CiCM 9th July 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Opening of Cross-Straits Youth Development Forum to Promote Cultural Ties and Reunification Advocacy: The opening event of the seventh cross-Strait youth development forum was held on Monday in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. Over 1,000 guests and youth representatives attended the event where cultural performances and noteworthy personalities addressed the gathering. The event takes place between 6th and 12th July 2024. In his speech, Song Tao, the head of the Taiwan Work Office of the CCP and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, strongly encouraged the youth to advocate for the reunification of Taiwan with the mainland. Additionally, he promised to prioritise the prosperity of the youth from both sides of the Strait and increase interactions and collaborations across sectors. Hung Hsiu-chu, the former Chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang Party, described the reunification of Taiwan with China as a collective desire of the youth and as an eventuality. He promoted friendly interactions and engagement across the Strait to deepen ties between Taiwan and the mainland. Furthermore, the forum serves as a congregation where economic, social, technological, and cultural developments are discussed.
848 Million Yuan ($117 Million) Fund Set Up For Flood Control and Relief: The Ministry of Emergency Management referred to weather forecasts and predicted heavy rainstorms to occur in the Sichuan Basin starting Monday. This development prompted the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters to activate a Level-IV emergency response to flooding in Chongqing Municipality, southwest China. This is the lowest level in China’s emergency response system. Weather authorities issued an Orange alert in the province which ranks as the second highest warning. In light of the impending weather forecast, the Ministry of Finance declared today that 848 million yuanhas been allotted to aid flood control and relief. Beneficiaries of this fund include Chongqing Municipality, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Hunan, Anhui, Guangdong, and seven more provinces.

Sino-French Astronomical Satellite Observes Gamma-Ray Bursts: A momentous finding has been achieved by the Space-based Multi-Band Variable Object Monitor (SVOM), an astronomical satellite launched by China and France jointly, within two weeks of launching. The satellite is the most advanced for comprehensive, multi-band observations of gamma-ray bursts (GRBS) in the world. The satellite detected very potent gamma-ray bursts stemming from points in space. The rays are regarded as one of the most potent cosmic explosions after the Big Bang, elucidating the origin and evolution of the universe. A deeper analysis of the bursts can clarify elemental questions about the universe. The satellite was created by the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and combines four payloads, enabling the observation of high-energy to near-infrared wavelengths. The first burst was detected on June 27, and subsequent bursts were captured on June 29 and July 2. Details of the GRBs were shared with the General Coordinates Network and in the next phase of the collaboration the SVOM will continue as per the on-orbit testing plan and procedures.
Increase in Foreign IP Holders Points to Success of Chinese IP Laws: In recent data released by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), the number of patents and trademarks given to foreigners has risen. The data points indicate a year-on-year increase of 5%, surpassing 900,000 effective invention patent holders of the previous year. The number of foreign applicant registrations exceeded 2.1 million with a year-on-year increase of 3.4%. The head of the CNIPA, Sheng Changyu, in a statement given at a symposium of globally funded enterprises, said that this growth indicates the trust and reliance foreign enterprises have in Chinese IP protection laws. At the symposium, attended by representatives from AstraZeneca, Ford Motor, LEGO, Tesla, and others, Shen stated that despite concerns among foreign companies about China's stringent IP protection laws, the country remains committed to enforcing IP protection fairly and impartially.
Chinese Spokesperson Addresses NATO’s Eastward Venture: In a press briefing held on July 9, 2024, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded to a question regarding NATO's Eastward ventures into the Asia-Pacific region. Lin emphasized that NATO should refrain from extending its presence into the region, citing potential destabilization and global security concerns Lin strongly criticized NATO's perception of China, arguing that viewing China as a destabilizing force in the region was misguided. Instead, he urged NATO to reconsider its stance and shift towards promoting peace, development, and stability. Lin emphasized China's commitment to objectivity, fairness, and peaceful international relations, advocating for a cooperative approach to global security challenges.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Viral Act of Integrity: Woman Returns $310,000 Mistakenly Transferred to Her: In a video that went viral on Chinese social media platform Weibo, a woman returned money she received from a stranger. Tian mistakenly transferred 2.26 million yuan ($310,000) to Wang via Alipay. Initially hesitant due to suspicions and unfamiliar with Alipay, Wang declined multiple calls from an unknown number. After confirming Tian's claims with the police, who verified the accidental transfer aligned with Tian’s income, Wang promptly returned the funds as she believed it was the right thing to do. Netizens across Chinese social media platforms showered Wang with praise for her unwavering integrity, describing her actions as a shining example of kindness and honesty. Many expressed admiration, highlighting Wang's decision to promptly return the mistakenly transferred $310,000 as a testament to her good-hearted nature. The video capturing this incident swiftly gained traction, spreading virally and accumulating an impressive 140 million views on Weibo.

INDIA WATCH

Militant Attack on Army Convoy in Indian-Controlled Kashmir: China Daily, a Chinese news media outlet, reported a militant attack that occurred on Monday in Machedi, Kathua district, Kashmir. The article reports that. four Indian army troopers were killed and six were wounded in the attack 300 km southward of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir. The attack was carried out by militants who used grenades and continuous firing against the army who defended themselves. They quoted Indian media sources who reported that the militants escaped to a nearby forest area and that authorities continue to undertake measures to identify the attackers.

Prepared By

Sanjana Shah

Sanjana Shah is a graduate in International Studies with a minor in Journalism from FLAME University, Pune. Her interests lie in exploring the nuances and intricacies of geopolitics and understanding the complexities that arise from the socio-political-economic nexus. She is deeply interested in history, defence and security studies, and humanitarian studies.