CiCM 3rd January 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

Serbia Deploys Chinese FK-3 Air Defense System: Serbia has deployed the Chinese-made FK-3 mid-range air defense system, which is considered a flagship export product of China. According to the Serbian Ministry of Defense, the FK-3 system significantly improves their airspace control and protection. The system includes a command center vehicle, rocket launchers, radars, and logistics support vehicles. The commander of the FK-3 missile battery called it a "milestone in air defense systems". The crews operating the FK-3 system have undergone extensive training in China. The FK-3 is the export version of China's HQ-22 mid-range air defense missile system. A military expert stated that the FK-3 has strong combat capabilities and high cost efficiency, making it versatile for various air defense missions.
BYD Surpasses Tesla in EV Production in 2024: In 2024, BYD surpassed Tesla in electric vehicle (EV) production, with 1.778 million units compared to Tesla's 1.77 million. While Tesla sold 1.79 million EVs, retaining the title of top-selling EV brand, BYD sold 1.77 million, narrowing the sales gap to less than 30,000 vehicles. BYD's fourth-quarter sales of approximately 600,000 EVs exceeded Tesla's 495,570. China's NEV sector is experiencing robust growth, with multiple carmakers reporting over 50% sales growth in 2024. China's sales of new-energy passenger vehicles accounted for about 70% of the global share between January and November 2024. This success is attributed to technological advancements and a strong industrial chain. Additionally, China's NEV exports are performing well, particularly in South America and Southeast Asian markets.
China Provides Equal Legal Protection to Foreign Investors: China's courts are increasing protections for foreign investors by efficiently resolving disputes, aiming to create a favorable business environment. The Supreme People's Court highlighted several cases demonstrating equal legal protection for both domestic and international entities. The court stressed the importance of enforcing laws like the Foreign Investment Law, Company Law, and Partnership Law to protect foreign enterprises and facilitate dispute resolution. These actions are intended to boost foreign investor confidence and encourage further investment in the Chinese market. In one case, a foreign-invested company was awarded compensation after a senior executive was found to have misappropriated company assets, demonstrating the legal safeguards for foreign investors. The courts also emphasized that executives of foreign-invested companies are subject to the same legal constraints as their domestic counterparts, ensuring accountability. The courts are being called upon to create a market-oriented, legalized, and international investment environment, reinforcing the implementation of the Foreign Investment Law.
China's AC332 Helicopter Completes Plateau Flight Tests: China's AC332 twin-engine civil helicopter has successfully completed plateau flight tests at Ninglang Luguhu Airport in Yunnan Province. The tests, which totaled over 27 hours and included 38 different evaluations, covered various maneuvers such as hovering, takeoff and landing, low-altitude flight, and overspeed control. The purpose of these tests was to assess the helicopter's performance and safety in high-altitude settings, ensuring it can handle tasks like personnel and cargo transport, search and rescue, and medical assistance. The AC332 has a maximum takeoff weight of 3,850 kilograms, can carry up to 10 passengers, take off at 4,500 meters, and reach a ceiling of 6,000 meters. It had previously completed high-temperature test flights, as well. The helicopter was assembled and manufactured by AVIC Tianjin Helicopter Co., Ltd. and made its maiden full-state flight in April 2023.
Chinese Foreign Minister to Visit Four African Nations: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad, and Nigeria from January 5 to 11. This trip continues a 35-year tradition of a Chinese foreign minister visiting Africa as their first overseas trip of the year. The visit aims to implement the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit. It seeks to deepen cooperation and promote the development of China-Africa relations. At the FOCAC Beijing Summit, President Xi Jinping proposed elevating relations with all African countries with diplomatic ties to the level of strategic relations. He also proposed an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future. Xi also suggested that China and Africa should jointly advance modernization characterized by six features.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Netizens Discuss Teaching Jobs After Announcement of Qualification Examination: The Ministry of Education recently announced the 2025 primary and secondary school teacher qualification exams, sparking debate about the security of teaching jobs. Universities are starting to implement teacher exit mechanisms for those deemed weak in both teaching and research, and some districts in Beijing and Tianjin are also exploring similar measures. This trend is not limited to higher education, as several regions are piloting teacher exit mechanisms in primary and secondary schools and kindergartens. Some users on Guancha felt that these changes were necessary to activate the teaching workforce, eliminate complacency, and redistribute teachers effectively. Others argued that teachers needed dignity and rights protection and that failing to provide this could deter high-quality candidates. Some also saw the changes as a positive way to create more fluidity in the teaching profession.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Reports on India-Maldives Relations: South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that experts were casting doubts on a report alleging India plotted with the Maldivian opposition to oust President Mohamed Muizzu. The report, published by The Washington Post, detailed a plan called the "Democratic Renewal Initiative," where Indian intelligence agents and Maldivian politicians sought to remove Muizzu, who is viewed as pro-China. According to SCMP, citing the report, the alleged plot included bribing members of parliament and paying off army, police, and criminal gangs. SCMP also reported that former Maldivian leader Mohamed Nasheed expressed skepticism about the story on social media. According to Nasheed, India would never support such a move, and has always supported Maldives’ democracy and has never dictated terms. The article concluded that the alleged plan would offer little strategic advantage to India.

Prepared By

Ananya Tandon

Ananya Tandon is a third-year undergraduate student at FLAME University, majoring in International Studies and minoring in Journalism. With a keen interest in political journalism, she gained valuable hands-on experience through her internship at NDTV, where she had the opportunity to explore the field. She is passionate about staying up-to-date on issues that shape the global community.