CiCM 20th June 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

World Intelligence Expo 2024 Launches in Tianjin: The 2024 World Intelligent Industry Expo began in Tianjin, China, focusing on advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, smart vehicles, and intelligent manufacturing. The event, themed "Intelligence: Extensive Development Space, Sustainable Growth Driver," is a collaboration between Tianjin and Chongqing, merging the former World Intelligence Congress and Smart China Expo. Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter for the three-day expo, which spans 100,000 square meters and features ten themed exhibition areas. Over 550 enterprises from 49 countries are showcasing innovative products and technologies. The expo will unveil 94 new products and technologies, with 48 making their debut. Events like the World Intelligent Driving Challenge and the International Conference on Smart Sport are also part of the expo's agenda. The four-day event aims to gather AI-related resources globally.
China and Malaysia Extend Visa-Free Policies Amid Strengthened Relations: On June 20, China and Malaysia announced a mutual extension of visa-free policies, with China allowing Malaysian citizens to enter visa-free until the end of 2025, and Malaysia reciprocating for Chinese citizens until the end of 2026. This announcement came during Chinese Premier Li Qiang's official visit to Malaysia, commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Premier Li Qiang and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim agreed to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership. They highlighted the progress in their relationship since establishing diplomatic ties in 1974, emphasizing cooperation in various fields, including trade, infrastructure, and technology. The leaders underscored their commitment to mutual development and cooperation, with Malaysia expressing support for China's Belt and Road Initiative. Both countries also pledged to enhance cultural exchanges and educational cooperation. Additionally, China and Malaysia will collaborate on high-level projects such as the Malaysia East Coast Railway and the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" initiative, aiming to further strengthen their economic and social ties.
Xi Jinping Emphasizes Anti-Corruption and Loyalty in PLA Speech: Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for absolute loyalty and the elimination of corruption within the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Addressing top PLA leaders in Yanan, Shaanxi province, at a Central Military Commission political work conference, Xi stressed that the military must be controlled by those loyal to the Communist Party. He highlighted the need to root out corrupt practices by improving power distribution and implementing strict supervision of high-ranking officers. Xi’s speech, which echoed his address a decade ago in Gutian, Fujian province, emphasized the PLA’s modernization and readiness to face global challenges. He urged military leaders to confront their shortcomings and maintain the revolutionary spirit of the Communist Party’s founders. This follows recent purges of several senior PLA officials, including former Defense Minister Li Shangfu. Xi’s anti-corruption campaign has led to the dismissal of many top military figures over the past decade, reinforcing the principle that the Communist Party must control the military, a stance originally established by Mao Zedong.
China Allocates $126 Million for Flood and Drought Relief Efforts: China has allocated 916 million yuan ($126 million) to address severe flooding and droughts affecting various regions. The Ministry of Finance announced that 499 million yuan will go towards flood control and relief efforts in southern provinces including Guangdong, Fujian, and Guangxi. These areas have been hit hard by torrential rains, causing severe flooding and prompting emergency responses. Meanwhile, 417 million yuan will support water conservation and drought relief in northern and central provinces such as Hebei, Shanxi, and Henan. These regions are facing extreme heat and drought, with record-breaking temperatures reported. Flooding has been particularly severe in provinces like Fujian, Guangxi, and Guangdong, leading to raised emergency response levels. Relief supplies, including emergency kits and tents, have been dispatched to aid those affected. On the drought front, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has activated a Level-III emergency response in provinces like Hebei and Shandong. They are focusing on monitoring the situation, managing water resources, and conducting cloud seeding operations to ensure successful summer crops. China’s emergency response system has four levels, with Level-I being the most severe.
Xi Jinping Emphasizes Ethnic Unity and Modernization in Recent Visits: Xi Jinping stressed ethnic unity during his visit to Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. In Yinchuan, he highlighted the importance of the 56 ethnic groups living harmoniously as part of the Chinese nation. Xi also visited Qinghai province, where he focused on fostering national unity at a Tibetan Buddhist heritage site amid tensions with the US over Tibet. He toured a middle school for Golok Tibetans and the Hongjue Temple in Xining, emphasizing education and the Sinicization of Tibetan Buddhism. Addressing provincial leaders, Xi underscored Qinghai’s role in ecological preservation, promoting it as a hub for clean energy, ecotourism, and green exports. His visit comes ahead of a major Party meeting to outline future economic and social strategies. These visits are set against the backdrop of US-China tensions over Tibet, with recent US support for Tibet stirring Chinese opposition. Xi's emphasis on ethnic unity and modernization reflects his broader goals of national rejuvenation and stability.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Swimmer Sun Yang Faces Backlash On Social Media After Missing Paris Olympics: Chinese swimmer Sun Yang, once celebrated for his Olympic golds, faces public criticism after failing to make the Paris Olympics roster following a doping ban. Sun, suspended for eight years in 2020 for a doping violation involving the destruction of blood vials, had his ban reduced to four years. Despite speculation about his return, Sun, now 32, missed the Olympic trials. On Weibo, the hashtag “Sun Yang’s Olympic dream shattered” garnered over 75 million views, with many criticizing his actions and character. Comments highlighted his previous suspension from the national team for driving without a license and jail time. Some defended him, noting his dedication to the sport. Sun's troubles began in 2014 with a positive test for trimetazidine (TMZ), a banned stimulant. Recent reports revealed 23 Chinese swimmers, including some who later won gold in Tokyo, tested positive for TMZ but were cleared by Chinese authorities. Despite this, 11 of these athletes are part of China’s squad for Paris.

INDIA WATCH

Protests Erupt in India Over Exam Paper Leaks: China’s news agency Xinhua reported that intense protests erupted across various Indian cities on Thursday against the National Testing Agency (NTA) following repeated question paper leaks. The protests were triggered by the federal government's decision to cancel the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET), held on June 18 to recruit assistant professors, after it was discovered that the question paper had leaked. The case has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation for a thorough investigation. Over 900,000 students had taken this exam. The UGC-NET controversy added fuel to an ongoing uproar over the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG), attempted by over 2.4 million students for medical college admissions. After the results were declared on June 4, showing 67 students with perfect scores, suspicions arose. The NTA later admitted to awarding grace marks due to time wastage during question paper distribution. Additionally, the NEET-UG paper was leaked in Bihar, prompting a re-exam for 1,563 students on June 23.

Prepared By

Kriti Rai

Kriti is an undergraduate student at FLAME University pursuing Data Science and Economics. She is proficient in C++, Python, MySQL, and data visualisation tools such as Tableau. Her areas of interest lie in building predictive models and utilising machine learning to enhance decision-making and tackle real-world challenges.