CiCM 10th April 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Xi-Ma Meeting Emphasizes 1992 Consensus: The first meeting between Mainland China President Xi Jinping and former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou in Beijing on April 10th was the first since 2015. Xi stressed the significance of upholding the "1992 Consensus" for maintaining peaceful relations between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, stating that both sides are part of the same China. Ma reinforced this idea by stressing the importance of mutual benefit and rejecting Taiwan's independence, all while working towards finding common areas of agreement. Nevertheless, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council condemned Beijing's one-sided promotion of the 1992 Consensus, underscoring Taiwan's refusal to accept such agreements. They pointed out the disparities in political structures and ways of life on both sides, lamenting Ma's inability to communicate Taiwan's dedication to self-rule. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged China to stop using coercion and start participating in mutual discussions. At the same time, KMT Chairman Zhu Lilun considered Ma's visit crucial for cross-Strait communication, emphasizing the importance of sticking to the same attitude as in previous discussions and encouraging further conversation in the future. In general, although the meeting was intended to improve peaceful relations, Taiwan's reaction highlighted its dedication to democratic principles and independence.
Ministry of Education Spearheads 2024 National Security Education Day Initiatives: China will mark its ninth National Security Education Day on April 15th, with the Ministry of Education hosting different events across the country. The emphasis was on increasing people's awareness of national security and strengthening the basis for protecting the country's development with a fresh security model. Activities such as millions of college students participating in national security education courses, sharing national security videos publicly, and taking quizzes on national security knowledge were part of the events. Local governments have previously carried out a variety of activities. For instance, last year, Mianyang Prison personnel went into neighbourhoods to inform residents about national security, and lawyers offered legal advice. Comparable efforts were made in Xianhai District, Jiangyou, and Zitong County to increase public awareness of national security and the rule of law through legal education and interactive events. Moreover, the incorporation of historical stories like the "Two Bombs and One Satellite" into national security education enhanced tourists' comprehension of their civic duties. At the same time, Yanting County and Santai County held interactive educational activities and campaigns on the rule of law in schools and public areas, highlighting the shared duty for safeguarding national security. These initiatives sought to promote a culture of alertness and compliance with legal standards, emphasizing the idea that national security is a collective responsibility.
Deadly Fire Engulfs Hong Kong Gym: A devastating fire broke out in Yau Ma Tei, a district in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), on Wednesday morning, resulting in the deaths of at least five people. The blaze started at around 8 a.m. in a gym located in a residential building on Jordan Road in Yau Ma Tei. Firefighters quickly arrived at the scene and used aerial ladders to save people stuck inside the building. The fire caused many injuries, with reports stating that over 10 people were hurt. Despite the destructive consequences, officials were able to get the fire under control. The reason for the fire is still being investigated by authorities who are trying to figure out the factors that caused this tragic event.
China Displeased with Fitch Rating Outlook Downgrade: The Ministry of Finance in China showed displeasure on Wednesday over Fitch Ratings' choice to lower the nation's sovereign credit rating forecast. The ministry criticized Fitch's rating system for not properly recognizing the positive effects of China's fiscal policies on economic growth and macro leverage ratio stability in a future-oriented way. China's fiscal policies, as stated by the Ministry of Finance, have been essential in driving economic growth and upholding macroeconomic stability. Nevertheless, Fitch's evaluation of the rating does not adequately recognize these contributions. The ministry highlighted that China's fiscal policies have played a key role in increasing economic growth and reducing the risks linked to high debt levels. The ministry's reaction reveals a China’s desire for rating agencies to consider a wider variety of factors when evaluating China's creditworthiness, especially those concerning the effectiveness of fiscal policy and the management of macroeconomics.
China Embarks on Construction and Expansion Projects for Major Cultural Facilities: China has revealed intentions to start a range of projects focused on building new important cultural facilities or enlarging current ones. The aim of these initiatives, as detailed in an updated plan, is to strengthen the protection and perpetuation of the country's diverse cultural and natural heritage. The plan, created by seven central government agencies such as the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the National Cultural Heritage Administration, aims to enhance China's public cultural services system and facilitate the fusion of culture and tourism. The suggested actions are an attempt to protect and advance China's wide-ranging cultural heritage. The government plans to support recognition of the nation's heritage by investing in the development of significant cultural infrastructures. Moreover, the plan emphasizes the significance of promoting collaboration between cultural preservation initiatives and the growing tourism industry, acknowledging the impact of cultural landmarks on drawing tourists inwards and boosting the economy. China aims to strengthen its dedication to protecting cultural heritage and providing public cultural services by making investments and collaborating with different government agencies.
Tragic Ship Collision: Recovery of Six Bodies, Two Still Missing off South China Coast: According to the provincial maritime search and rescue centre on Wednesday, six bodies have been found in the sea one week after a fishing boat and a commercial ship collided off the southwestern coast of Hainan Province in south China, with two people still unaccounted for. The crash happened at around 0:15 a.m. on April 3 when the fishing vessel "Yuenan Aoyu 36062" collided with the Panamanian container ship "SITC DANANG" approximately 60 nautical miles away from Sanya Port. After the crash, the fishing boat went down, with eight people on board now missing. The use of underwater robots and remotely operated submersibles helped in finding the sunken ship, which was discovered on April 6. Nevertheless, obstacles such as fast-moving water and fishing nets blocking the boat prevented divers from getting inside the cabin. Professional divers successfully carried out a search and rescue operation on Tuesday morning, managing to retrieve six victims from the cabin. The remains were retrieved from the water at approximately 8:10 p.m. and taken back to Sanya on a rescue boat. Despite those efforts, the search for the two remaining persons continues. Until Tuesday night, a significant number of resources had been used in the search, including 140 search and rescue boats, 18 planes, and more than 1,300 personnel, to search an extensive area of over 9,400 square nautical miles (around 32,000 square kilometres).

