CiCM 13th-14th January 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

China boosts momentum for Beautiful China Initiative with new guidelines: A comprehensive set of guidelines for the Beautiful China Initiative, a major development plan that prioritises high-quality and environmentally friendly growth, has been announced by China's central government. The document, which was jointly released by the State Council and the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, focuses on particular goals for different industries as the country moves towards a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future. The digitalization and sustainability of the industrial sectors; the acceleration of energy-saving measures in infrastructure and buildings; and the substantial push towards the green transformation of transportation—with the goal of 45 percent of newly added cars being powered by new energy by 2027—are some of the salient aspects. The effort places a high priority on reducing air pollution, with the goal of bringing the average PM2.5 particle concentration below 28 micrograms per cubic metre by 2027 and below 25 mcg/cubic metre by 2035. The initiative also proposes raising the nation's percentage of forest cover from 24 percent to 26 percent by 2035.

China's state administration drives high-quality development in institutional affairs: At the National Institutional Affairs Work Conference held in Beijing on 12th and 13th of January, it was revealed that the State Administration of Institutional Affairs in China utilises asset management to promote the high-quality development of institutional affairs. More than 47,600 items were removed from a total of more than 111,400 public warehouse assets of central administrative entities that were put into storage, saving 296 million yuan in purchase money. The State Administration launched 434 new custody projects in 2023, including approximately 16 million square metres of existing buildings, as part of a comprehensive conservation plan and energy fee custody service policy for public institutions countrywide. The main goals were to encourage frugal living through enhanced institutional standards, standardised procedures, and digital empowerment. In order to achieve high-quality development in agency affairs, the State Administration plans to step up asset management efforts in 2024, placing a strong emphasis on informatization and standardisation and utilising scientific approaches. The main objective is to enhance the Party's and the country's central activity while making a significant contribution to the modernization of the national governance structure and capacities.
China-Maldives relations enter a new chapter: The Maldivian president, Mohamed Muizzu, made a visit to China from January 8–12, signalling a pivotal point in the two countries' relationship. Following the visit, the China-Maldives collaboration was announced to have taken a new turn with the upgrading of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Since it is the tenth anniversary of Chinese President Xi Jinping's landmark state visit to the Maldives in 2014, this year is particularly significant. China expressed support for the Maldives' development path, while Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives' adherence to the one-China policy. During the visit, the two countries strengthened their political mutual confidence. Over the course of two days, twenty memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed by representatives of two governments collaborating on a range of areas. These included news cooperation through an agreement between the Maldives' Public Service Media and China's Xinhua news agency, infrastructure development projects related to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), disaster and risk mitigation, and the digital economy. There was also discussion of initiatives to improve person-to-person interactions, such as more direct flights and educational opportunities. The development of ties between the two countries was further highlighted by the decision to waive visa requirements for visitors from China and the Maldives.
SF airlines launches new air cargo route from China to Lahore: On 13th January, SF Airlines, the biggest air cargo carrier in China, inaugurated a new air cargo route that connects Ezhou Huahu Airport in Hubei Province, China to Lahore, Pakistan. This is SF Airlines' first international air cargo route, launched in 2024, and it departs from Ezhou Huahu Airport, which is regarded as China's main cargo-focused airport. There will be three weekly round-trip air cargo flights from Ezhou to Lahore, and according to SF Airlines, the route is anticipated to improve logistics between China and Pakistan by offering effective and reliable air transport services, with an estimated 300 tonnes of air express capacity each week.
China reaffirms commitment to One-China principle following Taiwan elections: The results of the most recent election in Taiwan, according to Chen Binhua, spokesman for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, show that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) does not accurately reflect the majority of the populace on the island. Chen emphasised that Taiwan is an essential component of China and said that the elections would not change the basic structure or course of development of relations across the Taiwan Strait. He restated the steadfast dedication to the "1992 Consensus," which is the embodiment of the one-China ideal, and to national reunification. He strongly opposed any "Taiwan independence" separatist actions and outside involvement. Chen stated the intent to engage with relevant political parties and groups in Taiwan to deepen cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, of which promoting integrated development, strengthening cultural linkages, and assisting in the peaceful evolution of cross-Strait relations are the objectives. Notwithstanding the outcomes of the Taiwanese election, China’s resolute in its pursuit of reunification, has been expressed in this statement.

