CiCM 2nd April 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Xi, Biden Make Strides in China-US Relations with Exchange of Views over first Phone Call in two years: Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden had a positive phone conversation discussing different bilateral, regional, and global matters. They assessed the developments that had occurred since their gathering in Woodside, California, with a specific emphasis on collaboration in counternarcotics, military communication, risks related to artificial intelligence, and initiatives for addressing climate change. Biden emphasized the significance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, while also raising worries about China's backing of Russia's defence sector and unfair trade policies. He stressed that the US is dedicated to stopping the abuse of cutting-edge technologies for threats against national security. Both leaders were pleased with the continued efforts to keep communication channels open and handle the relationship responsibly through diplomatic and working-level consultations, which include the upcoming visits of US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. While there are disagreements, the call shows a readiness to communicate effectively and tackle shared issues in Sino-American relations.
Chinese Automaker JAC's Former Chairman Under Investigation by Anti-Graft Watchdog: The former chairman of Jianghaui Automobile Group, An Jin is being investigated by China’s anti-corruption agency. He retired from JAC in 2021 after 46 years of service with nine of those years as chairman. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection reported on its website that An Jin is under investigation for “serious violations of discipline and law”. In 2017, JAC established a 50-50 joint venture with Volkswagen, concentrating on electric vehicles. Three years later, following Beijing's relaxation of foreign ownership regulations, the German automaker obtained a controlling interest in the venture. Notably, JAC serves as Nio's manufacturing partner. In December, Nio announced its acquisition of certain plant assets from JAC. Even through there is in an investigation into JAC, Volkswagen has stated that it has not impacted its business relationship with JAC. Nio has also not responded to the issue.
Ministry of State Security Releases Report on Cyber Attack Accusations by US and UK: The Ministry of State Security (MSS) has issued a report in two languages advising the US to stop making false accusations and engaging in cyber warfare against China. After being accused of cyberespionage by the US and UK the MSS rejected the allegations as dishonest and motivated by guilty conscience. Pointing to the cyberattacks from the West the report highlights double standards in US and UK accusations towards China. Moreover, it emphasises China’s dedication to positive collaboration in the cyber realm while denouncing harmful behaviours that threaten sovereignty and security. The MSS has attempted to highlight what China calls “deceitful polices” of the US and UK for both domestic and international audiences through this bilingual response.
Ministry of Finance Publishes 2022 Rankings for Local Budget and Final Account Disclosure: The 2022 rankings for local budget and final account disclosure were released by the Ministry of Finance, showing a countrywide push for transparency. All local governments and their related units have made their budgets and financial reports public, except for a small number. Although disclosure rates have shown improvement, there continue to be obstacles like incomplete disclosures and delays in releasing information. To tackle these problems, actions such as improving IT assistance and enhancing disclosure approaches have been implemented. The Ministry seeks to improve transparency by encouraging more disclosure, widening the range of disclosed information, and enhancing the clarity of disclosed data, with the goal of making budget management practices consistent and ingrained.
China Condemns Attack on Iranian Embassy in Syria, Calls for Respect of Diplomatic Security and Sovereignty: China has firmly denounced the recent assault on the Iranian embassy in Syria, stressing the importance of preserving the security of diplomatic establishments and respecting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. During a routine press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin voiced disapproval of any actions that increase tensions in the Middle East. According to the Syria Defence Ministry on Monday, Israel initiated an air attack from the occupied Syrian Golan Heights towards the consulate building of the Iranian embassy in Damascus. Iran has stated that it will decide on potential repercussions for the attacker and is contemplating its reaction to the incident.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Burglar in China Wearing Hyper-Real Silicone Old-Man Mask Caught within 24 Hours After Stealing Valuables Worth US$14,000: To avoid being caught, a criminal in China wore a highly realistic silicone mask but was caught within one day of the crime. Following a burglary report in Shanghai, authorities tracked a dubious "older man" captured on surveillance footage entering a housing complex. Nevertheless, the culprit was discovered to be a middle-aged man, and his attempt at disguise was soon recognized as a low-quality silicone mask. The thief, known as Tong, admitted to buying the mask online with the goal of fooling security cameras. The police found Tong at a hotel 60 kilometres away, where they recovered stolen items and tools. Although the police did not disclose their tracking technique, there was speculation about the potential use of real-name registration for phone numbers and SIM cards, a practice implemented in China starting from 2016. Online observers found the incident entertaining, making connections to movie disguises and past humorous arrest tales. This incident is one of several bizarre arrests in China, such as a burglar caught snoring, and a thief caught laughing.

INDIA WATCH

(Kindly note that ORCA has re-oriented its India Watch section. The updated section will now assess how Chinese media and experts view Indian affairs, in an attempt to better understand China's perspectives on India)

India Braces for Extreme Heat During April-June: Xinhua reports that India is set to face extreme heat from April to June, quoting the India Meteorological Department. The IMD announced that the country would face severe heat from April to June. Heightened temperatures are anticipated in the southern peninsula, central India, eastern India and plains of northwest India. The IMD underlined the increased danger to at-risk groups like seniors, kids, and individuals with existing health issues who are prone to heat related illnesses. Extended periods of excessive heat can place additional stress on infrastructure like power grids and transportation systems. China’s state media regularly reports on the heatwaves in India, calling it a humanitarian crisis. China’s coverage of heatwaves in India happens every year at the same time around April and May.

Prepared By

Triveni Mahajan

Triveni is a student of Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication at Bennett University and has contributed to the field of Indian Politics Journalism.