announcement on December 2, revealing the implementation of visa-free entry policies for ordinary passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. The policy came into effect on December 1 to facilitate international travel and enhance exchanges. On the inaugural day of the visa-free entry policy, a total of 2,029 individuals from the specified countries entered China, according to the National Immigration Administration (NIA). Malaysia emerged with the highest number of entries, recording 1,113 visa-free arrivals. French nationals, on the other hand, displayed a remarkable surge with 227 visa-free entries, representing a 52.31% increase compared to the previous day. Optimizing on-site guidance, maximizing inspection channels, and streamlining customs clearance at entry points were among the initiatives implemented by immigration authorities.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

International Day of Disabled Persons Evokes Sympathy: Chinese social media is flooded with posts commemorating the “International Day of Disabled Persons”. Many pages including CGNTRadio and Renmin Ribao have made posts to support disabled people. Posts of people like Noel Joyce, who met with an accident and gave up on his dream of riding, but is following his passion and has built adaptive mountain bikes for sport-loving wheelchair users. Posts of people celebrating the specially-abled people in sports field, naming them "basketball girl" to "water flying fish" also emerged. Topics like accessible travel became hot topics among users with stories like “wheel chair couple” marrying and travelling together. Inspiring stories of people like Zhu Yujie who learnt how to drive a car after he met with an accident, finding his passion for driving after his accident. Social media users took the opportunity to say, these people should receive love and support from society and the government throughout their life and not just on some special occasions.

INDIA WATCH

India as a “stopgap solution” for investments after Covid presents a significant opportunity to develop its wind energy industry and emerge as a wind energy powerhouse. The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and MEC+ report highlights the changing dynamics in the global wind power manufacturing sector and the potential for India to challenge China's dominance. China's experience in the renewable energy sector, especially in wind power, demonstrates a phased approach that combines foreign expertise with national investment and subsidies. India can take cues from China's footsteps by combining foreign expertise with national investment and subsidies and fostering technological advancements. China initially leveraged technology and investments from the West, particularly from Germany and laid the foundation to expand renewable energy industry, including wind power. Subsequently, China promoted innovation through initiatives like Made in China 2025. However, several challenges and opportunities influence India’s prospects. China's dominance in Rare Earth Elements (REE) supply poses a vulnerability for India, impacting industries like automobile, defense, solar and wind energy. Chinese policymakers may exploit this dependence for strategic and political gains. Despite these, India is in a favorable position to challenge China's supremacy in wind power manufacturing. The COVID-19 pandemic, trade wars, and geopolitical tensions have created an opportunity for India to reinforce its position in the global wind energy market. India can leverage its strategic geopolitical position and scale to become a prime destination for global players seeking to establish a manufacturing base. Additionally, India can explore partnerships, technological standardization, and military applications of renewable energy to strengthen its position on the global stage.

Prepared By

Riddhima Singh

Riddhima Singh is a final year student at Jawaharlal Nehru University Delhi, pursuing Chinese Honours course. Through her degree she has had the opportunity to dive into culture, history and contemporary issues in Chinese society through language and research. Her research area surrounds the economic and fiscal policies of Communist Party of China and China's development model.