Fuyuan City transforms government services with mobile apps: China's Fuyuan City, located in Heilongjiang Province, is making great progress towards "non-face-to-face approval" and mobile application optimisation for government services. The city intends to streamline mass services by implementing the updated versions of the "Longzhengtong" and "Provincial Affairs" mobile application brands. This would allow businesses and the general public to accomplish duties effectively with a single click. The project aims to improve the general quality and convenience of government services by reducing the number of in-person visits to government offices. Utilising a three-level advertising and application system in both urban and rural areas, the city has put into place a complete promotional strategy for the "fingertip office" approach. This entails using party members at the village level to establish connections with homes for grassroots outreach, organising township and town government agencies to spearhead promotion initiatives, and implementing targeted and classified policies at the government affairs hall. With a focus on user-friendliness and a "whole process, whole link, and whole chain" service model, Fuyuan City is actively integrating resources to build an integrated service hall for government services. A significant accomplishment in the shift to "non-face-to-face approval" is that 95.5 percent of government service issues may now be resolved through mobile terminals, setting a new standard for administrative services.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

French blogger's unique tea talks warm netizens’ hearts: Based in Hangzhou, China, French blogger Ruelle Olivier Herve, has gone viral on mainland social media for his innovative approach to connecting with people. Under the Weibo handle @tealovinglaolu, Herve sets up a street stand and invites people to stop by and talk about their personal issues over a cup of Chinese tea. In a viral video, interlocutors like Xiaofang and Yi Tong, a student and a trainee designer respectively, open up about problems such as postponed graduation and anxiety surrounding graduate school applications. Herve maintains records of the issues raised by participants and delivers the letters to a nearby nursing home where he asks senior citizens for guidance based on their life experiences. By sharing these exchanges on his 111,000-follower Weibo account, Herve hopes to create a bridge across generations. Comments on social media suggest that the effort is well-received; many have shown sympathy for the young participants and have praised the innovative idea. Users highlight the beneficial effects and the universal need of having a good listener. Herve's project has been met with a warm reception and heartening response from the elderly who share their wisdom.

INDIA WATCH

With President Muizzu of the Maldives forging closer connections with China, signing almost 20 significant agreements, and elevating bilateral relations to the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, the diplomatic landscape in South Asia is witnessing a significant change. India has always had considerable influence in the Maldives, but President Muizzu's recent decision to go to the United Arab Emirates and Turkey before making his first state visit to China highlights his determination to lessen the Maldives' dependency on India in a number of areas. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to promoting more practical cooperation in a number of areas during President Muizzu's visit to China, with a focus on multilateral and international cooperation. The timing of this strategic realignment coincides with strained relations between India and the Maldives, most notably after three Maldivian ministers disparaged Prime Minister Narendra Modi in tweets. Because of its location in the Indian Ocean and ability to facilitate important shipping routes for energy supplies to China, Japan, and India, the Maldives is strategically significant for India. India is a crucial ally for regional security and cooperation since it has a stake in preserving the Maldives' stability. While President Muizzu persists with his 'India Out' campaign, the developing intricacies in the trilateral dynamic between India, China, and the Maldives highlight the difficulties confronting India in overseeing its regional relationships.

Prepared By

Saranya Menon

Saranya Menon is a UG2 student at FLAME University, majoring in International Relations with a minor in Public Policy. Excited to apply academic knowledge, she is interning at ORCA to gain practical insights into foreign policy and looks forward to enhancing her understanding of International Relations through this internship.