CiCM 22nd March 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

New Guidelines On International Data Transmission Notified By The Cyberspace Administration Of China: The Cyberspace Administration of China unveiled the "Guidelines for Facilitating and Regulating International Data Transmission" through a governmental notification. These guidelines specify criteria for assessing the security of vital data transfers abroad, exemptions from such assessments and introduce standard contracts for exporting personal data. The guidelines include a negative list mechanism for free trade pilot zones. They require data processors to identify and report significant data as per regulations. If data is already identified by relevant authorities or publicly acknowledged as significant, no security assessment is necessary. Furthermore, the guidelines stipulate conditions for two types of data exports requiring security assessment: first, when critical information infrastructure operators transmit personal data or significant data overseas; and second, when non-operators export significant data or personal information of over a million individuals (excluding sensitive data) or sensitive data of over ten thousand individuals since January 1 of the current year.
China Keeps Up Innovation As Global Reduction In Number Of Patents Raises Concerns: Global concerns arise over the decrease in patent filings, potentially indicating an innovation slowdown worldwide. However, China's performance offers some reassurance. Despite a slight decline of 0.6 percent in international patent filings in 2023, marking the first drop since 2002, China remained the top source with 69,610 filings. The decrease in China's patent submissions reflects a strategic shift towards quality over quantity, fostering genuine indigenous innovation. This shift is evident through enhanced scrutiny and stricter criteria for patent applications, aligned with broader IP reforms initiated since 2019. The Chinese government actively promotes industry integration and R&D investment. This is reflected in China’s increased ownership of high-value invention patents and leadership in cutting-edge sectors.
Official Report Declares All Prefecture And County Level Cities Have 5G Coverage: As per recent data from the China Internet Network Information Center, approximately 3.37 million 5G base stations have been established, extending coverage to all prefecture-level and county-level cities nationwide by December 2023. The mobile internet of things user base has grown to 2.332 billion, marking a rise of 488 million since December 2022 and making up almost 58 percent of total mobile network connections. China's initiative includes extending 5G network access to border regions and offshore islands, aiming for complete coverage by the close of 2025, as stated in a joint announcement by 13 government departments in January. Forecasts suggest that 6G commercialization is slated for 2030, according to Wang Zhiqin, head of the IMT-2030 (6G) Promotion Group and vice president of the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology.
Shi Taifeng Chairs Symposium of Members of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce: Members of the Advisory Committee of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce convened at a symposium in Beijing. The symposium was chaired by Shi Taifeng, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee. Emphasizing the Advisory Committee's role in fortifying the private economy, Shi noted its importance in fostering industry leadership and advancing crucial agendas such as poverty alleviation and pandemic control. He encouraged unified action to bolster confidence in development and strategic coherence while pledging allegiance to the Party's directives. Furthermore, he advocated for industry leadership, innovation, and social responsibility, highlighting the imperative role of private entrepreneurs in national progress. Noteworthy contributions were made by prominent entrepreneurs Liu Yonghao, Zhou Haijiang, Xu Guanju, Wang Chuanfu, Ma Huateng, and Qiu Dachang.
Shanghai Notifies Third Iteration Of “Green Indicators” For Compulsory Education To Improve Educational Quality: The Shanghai Municipal Education Commission has issued the "Green Indicators" version 3.0, aiming to refine the assessment of compulsory education quality in Shanghai. This revision emphasizes evaluating key aspects such as moral development, academic proficiency, and physical well-being, while introducing new elements like ethics, labour skills, and interpersonal relations. It integrates five educational dimensions, fostering a holistic educational approach. Furthermore, a data-sharing mechanism and an intelligent analysis platform have been developed to empower schools for independent analysis. Since its inception in 2011, the "Green Indicators" evaluation has significantly contributed to diagnosing educational issues and promoting students' comprehensive development.
Over 15,000 Projects Funded By The 1 Trillion Yuan Raised Through Specialised Government Bonds: Liu Sushe, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), announced the complete allocation of funds from an additional 1 trillion yuan ($140 billion) in specialized government bonds. These funds are designated for disaster relief and various projects, numbered at around 15,000 public projects. A significant portion of its targets water conservancy projects, particularly flood control, while over 200 billion yuan will aid post-disaster recovery, focusing on the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. The remainder enhances disaster prevention and mitigation capabilities. Liu also highlighted the organized execution of these initiatives, citing operational rates in Beijing at 48% and in Hebei Province at 45%. Plans include issuing ultra-long special treasury bonds to address funding gaps in key national projects, alongside earmarking 700 billion yuan from the central government budget for public investment.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Dancing teacher and his introduction of dance and music to learning goes viral on social media: Viral footage captures heartwarming scenes of a teacher enthusiastically dancing alongside young pupils in a Lincang city classroom in Yunnan. The energy of their dance has captivated online audiences, with many admiring the teacher's engaging methods. Yang Yingjun, a 40-year-old Chinese language educator at Nansan Border Primary School, introduced dance as a way to invigorate his students during breaks, recognizing the challenge of maintaining focus during long study sessions. Since 2019, he has led self-choreographed routines, fostering a deep connection with his students. His initiative has sparked widespread participation, turning the classroom into a dynamic dance space. This movement not only provides a mental and physical break for students but also strengthens the teacher-student bond schoolwide. Such innovative teaching methods inspire admiration and envy alike from netizens.

INDIA WATCH

Although global patents have fallen, Chinese patents have maintained pace. This highlights the role of state-level support for intellectual property rights and innovations. India has seen a record-high number of patent applications in 2023, reaching 90,300 patent applications. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry revealed that the patent office granted almost 250 patents every working day for the past year (March 2023 to March 2024). The official statement from the Ministry claims that the incentivisation for the increased number of patents was due to the new Patent Rules, 2024. Under the Patent Rules, 'Certificate of Inventorship' has been introduced to acknowledge the contribution of inventors in the patented invention, while introducing and integrating technology for application, status and fees. Thus, the rules make the process much easier and more accessible to all the innovators in India.

PM Modi’s statement in late 2023 noted the rising enthusiasm in the youth of India to innovate and experiment. This has been heavily incentivised by several policies on the questions of intellectual property rights as well as startups and small-level businesses, thus allowing access to resources to start earning from innovative businesses and products. Thus, increased research and development in China will not go unanswered by Indian innovators as long as Indian policymakers understand the benefit of such activities and continue to support to those willing to innovate.

Prepared By

Parth Prasad

Parth Prasad is a second-year undergraduate student pursuing International Relations and Public Policy. His interests lie in international economics, diplomacy studies as well as Indian foreign policy analysis. His interests and area of research often brings him on Indo-Sino relations, thus igniting his interest in understanding Chinese polity.