2nd - 3rd November 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Draft Law to Increase Privacy and Security of Schoolchildren: A draft law to enhance the privacy and security for preschool children will undergo its third review in the following week. According to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress this law would enable tightened security measures in the proximity of kindergartens. A spokesman for the Standing Committee Legislative Affairs Commission further stressed the need for the media to be cautious when reporting news related to kindergartens, and not disclose children’s personal information, protecting their security and reputation. He further noted that the latest draft law includes other measures such as the introduction of welfare educational programs and services, which are free to access.
Russian Su-57 Fighter Jet Makes Inaugural Visit to China to Participate in Air Show: On Sunday, a Russian Su-57 stealth fighter jet made its first inaugural visit to China. The upcoming Zhuhai Airshow is recognised as one of the world’s most significant defense exhibitions, and will witness aerial displays by Russian as well as Chinese warplanes, taking place in South China’s Guangdong Province. A Chinese military aviation expert, Fu Qianshao said that several types of stealth fighter jets would be showcased at the event, including displays from China’s J-20 fighter jet, as well as its newer and long awaited version, the J-35. He further claimed that by sending warplanes like the Su-57, Russia is clearly sending its best fighter aircrafts to the show, and that the two countries will use this opportunity for mutual learning and exchanges, as well as taking steps towards more defense cooperation.
Yunnan Province Approves Menstrual Leave for Female Workers: The Yunnan Province located in southwest China has recently allowed female workers to take menstrual leave if they experience severe pain. This makes it the 20th province in China to pass similar policies on leave for menstrual pain related reasons. This policy came into effect in Yunnan on Friday, as female employees in the region are now allowed to take one or two days off after having their diagnosis confirmed by a medical professional. This regulation passed by the Yunnan regional government also outlaws employers from assigning work to female employees legally restricted during their menstruation period. Employers also must provide a sanitary allowance of 45 yuan or USD 5 a month or give access to sanitary products of the same value. Experts have said that this menstrual leave policy is a proactive effort in safeguarding women’s labour rights.
Two Chinese Citizens Dead, Two Missing in Spanish Floods: Two Chinese citizens died and two remain missing in the severe floods that occurred in southeastern Spain. Although the Chinese community in the country is actively donating money and resources to help local residents, there have been significant losses. President Xi Jinping also offered his condolences. A representative of the Gyongyang Rescue Team said that they brought essential supplies including bread, biscuits, drinking water, rain boots, mops, gloves and garbage bins. This marks Spain’s deadliest flood in decades. Ma Jun, the director of Beijing-based Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, said that this is a reminder to strengthen forecasting and warning capabilities, and to emphasize on the importance of reducing emissions, which can lead to severe environmental consequences.
Chinese Foreign Minister Meets with Slovakian Counterpart: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with the Slovak Foreign and European Affair Minister Juraj Blanar in Beijing. He said that China is willing to work with Slovakia to implement the consensus reached by the two countries, promoting the growth of steady and long-term bilateral ties. Wang further noted that the new orientation of the China-Slovakia strategic partnership injects strong impetus into mutual bilateral cooperation in a range of fields, sending a positive message to the world. Wang also said that China appreciates Slovakia’s friendly policies towards it and its adherence to non-interference in its internal affairs. Blanar echoed these sentiments, and spoke about his commitment to the one-China policy. In order to deepen friendly exchanges, the leaders of the two sides agreed on China’s 15-day visa free entry for Slovak citizens.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Recent initiatives taken by China in order to boost birth rates have been met with harsh online criticism by citizens: Changsha, a city in southern China located in the Hunan Province unveiled a ‘marriage-themed’ cultural street, with posters of wedding scenes. They also contain slogans like ‘I’d be willing to take care of the baby,’ ‘I enjoy making breakfast,’ or ‘having three children is the coolest.’ This has drawn criticism online due to their depiction of women’s roles in marriage and child-rearing. On the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, a user commented that child-rearing and cooking are both portrayed as female responsibilities, and emphasised in colours like pink which is extremely discriminatory and disrespectful towards women. Female netizens also asked if they were not ‘cool’ if they didn’t have three children, and whether their self-worth was dependent on marriage and motherhood. However, supporters on Weibo called the initiative ‘very educational’ because they believed marriage and childbirth were essential components of society. Commentators also directly challenged the government, as they said that promoting marriage and having children distracts from real issues faced by young people such as job struggles and low wages. They further went on to say that this initiative is a waste of taxpayer money.

INDIA WATCH

Guancha Opinion Piece on Differing Views of India and China: An opinion piece, published by Guancha, analyses the disagreements that continue to remain between India and China, especially in their respective views of a multipolar Asia. According to the article, Indo-China relations have warmed up to an extent since the signing of the border agreement in Kazan, Russia, as sweets were exchanged among troops of both countries at the Line of Actual Control on the occasion of the Indian festival, Diwali. However, the author writes that the differences between India and China can be seen in the statements they have issued since. China, according to the author, does not object to India’s vision of a multipolar Asia, as it is the premise to a multipolar world order. However, the author writes that India will not allow the power gap with China to become too large and will check and balance China by joining forces with other countries. The author states that the strategic competition between the United States and China allows India its strategic opportunity period.

Prepared By

Veda Jain

Veda Jain is currently a third-year student at Flame University, majoring in International Studies and minoring in Literary and Cultural Studies. She has a strong interest in modern Chinese politics and is keen on analyzing the dynamics of Indo-China relations.