CICM 11th October 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Chen Yan Expelled from Party and Public Office for Severe Violations: Chen Yan who was the former vice chairman of the Guizhou Provincial CPPCC, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CCP) and effectively removed from his public office as a result of an investigation by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. Yan was declared guilty of violating multiple party and state regulations, including political, organisational, and work disciplines. His misconduct included abuse of power, illegal financial activities, accepting bribes, and causing significant harm to national interests. Despite being under scrutiny, Chen continued his unlawful activities post the18th CPC National Congress. Due to this, his case has been referred to the procuratorate for criminal investigation.
Nine Provinces Collaborate on Cross-Provincial Real Estate Registration: In a drastic step towards improving real estate registration efficiency, Heilongjiang, along with eight other provinces (Namely; Liaoning, Jilin, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan), signed a framework agreement that effectively enables cross-provincial real estate services. This very initiative introduces two service models: ‘off-site assistance, local processing’ and ‘off-site collection, local processing,’ covering 15 categories like land transfer, mortgage, and ownership registration. By utilising advanced technologies such as the Internet, blockchain, and big data, the provinces aim to streamline the registration process, offering “full-process online processing” and offline assistance for high-frequency real estate transactions. These efforts are expected to optimise the business environment and contribute to the coordinated economic development of the region.
Chinese Scientists Breach Military-Grade Encryption with Quantum Computers: Chinese scientists, led by Wang Chao of Shanghai University, have reportedly used a quantum computer to breach several military-grade encryption protocols, according to recent findings. Utilising a ‘D-Wave quantum system’, the team successfully attacked algorithms like Present, Gift-64, and Rectangle—critical components of the Substitution-Permutation Network (SPN) structure, which forms the basis for the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). AES encryption is widely used in military, financial, and other security-sensitive sectors. Although the researchers did not fully recover passcodes, their progress indicates a significant leap in quantum decryption capabilities. This raises alarm about the future reliability of conventional encryption systems in China.
Shanghai Boosts International Trade with 33 New Measures for Hongqiao Business District: On October 11, Shanghai unveiled 33 new measures to enhance the development of Hongqiao International Business District as a hub for future international trade. Over the past three years, the district’s import-export volume surged from RMB 24.13 billion to RMB 75.93 billion, fueled by cross-border e-commerce and new digital trade models. This development aims to expand high-value trade entities, strengthen cross-border e-commerce, and promote international cooperation through initiatives like the “Silk Road E-commerce” zones. Key features include the establishment of 22 national pavilions and a digital technology centre to facilitate electronic billing and trade integration across the Yangtze River Delta. Furthermore, the district plans to attract more international organisations and industry associations, providing comprehensive services for companies expanding overseas. This initiative aims to design Hongqiao as a leading global trade hub, improving the region’s capacity to align with international standards.
UN Tourism Chief Highlights Growing Interest in China’s Natural and Rural Attractions: Secretary-General of the United Nations Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Zurab Pololikashvili, has recently emphasised the rising international interest in China’s tourism sector. Speaking at the “Instant – China Wildlife Photography Exhibition” opening in Madrid, Pololikashvili praised China’s diverse natural scenery and growing popularity in nature tourism. The exhibition, which the Chinese Embassy and UNWTO co-hosted, features award-winning photos of wildlife, showcasing China’s biodiversity and ecological glory. Pololikashvili noted that future tourists will likely explore beyond urban centres, delving into rural development and nature-focused destinations. He welcomed China’s tourism recovery, with 14.6 million foreigners entering the country in the first half of 2024—a 152.7% year-on-year increase. The UNWTO has also acknowledged China’s recent visa-free policies, highlighting their positive impact on regional tourism recovery and global travel exchanges. Huang Haiguo, head of UNWTO’s Asia-Pacific region, echoed these sentiments, expressing similar optimism for China’s role in revitalising tourism across Asia.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

McDonald’s Weddings Capture China’s Gen Z and Social Media Buzz: Unconventional weddings in China, particularly at fast-food chains like McDonald’s, are gaining popularity among Gen Z couples. On platforms such as Weibo and Xiaohongshu, these minimalist weddings are receiving massive attention, with posts and hashtags that root for low-cost, low-stress celebrations going viral. A growing trend called “Three ‘No’ Weddings”, avoiding bridal pick-ups, and lustrous and fancy, traditional rituals, has amassed over 40 million views on Weibo, reflecting young people’s rejection of outdated customs that cost them a fortune. Couples are increasingly showcasing their unique ceremonies online, such as a Wuhan couple who exchanged vows at a McDonald’s drive-thru, using a box of fries to conceal their wedding rings. These posts, which celebrate simplicity and affordability, resonate deeply with peers as they reflect a broader cultural shift, with many preferring simpler weddings due to their affordability but also for their relaxed atmosphere, replacing hard liquor with bubble tea to avoid traditional hazing rituals. With growing social media engagement fast-food chains have also started introducing special wedding packages.

INDIA WATCH

Air India’s Path Forward: Navigating Growth Challenges and Market Opportunities: According to the South China Morning Post, Air India’s ambitious expansion plans could face significant challenges following the death of Mr. Ratan Tata, the influential figure behind the airline’s growth. While Air India has recently ordered 85 new Airbus jets to bolster its fleet, analysts and scholars point out that the flag carrier must confront legacy issues, including the pressing issues of service quality and integration hurdles from its upcoming merger with Vistara. Experts believe that despite sufficient capital and capable management, the turnaround process could take at least five years. The merger presents complications due to differing business models, raising concerns about overall efficiency. The author states that while India’s aviation market expands, the need for increased competition becomes extremely important. Air India’s situation illustrates a broader challenge within India’s rapidly evolving aviation sector, where legacy carriers must adapt to changing consumer demands and fierce competition from low-cost airlines.

Prepared By

Anvita Plawat

Anvita is a post graduation student of International Relations at Jamia Millia Islamia with a keen interest in geopolitical and security studies. Her academic pursuits are complemented by her extensive research on the South China Sea. Beyond her academic and leadership roles, she actively engages in initiatives promoting sustainability, menstrual equity, and gender rights.