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Chinese Audience Reacts to Netflix's "Three-Body Problem" Adaptation: Netflix's adaptation of "The Three-Body Problem," which diverges from Liu Cixin's original text, has sparked lively debates on both Chinese social media platforms and Reddit. The storyline is moved to the UK in the eight-episode series, changing character backgrounds and key plot elements, causing emotional reactions from fans of the original science fiction novel. Some audience members commend the adaptation for being easy for Western viewers to understand and for its strong performance on Netflix, but others are unhappy about the changes from the original material and the Western influence on Chinese literature. Despite the disagreements, the adaptation has caused a rise in curiosity for the original novel, resulting in higher sales on platforms such as Amazon. It has also caused reflection on the equilibrium between commercial concerns and artistic honesty in cross-cultural adaptations. Chinese scholars believe that adapting Chinese literary works for international audiences can be beneficial, but they also stress the critical need to maintain cultural authenticity. In general, the translation of "The Three-Body Problem" showcases the challenges and benefits in spreading Chinese literature and cultural products on a global scale.

INDIA WATCH

Bus Accident Claims Lives in Central India: Xinhua News published an article about an accident in India in which at least 12 people died and around 15 others were injured in Chhattisgarh, India, when a bus fell into a ditch approximately 50 feet deep on Tuesday night. The Chinese media reported on the tragic event presenting information from local authorities and focusing on the casualties, injuries, and the victims' work roles, helping to provide a thorough account of the incident. Chinese state media regularly covers tragedies and accidents in India, often accompanying the reportage with statements disparaging the quality of Indian infrastructure. A local police officer, speaking to Xinhua on the phone on Wednesday, revealed that the accident took place in the Durg district of Chhattisgarh. The individuals, who were employees of a nearby distillery, were returning home after finishing their work shift in the evening. The wounded persons were quickly taken to a nearby hospital for medical care. Reports suggest that around 40 individuals were on the bus during the crash, with some lucky enough to come out unhurt.

Prepared By

Triveni Mahajan

Triveni is a student of Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication at Bennett University and has contributed to the field of Indian Politics Journalism.